I know that picking a word of the year is not a new concept. But I love it. I can remember when my former boss told me they were having all the managers pick ONE word for the year that sums up their goals for the year and they read THIS. I loved the idea of picking one word to define my goals.
That year I picked CONNECT for my word. I had just moved to Connecticut and felt a little lonely away from all my friends and family I loved. So I decided I would try to CONNECT with new friends, CONNECT with God, CONNECT with my hubby and CONNECT with people on my blog and Instagram account. Having that one word really helped me to reach my goals and to focus that year.
This year during dinner one night I told my family my goal of coming up with one word. I asked them what a word was that they could pick for the year. It was fun talking about how it is important to not pick a word that you don’t really need to work on. I wouldn’t pick active because we are already active and focused on fitness (I shared more about that on my last post HERE).
These are the words we picked individual and as a family word we all adopted the word “LOVE”
Lola’s word- NICE
Ella’s word- CALM
Kevin’s word- MOMENT
Brooke’s word- CONSISTENT
The reason we picked love as a family is because we want to love others like Christ loves. We want to live this quote “Spread love wherever you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving Happier.”
(Source)
I was reminded of my word when I was at the gym the other day. I started at a new gym because of my husbands travel schedule I needed to go to one with child care. So I am in a new environment trying figure out the equipment and get a good workout. A guy came up to me and gave me a high five and said “you are killing it today.” He had no idea what I was doing, but he could see I was sweating and trying. I was so impressed that he took the time to spread love just like Christ would- a word of encouragement. I want to do that. I want to SAY nice things to people when I think them and so does the rest of my family.
Give others LOVE.
With a word of the year I think it is important to have it in front of you ALL the time. Here are some ways to make it be seen and remember what you are focusing on this year.
THIS letter board is the perfect size for your word of the year. I have seen these around on Instagram and they can get pricy, this one was a great price.
THIS large chalkboard would be the perfect way to display your word of the year or a quote that sums up your One Word. (My chalkboard is a broken mirror that I painted with chalkboard paint)
Chalkboard paint like we have in our family room HERE is a fun way to write your word of the year and draw a picture to go along with that word. And I just read that chalkboard paint is one trend from 2016 that is here to stay.
THIS window marker would send your kids over the moon. My girls love writing on their window and their friends think it is the coolest. Our girls wrote their word of the year here.
Write your word of the year on a large plate or platter. We used THIS marker to write our message on ours.
Or use magnetic alphabet letters to spell out your word on your fridge. I spray painted mine gold. (you can see more pics of my fridge and kitchen HERE)
I would love to hear your one word for the New Year! Please comment below and tell me why you picked that word.
I really like the idea of picking a word- I have not done this, but I think I will. And I have letterboards and chalkboards ALL OVER MY HOUSE (tee hee hee, it’s a problem), so I certainly have a place to put the word I choose.
P.S.- Check out 3 Potato 4 for more letterboards- made in the USA, good quality and some even smaller sizes. I have 3 of theirs and they are really nice and have so many fun colors too! 🙂
Have a great night Brooke!
Well sounds like you need to with all that area to declare your word! I will check them out! Thank you!
Hey Girl- love the post! My word for this year is Faith.
That is just the perfect word and speaks to all areas of life. Power in your word this year!
My word for this year is strength. I picked it randomly from amongst well over a hundred “Gifts of the Holy Spirit”. I say that “it” picked me. The year will demonstrate how “strength” will play out for me. Will I need strength, will I be strong for others, etc. I always find it exciting to interpret this word throughout the year. Last year my word was “reconciliation”. In reflecting on the past year I believe that I was able to reconcile/accept my husband’s death and the fact that I am alone and now responsible for myself and my happiness. I am ready to move on. Not forget, I will never forget him or what he meant in my life, just that I won’t live in the past. I will use my memories and his influence to move on in my new life without him. I share this “word for the year” with a number of friends who enjoy it as well. It is really amazing how the appropriate word is picked by certain persons. All the best in 2017. Linda
Thank you for sharing. Your words brought tears to my eyes. What a journey you have been on. I love how you are truing to the Lord for your strength. Words are power. Much love to you this year!
My word of the year is “NOW.” I wrote about it and why I chose it on my blog: https://learningjane.blogspot.com/2017/01/now.html
I am being intentional about living life to the fullest, now, rather than procrastinating! I love your blog Brooke, and LOVE is a wonderful family word.
thanks for sharing and your kind words. I will check out your thoughts on your word!