How to Find Your Word of the Year

At the beginning of every year,  it has now become a tradition where many people have joined in on the trend to choose a word they want to represent the year ahead. The purpose behind choosing a word is to set an intention.

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*Please note that “the universe” is used as an open term to which you can take and use in your own way. If you have religious beliefs I encourage you to use what you believe. This is an open and safe space and you are welcome to interpret in your own way that makes this feel best for you and your heart.

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Why you shouldn’t choose a word of the year.

The word of the year and the intention set are done for many different reasons. Some of those reasons may be because you want to manifest more of something into your life or you feel you are lacking in an area and want it to be better or want to improve something you feel you are inadequate in.

Take a moment and look at the reasons behind choosing a word of the year. Notice the words lacking, inadequate, and missing. Words that suggest you aren’t good enough, you don’t have enough, or you have nothing.

When we thought about all the reasons we choose a word of the year, we were left filled with negativity. We thought why are we doing this to ourselves?

Why are we starting our year off already thinking negatively about ourselves?

We realized that this was NOT the right way to start off a new year.

So how should you start off your year? 

Don’t choose a word of the year, but instead allow the universe to choose for you.

How is this any different?

The universe will be a guide that moves you in the direction you are meant to be, whether that is a lesson to help you grow or a message to open you to the beauty you already hold, rather than trying to fix a flaw you believe you have. We can and should always be learning and growing as individuals, but we shouldn’t be constantly viewing ourselves as a problem that needs to change.

By not choosing a word you are no longer starting your year with the mindset that you are lacking or need to change.

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1.) How do you let the universe choose for you?

We recommend spending the first half of the year with an open mind. Allow the universe to communicate with you. Don’t rush and decide on a word within the first few months, really slow down and be an observer. The universe is always trying to send you messages and signs; you just have to be open to receive them. When you will know what your word is will vary, it can be within five months or 8 or even 9 months. It doesn’t matter when as long as you allow the word to come to you, not the other way around.

Your word will come to you in all different ways from a post or picture on the internet to conversations you have with others and it will even pop up around town. You will know your word because it will be showing up everywhere and you will feel that the world is trying to tell you something.

This is where you get curious.

2.) So you got your word, now what?

Once you are able to connect with a word, the next step is to find out why.

Ask yourself.

Why did the universe choose this word?

What does this word mean to me?

Spend the next few months exploring your surroundings and diving deep within yourself.

Once you have connected with your word, next understand it and then seek to use it.

The final part of this journey is to find out how this word plays into your life. How can you learn from it and share that knowledge with others?

Learn to play with it. Remain a seeker trying to discover how you and this word come into play, how you work together, and why you need it in your life.

Explore why the universe brought the word to you, but also how you can give it back to the world.

3.) Reflect. 

Where has this journey taken you? Where are you supposed to keep going with it?

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Choosing a word is like trying to take control of your destiny. It can leave you feeling disappointed and a failure if you feel you’ve come up short especially if you didn’t live up the word or you didn’t get what you wanted out of it. Instead of trying to force things into your year ahead, allow yourself to be guided where you are meant to be. Let the world show you what you need and be open to receive it.

Then, always share it with others.

Replace your lack and inadequacy with openness and excitement.

Let the word of the year be a journey, not a standard you need to hold yourself to.

This is a whole new view of the word of the year.

It’s different, but it can always be a new way to explore, learn, and grow. I encourage you to NOT choose a word of the year.

I encourage you to let go.

I will leave you with this quote from Marianne Williamson

“Let go of your story so the Universe can write one for you.”