New Year’s resolutions have been fading out of fashion over the last several years. It’s no wonder. They’re often daunting, overwhelming, and by mid-February only a distant memory. My biggest gripe with resolutions is that usually they’re made without much thought.
What’s taken its place, though, is choosing an intentional word of the year. Having a word or short phase to continually refer back to for the entire year is a great way to bring focus and intention to the mundane of every day life.
Looking Back
NURTURE was my intentional word of the year for 2020. I had several areas of my life that needed tending to grow and mature. Things I nurtured were my spiritual life, my marriage, relationships with my children, my love for the outdoors, and so on. It was a wonderful word. I had it posted on my bathroom mirror for the entire year.
On the hard days, because we all have hard days, I would see it right there in front of me. It quickly reminded me of the things that matter most, and it made it easy to let go of all the excess. Having a word of the year grounded me amongst all the chaos that was 2020.
How to Choose Your Own Intentional Word of the Year
When picking an intentional word of the year, I want you to consider a few things. Firstly, don’t rush it. Pray and meditate on the things that went well and the things that didn’t in the previous year. How does it make you feel? What things do you want to change?
Secondly, choose a verb. A verb will inspire action. It will make you focus on forward grace-filled progress.
Lastly, when ideas start coming to mind, take time to look up definitions and synonyms. It’s likely that google will help you find an even more purposeful word or phrase for your hopes of 2021.
Sit with your word for a few days before you commit. How does it make you feel? Hopefully not overwhelmed! The goal is to feel refreshed, motiv