It's Tuesday and I am joining The Two Writing Teachers in making writing a way of life. Join us!
My One Little Word for 2018
I am excited about joining this writing community in searching for and choosing a one little word for 2018. This is the second year I have chosen one little word. Joy was my one little word for 2017, and it was such a success that it makes the thought of choosing that right word much easier.
I spent quite a bit of time thinking about my one little word. I knew which direction I wanted to go, but I had more difficulty finding that right fit word. That was until I saw a friend posting a meme on social media called Practicing the Pause written by Lori Deschene. It read: "Pause before judging. Pause before assuming. Pause before accusing. Pause whenever you're about to react harshly and you'll avoid doing and saying things you'll later regret.”
There was my word
I was looking for a word that would help me to listen more, talk less. A word that would guide me to be less judgmental and more assuming the positive intent. A word that would help me to put my needs first and say no to help me prioritize my family. A word to help me stay calm when things go awry. The word pause fit these needs.
I was still trying it on for size this morning when I left for work. I walked out to my car to start it and due to the cold weather the engine failed to turn over. I walked to the house to call AAA and the first word that popped into my mind was pause. Now instead of worrying about being late for work, or should I clarify and say not being to work early, I decided that an extra cup of coffee while I wait for a ride sounded pleasant on this first day back to school. I hit that PAUSE button and started my day in a calmer manner.
My one little word was already put to the test and I like the results.
Move over joy - here comes pause!