Forward

Part of Slice of Life by Two Writing Teachers

It’s Tuesday and I’m finally slicing

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

This line from Amanda Gorman’s poem,
“New Day’s Lyric” really stuck with me

Today
I struggled trying to select my one little word for 2022
None of the words on my brainstorm list quite captured
what I really am hoping for/need for this new year

As I checked in with students,
And helped them brainstorm ideas,
And reflect about what their one word would be,
I didn’t feel so good about my own list

Exhaustion
Seemed counter productive
Hang-on
Sounded too depressing
Be
As in it’s okay to just be okay
Maybe
Enjoy
Meaning to remember to take time to enjoy the things you love
Maybe

And then I listened to Amanda Gorman’s poem
And her words really resonated with me

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

Forward
Maybe this is really my word

When my teacher heart doesn’t think it can take anymore heartbreak
When I’m asked to pivot on a moment’s notice
When another difficult challenge has been thrown my way
I must always find a way forward
It might not always be easy
It might not always be perfect
And
Forward is a great reminder to keep going

Published
Categorized as Krista

By kristasjots

Reader. Writer. Teacher. Singer of Random Tunes. Lover of Jokes, Doodling, & Flair Pens.

4 comments

  1. Forward – sometimes one step at a time, sometimes pausing before moving, sometimes just jumping in. May your one word help you along during the challenging times and also spring you forward when all is good.

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  2. I love this word and the way you found it. I’m still unclear about my word, but I have a plan. I just think it might take longer than I had hoped, but that’s OK. Forward is the way to go.

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