Your Words Matter: Choosing a Word of the Year

Our words carry incredible power. They can make someone smile, laugh, cry, or even respond in anger. In this chaotic world, where emotions run high and tensions flare, our words matter more than ever. They can bring us together, hold us accountable, and inspire us to stand up for what's right, or speak out when something isn't.

Words can also have a huge impact on our goals and dreams.

For years, business coaches and friends have encouraged me to choose a "word of the year." Instead of a typical New Year's resolution, it's a single word to focus on, something that brings clarity and helps you move closer to your goals.

But honestly, I've resisted. The uncertainty of the past few years, combined with the unexpected lessons these words seem to bring, made me hesitant.

In 2020, my word was "inspire." And, well… we all know how that year went. That year did inspire us to move to the beach, and we DID, but it was also an incredibly difficult time.

Looking back, I realize I was too focused on the outcome of the word instead of asking myself, How can this word help me grow in small, everyday steps?

One year, my word was intent. Not "intentional," which is also a wonderful word (and one I've painted often as a Word of the Year sign). But intent, as a noun, means purpose.

Honestly, I wasn't even a fan of this word at first, but I kept coming back to it!

Shop the Custom Small Word Sign

What is the purpose behind my words? My actions? Especially as a mom and a wife.

What is the intent behind what I am about to say or do?

The years of running this business have been a whirlwind, full of big life changes, deep losses, and incredible growth. I've lost family and friends, but I've also built deeper connections with my husband and kids. My relationship with God has grown in ways I never expected, and my heart for the hurting and underprivileged has expanded.

At the same time, I've learned to let go of the small, unimportant things. Life has taught me to focus on what's truly important: my family and the impact we leave on the world.

When I'm living with intent, I filter everything through a few simple questions:

• Do I need to spend time at the beach today for my mental health?
• Should I set aside the paintbrush or computer to snuggle my kids?
• Will my response to someone who disagrees with me help us both, or only cause harm?

I want to approach life with intent: how I spend my time, by setting boundaries, carefully guarding my words, and prioritizing the mental health of myself and my family.

As for my business, my intent is simple: I want my words and art to bring peace, light, and joy into your life.

There's so much negativity in the world. I want Anchored Soul Designs to be a safe, uplifting space for you.

What Is a Word of the Year and How Do You Choose One?

The word of the year practice is simple: instead of a list of resolutions you'll abandon by February, you choose one single word to guide your focus, decisions, and energy for the entire year. It's a lens, not a to-do list.

Good words of the year tend to be ones that feel a little uncomfortable, the ones you keep coming back to even when you try to pick something else. They're often verbs or nouns that describe how you want to be rather than what you want to do. Words like:

• Intentional — being deliberate about how you spend your time and energy
• Rest — giving yourself permission to slow down
• Brave — saying yes to the things that scare you
• Enough — releasing the pressure to do and be more
• Grow — leaning into discomfort and change
• Present — putting down the phone and showing up fully
• Joy — choosing it, even on hard days
• Peace — protecting your inner calm
• Blessing — shifting your focus to gratitude
• Steadfast — staying grounded and unmoved when life gets hard

Once you have your word, the key is keeping it visible. Write it on a sticky note. Set it as your phone wallpaper. Or, my personal favorite, put it on a handmade sign where you'll see it every single day.

Custom Word of the Year Signs

Every year I paint custom word of the year signs for customers all over the country, and it's one of my favorite things to make. There's something really meaningful about someone choosing a word that matters deeply to them and then having it hand-painted on real wood to live in their home all year.

Our custom signs are hand-painted right here on Amelia Island and come in 15 colors so you can match your space perfectly. You choose your word, your color, and your size, and I'll paint it for you.

Shop Custom Word of the Year Signs

Let me know in the comments what your word of the year is! I'd love to hear it.