This post was inspired by this tweet.
[On a side note, everyone should follow Sue Dunlop for two reasons: 1. She reads, comments and shares a ton of good blog posts. 2. She also writes a brilliant blog.]
So 2015 is over half-way over. I did join the one word movement. I chose Presence to be my one word. You can read about why here.
I see a huge change in my personal life. I feel I have held true to I have been present at my son’s t-ball, watching my two kids climb, listening to my husband. I find myself shutting off the next step and just enjoying my time with my family. My worst fears were not realized. The house did not follow down around us. The children are still happy. Actually more things were accomplished because I was not distracted.
I still have a ways to go. I did succumb and bought a smartphone. I find that I am quick to ask Siri a question instead of letting it go. I also annoy my husband because when I check the weather here. I give him the run down on the weather in other cities. I will attempt to treat it like my old phone.
Now professionally, I am not there yet, but I know when I get busy and feel like my mind is racing and wandering I can take several deep breaths while focusing on the word. It tends to solve the problem. I also know that I had moments of greatness. I think of the times I was in the classroom reading or working with children. I was there with the students. As my position changes, I know I will have to figure ways to continue to be present in the moment and enjoy it.
As I reflect back, here my action steps for the second half of the year:
- Put down the smartphone. I do not need to Google everything or check Twitter and Facebook.
- When my mind starts to race, I will write down my to-dos to keep them organized.
- I step away from tech when it distracts me from the conversation.
Thanks again Sue for tweeting brilliance! And thanks to Donna Miller Frye for the great blog post. So where are you on your #oneword?
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Mrs. Megan Morgan 
Megan, you are very kind to include me in your post! It sounds as if “presence” was the best word for you to choose – a “just in time” kind of word. It reminds me of mindfulness and that ability to pay attention to what is at hand. These days so many of us struggle to focus, to put down the phone and be. I really appreciate your post. Thanks for sharing.
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