On Tuesday and Wednesday mornings in our first grade community circle, we choose one positive word for the day to be all day.  I do this because it used to be what we did in January as our New Year resolution. It was a simple thing for first graders to remember, one word versus a phrase.   Frankly, it’s easy for all of us to remember one word.   We do an art project with it wherein we tear little scrap papers and make rainbow letters on a 3×5 card.   Then, we hang it in our cubbies.   Like anything that remains in one place, sometimes it’s forgotten.

So last year, I implemented positive words for Tuesday because they were easy to remember how to be that word all day long.  Sometimes we write them on our desk.  Then Wednesday, we would have our Plus one day.  We would be our word for Tuesday and then another positive word for Wednesday.  (It’s always nice to have a goal to look forward to.)

What I learned, just holding the word “Joy” in my head all day, changes my thinking.  When I change my thinking, I change my energy level.  Holding this positive energy level allows those things that might otherwise change my day to roll off my back and not exist or change form.  I’m happier….the kids are happier.

We have a phrase posted in our room that says, “Be kind in all you say and do and acts of kindness follow you.”   And now we interchange that word.  Be respectful in all you say and do and acts of respect follow you.     Be JOY-FULL in all you say and do and acts of JOY follow you.

Try it out!   You will be surprised at the acts of joy that follow you.

Merry Christmas my dear friends or happiness and joy in whatever holiday season you may be celebrating, even if it’s the holiday of you.

Namaste,  Marie  :0)