I did not select One Little Word in 2019 or 2020. I don’t remember why, but I don’t think any word I chose for 2020 could have predicted, or helped guide me through, the nightmare of 2020. As we begin 2021, though, I feel called to choose another One Little Word.
The past ten months have taught me a lot about the myriad ways the world can go topsy-turvy. I’ve had to teach remotely synchronously and asynchronously. I have learned to navigate online teaching platforms, Zoom and YouTube. I’ve seen decisions made and changed within short periods of time. I have judged and questioned people and decisions, so, in order to navigate the 2021 side of the pandemic, I have chosen TRUST as my OLW. I tend to be skeptical and judgmental of others. I am going to strive
- to trust that people will take appropriate precautions during the pandemic an
- to trust that people will strive to make decisions that are good for everyone, not just themselves.
- to trust that those in charge will make the right decision about when and how we return to in person school
- to trust that the 2021-22 changes to middle schools in my district will happen smoothly
The first way I am going to place my trust in the new year is by no longer muttering under my breath and behind my mask as I step off the sidewalk for people not wearing masks. Wish me luck!