#OneWord2024

what will yours be?

Dec 30, 2023

"Let all that you do be done in love." —1 Corinthians 16:14

A few years ago I did a project with my 4th and 5th grade students for the new year where they were asked to think of one word that could be their focus during the upcoming year. Students created a Google slide that had reflection questions on why they chose that word, what it meant to them and how they would apply it in their life.

I was always amazed at how creative my students could be when given the opportunity and I found over the years that teaching others also gives us all the chance to apply those skills in our own lives. That was one of my favorite things about being a teacher - in order for me to teach others, I had to be open to learning new things myself and I have always loved learning…

I looked back at the sample slide I used in my lesson and saw that I had chosen the word “Joyful”. I went on to describe, “Joyful is more than just being happy - it's a choice to be positive and grateful in all situations, not just when it's easy.”

One of the purposes of the #OneWord project was to look at the start of a new year not just in terms of breaking old habits (or starting new ones) but more at reflecting on the past, acknowledging it and then moving towards the future with a positive attitude.

Many people make New Year’s resolutions and a few even keep them, (which is less than 10% of people) and I applaud those of you who can do that. I myself have always struggled with that concept and find myself falling back into the old habits that I was trying to avoid or avoiding the new habits I was trying to start.

I guess that’s why the #OneWord concept was so appealing to me…It makes you really reflect on your own complete situation and inspires you to look at yourself in a more positive way.

So many times we look at how we need to change something about ourselves. Among the most popular are exercising more or losing weight. Good goals but as I get older I find myself wanting to go a bit deeper…

Instead, I think the change we should be focusing most on is how to take all of the good parts of ourselves and work on making them even better….and then going out into the world and sharing those talents with others to make our world a better place.

For me, 2023 was a year filled with many changes and through it all I’ve been blessed with many people in every aspect of my life who have embraced me, loved me and supported me.

So as I enter 2024, I’ve decided that my #OneWord is going to be love.

What’s your word going to be?

What do you think?

My support comes from my subscribers and I really appreciate it. If you enjoy what the Kindness Boomerang newsletter provides, please feel free to share this link on your social media. Subscriptions can be either free or paid. It’s a simple process of sharing your email address. Thanks for your support!

For information about why I started this newsletter, please go to the about section.

Tranquil Moments…

I asked my niece, Jennifer Malphy, if she could share some of her nature photos with my newsletter audience. Each week I will feature a new photo. Here is this week’s:

This week’s Smile video(s)…

If you enjoy “smile videos”, here is the greatest hits version of 2023 - Sit back and enjoy the stories Steve Hartman brought us this year from across the country.

#believe #smilevideos #spreadkindnessandlove

Teachers inspire…forever…

Last night I had the most wonderful conversation with Sister Agnes, who was my teacher and elementary school principal. I talked about her influence in my life back in October in my essay entitled Encouragement.

Hearing the sound of her voice took me back in time. She reminded me of who I have always been and spoke fondly of how I have shared my gifts with the world in many ways.

This short video reminds us of the power of positive words and the positive people who share those words with us. Thank you to Sister Agnes and to all those who teach and continue to inspire…

Google: 25 Years in Search…

This year, Google is celebrating the most searched figures and moments in 25 years of Google Search. From some of the world’s most iconic performances, to history-making breakthroughs, see the moments that have changed the world and inspired the next generation to come.