I’ve been struggling the last few weeks: an-ever-shifting combination of befuddled, sad, scared, alarmed, and disgusted.

Monday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States. Almost 58 years after his death, his words feel especially relevant yet again.

• “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
• “I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, other-centered men can build up.”
• “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

On Tuesday, we witnessed the light and love much of the world is craving. Prime Minister Mark Carney stood on the world stage and confronted the darkness. He named the rhetoric, coercion, and power-mongering for what it is. Prime Minister Carney clearly stated that accommodations and compliance will not buy safety. He reclaimed agency and control in the midst of what feels like an unpredictable, downward spiral.

“The powerful have their power. But we have something too: the capacity to stop pretending, to name realities, to build our strength at home and to act together. That is Canada’s path. We choose it openly and confidently, and it is a path wide open to any country willing to take it with us.” Mark Carney.

Just in case we’ve forgotten: words matter. The lying bigotry is crushing, yes. But thoughtful, educated, earnest discourse is hopeful and mobilizing. My mood has shifted. My resolve invigorated. “In the midst of darkness, light persists.” Mahatma Gandhi

(Read or listen to Mark Carney’s speech in Davos here.)

Last week several world events and a few personal encounters prompted me to reflect on life and legacy.

Sometimes the big picture can be overwhelming. Let’s face it, 2026 already seems rather heavy. Instead of becoming debilitated by fear or sadness, I’m trying to think about how I can make an impact in my world, in my roles, and through my writing. What legacy can I leave–despite, or maybe in spite of–what’s going on in the world?

If you read last week’s blog, you know my ‘one little word’ this year is love. If I use this word to guide my interactions, I am hoping my legacy will be a positive one, no matter how small.

Yesterday I attended a funeral of a man whose legacy will most certainly be love and connection. It was clear from the church full of people that he impacted many–including many former colleagues. It was clear from his children that his legacy will live on.

If you’re like me and sometimes feeling overwhelmed with life these days, join me in striving to be a positive influence in your small circle. The ripples that we may never see or realize, may in fact, become our legacy.

Since the calendar turned to 2026, I’ve been thinking about my one little word for the year. I have chosen love. Why love?

I want to do what I love and love what I do. I want my work to reveal my love for the world and inspire others. I want to show love to the people around me. Whenever possible, I want to stop doing things I don’t love and choose the things I do. I also want to counter some of the hate I see in the world. I am choosing love.

This week, carve out time for your students to choose one little word to guide them through 2026. This word can act as a personal mission statement, an intention, or a focus for the year. Brainstorm possible choices together. Revisit The Word Collector or The Gift of Words by Peter H. Reynolds. Then, ask each student to choose something that speaks to them in their current situation. Remind them that there is no right or wrong choice. Some of my previous words have been breathe, balance, gratitude, write, joy, becoming, and persistence. Although they were right for the years I chose them, this year, love is the best fit for me.

Give students the opportunity to showcase their word artistically in some way. Let them choose the materials and style to best represent their intention. Also be sure to revisit the words periodically as a way to ensure they continue to hold meaning for students.

Samuel Beckett once said, “Words are the clothes thoughts wear.” What thought do your students want to guide them through the year?