What’s the big deal with choosing a word of the year?
You may have heard about people choosing a word of the year. When I first heard of this practice I thought it was just some fad sweeping the internets. To me, a word of the year is a guiding star for my year. I choose to make decisions and pursue opportunities that are in alignment with my word. It helps to simplify my journey around the sun one more time. I know what matters and where I want to be by the end of the year.
Isn’t it really just another way of making resolutions?
Sort of, but not really. Most people I know who choose a word of the year don’t pursue that word. It is more an awareness that your word of the year or intention is working. You watch as it unfolds in your life. It is kind of like when you buy a new car and begin seeing the same make and model of car everywhere.
You can also pursue your word of the year by being mindful of it when you make decisions. It may be that you need to change some habits in order to live with your word harmoniously.
How I choose my word of the year.
I accidentally chose my first word of the year about three years ago. It was a word that kept popping up and resonated deeply within me. I decided to embrace the word and see how things went. I never wrote it down and now that I have lived through that year and released my word I don’t even remember what it was.
Last year I chose Victory. I kept hearing a song I loved on the radio and my Spotify playlist which featured the word victory. I also saw it in action around me. It was like the word would not leave me alone so I claimed it. I wasn’t even going to choose a word for the year in 2021. It chose me.
This year I was again debating whether or not I should choose a word when the first week of January rolled around. Healing chose me this year.
What do you do with your word of the year?
I write my word of the year on my whiteboard in my office space. I also include any songs, quotes, or insights about the word as time goes on. By the end of the year, my whiteboard has probably been redesigned a few times. I will intentionally include the results of choosing healing this year so I can see how well my word has served me.
I also keep my word of the year at the top of the to-do list I use on my phone each day. I like seeing it there as a reminder of what I am seeking in my life.
Ideas for your word of the year.
1. Keep a journal and see where your word leads you.
2. Make a wallhanging that includes your word to feature in your living space.
3. Start a vision board featuring your word of the year.
4. Share your word of the year on social media and share updates throughout the year to inspire others.
5. Write about your word on Medium. 😉
6. Design a shirt, mug, sticker, or some other product featuring your word of the year
7. Get a tattoo of your word of the year. Mostly, kidding on this one…
8. Share your word of the year with friends and family, especially if they choose one too.
Share your word of the year.
If you chose a word of the year would you share it with us in the comments? I would love to know what you are working on this year.
I wish you a wonderful year of growth, healing, and success.
First published on Medium, January 19, 2022