Word Of the Year

It’s right about this time of year that you begin to hear the familiar conversation around New Year’s Resolutions. But you’re probably also hearing chatter about a word of the year.  

How can one word make any difference in a world full of bullet journaling, goal setting, and reinventing yourself? So what can one word do?

I know firsthand how one word can bring clarity, calm emotions, and even help decision-making. So travel back with me to 2017. It was not so long ago, but it was the first time I had a word to focus on. 

It was 2017, and I was living life in the exact rhythm I had done time and time again. Little did I know that the five-letter word placed upon my heart would carry me through 2018 and even today. 

It felt like, out of nowhere, my family, friends, and I were facing battles we had never encountered before. People called me and needed something much more than I could give them. There was depression, anxiety, sickness, and so much more. It seemed as if every day was filled with another plot twist, either at home or work, yet I felt prepared for it all. 

Peace.

One word. One easy, straightforward, no-frills word became top of mind as my life unfolded. One word that is still top of mind nearly five years later. That one word calmed emotions on the hardest of days. That one word clarified God’s teaching when confusion tried to set in. That one word brought me to courageous decisions.

Peace.

That one word led me to Bible stories of peace. And soon, that one word led me to the scripture I clung to. 

Philippians 4:7 “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

It’s my simple daily reminder, a reminder with meaning and power. I may have been concerned about the situation when something came up, but I was NOT worried. I knew God had it all under control. I had a feeling of complete and utter peace about it. 

You might wonder, “What does the word of the year matter? It’s not insignificant.” but friend, I want to tell you that the words we use matter. They create a mindset that influences our engagement, productivity, and how we look at everyday moments.

One word can make all the difference. It’s encouragement, your charge, your mission, and your comfort all rolled into one. Your word. 

Most of us need life to be simpler and different.

So, take a break from putting away Christmas, cleaning the house, and returning gifts that didn’t fit. Instead, grab your favorite mug, fill it with coffee, tea, or maybe hot chocolate, and find your word. One word can bring clarity, calm emotions, and even help decision-making in 2024.