Every year I choose a word that is my keystone. In previous years I have had – mapping, balance, determined and, last year, learn. Each has served its purpose, constantly bringing me back to what I want for myself for the year, both at work and at home.
2013 was not an easy year for us; Mum died in mid-December 2012 and then Tony retired in January 2013. We both had some health issues, mine caused by an accident with a drunk driver the year before. There is some hard stuff in 2014 for Tony and me, starting with major surgery for him on the 13th of January and, hopefully, a knee replacement for me later in the year. My job continues to grow, as do my professional commitments and, as always, I want to grow my art life.
In 2013 I took an online library MOOC through San Jose University which helped clarify my values and what drives me. The word I came back to time and time again is kindness. I even spoke about kindness in the workplace at our annual LIANZA conference in Hamilton. So that’s my word for 2014. Kindness:
- to myself
- to my husband
- to others in my personal life
- and in my professional life.
Cath Sheard 
Merci de ta visite sur mon blog, je te souhaite à mon tour une bonne et heureuse année 2014. A bientot sur CJS
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A great word for 2014. If everyone had that word imagine the kind of world we would be living in! Have your read : R J Palacio’s book “Wonder”. It was wonderful. There is now a whole movement to “Choose Kind” – check out her site.
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Bev thanks very much for that, I will do. My go to book is “The power of nice” by Linda Kaplan Thayer.
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I meant to comment on the losses and difficulties you have had over the past year – I hope 2014 will bring better health for you and your husband. I lost my mom 5 years ago and altho I still miss her greatly, the grief has lessened. Take care. may your art continue to grow and help you in 2014.
Thanks for stopping by!
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You are one of the kindest people I know Cath…I’m sure you won’t have to make too much of an effort to just be YOU.
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