Have you ever chosen a word of the year? Would you like to?
Why Choose a Word of the Year?
First, why would we want to choose a word of the year anyway?
Having a word of the year is a good way to help you stay focused on what matters most to you. And it’s fun!
It’s certainly not necessary, but for the past few years that I’ve been doing it, I’ve really enjoyed it. It feels good and right to connect with my values and intentions in this way.
Having a word of the year can help guide you, even unconsciously, to live in harmony with your true values and desires.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s get started!
How to Choose Your Word of the Year
Use the questions below to guide your reflection and journaling so that you can discover your own word of the year.
Take your time, there is no rush. Grab your favorite pen, a pretty notebook, and a soothing beverage, and enjoy this time for yourself.
1. Desire.
How do you want to feel this year?
Write down your desired feelings. What do they mean to you?
How would your life look different if you lived into these feelings this year?
2. Focus on your values.
What are your top 3 values?
For each value, reflect on what it means to you and what it would look like to live into it.
3. Embrace and celebrate all that is working for you.
What has been going well in your life? What are you celebrating?
What are some ways you are already living into your values and creating your desired feelings? Do your inner happy to dance in celebration.
4. Release what no longer serves you.
What do you want to let go of this year?
What habits, thoughts, and relationships in your life right now are not congruent with your desired feelings?
5. Create a dream board.
Cut out pictures from magazines or other images you like and paste them on a piece of card stock.
Or create a dream board on Pinterest.
Is there a word that seems to express the theme of your dream board, or a thought or feeling that pops out as you create this? (Of course you can also do this after you choose your word of the year as well.)
Relax and Choose Your Word of the Year.
Take your time and choose your word using all of the clarity you’ve gained through all of this reflection.
It could be one of your desired feelings or one of your values or just a word that comes to you that you like…
Another way of discovering your word is to think about what you want to let go of this year, and then let the opposite of that be your word. (Thank you to Helene Scott for that wonderful idea!)
If you’re not sure, just give it more time and see what comes up.
Most of all, relax into the process and have fun with it. Just go with what resonates right now. You can always change to a new word later.
This is your life and your word of the year–you can “do it” however you want!
My Word of the Year
My word of the year this year is CLEAR.
This year my word “found” me. Like a butterfly landing on my shoulder, it came to me, and I was like, oh, yes, of course. There you are.
It was clear (no pun intended!) that that was what I want to focus on this year…
clear energy
clear mind
clear body
clear home
clear relationships
Last year my words were mindfulness, vitality, and adventure, and I enjoyed living into them. I meditated more last year than ever before. I started running and gave myself more self-care than ever before (at least since having kids!). And I had so many new experiences and adventures, such as starting my podcast and going on my first mom retreat since becoming a mother over 8 years ago!
What You Need to Know
It’s not a should or a have to…
It’s not immutable.
You can change it whenever you want.
You can have more than one.
You can choose not to have one.
It’s up to you! This is your life. You are the artist and creator.
Over to You
What is your word of the year?
Share your word of the year and what it means to you in the comments below. If you don’t yet have one, share what you’re considering.
Jenn Sher says
My word is “Awakening” I want to take my mixed media art journey into an awakening this year. And the way I am doing it is by being completely committed to a few year long workshops where I’ll be nourishing and developing my skills and discovering my likes and my style. Can’t wait to see what I’ve done by the end of the year. 😍
Heather says
That sounds awesome, Jenn! I love the word and the idea of awakening. I can’t wait to see what you’ve done as well! It’s going to be an amazing journey, I’m sure.