2024 Word of the Year

Each year for the last 18 years I have chosen a word to guide me through decisions and projects in my life.  I like to remind myself each time what I learned from the past year and what this year's word is. Here you will also learn how I chose a word of the year.  

2024 Word of the Year

WORD OF THE YEAR

2006    Family

2007     Organize

2008     Delegate

2009    Happiness

2010    Live Well

2011    Well Being

2012    Present

2013    Write

2014    Authentic

2015    Joy

2016    Make It Happen

2017    Conquer

2018    Kind

2019    Healing

2020    Shop Local

2021     Wonder

2022    Revolution

2023    Celebration

MY 2024 WORD OF THE YEAR IS...

Change!  This year will mark a huge change in my life when I retire from my work of the past 10 years with the University of Missouri.  As I look back on my work, I am happy with what I have accomplished, and it is time for me to set aside and let others take the reins.  I will still be an adjunct professor and blogger, so I will have plenty of work and drive in me.  I will change from a full-time Teacher Development Specialist to a full-time retiree.  My husband and I plan to do more traveling, more grandparenting, taking care of our bodies better, and continued learning, but for other things that we are passionate about. I hope to be an asset to my community. 

HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WORD

1.  Reflection on your past year.   Focus on the positive and ask yourself: What do I want more of in my life in the upcoming year?  Jot down any and all responses, regardless of the answer.

2.  Put yourself in a relaxed state of mind.  Light a candle, sit in a comfy chair, have a light breeze blowing on you, whatever gives you peace of mind.  Contemplate this question:  What words would get me more of what I want more of this year.  Jot down any and all words that pop into your head.  Do this for only 2-3 minutes tops.

3.  Review your list.  Is there a theme?  Do the words taken together give you a word to focus on?  Circle the words that seem to go together.

4.  Look at the words and think about which one you could be committed to.  You will want to write in your planner every month. The word you think of before making a decision.  That's your word of the year!

5. Write your word in your planner.  List 3 things you will do before the end of the week to get your word to have some traction. (For me, I am going to book camping trips, travel dates, and dates to go to Chicago to be with my grandson!)