As a new year begins, many of us feel drawn to mark the moment in a meaningful way- to pause, reflect, and consider how we want to move forward.
One practice I deeply value is choosing a word of the year.
A word of the year is a simple, intentional focus that gently guides how you want to show up in your life in the year ahead. Rather than setting goals or timelines, it offers an inner reference point, or what I like to refer to as your personal “north star”.
Serving as an anchor for the year ahead, a word of the year represents a quality, feeling, or way of being you want to stay connected to throughout the year. As the year unfolds, your word becomes a steady reference point, bringing awareness to how experiences feel and helping you notice what feels aligned and when a pause or adjustment feels necessary.
A Reflection of What You Need
Often, the right word reflects something you already sense beneath the surface. It may point toward a quality you want to cultivate, a feeling you want to return to, or a way of relating to yourself that feels supportive.
Your word is deeply personal, and its value comes from how it resonates with you.
Letting the Word Emerge
Choosing a word of the year doesn’t need to be rushed. Some words appear quickly, while others emerge slowly through reflection and awareness.
You might notice certain words repeating themselves in conversations, journaling, or quiet moments. Or you might feel drawn to a word that brings a sense of calm or clarity when you sit with it.
Trusting that feeling is part of the practice.
My Word for This Year
My word for this year is patience.
This word feels grounding for me right now, an invitation to soften my pace, allow things to unfold, and trust timing a bit more. Patience reminds me to stay present rather than rush, and to meet myself with more ease in moments that feel uncertain or incomplete.
I don’t expect to embody patience perfectly. I simply see it as something to return to, especially when I notice the urge to rush.
Gentle Reflection
If you’re considering choosing a word of the year, you might reflect on these questions:
- What would support me most right now?
- What do I want to return to when life feels busy or uncertain?
- What word feels comforting, familiar or meaningful to me?
- How do I want to show up moving forward?
A word of the year is a quiet companion, one that meets you where you are and walks alongside you through the year ahead.
How Your Word Lives With You
Once you’ve chosen your word, it becomes a quiet presence and form of support throughout the year. You may return to it in moments of decision, reflection, or self-care, allowing it to gently inform how you respond and what you need. Simply knowing it’s there can offer a sense of reassurance and a familiar place to return to as the year unfolds.
Do you want to make a change in your life but are unsure how or where to begin? CLICK HERE to schedule a free Breakthrough Coaching Call with Lori now.
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