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Writer's pictureJoanna Pudil, LCSW-R

What's Your One Word for the New Year?

I think it’s widely known that I’m not a fan of new years resolutions. I haven’t made any for years, maybe even decades. It’s been so long since I’ve done it that I can’t even remember when I last did it. I find that I would make them, lose sight of them, and stop altogether. I know I’m not alone in this.


However, I heard of a new trend that was then also highlighted in the Harry and Megan documentary. Come to find out it’s been a thing for years. I guess I was late to the game, but I’m here now. What is this new trend you ask? It’s a word. Yep, instead of deciding on new year's resolutions, you decided on a word that will represent what you will do for that year.


I have a friend that has chosen “listen” as his word. He’s going to try to listen more to others instead of focusing on what he has to say to others. Another friend chose “friendship”. She is going to work on building and strengthening her friendships. Megan Markel goes on in her documentary to say that the first year she did this her word was “justice.” She focused her year on working with her lawyers to win a defamation suit against the British tabloids. Megan then went on to pick “peace” as her word for the next year. She focused on getting peace for herself and her family.

I really like focusing on a word versus many to-do things. I’ve been contemplating what my word will be this year. I initially thought of the word “health." I have a history of forgetting to make doctor's appointments. I need to work out more and should also watch what I’m eating. However, I am on top of most of my doctor check-ups and mindful of eating and exercise. Then I thought I like the word “listen.” However, I do that for a living. So, I think I have decided my word is “joy” I will be mindful to engage in things that bring me joy, which can look like taking time to laugh, going on a bike ride, reading, baking, and so many other ways.

What will be your new year’s word?



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