Every January, we like to gather as a croux and plan for the year ahead. It serves as a holiday celebration and a strategy session. We look forward to it every year.
Over the last few years, we’ve also begun incorporating a “word of the year” practice, where we each choose a word that we will focus on throughout the year.
It’s proven to be an impactful practice, and if this resonates with you, we encourage you to take some time to choose your own word for 2024. It’s not too late!
My word for 2024 is "empathy" because so much of what we do internally and externally relies on understanding things from another's perspective. This helps us be better teammates and leaders as well as craft better communications and marketing for ourselves and our clients.
I decided to carry my word, “intentional,” over from last year. I felt like I made some strides with it, but I am not quite finished yet. I set new goals for myself personally, spiritually and professionally this year. The goal with my word is to set a course, so I am not just drifting wherever life takes me, but making a plan to be a better wife, mother, colleague and friend.
Instead of one word, I am claiming a phrase this year — “Let it be.” Rather than attempting to control situations, other people's actions or outcomes, I am committed to letting them play out knowing that, ultimately, God is in control; not me.
My word for the year is “grounded.” After a busy last year with two littles, I lost track of some of the habits that help me thrive and feel grounded in everyday life. Choosing this word will help keep me accountable to taking my vitamins, making time for devotionals and doing the things that feed into my soul and well-being. It's the little things that recenter ourselves so we can be fully present for others.
Have you chosen a word of the year? We’d love it if you shared it below!