The New Year is right around the corner and it is a great time for a clean slate and to start over. And though New Year’s Resolutions used to be a “cool thing,” they have proven to not be effective; at least not for me and my, oh so amazing, friends. When I made resolutions, I would start off really excited and focused, but by February, I would have forgotten all about those “resolutions.” Eventually I retired the idea of resolutions and started another tradition— one word for the year.
I am not sure how this all started. Wait… Okay. It may have started around 2014 when the church I was attending was helping us choose a fruit of the spirit to focus on for 2015. I don’t recall how that turned out, but I am pretty sure my fruit was “goodness.” I tried to continue it in 2016, but I don’t recall what my focus was— maybe, gratitude.
Regardless, in 2017 I choose one word to focus on… that one word was “LOVE,” and sometime toward the end of this year, I added on “INTENTIONAL.” So, the words love and intentional were my words for 2017. And I wholeheartedly can say that those two words have changed my life; every area of my life! And because I have experienced the blessing of the one word theme, I am motivated and focused on learning my word for 2018!
Let me be clear, I am the lover of writing down and taking action toward a goal. I make yearly goals, 6-month goals, monthly goals, and weekly goals… However, my “One Word” theme for the year has proven to be a GAME CHANGER. My one word has blessed my entire life and everyone around me. In addition, it has allowed God to work in and through me in ways I wasn’t expecting.
I don’t remember if God gave me my word for 2017, but He sure did use it! This one word has transformed my life, my relationships, my work and me. As we get closer to the New Year, I wanted to share this tradition with you and invite you to join in. I am currently praying on my 1 word theme for 2018… I have no idea what it will be.
For 2017, the word “Love” came to me. I am not even sure how, but I needed it this year. I needed to focus on loving people unconditionally, despite their “mess ups”, despite their imperfections, despite them yelling at me or being cold. It was important for me to respond in love. I needed to do all things with love. Because God is LOVE. And if I planned to follow Him and be a servant, I wanted to display the characteristics of Him, and LOVE is the perfect place to start. Not only was Love used to pour into others, it poured into my growth. It helped me to start accepting myself in a more mature way. I even started doing more things that showed and proved my love for myself.
CHOOSING YOUR ONE WORD
There is so much fun in choosing your ONE WORD. It is not a phrase. Not a quote. Not even two words; JUST ONE WORD. I know mine turned into two words, but LOVE really is at the forefront of my mind and my main focus. So whether you are going to pick out the word yourself (God will use it) or you plan to listen and wait for God’s leading in selecting the word, I pray that you enjoy the process.
Your one word is your key word for the upcoming year; this makes the process basic and simple. This one word will guide you for the next 365 days of your life! The process of finding your word can take time, that’s why I’ve decided to post this article now, instead of waiting until next week (see, I got your back).
So start thinking about what God (read “higher being” for others) is calling you to in the next 52 weeks. You can go about finding your one word in different ways:
- Pray and see what God puts on your heart. Ask Him this question: What do you want to do in me and through me this year?
AND/OR
- Start making a word list: List out everything that comes to mind. Take your time with this. If its something you desire to do, be, feel, give, or experience, it deserves to be on your list… don’t be shy or try and escape what is your truth in this moment. Once your list is complete, put it aside.
- Determine the kind of person you want to be at the end of 2018, dive deep within yourself. Who is God calling you to be? What is God calling you to do? (Write this down)
- Get a Vision: think about the person you want to become, what are the characteristics of that future version of you, that inspires you the most? (Write this down)
- Bring #1’s list and #2 and #3’s list together. Are there similarities? Look at the words that made it to both list. Let your heart lead you & Pick ONE!!!
Honestly, your one word may just come to you very quickly, like 30 seconds quickly. But try and find time to unplug from the hectic pace, noise and clutter. Allow time for silence and solitude as you seek clarity on your word and your “year ahead” focus.
Simply LISTEN TO YOURSELF.
Once you discover the word meant for you, LIVE IT OUT. Your word will impact all areas of your life; physical, mental, spiritual, emotional, rational and financial. Keep your one word front and center. Share it with your support system and, if possible, designate an accountability partner. Write your word in your journal and even give yourself a definition and a vision for what you feel and believe about your word. Talk about it to people. Make it a part of your LIFE by keeping it in focus and keeping it fresh. Keep it visible, as a reminder of what you’re working to create this year. Post your word in prominent places so you see it on a regular basis.
I look forward to hearing all about your word! Let’s do this!!
“Father, I pray that you bless me with a WORD that is specific to where you are calling me to and through, in this season. I am asking for not just a good word, but a word from you. Please reveal yourself to me. I am ready to receive the word meant for me. Lord, help me to walk in focus of the word throughout 2018, and keep my heart and mind focused on you. Father, may your will be done in this season and throughout my life. May I blossom into all that you have called me to be. In the name of Jesus, Amen.”
Helpful Sources:
Youversion Bible App
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