Forward #olw2022

Needless to say, I was feeling a little meh about going back to school today. I had grown comfortable in the oddly familiar hibernation the winter break had thrown us into.

Our return was unusual since our superintendent made it a staff only day. He gave us time to plan and adjust to the ever changing obstacles thrown our way. So, we began our day with the faculty meeting that was intended to end our day. That’s where I got the recharge I needed.

Our principal spoke. I knew she had prepared her words carefully, acknowledging all that lay before us, while somehow acknowledging all that had already come. Her words were comforting, not reactionary. “We will step in, in ways I know our community always does so well.” There was something about her words that made me feel reconnected with all the tiny faces splattering my screen, ready to face whatever might come next.

After sharing many logistics and safety updates, our principal closed by sharing Amanda Gorman’s New Year’s poem, New Day’s Lyric. I hadn’t read it yet, but I found myself jotting down certain lines that hit straight to my heart:

We steadily vow that no matter
How we are weighed down,
We must always pave a way forward.

Forward.

That word stuck with me all day long, heavy with hope and possibility. I’m trying it out as my One Little Word for 2022…ready to forge forward, into the light.