A quote from the novel Words in Deep Blue by Cath Crowley, 
My colleague Dr. Diane Lapp and I love words, When we work with students in our English courses, we are known for stopping a discussion midstream to highlight a word in the text that we find interesting. We model close reading continuously, not as simply a planned lesson, but how we interact with text. I find quotes and post them constantly, I hand out motivational quote cards each week, and I strive to build language as often as possible.
So many of the students I work with are challenged to read anything outside of the classroom. It is common knowledge that most Americans don’t read entire books after they leave school, but instead immerse themselves in short text and videos. Sharing my love of words and literacy is my passion, and I am blessed to be able to do so every day of my life, wherever and whenever I find them.
I am also a big proponent of using words with intention. My kids got me these bracelets this year to remind me that although life has been extremely challenging as of late, I got this. I think coming out of COVID restrictions and lockdowns, we have to channel our badass selves. It truly feels like coming out of the darkness, and a chance on so many levels to reinvent and create a better world. The challenge to take what we have learned and come back better drives me this spring. So the words I wear on my wrist lately are badass and bossy. My dad used to call me bossy, especially toward the end of his life as I fought the medical system to get him the best care possible. I reminded him constantly he empowered this bossy woman, as he raised me through my turbulent teen years as a single dad. What he called bossy, I call leadership and empowerment. I look at this word and hear his voice, his encouragement and feel his strength. He may not be at my side, but he is definitely in my spirit. So whatever words inspire you this morning, post them prominently. Feed yourself words that empower and encourage you to be better, and make sure the words you share do the same.