Do You Have A Word Of The Year Yet?

Why having a word of the year could transform 2025 for you!

This voiceover is an audio version of my Slow Sunday Letter below. It is unedited, so may have some stutters, imperfections, and background noise. I hope you enjoy listening to it anyway!

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Welcome back to another Slow Sunday Letter! I hope you have had a slow and gentle week.

For the last few years I have steered away from traditional resolutions and goal setting, and instead, chosen a word of the year. The word becomes my anchor, and companion, as it gently guides me through the twelve months of the year. This ritual has become a really important part of closing a year, as I reflect, and welcoming a new year and allowing a new word to find me.

I have found having a single word to focus on throughout the year has really helped me figure out my goals, and how I can reach them in a way that really aligns with my values, and what my mind, body and soul needs. When I feel lost, or need a reminder my word is there to bring my focus back to what is important to me.

I have gained so much from choosing a word of the year, and in this month’s A Writer’s life, I really wanted to share my ritual with you and help you choose your word (if you haven’t already!).

So, grab a cuppa, get cosy and let’s choose a word of the year together …

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The Right Word For You

Your word of the year will provide direction and clarity and will act like a personal compass. It will give you a clear sense of purpose. Your word of the year simplifies goal setting, and provides you with an anchor to rely on. As life evolves, your word adapts with you - it is a gentle guidance rather than rigid resolutions. Your word can move, and grow and change with you through the year.

Choosing a word of the year encourages you to be mindful and reflect. Your word will be with you through 12 months, and you will create a relationship together, it will become a source of inspiration and motivation.

There is no hurry to choose your word- sometimes it will come to you early, sometimes late. It may be a slow considered choice or a quick decision.

Look at the list below, and pay attention to the words that pull your attention - zero in on 3-5 words and let the words sit with you for a time. Soon you will find the word that resonates with you right now, and may help you achieve all you would like to within the coming months. Try and let your word come to you naturally, open yourself up to signs, and try to notice where your attention is being directed.

This is not an exhaustive list but there are enough words that should help you move into the direction of what is resonating with you.

As you complete the narrowing down process, you can search out synonyms of the final word and see if it resonates with you even more.

Once you have your word of the year, use the vision board below to zero in on the influence you hope it will have in each area of your life. Be expansive with your thinking. See how your word may relate to these areas. This exercise is a great way to reflect, and spot any reoccurring patterns or desires your word of the year may provide guidance on.

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My Word of the Year - Uplifted

I want to feel uplifted - I want to soar freely, and know that anything is possible.

🪁 UPLIFTED - adj

take heart, to become uplifted

encouraged, an improved mood or spirit

raised or elevated

🪁 My word of the year 2025 is UPLIFTED.

I wanted to choose a word that would fill me with confidence and possibility, but also inspire me. This year I want to allow myself the freedom to soar, to believe in my abilities and to find the confidence to reach new heights. Every time I think of UPLIFTED, I see kites flying in the sky and I want to feel uplifted, and help others feel uplifted too.

My focus over the last few years has been solidly on healing and self-discovery. I have moved through some really difficult times, as well as learning how to manage my anxiety. Last year, I chose the word DREAM and allowed myself to recapture the magic of dreaming and believing in my dreams again. Through embracing slow and gentle living as a guiding philosophy, I have created a life that feels authentic to me. I finally have that precious peace and calm in my soul that I really craved. Last year, I gave myself permission to dream, and this year I want to feel UPLIFTED, and encouraged as I move through the year.

Once I have chosen my word of the year, I write it everywhere, in journals, diaries, notice boards. I make it as visible as possible, and it is really important to do this. It will help you connect with your word, and allow it to work its magic and influence on you.

I like to wear a word bracelet, it has become a little tradition after I have chosen my word. I order mine from Rachel at That Wild Feeling (link below). Every day when I get ready and slip my bracelet on, I spend a few mindful moments checking in with my word, and reminding myself of my intentions. I really love it and it's gentle guidance.

Word of the Year bracelet - handmade by That Wild Feeling

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Self-Guided Journals

1. Selina Barker
   - Goodbye 2024, Hello 2025

The Goodbye 2024, Hello 2025 journal is here! 🥳 THIS is your guide to designing a life you love in 2025...and beyond!

2. Susannah Conway
   - Unravel Your Year & Word of the Year Journals

Get your FREE journals by Susannah here...

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Slow & Steady - My NEW Paid Membership!

Would you like company through a slow and steady year? Then join my new membership!

A cosy and gentle space to gather together, learn from and inspire one another. Go deeper into Slow & Gentle Living and what it can mean for you.

Slow & Steady will offer 12 exclusive letters for members moving through each month of 2025. The membership is an extension of my free offerings, a deeper and more personal dive into slow and gentle living, creative work and my own life and experiences.

I do hope you will consider joining Slow & Steady - for £3.50 a month (or £35 a year), you will get an exclusive monthly letter, access to our members only journal chat space and a personal welcome letter from me to you!

I would be over the moon to welcome you. To read more about what my new membership includes read my launch post below!

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I really hope this week’s Slow Sunday Letter helps you find your word of the year, or gets you thinking about what it could be. It is a small practice, but one that can really help shape your year and intentions. If you are curious, give it a go?

Your word will keep you aligned and consistent, it will allow your intentions to become part of a daily practice. A simple act that helps cut through the noise, and helps us centre our energy on a single theme, that has the power to influence all aspects of your life… if you let it!

I would really love to know your thoughts and if you have chosen a word of the year yet - if you feel able, please do share in the comments.

Thank you for being here,

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My Teemill Clothing Store!

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