Happy New Year - Word for the Year
- Arlene Laskey
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
As a shiny brand new year begins, I like to think of my 'Word for the Year' and how that can guide me through the months to come.
I have talked about this before - about a year ago, to be precise. My word for the year 2025 was Stretch! Specifically, to stretch my body, mind, and my comfort zone. I certainly did stretch my comfort zone - stretching into becoming an author, a Camino Hospitalera, a pilgrim on the Camino de Invierno, and more!
My mind was also well stretched as I learned not just about writing a book, but editing, publishing, and launching it into the world. I continue to learn every day.
I had also intended to do more physical stretching (to improve flexibility) but that didn't happen, lol. I did stay physically active, but stretching my muscles was not high on my list of activities.
The idea of a Word for the Year
I have recently received at least three emails about choosing a 'Word for the Year.'
Simone Talarico Ross calls it a powerful tool to help her reach her goals. The word helps her to focus her energy and plan what she wants of the next year.
Stephanie Staples writes that her Word for the Year travels with her every single day at the very top of her calendar. Seeing it daily helps her to notice it, act on it, appreciate it, and reflect on it in countless ways.
Debra Kasowski chooses a word or phrase each year—not as a rule or a resolution, but as a compass. As she writes, a word has energy, holds intention, and can provide a focus when life throws distractions at you.
Among my Camino friends we were discussing our Words for the Year. Several of us had chosen one. One friend decided she wasn't finished with her Word for Last Year yet.
I think that shows that she is really resonating with her word. After all, January 1 is just a day. It may trigger some of this kind of thinking, but it doesn't mean you need to make all your changes on that one date.
My Word for the Year
Are you wondering what word (or phrase) I have chosen this year? My Word is...
Create
I chose that word, not because I am now an author and therefore must be creative; but because I am a human being, and my thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and actions create my reality!
Choosing Create as my word is a reminder to consciously create (as opposed to creating by chance), to create while staying in harmony with my purpose in life.
A quick google search brought up these results:
The root of create comes from the Latin word 𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘦, which means 'to bring forth, produce, or cause to exist.'
The meaning of create: to make or bring into existence something new, to cause something to happen as a result of one's actions.
Synonyms of create: build, conceive, construct, design, devise, discover, establish, forge, form, generate, initiate, invent, make, organize, plan, produce, set up, shape, start. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-e&q=create+definition
Some things I plan to create in 2026
Some personal photo books
Special moments and memories with family and friends
Improvement in my Spanish language studies
Another published work, in another installment of Wanderlust Chronicles
A book study for Quest for the Enlightened Pilgrim
A book about Diego, the Camino Donkey
Health, wealth, harmony at home and work
Choosing a Word for the Year can give clarity and direction. I believe that my word can help me to focus on that conscious creating, reminding me that I am in charge of my reality!
If you have a Word for the Year, share below or send me an email - I would love to hear it!
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