a space for me and other teacher-writers to share our stories.
My writing well has been quite dry. This is the fewest number of blog posts I have ever written in a year's time. I miss writing. But have I missed it enough to change my patterns, my habits, my motivation?
I know many people are thinking and writing about their one little words. I have been thinking about it, too. But have I been thinking about it enough to write about it? Did I even want to?
Maybe.
The last few weeks, the word build has been on my mind. What would I like to build in my life? What do I need to build in my life? After contemplating this word, I knew it wasn't quite right. I don't need to build anything new; I have enough "stuff." And I am getting too old to build new things in my life.
What would happen if I strengthened the things that I have spent years building but seem to have crumbled in the last year? That thought became my ultimate question and the word strengthen began showing up in unexpected places throughout my day...until I knew I had found my word for 2026.
What are some things I already have built, but I need to strengthen this year?
- my relationships (personal and professional)
- my health (my knee is still not where it should be)
- my faith
- my writing habit
- my discipline (ok, maybe this one was never built!)
- my positive habits
- my home
Leigh Anne - what a wonderful word - strengthen. I am still trying to think about my New Year One Little Word.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have great ideas already about where the word may take you!
ReplyDeleteErika
Leigh Ann,
ReplyDeleteGood to see you back. Strengthen is an excellent word. I’m gonna remind you if I see those writing muscles atrophy, okay? 😉
The process of finding the one little word illuminates the path. I appreciate you sharing your thought process. May your OLW strengthen your foundation.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Ann, what an amazing one word you chose to guide you through 2026. May you be blessed by strength and joy.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Ann, you have chosen a great word. Focusing on what you have already built gives you a chance to fortify things that may have been pushed aside. Wishing you success as you strengthen those things that are important to you. Happy New Year. arjeha
ReplyDeleteLeigh Ann, "Strengthen" is such a strong word (no pun intended)! I think it is a great one for 2026. As I read your post, so many biblical references to "strength" came to mind. I made a list of them. Top of the list was the verse my son stood on during his two-year battle with cancer (Philippians 4:13). But this morning, I was drawn to the words of Moses' song (Exodus 15:2), especially in the context of that which Moses and the children of Israel had just experienced (chapter 14).
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful idea. Turns out it was in front of you the whole time. . . Also some people turn everything inside, or out for their N.Y.'s resolutions and you decide to look inward. Bravo!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to writing and posting. Love the use of rhetorical questions and that you shared something that you were in the process of figuring out. Until I read your post, I hadn’t given any thought to a focus word for next year. The first word that came to mind was structure. Hmmmm.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! I love that you have committed to your OLW and that it is "strengthen"...what power in that choice!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back. I have had LONG and frequent blog breaks over the years as life has taken a lead over writing. I think it happens in a busy and complex life - and they are all complex. I love the idea of the world build. It is such a strong word with a focus on the future but strengthened is more accepting on living in the moment and focusing on moving through life. Happy New Year
ReplyDeleteI love your word. My devotional book (Day 29)has a strength verse just for you: "For thus says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel: 'In returning and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.'"
ReplyDeleteWelcome back, Leigh Anne. I've been mostly absent lately except for SJT.
Diane (newtreemom)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
I’m sure you will grow in many ways as you focus on your one little word!