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Goodbye FLY, Hello...


Thank you to Stacey, Betsy, Dana, Tara, Beth, Anna, Kathleen & Deb for this amazing platform to write and share writing! What a wonderful community you've created! I'm honored to be part of it. Join us at Two Writing Teachers.

The word I picked to guide my year was FLY. I found it challenging to explain my word. It encompassed so much and sorting it out was nearly impossible. Here's where I first explained my OLW. As the year ends, I reflect and wonder...how has that word changed me? One thing I wanted was to face my fears. I've gotten better. It's about how I look at things and I don't feel terrified of flying beings, like birds, anymore. Another goal for my word was for me to SOAR. Did I soar this year? Yes! I attended my first week long writing retreat this summer. I completed a challenging year at work with lots of accomplishments. I began writing a book. I stopped saying, "I wish..." and I started doing. This year, I worked at intentional friendships and accepting myself and my life for who I am and where I am. Once again, I searched for love...tried online dating again. While I didn't meet my love, I moved beyond some of my fears and I believe that love will happen when it's supposed to happen. Yesterday I drove hundreds of miles to be with my family for the holidays. I love listening to music and one of the songs I had on repeat was "Defying Gravity", from Wicked. These lyrics sum up my feelings on my OLW for 2015...

So if you care to find me
Look to the western sky!
As someone told me lately:
"Everyone deserves the chance to fly!"
And if I'm flying solo
At least I'm flying free
To those who'd ground me
Take a message back from me
Tell them how I am
Defying gravity
I'm flying high
Defying gravity
And soon I'll match them in renown!
And nobody in all of Oz
No Wizard that there is or was
Is ever gonna bring me down! Onto 2016...My new word?!?! I believe it's revealed itself to me, but as always I will wait to share. The last couple of years have proven that sometimes the word I need waits until the last minute to share itself with me. 
I hope you enjoy your time with friends and family. Take time to take care of yourself. Reflect on where you've been and where you are going. Looking forward to an amazing 2016!

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  1. DogtraxDecember 22, 2015 at 5:43 AM

    You have me thinking back on my word now, too. It is still sitting as an animated GIF on my desktop: PAUSE. Not sure I did enough of that ... might need to write about it ..... Soar on, Sister!
    Peace,
    Kevin

    ReplyDelete
  2. Margaret SimonDecember 22, 2015 at 7:06 AM

    I loved your word this year. I think it was just right for your confidence to look to the sky. I love the song Defying Gravity. I like to imagine us together in your car singing it at the tops of our lungs. (Out of key, of course!) You go girl! Thanks for being an inspiring and faithful friend.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Molly HoganDecember 22, 2015 at 8:34 AM

    What a wonderful reflection of your year and your OLW. I look forward to reading about your 2016 OLW choice soon. Now that you're defying gravity, nothing can stop you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Linda BDecember 22, 2015 at 8:40 AM

    I enjoyed hearing about you and that word 'fly' all during the year, Michelle. Yes, I agree that you have flown high, "Defying gravity" for sure. Best wishes for a wonderful Christmas with your family, and a terrific winter break. Looking forward to that "new" word!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Terje December 22, 2015 at 10:25 AM

    I like how you flew together with your word this year. I like how you don't focus on just what you did but also on how the word changed you. Curious to find out what your new word is.

    ReplyDelete
  6. BKDecember 22, 2015 at 10:45 AM

    Thanks for sharing so much of your journey this year and how powerful this OLW has been for you. Your writing is thoughtful and productive. Such a great way to model for your students why it is we write... beyond a grade, test...that's for sure. Have a wonderful 2016
    Bonnie

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  7. JulieanneDecember 22, 2015 at 11:33 AM

    Your one little word was a leap of faith. The choice of it just shows so much about who you are and how you see your world. Our world is better because of you.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Carrie BaughcumDecember 22, 2015 at 12:37 PM

    Oh Michelle this is so fantastic! I love reading about others words, goals and especially their journeys. They are each so special, so beautiful and full of so many lessons. I am so very happy that our paths crossed and know from this new friend that you will never have to soar alone. I learned a few years back that that is the only place to be...I will always see you up there! Have a wonderful holiday and a very happy new year!

    ReplyDelete

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