ESL Lesson Plan

...welcoming 2012.

And, since the apocalyptic prophets and films have been wrong 100% of the time so far, chances are pretty good that we’ll find ourselves in the same position a year from now.

Here are my thoughts for this – or any new year; whatever you intend to do – or stop doing – in the new year, do it deliberately, with the intention of becoming more fully the person only you can be.

My wife and I, for many years now, have developed our goals for each year. Our organizing question is – “where do we want to be by this time next year?”

We have also developed longer, multi-year goals.

With each new year, I have goals, decisions or resolutions I have attempted or considered, but they could all be summed up in one concept – I want the new year to be one lived intentionally.

I hate the idea of days just sliding by; I want to decide where I am going and how I will do things. My current work schedule isn’t very flexible, but that doesn’t I can’t be.

2011 has been a difficult year for almost everyone I know; what other year has held crazy weather, earthquakes in unusual places, tsunamis and an economy (and job market) that seems to get worse every month?

The numbered years are, of course, a human and cultural invention, but even so, it feels good to leave this crazy year behind.

No one knows what 2012 holds, but it is part of human nature to hope that something better than the year just ending waits for us.

You have probably seen cartoons of an aged and haggard Father Time handing over the new year to the baby who will take over - and grow old with - the new year.

Even though the years seem to fly by, I am always caught off guard when they come to a close. And some seem to leave us all as worn and depleted as Father Time in the cartoons.

I'm sure you've seen all the articles and news pieces about the "Best of" and "Worst of" 2011. Each year seems summed up in the deaths and films and pop stars of the year. By any measure, 2011 was a strange one, and I must admit that I am glad it's over.

Here's to a better year for all of us!

Listen, read and speak. Make your new language your own.

My best to you as you make your way through this intriguing , constantly shifting linguistic landscape.

Morf

About the author of this entry:

Morf has a B.A.from the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, USA and an MAT (Master's in Teaching English) from the University of Washington (Seattle, WA, USA). And, as much as Morf loves writing this blog, he is always open to other opportunities either blogging or teaching. You can contact him at mmorf@mail.com.