Admire: To regard with wonder, pleasure, or approval.

 Joy was my first One Little Word. That word helped me to see the joy that existed around me each and every day. It was hard letting that word go…and of course I did not let the joy go in 2018. But, sticking with the spirit of OLW, I tried to choose a word to continue to push myself and to grow. I chose admire. Way back in January, I wrote about my choice and wanting not only to see but to let others know that I saw them.

Slowing down to see is not always easy. There were moments throughout the last year where I felt like I should be slowing down. Life would probably be going better if you just slowed down…There were other moments, where I was in the moment-admiring and it was beautiful.

This year I admired my own children. I’ve slowed down to watch them wonder and lightbulbs go off as they make new connections and learn every day. I’ve admired how they have grown as sisters. They really do have a special bond. I love peeking in on them as they play independently or talk together before going to sleep at night. Their hearts have grown more grateful, something we worked on together throughout this year. I’ve invited my daughters to admire with me. It’s been a gift to watch them see the world around them and name their own noticing and gratitudes each day.

I’ve also admired the students I work with every day. Through our most recent work with our staff developers from Teachers College this year, I feel a renewed sense of importance for this level of admiration. As teachers, it’s easy to get caught up in the curriculum or all that gets layered on our plates. However, it is vital that we take time to see the kids in front of us-to be flexible enough to alter our well laid plans in order to see and respond to the kids in front of us. Taking the time to do this, this year, has left me in awe. Kids are constantly surprising me and leaving me amazed. Sharing my noticing with kids has also had a great impact. Kids are receiving more feedback and in turn, growing more and with increased independence.

Lastly, I’ve worked to admire the other adults in my life. I’ve had to remind myself to slow down, at times, to see situations from different perspectives and walk in the shoes of others-personally and professionally. I have almost always walked away from moments like these with a greater understanding of others. Then, following up to let other people know what I’ve noticed, that I see them, has lead to some really great interactions.

Admire, my one little word this year, has helped me to see and to connect with others. Now onto deciding on a new word for 2019…