searching for OLW 2014

Using a teaspoon as a fishing net I catch the mint leaves swimming in my glass tea cup. I smile when I think how lucky I am to have mint growing on my windowsill. For me a cup of fresh mint tea is a never ending summer, a reminder of peacefulness, a  key to slow time. I curl my feet under my bottom and sink into a kitchen sofa. Warming my hands tightly around the cup, careful not to spill a drop, I admire the steam dancing in the air. No rush. As if from a mist a question rises, "What should my one little word be for next year?"

Where did that question come from? I snap out of my tea time dreaming. It's still November and my this year's one little word "spark" has more than a month to do its magic. "Spark" truly has lived up to its name and my expectations, pulling me through stressful and confusing times, lifting my spirits and inspiring me to be a better teacher, mother, friend, blogger. What word could carry the torch "spark" has ignited?

This year I needed a word to take care of me. Now I feel stronger. I am ready to give, share what I know outside the safe classroom walls and friendship circle, challenge myself to put my dreams and ideas in action. Yet at the same time I wish to remember to breathe, connect and simplify.

I know I don't need a large slogan or a strategic plan to make it happen. All I need is one little word.

Stretch? Dare? Visible? Choose? Step? Routine? Envision? Organize? Share? Inspire? Act?

It's still November.  I am sure the word is preparing to arrive soon. We'll meet.

I sip my tea, close my eyes, let the warmth flow through my body, smiling at the thought of how much power can one word have. I drift back to my tea time dreaming. No rush.