Every year when I open up my fresh new planner or journal for the year, the first thing I do to inaugurate it is write my word or words of the year across the front page, along with other words, phrases, and quotes that are currently inspiring me. This word or phrase is my “theme” for the year and what I reflect back on when I’m unsure of what direction to go in. There have been years that I skipped new year’s resolutions and just did a word of the year. It’s a low pressure way to give direction and vision to the year ahead.
This year, I’m getting Bassam to do it with me too and he thought of his word immediately without even having to think about it. I saw mine somewhere a few weeks back and I instantly thought, that needs to my word of the year! We thought we’d share them with you, along with a few tips on selecting a word of the year, and a few examples for inspo.
Our Word of the Year – 2019
Lena’s Word of the Year
Whimsical Visionary
I came across this phrase a few weeks ago and I couldn’t stop saying it. Whimsical visionary. Whimsical visionary. WHIMSICAL VISIONARY. That’s when I knew it had to be my word/phrase of the year. It’s a bit different than the types of words I usually choose, but it completely describes the way I want my year to feel.
Fun
Playful
Imaginative
Lighthearted
Curious
Yet always seeing the big picture and moving forward with grand dreams and ideas.
I’m an idea girl. A dreamer. That’s the zone of being where my heart is happy. Sometimes I get get so bogged down on the details and the logistical stuff that needs to happen, especially as I try to create a business in a field that’s so foreign to me. I don’t want to spend time being frustrated by the tech stuff this year. I don’t want to get caught up in the minutia of frustrating things that happen or even the big things.
Whether it’s the blog, my job, or my personal life, I want to remember that I can create it in any way I want. I tell the story, I create the vision, I am the visionary.
One that is playful, fun, and whimsical.
Whimsical visionary.
Balance
This one has actually been my word of the year multiple times, but it’s still something I struggle with. It’s too boring for me to have as my only word, but it is a concept I need to remind myself of often.
Balance of not going all in.
Balance of not being all or nothing.
Balance of putting the freaking laptop away and having a conversation with an actual human.
Balance of reading a book even if I have a mile long to do list.
Balance of eating one cookie and not the whole box.
B A L A N C E.
It’s a tricky one for me. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Bassam’s Word of the Year
Transformation
When I asked Bassam what his word of the year was he instantly said “transformation”. He said he was really unhappy with how his past year was. He felt he was unproductive, disconnected, and a bit lost. The end of the year started to bring some change and clarity, as well as a few small wins. He feels he has a direction and a focus to look forward to and is excited for his vision for next year. He feels the year is going to be transformative in all aspects: his career, our relationship, his health, his other relationships, and the blog. It’s the most excited I’ve seen him in a long time!
How to Choose a word of the year:
1. Pay attention to the words you hear/read throughout the day and notice if anything jumps out at you
2. Free write for 10 minutes and see if there’s a word that’s repeated frequently
3. Close your eyes and imagine how you want the year to FEEL
4. Go through a dictionary and scan the words until you see one that inspires you or makes you feel something
5. Brain dump and brainstorm by drawing, listing out tons of words, writing whatever comes to mind
6. What do you want more of?
PS. You’re not stuck! Feel free to change your mind throughout the year! You can even do a word of the month!
Word of the Year Inspo:
Spaciousness
Trust
Thrilling
Determination
Mindful
Enough
No 😉
Wonder
Possibility
Leisure
Connection
Hustle
Serenity
Whimsy
Courage
Playful
Surprising
Risk taking
Curiosity
Adventure
Charming
What’s your word of the year? We’d love to know!
Wishing you a whimsical, balanced, transformative year ahead!
xo, Lena & Bassam
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