#OneWord2018

A ship is always safe at shore, but that is not what it is BUILT for. ~ Albert Einstein

As 2017 comes to an end, I sit here reflecting on this year and I can't help but smile. Joy fills my heart! 
Personal goal - I celebrate my growth as a reader. This year I became a passionate reader! I read several books for fun, new books for students' lessons, and professional books. This might not be a big deal for some but it is for me. I was a casual reader...reading because I had to, not because I wanted to. 
Professional goal: Presented at TX Tesol 2017 convention and traveled to Germany with Go Global NC representing Cabarrus County.

​However, as wonderful as this year was, I am looking forward to a New Year. I anticipate 2018 to be a year full of excitement. A year of new beginnings. A year of greatness. A year of growth and impact. 
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​After reading Tara Martin's post on Fear Disguised as Humility  (Humility is not pretending you are something you're not.  Humility is not denying your God-given talents. Humility is being REAL),  I decided to go big next year. I am shooting for the stars.  

In Any given moment we have two options: to step forward into growth or to step back into safety. ~ Abraham Maslow

I choose to step forward! I want to be GREAT! I am not being egocentric...I am being REAL! 
After reading Lead Like a Pirate by Shelley Burgess and (@burgess_Shelley) and Beth Houf (@Bethhouf),  I am confident and passionate about leading in my field. 

Purpose 

So, because I know I want to be great, and because I want to make a difference in the ESL field...I can't help but think about and discover what my REAL purpose is. I know my purpose is to be an educator. No doubt about this. But there has to be more...and next year is all about finding it out. 

My word for 2018 is Purpose because I want to be GREAT, I must fully understand what my purpose is. Just like the quote above...I know I'm a ship...but I must leave my comfort zone to be able to fulfill my intended purpose.
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Perhaps I come back to this blog post next year and add to this post since right now it is not as clear as I would like it to be.

But as of now...PURPOSE is my #OneWord2018 

If you want to share your #OneWord with me, share in the comments! 

Happy 2018 and thank you for reading! ​