2018.
A new year.
A clean slate. A calendar flip.
A fresh beginning.
As a general rule, I count my birthday – also in January – as the official beginning of my new year.
But I start thinking, planning, hustling…..even before we celebrate January 1st. I can’t claim to be uber organized….but I AM a dreamer, a planner, a goal-setter.
And this is where that word of the year comes in to play.
Choosing a word not only allows you to frame your everything (hopes, dreams, wishes, plans) for the new year, but it gives you permission to welcome all that word has in store for you. In the past, I’ve had bracelets printed with my word. The first time I did it, I chose a phrase, not a word: Hell Yeah. I will write more about the genesis of this phrase and why it is important to me (it was a light-bulb moment for me after writing my first book) soon. As much as I’ve spoken about it, it baffles me that I’ve never shared it all with you here. Let’s suffice it to say, “If it is not a Hell Yeah, it is a NO”. That year, I learned to prioritize both personally and professionally – and I learned to say no when there wasn’t a good fit.
The next notable word….friends – I have it as a tattoo.
You know why? Because I wanted to embrace the fact that I HAVE ENOUGH and I AM ENOUGH. As a mother, a friend, as an entrepreneur.
You know what? You are enough, too.
For weeks, I ruminated on my word for 2018….running each one I considered over and over in my mind….whispering it to myself to see how it sounded on my tongue…but I just couldn’t find the ‘right word’. Until I did.
It hit me. It knocked me over with its power.
And then I asked YOU. And good heavens, did you ever inspire me with your words and missions for this year.
Unapologetic.
Rise.
Inspire.
Harmony.
Release.
Worthy.
Abundance.
Me.
Soar.
Newness.
Keep fighting.
And so, so, so many more. Each word serves as part of the road map I would like to create for this coming year. I don’t ever want to be the smartest person in the room. I want to continue to learn from, and be inspired by, all of you.
So, thank you.
And with that – I share the word I CHOSE.
I realize it sounds harsh. I get that. But, that it isn’t my intention. For me, it is strong word. And it represents my desire to dominate my health, my schedule, and yes, the work that I do. It isn’t a comparison to anyone else, but rather, my goal to be the very best version of me possible.
That means embracing all of the power of my previous words PLUS Dominate. It feels so good. So strong.
Oh….and I’m dying to know YOUR word.
Thank you, a million times over, for being so much of the motivation that drives me.
My word is forward. I chose that word because it’s the basis of every other word on that list. Because all of those words make forward progress. That’s the key.
I so agree with you and love your word…hoping we all move forward beautifully this year.
I love the word “rise’. You can never fall too low to RISE again. No matter what life throws at you, now matter how hard lief knocks you down….you can always RISE! That’s an awesome word of the year!
That is one of my favorites. It belongs to someone very special to me and I’m confident RISE is just the right word.
I love your last 3 words,strong and direct! My word for 2018 is ‘resolve’, as a verb and as a noun and I am embracing it!
Ahhh – love that you are embracing it as BOTH a noun and verb. It’s perfect. Happy 2018.
I didn’t choose a word this year, I usually do. I’m making goals instead, but I think they go hand and hand. I just needed more than one lol! My birthday is also in January (10th) and I always consider that my new year as well.
Happy belated birthday, January friend. I, too, have made a series of goals and I’m working on them already. xoxo
My word is ABUNDANCE. In the past the words have been GRACE, JOY … and some others I can´t remember. 😀
All are beautiful and I know fit you perfectly. Abundance is SUCH a strong, lovely choice. Happy 2018.
What some great words for the year, I have to admit I had completely forgotten about making up a word of the year – though I guess it is never to late. I like the word enough – I need to try and remember I am enough – I do enough.
So powerful, and I love that you add not dominating over anyone else but over yourself. I wish you all the best this year! And, happy birthday month!
My word is consistent. Staying consistent both professionally and personally. So far I’m off to a good start!
What an inspirational post! I love that you don’t only choose a word, but make it part of you (tattoo, bracelet, etc). My word this year is ME. I have been putting other first too long and it had taken its toll on me. I don’t mean it to sound selfish, but I will stop and think about every decision and see how it affects ME first. No more killing myself for others because that doesn’t help my family.
I love your word! It’s powerful and shows strength. My word for 2018 is fearless. I’ve always found myself not doing certain things out of fear. I’ve missed out on so much and that ended as of Jan. 1st. When I want to do something or try something, I’m going to do it, no matter how scared I might be. I know that I will be happy I pushed through it and I’ll be able to experience so much more.
I love your word! My word is balance. As a busy Mom I must balance it all and do it with grace and poise. I hope I am able to keep it balanced in 2018.
I’ll have to think of my word!
I love your choices. So nice to start the new year with some great words to live by. Good motivation!
I love this! I love that list of ones that people sent in and the water colours are beautiful.
I’m not sure what my word even is yet. I think it would have to be MINDFUL but I’m still mulling it over. It’s been an eventful couple of weeks in our house, without much time for positive reflection just yet
Dominate is a great one! I chose the word “New” this year for mine. Dominate seems much more powerful though.
I love your words, sooo strong and powerful! My word for 2018 is abundance, to attract more in the new year!
I LOVE your word of the year! I also love your past words! I love every word of the year of other’s that you listed! I also love mine – Courage. Each of us have our reason. I know my word of the year “hit me” the way yours did you. Now you go and DOMINATE!!
I love the word dominate! This year, my word is focus. Focusing mainly on family and health.
My word is “reinvigorate” because 2017 just burned me out and it is time for a restart. Looking forward to approaching this year with some new energy and fresh approach to looking at things.
Dominate is a good one. It kind of sums up a few words; purpose, and control.
I just love your word of the year! It’s so powerful and I think I’m going to incorporate it in my inspiring words this year!
I didn’t really pick a word of the year, but I knew my focus for 2018 was going to be to take better care of myself. I figured I was out of time or money to do things for myself. Funnily enough, I had plenty of excuses for why I couldn’t work on self-care. But this year is going to be different.
My word is acceptance. Accepting who I am and not trying to always compare
I CAN ~~ that is a 2-word but means so much. Whatever life may bring me, it will never mock me down. I always believe that I CAN!
I love the words you chose. My word last year was FOCUS. I haven’t chosen one for this year yet though.