What’s Your Word Of The Year?

At one point I used to write a list of at least 10 resolutions, and then disappoint myself by failing each one. Then I got into vision boards and spent time at the end of each year gathering and then cutting up my magazines to create a master plan for my year. Over time my habits of annual planning have changed, rearranged and abbreviated to a more achievable and realistic approach. One word. A Word of the Year to be an inspiration and a watchword, to propel you forward and help to center you when you get off-kilter. I think I first was inspired by my friend Karen of Chookooloonks (love her and her blog). I’ve also seen inspiring Word of the Year posts on ItsLucrecer and VeePeeJay so far this year.

 

It took me a while to find my Word of the Year, but there are helpful tools available online. Via Carpe Diem with Jasmine, I discovered Christine Kane and her Word of the Year Discovery Tool, a downloadable booklet that includes helpful prompts for intention and clarity.

What helped me find my word? I got still. It helps to get still. In the stillness of your mind, think of your goals and aspirations. Don’t fill your mind with past regrets or disappointments. This is about looking to your future and seeing clearly what you need for the upcoming year. You might want to fill in these blanks:

2017 is my year to find ____________

This year, I want to ____________

What do I want or need for the coming year (single word answers only) ____________________________

What should I do or be this year, to achieve my goals and dreams? ________________________

Somewhere in the midst of those prompts, you are likely to find your word. Or words. Or phrase.

 

So what’s my word for 2017?

My word is PURPOSE.

Via Merriam-Webster:

Purpose is also determination.

 

So in this upcoming year, that’s my watchword, my beacon, the thing I’m working towards, trying to understand, seeking to develop in life and right here on this blog. I’ve been here being Afrobella for 10  years now. This is my 11th. What is my intention, what is my aim, what is my reason for doing this blog and allowing my career to happen? What do I want or need to do intentionally? What am I seeking to attain? What is my why and why am I still doing this, what am I striving towards? What is my purpose?

I’m going to work on figuring all of that out. To that end, I’ve created a reader survey. If you’ve been a reader or are a new reader, if you’re at all familiar with me and what I do, please feel free to fill this thing out and help me give you more of what you’re looking for. I appreciate you all so much! Happy New Year, bellas and fellas!

 

 

What’s your Word of the Year? Share it here with me!