Shout Out Your Word and Create Your Year Starting Right Now... - Christine Kane

Last year, I overheard a radio talk show. The hosts were discussing the most common New Year’s Resolutions and the average success rates of each one.

The Top Five were: Get Organized, Be More Spiritual, Lose Weight, Quit Smoking, and Spend More time with Family.

I don’t know about you, but this kind of To-Do List approach to life transformation does little to inspire me. And it doesn’t surprise me that the success rates were low.

Why Resolutions Don’t Work

The reason most resolutions don’t work is that they address only one level of your life.

The DO level.

It’s the DO-HAVE-BE model. It goes like this:

“I will DO this thing.” (i.e., Lose weight) “So I can HAVE this other thing” (Self-Esteem) and I can BE this thing. (Confident.)

Starting right now, however, we’re gonna turn that around. We’re going to start at a deeper level:

The “BE” level.

The best order for creating positive change in your life is the BE-DO-HAVE model. This means you start from the BE level. When you begin changing on the BE level of your life, then the DO level and the HAVE level follow effortlessly.

When you start only on the DO level, then the blocks on the BE level will often become the obstacles you can’t overcome.

A Better New Year’s Ritual

Several years ago, my friend Kathy and I decided that, instead of making resolutions, we would pick a word that would guide us throughout the year. It would be our touchstone.  It would remind us of living our lives at the BE level.

This didn’t mean that we didn’t take action. It meant that our actions were inspired from the BE level. In fact, I took more action than ever with this new approach!

For two years, I’ve blogged about this inspiring way to begin the year.  Now, I regularly hear from people who have created big changes in their lives because they focused on one word. To read some of these stories, check out all the guest blog posts from December. Start here.

How to Create Your Year in Five Easy Steps

1 – Look through the list below.

2 – Get quiet and listen to your Wise Self.  (Resist the temptation to choose multiple words. This just splatters your attention.)

3 – Pick a word.

4 – Then shout it out in the comments below so it gets firmly planted in the universe!

5 – Hold that word in your mind throughout the year, and let your word guide you to take action.

Compassion
Delight
Generosity
Effortlessness
Wealth
Gratitude
Abundance
Creativity
Willingness
Change
Growth
Freedom
Mastery
Kindness
Health
Presence
Acceptance
Courage
Confidence
Self-Love
Action
Forgiveness
Forgive
Release
Trust
Knowing
Patience
Friendship
Fun
Grace
Laughter
Love
Expansion
Exploration
Adventure
Openness
Discipline
Awe
Awareness
Risk
Gentleness
Choice
Spirit
Prayerfulness
Power
Allow
Artfulness
Attention
Beauty
Joy
Focus
Ritual
Heal
Order
Clarity
Pioneer
Peace
Laziness
No
Yes
Deliberateness
Commitment
Savor
Integrity
Listen

286 COMMENTS ADD A COMMENT
  • Life with Six Kids

    I’ve decided to do this for the first time this year and my word is Believe. I need to believe in myself, my children, my blog, my business.

  • Sarah

    Release

    Time to let go

  • T Godfery

    Abundance in all aspects of my life. 🙂

  • AlisonF

    Love this. Last year was Joy! This year is Peace.

  • Fiona

    FOCUS!!!

    That’s the word that’s been in my spirit and I was so happy to see it on your list. Kind of like having a ‘friend’ agree and affirm that with me.

    Every Blessing for 2012!

  • nika

    FORWARD!

  • Tina

    FOCUS!

  • Rich

    FREEDOM!

  • kompal

    CHANGE > FREEDOM > ACTION

  • Dana

    Gentleness.

  • Alouise

    Initiative.

  • shinyyoga

    ACCEPTANCE x

  • Andrea

    “WELL-BEING”

    For months I was set on selecting “health” as my 2010 Word, because to me, health is fundamental to quality of life. This morning, I saw something, I cried, and realized I must go one step further. That is when I decided on well-being. Defined as: ‘the state of being happy, healthy or prosperous’ I redefined the word to: ‘the state of being happy, healthy AND prosperous’

    And with this definitive step taken … my head is swirling and off I go on a new and exciting adventure with my “one word” …………

  • jamie

    HEAL.

  • FloVaz

    Courage.

  • Ivy

    ABUNDANCE!!!

  • Mindful Mimi

    Christine,
    My word for 2009 was serenity. And although I am still struggling sometimes with the concept in day to day situation (I am a seven after all and need action around me), I have managed to find serenity in my overall vision of life.
    And I already have my word for 2010. It will be CREATE. After reaching the serenity state of knowing what I want, I will now go and get it. Create as in being creative (painting, taking photos, etc) or as in being creative (setting up my own business, creating the workshop concept so I can sell it, creating the charity etc).
    I think I will have to use this word for two years though 🙂
    M

  • Gail Rhyno

    ‘Allow’.

