Are you choosing "one word" for 2013?
"Forget New Year’s Resolutions. Scrap that long list of goals you won’t remember three weeks from now anyway. Choose just one word. One word that sums up who you want to be or how you want to live. One word that you can focus on every day, all year long."
Over the past week, I've given a lot of thought to my word. Two verbs arm wrestled for the top spot....and this one won:
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| Thank you, Melanie! Go to OnlyOneBreath to find out more! |
Yes, I talk a lot, but that's not why I chose listen as my word. It's not meant to be an opposite, a turning around, of a behavior. Rather, it's a discipline that I want to acquire, in a new way. I think most of my friends and family members would say that I'm a good listener. And my students know that I will listen to any song, any silly story, any sharing of the heart.
My problem? I want to move in and fill the uncomfortable spaces of a conversation with words. Words of comfort, guidance, instruction, confession, defense, inquiry. Good therapists (isn't that what we are at times?) know that the most real stuff is shared when they stay quiet for just.one.more.minute.
When we listen.
And in those moments of sharing,
we learn more about each other.
we learn more about each other.
What's your word?
I'm also linking up here! Join the party!
I'm also linking up here! Join the party!
I love this post! :) What a great concept and challenging for me to come up with just one word. I think my word is "inspire". Both in the classroom and outside of it.
ReplyDeleteNotJustChild'sPlay
I like your word! You already inspire me!
Deleteit is so hard just to listen... - we always feel like we need to fill up that "space"
ReplyDeleteJen
The Teacher’s Cauldron
Yes! Thanks again for hosting the link!
DeleteGreat idea! One word! I will work on one two. Hmm. Great idea. Will be working on that. Listen is a great one. Love the silence of the moments as we wait for a thoughtful response from students. Happy New Year. Sara
ReplyDeleteMy two word choices were so opposite--one involved stillness and the other encompassed a lot of noise! Give it a few days and the right word for you will rise to the top. :-)
DeleteThat's a wonderful word. It's something that God needs from us too. I haven't figured out mine yet. Maybe if I listen, He'll tell me. :) (I'd love more Sunday songs by the way.)
ReplyDelete❀ Tammy
Forever in First
In 2013, I'll be turning Sunday Songs into a monthly post. Possibly with a longer playlist!
DeleteGood point about God needing us to listen, too. I will be thinking of that as I pray this year.
:-)
This is a fabulous post! Listen is a great word of choice. It's something I definitely need to work on.
ReplyDeleteKrista
stellar-students
"Stellar" is one of my favorite words! I use it in the classroom quite a bit!
DeleteClicking around the One Word posts. You are the first "listen" I've come across. Exciting to see everyone wanting to work so hard for change.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a growing experience!
DeleteListening in the awkward spaces while others are accessing their authentic-ness is a real gift we can give. thanks for the reminder
ReplyDeletesandi
rubberboots and elf shoes
Aaah yes... I love this! The Power of listening (of being patient in the silence!) - it's such an art, but such a gift! I am still pondering my One Word but I found you from the 365Community! Here's to more listening in 2013! (and more hearing, too!)
ReplyDeleteGreat word for 2013. My word is epiphany. I'm excited to see God revealed in new and exciting ways in the coming year!
ReplyDelete