As an educator, leader, mom, and learner I am continually thankful for my PLNs (Professional Learning Networks.) From my PLNs I find ideas, a supportive friend, a critical colleague, resources, and (most often!) inspiration. I was inspired to select my #OneWord for 2018 after hearing the stories of many of my colleagues in my Principals in Action and Moms as Principals networks.
My word found me this week as I enjoyed time with my family, then realized how stressed I started to feel once I thought about the list of 'to-dos' waiting once I returned from the holiday break. I took a moment to pause and realized that where I was at that moment was where I needed to be and that my time, energy, and focus would be equally distributed once I returned to work after the new year. This moment echos many we all face in education each day - a few extra hours in the office or classroom before heading home at night, the extra meeting or conference on a weekend or early morning, the stretch we place trying to "do it all." You cannot do it all... while doing it all well... all at the same time. My #OneWord balance is designed to help remind me that things will be added and taken away at any given point and my goal is simply to continually seek equilibrium, allowing me to be the best I can be.
The word Balance looks like...
...finding the priority and balancing my time and energy during the school day. The most important things happening are in the classrooms and in conversations with students and staff. Balance looks like a schedule of time that prioritizes these items while ensuring I accomplish all my responsibilities.
...an even scale of doing my best to be a good principal, a good mom, a good wife/friend/daughter/sibling/etc. I know I can't do them all at the same time, but balance means that I make sure I'm making time and being thoughtful and intentional about all.
...taking time to balance my own individual needs with those of my job and my relationships. Time to be thoughtful about my health and wellness as well as my personal interests and passions, while continuing to grow and learn.
At any given point the scales of balance may be tipped, but my goal for my #OneWord2018 is that it will remind me to pause and reorganize my time and priorities to ensure I can once again achieve the goal of balance for 2018.
What is your One Word? I'm sure it will find you soon if it hasn't already!
Best wishes for a wonderful and balanced 2018!
~Heather
I am inspired by other's One Word... check out some more One Word blog posts here:
- I love Jessica's One Word... NO: https://principalinbalance.wordpress.com/2017/12/29/oneword-2018-no/
- Connected: http://jayposick.blogspot.com/2017/12/connected-my-oneword2018.html
- Uncomfortable: https://principalschwartz.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/2018-one-word-uncomfortable/
- Believe: https://rsheehy.blogspot.com/2018/01/oneword2018.html
- Simplicity: http://principalcolon.edublogs.org/2018/01/01/oneword-2018/
- Reflective: https://principalfrench.com/2018/01/01/my-oneword2018/
Check out these resources to bring "One Word" to your classroom: https://mrcssharesease.wordpress.com/one-word-project/
