Last year I noticed some people in my online circle choosing a word of the year… a word to live their life by for the year instead of setting (often unattainable) goals. I didn’t really know anything about it, but a word came to me so I jumped on the wagon and chose a word of the year last year… consistency.
Every time I had a decision to make I thought about my word, and the answers to my decisions became clearer. How did each path line up with my overarching consistency “goal”? Whichever answer supported consistency more was the path I took.
By the end of the year I realized that in choosing this one word for the year I had actually chosen a style for my life. A direction I would travel. An expression I would make.
This year, I’ve set no goals.
Instead I’ve focused my goal-setting efforts on choosing my word of the year… the life style I’ll embrace for 365 days… courage.
Whenever I’m at a crossroads I will be choosing the courageous direction. I will think, “How can I be more courageous and live my life without fear?”
… but the word courageous means more to me than bravery alone.
When I chose “courage” I thought of this Brené Brown quote:
“Courage is a heart word. The root of the word courage is cor—the Latin word for heart. In one of its earliest forms, the word courage meant ‘To speak one’s mind by telling all one’s heart.’ Over time, this definition has changed, and today, we typically associate courage with heroic and brave deeds. But in my opinion, this definition fails to recognize the inner strength and level of commitment required for us to actually speak honestly and openly about who we are and about our experiences—good and bad. Speaking from our hearts is what I think of as ordinary courage.”
Choosing your word of the year.
The logical side of me wants to tell you that there’s a really easy formula to follow to come to a word that will shape your life style this year, but the truth is the only way I know how to choose this special word is to go with what feels right.
What is it that you want to accomplish this year? How do you want to feel this year? What feels of utmost importance for you this year? What word can you think of that will support you in these endeavours? What word can help guide your decisions for an entire year?
To help inspire you here a few other words I’ve seen and heard from others in my circle: home, writer, faith, flow, receptivity.
There’s also a great website dedicated to the word of the year concept that can help inspire word ideas for you, too.
Once you decide on your word of the year, I would love love love if you would share it with me in the comments below. Your generous sharing would absolutely make my day.
I think the one word idea is great and I’m grateful that you shared this idea! For 2015, my word is “open”. Open to ideas, points of view, change, opportunities. But most of all an open heart!
I love that choice Marianne! Open. So beautiful.
Great idea Wendy. I chose the word “assiduity” as my word for 2015. It means constant or close attention to what one is doing. I have been working on gratitude, mindfulness, compassion, mindfulness, meditation, etc for the past couple of years, and want to continue to work on all of them, so for me the word will remind me to work even more carefully and persistently on these things.
I have never heard this word before Diane. I love that you taught me something new and that you found a word that wraps everything you want together so nicely.
Hi Wendy, I like this idea. Last year, I had a necklace made with three words, “Perseverance, Strength and Courage”. I couldn’t choose just one–I needed all three!
We’ll be courageous together Ramona!
I have decided on the word Forgiveness. This includes forgiveness of self when I make mistakes as well as forgiveness of others.
So great Lindsay! Super hard one, too.
Really enjoyed this post Wendy! Receptivity it is!
Thanks Jenn!
Oh! I love this in place of a list of goals. So much more…..whole-feeling! You’re a wise lady, Wendy Woods.
Thanks, Carrie!
This is a practice I have found so meaningful, what a great post! My word this year is “Care”, not only to live caring by loving and serving those in my life but also to handle the things I have been blessed with care and attention. Sometimes this means slowing down and giving things more consideration. Thinking about what I really care about too. Thanks Wendy.
Beautiful choice Jesslyn, and I can see how easy it will be to apply that word to many aspects of life.