The start of a new year… is a sure time to bring up all the feels.
Sorrow: Another year gone.
Guilt: Was I good enough this year?
Productivity: Did I accomplish enough?
People: Who do I miss? Who’s still important? Who am I grateful for?
Comparison: How is everyone else ringing in the New Year?
Pause: Reflecting on the memories.
Anticipation: Hopes and dreams for next year.
The end of a year brings all of these emotions up within me… as does the excitement of a fresh start.
I may be different, but I’ve always loved New Year’s Resolutions. But then again… I’m always striving to grow myself (I’m guessing you can relate?).
With this, many years ago – I traded in Resolutions for a “Word of the Year”. And my life significantly changed with this practice.
And it’s one I invite each one of my clients into as well. And this year… maybe you want to join in on the magic?
It’s similar(ish) to a New Year’s Resolution, but so much better.
It’s one word. It’s simple. Which also allows for depth.
The reason I love it as a coach?! Because it’s an anchor.
If you want to thrive in your health & wellness… having an anchor is crucial.
How you may ask?
The world is the wild west out there. I don’t have to tell you that, you know it well. And just like an anchor for a boat, you need something to keep you from drifting away in the storms of life. Your word of the year is exactly this. (More on this below).
So, are you excited yet?!
I know I sure am.
Let’s get you going to find your word!
How to find your word of the year:
Take some time to simply BE. Sit with a warm beverage and a clean page in a notebook. Take some time to get curious:
How do I want to FEEL this next year?
Really take some time to be here. Dive into actually FEELING it. If it’s happy – what does that FEEL like in your body? If it’s ‘Present’ – how does that FEEL in your body?
When do you feel this word? What are you doing? Who are you with? What actions or things evoke this word within you?
What lifestyle choices do you want to STOP doing (that prevent you from feeling this). For example, if your word of the year is Presence, perhaps you leave your phone in the car when you go to dinner with a friend.
What are the lifestyle choices that embody your word of the year? If your word is JOY – what are the daily choices you can choose to invite more of that in?
Bring your word to life:
Once you come up with your word – how can you bring it to life?
Perhaps write it on a sticky note and post it on your refrigerator.
Maybe you tell a loved one about your word and what it means to you.
Or perhaps you dive right in and practice embodying it for an entire day on January 1st.
The Power of a single word:
The brilliant thing about your word, is that it’s a powerful and simple anchor to bring to your mind when the storms of life start picking up.
When you get that dreaded call from your kid’s school, when the car in front of you can’t seem to figure out how to drive, when you throw out your back again, when your partner is getting on your last nerve…
~ Come back to your word ~
And think, what is one choice I can make right now to anchor back into my intention for the year?
As always, the magic is in the practice of actually doing it.
Which is why I launched my new Virtual Wellness Membership: Nourished. To keep you anchored in all year long in a way that just brings out the most vibrant version of you. You can check it out here.
AND if you feel so inspired, I’d love to hear your word of the year in the comments, in a text/email, or message. I can’t wait to see your evolution.
To your vibrancy,
Taylor
About the Author:
Taylor Short, of Harmonious Return, is a Nature-Connected Coach, Herbalist & Healer who supports amazing people who are quietly struggling. She specializes in earth-wisdom wellness for highly sensitives (HSPs), people struggling with mental health and/or addiction.