GenX kids–as well as kids from other fine decades!–might remember the game, Red Rover. Everyone would hold hands in a straight line and face another group of wildlings holding hands in a straight line. When a kid was called over, you'd brace yourself and hope for the best. (Or at least not the worst.)
We played this game in the great outdoors on a place we called a PLAYGROUND. The playground wasn't a fancy, custom safe zone with soft edges and fluffy surfaces. Mostly, it was a patchy field/cracked asphalt blend with a few metal contraptions for untrained acrobats. It was fun!
2024 is coming over like lightning, sprinting toward us like that one fast kid who could really play a strong game of Red Rover. It may feel exciting for some of us. And daunting for the rest of us. A new year can bring about many feelings and emotions: anticipation, hope, renewal, relief, joy, sadness, and reflection. Whatever you may be pondering, you can get ready for 2024 with your own Word of the Year.
What do you hope for in 2024?
If you need a fresh start for the new year and have no qualms about saying "buh-bye" to 2023, here are some ideas for your Word of 2024.
If you're wanting change or a new purpose:
Possibility
Refresh
Empowered
Openness
Perspective
Transform
Seek
Learn
Explore
Shift
Modify
Refocus
Simplify
Promise
Reset
Progress
Faith
Serendipity
Triumph
Powerful
Strong
Launch
If you're needing rest, peace, and less complexity:
Pause
Breathe
Slow
Streamline
Sleep
Honor
Reflect
Meditate
Pray
Calm
Rejuvenate
Lounge
Relax
Pamper
Shed
Unfetter
Unburden
Boundaries
Indulge
Humor
Health
Ease
Blessings
Comfort
Tranquility
If I chose "tranquility" for my Word of the Year, it might take me to the ocean, where I find so much peace. And that could mean a literal trip or a trip down memory lane where I make an album of my photos. It's all about being creative and feeding your soul!
If you have a big goal you want to complete:
Accomplish
Focus
Prioritize
Achievement
Strive
Engage
Believe
Inspire
Confidence
Try
Persevere
Persistence
Desire
Trust
Succeed
Continue
Passion
Grasp
Wisdom
Prosperity
Endure
Organize
Destiny
Consistency
Prepare
Reach
Fortune
Brave
If you'd like to strengthen your relationships:
Listen
Empathize
Care
Respect
Admire
Gentleness
Thoughtfulness
Kindness
Forgiveness
Devotion
Generosity
Presence
Mindfulness
Communication
Share
Express
Adventure
Memories
Enjoy
Notice
Connection
Gratitude
Thankfulness
Contentment
Volunteer
Family
Friends
Love
Cherish
Treasure
Appreciate
Encourage
Savor
If I were to pick "savor" for my Word of the Year, I might think of enjoying the tiniest details of beauty that I come across each day. I might get lost in the moment or stop being distracted and really appreciate the faces I love so much. (This is the Hallmark writer in me!)
If you want to learn a new skill or rekindle an old hobby or talent:
Discover
Dream
Travel
Delight
Recharge
Play
Tinker
Experiment
Beauty
Marvel
Create
Imagine
Grow
Reconnect
Redefine
Plant
Artistry
Envision
Revisit
Nostalgia
Joy
Happiness
Wonder
Magic
Nurture
Courage
Sparkle
Glow
Unique
Original
Inimitable
Enrichment
If your goal is to be more altruistic or be there for others:
Compassion
Goodness
Helpful
Understand
Uplift
Optimism
Positivity
Advocate
Champion
Change
Meaning
Dedication
Voice
Roar
Contribute
Lead
Serve
Pioneer
If I pick "pioneer" for my Word of the Year, I might think of creating a project that benefits an organization I'm passionate about. And this is something I'm actually doing! Stay tuned for more news on that front and in the meantime, check out this-is-houston.org! Here, I'm featured with my pal, Bear. He has an incredible story. Because he's an incredible boy. Also, no one asked me to say this. I just adore Bear.
These words are, of course, suggestions to get started. You may need something even more specific. For instance, your goal may be to try a bunch of new French fry recipes, so possibly, your word could be FRIES. (Note: I'm not condoning any unhealthy diets, per se. That's up to you, friend!) Or perhaps you like to keep things pretty vague, so maybe you come up with something like BLUE-SKY. That's actually two words, but adding a hyphen technically makes it one, so feel free to use your own brand of trickery!
Is there a deadline to pick a Word of the Year?
Goodness, no! Take your time! Think about what you really want and really need. You can make a list of your goals and then see if there's a word that perfectly summarizes your journey.
What if you can't decide on one word?
There is no rule that you have to pick one word. Pick two! Or five! Or write an entire sentence. Your Word(s) of the Year is about creating the kind of life you aspire to in the next 12 months. And if you pick one and your goals change, your word can change, too! It's flexible! Flexible: also a great word for Word of the Year!*
What if my nemesis picks my word, too?
Tell them to go right ahead! The same word can be interpreted in a variety of ways. Because your story is different from your nemesis'! For instance, say you both pick MOTIVATE. You might be motivated to read more, start a band, and learn to cook. (Okay, you're not super busy or anything!) And they might need motivation to study more, organize their junk drawer, and pull the laundry out of the washer before it molds. (See how you guys are already thinking about it differently?!)
What if I become an overnight success and don't need my Word of the Year anymore?
Then, how fabulous! I applaud you! You have made your Word of the Year work for you. This is very good news, dearie.
*
What will be your Word of the Year? Please let me know in the comments!
And Red Rover, Red Rover, send that brand new year over! We're ready for ya.
Wishing you a healthy and peaceful 2024.
*Story Time: When I was in the 4th grade, I lost the spelling bee to "flexible." Afterwards, feeling sorry for their little spelling ingénue, my parents took me to Walmart and bought me a California Sun Barbie. Maybe I should've misspelled more stuff and gotten a Ken, too!
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