“Embrace each challenge in your life as an opportunity for self-transformation.”
Bernie S. Siegel

My One Word for 2021 is transform. I am going to embrace every challenge in my life as an opportunity to grow and change, as suggested by the Siegel quote.

Last year I choose ‘grace,’ which you may have read about in this post, and it definitely came in handy many times throughout the past 12 months.

The obvious challenge of COVID-19 disrupting our learning, as well of most of our everyday routines, required both perseverance and grace, and through reflection, focus, and faith, I was able to build strong connections, keep the learning child-centered and meaningful, and find an abundance of rainbows throughout the storm. I definitely feel that taking the time to choose my one word just prior to the start of 2020 made a difference in the way I approached each experience, opportunity, and challenge that came my way.

About halfway through 2020, I decided I wanted to be an administrator and began studying for my masters in Educational Leadership at Lamar University. Throughout my first few classes one word kept popping up. The word transformational. It should have been an obvious choice for my one word 2021, since I really am so excited about pursuing my masters and someday having the opportunity to transform a school.

However, I did consider other words. I was going to choose the word intentional, because I believe positive change requires time, courage, and carefully planned actions. I want to be intentional with everything I do so I can be successful in all communications and experiences and create lasting transformation.

I also thought about choosing the word growth because I can feel myself growing as I take each class at Lamar and as I begin applying what I've learned in practicum experiences, and I want that to continue.

The moment I came across the quote I began this post with (“Embrace each challenge in your life as an opportunity for self-transformation.” Bernie S. Siegel) was when I knew my word had to be transform.

I also really love the following quotes focused on transformation, so maybe my ‘One Word for 2021’ is more of a ‘Collection of Quotes for the Year.’

“Change can be hard. It requires no extra effort to settle for the same old thing. Auto-pilot keeps us locked into past patterns. But transforming your life? That requires courage, commitment, and effort. It’s tempting to stay camped in the zone of That’s-Just-How-It-Is. But to get to the really good stuff in life, you have to be willing to become an explorer and adventurer.”

John Mark Green

”When we quit thinking primarily about ourselves and our own self-preservation, we undergo a truly heroic transformation of consciousness.”

Joseph Campbell

“Transformation isn’t a future event. It’s a present day activity.”

Jillian Michaels

“Change is inevitable, but transformation is by conscious choice.”

Heather Ash Amara

 “Don’t fear failure. Fear being in the exact same place next year as you are today.”

Michael Hyatt

Have you decided on your One Word for 2021? I’d love to hear about it, and if you are interested in connecting with others who find inspiration through focusing on one meaningful word throughout the year, please join this group on Facebook. It’s one of my favorites!

Thank you so much for visiting the blog today.
I hope you find peace, health, and joy in the new year and beyond.

Yours truly,

Jennifer