Learn how to choose a word of the year and how it can help you cultivate an intentional life.
Do you have a word of the year? As I share this post in February, I want it to be an encouragement to you that you do not need to have your word ready on January 1st. You can start right where you are on a Tuesday in February or a Wednesday in July. Let go of the need for perfection in this and start today.
How to Choose a Word of the Year
Pray about it
The first thing I always do when I start thinking of what my word will be is I start to pray. Taking time to pray will open your mind and heart to what God may have to say to you about your word.
What do you hope to see in your life this year?
As I think about a word, I typically think, “What do I hope to see grow in my life this year?” Or “What do I want to focus on this year?”
As I thought about 2025, I kept thinking of the word nourish. The last few years have been hard. There have been personal struggles and health struggles. I feel like we have come through the fire and are on the other side. I realized I wanted to nourish myself physically, spiritually, and emotionally and nourish my family.
Brainstorm words
Start keeping a list of the words that come to mind. Look up synonyms for words that come to mind. Read definitions and keep brainstorming. As you do this, you will probably see that one or two words come to mind more than the others.
Decide on your word and pick out verses to connect with it.
I love to have scripture that backs up the word I choose for the year. I will take time to write down the word in my journal and what it means for me that year. Then I start to look for verses that connect with it. Over the course of the year, I keep looking for more verses and add them to my list.
How does this help you cultivate an intentional life?
Having a word of the year gives you a focus and an intention for the year. It can help you to focus rather than drift through the days.
Have a visual reminder of your word
In January, one of my friends hosted a girl’s night and we all created little signs with our words of the year. I loved this idea and the intention behind it. Having the visual helps keep my word at the top of my mind.
Ready to get started? Remember, you can start this in January or February or October- it does not matter when you start. Simply take the step.
You may Also Enjoy:
How to Plan an Intentional Year
Pin this post for later!
Leave a Reply