It wasn't a word I had to search for. It came to me as naturally as a breeze through tall grass—gentle, untamed, and full of life. I’ve always been inspired by wildflowers—their resilience, their quiet beauty, the way they bloom without permission in the most unexpected places. They don’t ask for perfect conditions. They grow anyway.
And that’s exactly how I want my creativity to feel: organic, expressive, imperfect, and free.
Why Choose a Word of the Year?
The Word of the Year is more than a resolution or goal. It’s a theme, a whisper, a touchstone. It reminds you of who you want to be and how you want to show up in the world.
It’s also a grounding force—especially in a creative life, where it's so easy to get swept up in comparison, perfectionism, or burnout. A single word can gently pull you back to what matters most.
When I chose Wildflower, I wasn’t just choosing a word—I was setting the tone for how I wanted to live, create, and connect. Wildflower meant:
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Being rooted in authenticity
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Letting myself grow in unexpected directions
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Trusting that beauty can come from spontaneity
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Honoring nature and all its quiet wisdom
From Word to Practice
After choosing Wildflower, I didn’t immediately sit down to write a plan or a list of goals. Instead, I let it settle in. I observed how the word showed up in my day-to-day:
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I noticed wildflowers sprouting along sidewalks and trails.
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I painted them, studied them, made little sketches in the margins of notebooks.
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I asked myself: What would it mean to be more like a wildflower in my creative life?
That’s when I realized the word wasn’t just influencing what I made—it was shaping why I made things. It was guiding me toward a deeper, truer intention. And that’s when the idea of writing a creative manifesto began to bloom.
Writing a Creative Manifesto
A manifesto might sound lofty, but it’s really just a personal declaration of what matters to you creatively. It’s a way to claim your space, your voice, and your vision. For me, it was the natural next step after choosing Wildflower as my guiding word.
Here’s the manifesto I wrote:
"I create to preserve the essence of nature in my own freeform style.
I embrace my authenticity, honor my mistakes as lessons, and create for personal fulfillment.
With whimsy and spontaneity as my guides, I let inspiration flow freely.
I share with those closest to me, growing and evolving as I continue to learn."
It came together like petals—softly layered, unfolding with clarity and care. Every sentence reflects what Wildflower means to me in action, in art, in life.
How to Choose Your Own Word of the Year
If you're curious about finding your own word, here are a few gentle ways to start:
1. Reflect on What You Crave
What do you wish for more of in your life? Peace? Boldness? Curiosity? Maybe something playful or grounding? Often, your word is hiding in your longing.
2. Look Back Before You Look Forward
What worked for you last year—and what didn’t? What moments felt most alive, and which ones felt off-track?
3. Let It Come to You
Don’t force it. Sit with a few ideas. Say them out loud. Journal with them. The right word often feels right before it logically makes sense.
4. Trust the Whispers
Sometimes the word finds you. A quote, a dream, a song lyric, or even a wildflower can drop it right into your lap.
Bridging the Word to a Manifesto
Once you have your word, try asking:
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What does this word mean to me creatively?
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How do I want to feel when I create?
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What values or practices align with this word?
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What do I want to let go of in order to grow?
Then, begin writing a few sentences that express those ideas. Don’t worry about structure—just let your thoughts bloom. Your manifesto can be poetic, practical, or playful. It’s yours.
Word of the Year Journal Prompt Page
Word of the Year Journal Cover Page
Letting It All Bloom
Since choosing Wildflower and writing my manifesto, I’ve noticed a shift. I create with more freedom. I welcome mess and magic alike. I don’t overthink or overedit—I just begin.
It’s helped me design short-term creative goals that nourish the process, like weekly nature walks, spontaneous “free paint” sessions, and gentle sharing with loved ones. It’s also helped me dream bigger about long-term intentions—like building a collection, creating rituals, and gathering others to create together.
But most of all, it’s helped me enjoy the journey more. To stop measuring and start marveling. Just like a wildflower.
An Invitation to You
If you've never chosen a Word of the Year before, I invite you to try. Let it be the seed that shapes your creative path. Let it be something soft and strong, just like you.
And if you’re ready, consider turning that word into your own creative manifesto. Don’t wait for perfect conditions. You’re allowed to bloom right where you are.
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