Word of the Year
Happy New Year!
It's a unique time of year when we recuperate from holiday festivities, reflect on the past year, and prepare for the upcoming 365 days.
I’ve chosen a Word of the Year for the last decade! More recently, I’ve started associating a Bible verse with my Word of the Year, too. This practice has provided a meaningful foundation and direction for my intentions and goals as the new year begins. I hope it’s a meaningful process for you as well!
Before we delve into choosing your Word of the Year, I like to start by reflecting on the past year. Here are some helpful, inspiring prompts:
1) What are you most grateful for from last year?
2) What milestones did you accomplish last year?
3) What did you learn last year?
4) What drained your energy last year?
5) What’s one habit you’d like to change or develop in the new year?
After finishing your reflection on the past year, a word for the upcoming year might have already come to mind! If not, I like this visual guide:
(In the order I find most helpful:)
1) Think about the traits or qualities that are important to you.
2) Ask yourself what you need in your life right now.
3) See if your goals for the year share a common theme.
4) Make a list of words that resonate.
5) Pay attention to any words or themes appearing in your life.
6) Don’t overthink it, let the word come to you.
7) My addition: Pray about it + find a corresponding Bible verse.
The only thing I’d add is to pray about your Word of the Year. Then if you want to add a Bible verse to accompany your word, I usually just Google Bible verses about my word and let the Lord guide me from there! To give you some additional inspiration, I’ll share my Word of the Year from the last 10 years:
2016: courage (The year I started focusing on my Isagenix business!)
2017: contribution
2018: influential
2019: vision
2020: growth (The year I grew 2 babies!)
2021: adventure (Motherhood: my greatest adventure yet!)
2022: family
2023: strength
2024: trust (The year I published Her Prayer for Peace!)
2025: SURRENDER... to God's perfect will for my life!
Have fun with this! Then, once you have your Word of the Year, write it (and your Bible verse) where you’ll see it every day so it can help you work through decisions throughout the year; let it guide your yeses and your nos. My Word of the Year also helps me stay in alignment with my intentions and goals I have for myself and my life, year after year. Happy New Year to you!
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