My Word of the Year

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It was an exciting moment. We were all gathered together. The occasion? The yearly gifting of our word of the year.

After the coffee was poured and Amy’s pizzelles were delightfully sampled, Nicole passed around her pretty basket filled with handmade bookmarks. On each of those treasures was a quotation reflective of the word.

Here was my quote: “We either make ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves strong. The amount of work is the same.” Carlos Castaneda

Well, what can I say? The quote was perfect for me. The holidays always spark excitement as well as exhaustion for me, as I try and cover all those responsibility bases. I had been feeling a bit overwhelmed and at that moment, I gave myself permission. I breathed in deeply and said, just enjoy it.

I turned the bookmark over and lucky me, there were actually two words. Self- care and Happiness. Wow, I couldn’t have said it any better.

My friends and I are always of the feeling that we get the word we are supposed to for a reason. Now I have had some unexplainable words given to me over the years but it has been uncanny how they easily become my theme for the year.

So here’s to self care and happiness in 2014. Not surprisingly, I received an email shortly after given this word and received my first client of the new year! A wedding to be held in June of 2014!

So here’s your challenge. Pick a word for yourself that can be your word of the year. Keep that word in the back of your mind and read about it. Study it just a bit. Make it part of your mantra. You will be surprised how it will keep you motivated!

My friend over at Sunday’s Child wrote a great post about her word of the year! For more inspiration click HERE.

I wish you a happy and healthy new year in 2014! Blessings!

It's nice to share. Thank you.

21 Replies to “My Word of the Year”

  1. How neat! And thanks for the link! That is also an inspiring blog! I’ll have to think on that word for the year. If I chose it right now, it would be sleep…because I am lacking in that department right now!
    Happy New Year to you and Jim!

  2. What a truly delightful post, Joanne. I love your words for the year. And self-care is on my list too. The word that came to me when you gave us the challenge is “Sparkle”. I intend to sparkle this year! Thank you for the the word challenge.

    May your 2014 be filled with good health, happiness, and prosperity. And CONGRATULATIONS on your new assignment!

    Hugs and Love,
    Marianne xo

  3. Oh, good Gravy! Thanks for the nod to my blog. I really love how you choose “your” word/words. What a lovely tradition.
    Happiness and self care, um, PERFECT for you.
    We will follow each other through the year and see how we are both doing.
    Here’s to you and a FRESH new beginning!
    Hugs and Love ya,
    D

    1. Well, haha, you provide the gravy and I’ll make the turkey! There was apparently a segment this morning on the Today Show about A Word. We are really on the ball, arent’ we?
      xo Joanne

  4. Joanne – You are still my awesome inspirational friend!!! Last year it was the God box and this year now the word of the year. We really need to make it a priority to reconnect more in 2014. I think that the word of the year bookmark will just have to become my new tradition for next year’s new year’s eve party. God bless you with good health and happiness this year – Kathy

    1. I am so glad I am an inspiration!! That is really what I hope and pray for with my blog.
      I wish for you a great year Kathy! Your Christmas card was so lovely- what a beautiful family you have!
      Blessings, Joanne xoxo

  5. Oh Joanne… I love this post! Okay I love all your posts, but this one is filled with treasures. The Castaneda quote you got on your bookmark is amazing, and what a great idea! To pass around a basket filled with homemade bookmarks with quotes and uplifting words?! I must do that. I have a lovely wooden bowl with ‘Angel Cards’ I pull to contemplate for the day but I’ve not done a word-of-the-year before. Very thought provoking. I will let you know what I decide on, but the first word that comes to mind is Now. I have been really focussing on remaining present, and staying in the Now instead of letting my mind wander into the past or the future. Maybe that is my word? It’s wonderful to be visiting here, catching up, and getting inspired! Warm blessings for a beautiful and prosperous New Year. xo Gina

    1. Hello Gina and Happy New Year! I love the word NOW because it is, as you said, staying in the present and that is a very good thing.
      I am always so happy to see your beautiful yellow rose when you stop by. Thank you so much your uplifting words- they mean much to me!
      xo Joanne

  6. What a great tradition/idea. I will have to think of a word but the one that popped in to my mind immediately was blessings….so, who knows, perhaps that is meant to be my word. May you be blessed in 2014. Love that you have your first booking for the year 🙂

  7. Hi there! I was introduced to your blog by our mutual friend over at Sunday’s Child. I have to tell you that I have enjoyed reading your writings every single time I pass by. I think I will add you to my daily read, that is when I get to my daily reads. HAHA!! I am intrigued as to how you receive your “word” for the year. It sounds fun, and a tad bit prophetic. Interesting!! My word for this year, “Freedom”. I wonder how it will unfold. Anyway, thanks for the sweet read tonight. I am looking forward to “listening in” again.

    1. Hi Carmen!
      Any friend of Sunday’s Child is a friend of mine. Welcome to my blog!
      I love the word Freedom. That could mean many things towards growth for the new year!
      As to how we receive our “word”…..my friends and I gather together once a year specifically for the purpose of receiving the gift of our word for the year. Someone volunteers ahead of time to make small gifts and that person places a word somewhere on each gift. You never know the word you are getting until you reach into the basket for your gift. The thought is- you will receive the word you are meant to.
      The words are usually very uplifting- courage, change, strength, spirituality….
      It’s fun and yes, I keep the word close to me for the rest of the year.
      Come back and visit again!

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