One Year Forward

2016.
Over in a flash.
Anita tells me all the time that time goes by too fast, I can see why.

I stopped setting resolutions last year. Instead, I picked a word, a One Little Word, to guide me through the year.

So in what ways did I move forward?

Career
2016 took me back to my middle school roots, and I love being with the older kids. However, it didn't unfold exactly as I had thought it may have. There were some distractions and anxiety there, too, but I have to remember I'm on year one again as a coach in a building that is new to coaching, and that in my first year as a coach at Emerson things weren't roses and butterflies, either. I've pretty much spent the last five months stressing my own self out, and I need to be done with that. It's just that I don't like to be mediocre at things, and that is how I've felt in a lot of ways this school year. So, granting myself a little grace in the coming months to close out this 14th year of teaching.

On the flip side of that was that I was nominated for a Golden Apple Award. I have no idea who nominated me - all the people I have asked have said no, so not really sure what started all that. It's kind of lengthy process, but I did all the application essays and got the letters I needed, so we'll see at the end of February if I advance to the next round. Wouldn't it be strange if the year I find I'm doubting myself the most was the year I actually moved closer to such prestigious honor? The world works in mysterious ways.

Professional Development
Finally finished my ESL Endorsement - I had done 5/6 of it in Undergrad - can you believe it? In 2003! But here in Illinois, I needed one more class, so I got that done with this semester.

I was also fortunate enough to attend the Illinois Reading Council Conference again. This year I met Ralph Fletcher and Kelly Gallagher. I know you may be thinking I"m such a nerd, but I don't even care. The two of them have shaped my teaching career in ways I can't even describe, so it was so nice to get to meet them and share that with each of them.

Dating Life
Moved forward a bit here. Met a few different guys, including a few guys I liked. Bad timing on some, Douchbaggery on other accounts, not wanting to settle on another front. But, I could have done better, too. You know, it's hard to move forward when you're looking back all the time. So, need to cut that out. I'm hopeful for a beautiful 2017 in this department, especially with my new One Little Word to guide me... more to come on that :-)

Friendships and Relationships with Family
I made so much progress moving forward with many of them. I attribute this to a lot of things, but a catalyst for it was most certainly Landmark. I am so thankful that I finally said yes to Landmark because it has made a profound difference in my relationships, most notably with my sister who I love so much.

Spirituality
Moved forward in a big way this year. Found Old St. Patrick's and was confirmed Catholic. I can't even tell you how many Sundays I found myself stressed out but sitting in the pews for the 5pm mass. Each time it's like a wave of peace washes over me. And the choir is amazing, like, I could listen to them all day. I'm so thankful to have found this community!

Finances
In some ways, this is not an area of strength for me. Definitely some setbacks, but also some progress. The setbacks have helped me to see where I need to put forth some effort. And, in the spirit of that was Arbonne. I got my first promotion in December, which should help me see a slightly larger income in the coming months. Initially I started Arbonne because I'm seeking financial freedom, but I can't wait until I have the funds I need to take care of all the people who have helped me out this year, namely, my parents. I'm so thankful for them, for their support not only financially when I needed it, but also for my emotional well being as we all know it's so easy to spin stories and make things "mean" something they really don't. (Another lesson I attribute to Landmark.) Anyways, ended the year sitting down with a financial planner and have a plan for 2017. Action - that's what makes things happen! Looking forward to more financial independence, because what I really want is to do things for the people I love most!

2017
Stay tuned for my new word, I'm so excited for it. Working on updating my vision board and doing a decluttering to start out the new year with lots of space to reach for new milestones. Amazing to think of the possibilities we can create in the short amount of time that is one year!

Did you have a OLW last year? How did it go?

Cheers and sparking wine to you on this New Year's Eve day,