Happy New Year 2018!
Remembering the past...
I can't begin to go forward without reflecting on my past. The year of 2017 brought such joy and pain in my life. We began with the passing of my daughters' grandfather (their dad's dad), in which we lost their grandmother (their dad's mom) just a few short months before. We had a few health scares with my own aging parents. It was a real reminder of how precious life is.
My oldest turned double digits (the big 1-0), which also reminded me of how quickly time goes. She is now considered an "upper grader," has a school locker, and doesn't think me dancing in front of her friends is that cool any more. But she is still super sweet, and I can see she is trying to find her place in life.
My youngest is still a ball of energy and makes me laugh everyday. She is quite a little fashionista. I really do enjoy seeing the outfits she comes up with and how her little, creative mind works. It's not just the outfit that puts a smile on my face, but the confidence she exudes knowing that she created it. I want her to hold onto that confidence and apply it to everything else she does in life.
I started teaching a brand new national level school, Círculos @Chavez - an XQ Super School. No pressure, right? ;-) We are a "Classroom With No Walls," where the world is our classroom. We travel, usually by public bus, and explore the world as we're learning along the way. There were SO many highlights. That in itself can be it's own post.
Towards the end of the year, we lost our cousin, Pete. He unexpectedly died, and that shook our entire family. We also lost several friends along the way and many loved ones battling cancer or having other life-threatening issues.
We go through life with such wonderful people and experiences, but sometimes we don't truly appreciate them. It's the grandparents who were in your child's life everyday that are now gone. It's the little girl who brings you such joy and is now almost taller than you. It's the child who makes a mess everyday but is growing in her creativity. It's that student whose perception of positive learning that you can foster. It's that cool cousin that you didn't spend as much time with and is now gone.
Moving towards the future...
You know how people say, "Oh, I want to do that" or "I wish I did that." I don't want to be one of those people. I want to say "I did that!" I want to live life to the fullest. I think I have been moving towards that direction.
I've never done a theme for myself, but I felt it was fitting to do one this year. My 2018 theme is consistency. I want to be consistent in:
- writing on my blog
- helping others
- being reliable
- putting laundry away
- reminding my kids I love them
- and many more
What do YOU want to be more consistent with this year? Then, do that!
Happy New Year!
Your Street Cred Mama,
Arlyn