  • Nev

    FREE!

    Personally I want to feel the freedom of movement. I want to learn to bike, ice-skate and play badminton. I want to feel confident doing those sports and have the freedom of movement required to do them.

    Professionally I want to feel the freedom which comes after a job well-done or during a structured creative/working process. When I break things into small steps and achieve little bits and pieces every day I feel free to move on to other parts of my life and enjoy my free time. I want to be free from procrastination and from feeling stuck. I want to enjoy the free time, which comes after doing what I need to do.

  • Amanda

    RELEASE!

  • Jodi

    CREATIVITY

    Be more creative with my crafts

  • Janine

    I found this post from Marsha’s blog (http://mfisteach.blogspot.com/). It was the first time I had visited her blog and she wrote about this and used the word, “Revival”. That word resonated deep within me. My husband died suddenly a year ago and I really need a revival this year.
    But then I decided to go to your post and look over the list (I didn’t want to “steal” Marsha’s!). As I looked at the list, over and and over, trying to find a word that would speak to me, it occurred to me that “my” word wasn’t there ….. in that list. It was all over your post and all over the comments and it finally jumped out at me.

    CHOOSE

    This year I want to choose many things, especially because this past year has been full of so many things that I had no choice in. I am grieving and I have no choice in that. I also have no choice in how and when and how hard it will hit me.
    But there are some things I can choose — or start choosing — or re-choose:

    Choose joy, whenever possible.
    Choose to look up, while in the darkness, and see a sliver of light.
    Choose to try to step outside of my grief, even if only for a moment of two.
    Choose to remember how blessed I was to have him in my life …. for as long as he was.
    Choose to show my children that this “darkness” will not win. I/we will survive and move forward.

    I could go on and on, but I’ll spare you.
    But thank you.
    So very much.
    Janine

  • Nikki

    EFFORTLESS ABUNDANCE

  • Ellsea

    I’ve picked two:

    – COMPLETE – because I need to either complete or finish with the projects cluttering up my life, and because I hope that clearing the ground and focussing on things I want/need to do will help me feel more complete

    and

    – ENJOY – to remind me to live in the moment more and enjoy all the wonderful things that are happening around me

  • B

    DANCE!

  • Clesha Staten

    This is a great way to start my year. Reading through the post, I thought change would be my word for the year. I read further and did the 5 steps.

    The word that held me was WILLINGNESS. I’m not sure of the depth this word has for me, but I’m looking forward to finding out this year.

  • Joanne

    FUN!

    I realized that I focus a lot on work and not on FUN, and it is causing my life to be boring and lacking color. So when I was looking through your words, the word FUN picked me and now I am finding myself searching for the fun in different things.

    Thank-you for a better way to face New Year’s goals and resolutions.

  • Andrea

    Perspective.

    This year I want to focus on maintaining perspective within my own life and ensuring that I don’t lose sight of those who are less fortunate than me.

  • jessica

    DELIGHT. DELIGHT. DELIGHT.

    The word just made my heart jump.

    It seems to contain all the other words.

    DELIGHT. DELIGHT. DELIGHT. It will be my mantra for the year.

  • Guusje

    Release!!!
    I made my new vision board for 2009 and pasted the word RELEASE in the middle!!!

  • rebecca

    Well-being!

  • janell

    HONESTY
    Being truer with my feelings and actions. Not allowing myself to fall into situations I don’t wish to be in.

  • Cid

    ALLOW!

    as in, to allow the flow of Well-Being in all areas of my life…family, music, fun!

    Peace & Abundance, Cid

  • Sonja

    Create!
    I used it last year and feel I could use it even more fully this year! I was dealing with a number of new challenges last year and felt creativity was the best response. The word became more expansive with each application and I am very excited to go with the broader, deeper active elements this year.

  • SpinDiva

    This is great. I read about this article in Lance’s blog Jungle of Life and before I clicked to come over here I had a word in mind, Serenity. My word is not on the list but I must keep it as it is what rings true for me this year and I believe will bring together many of the goals I have set for my life. Thanks for the inspiring words.

  • alsokaizen

    FIERCE It found me a bit early this year but I’m stickin’ with it!

  • LMaxwell

    Happy New Year Christine!

    My word last year was effortless. This year am going for the gold – with
    ‘unprecedented’.

    Thank you once again.

  • Debi

    INTEGRATE

    It’s time to bring all the parts of me together in a cohesive whole, no more separation, no more hiding this part of my life from the other part.

  • LoriGrace

    Abundance! We have everything we need in life to make us happy but simply lack the conscious awareness to appreciate it. Thank you for nudging me into this journey.

  • ramy

    DELIGHT-code name, supported by Operation Smile

    I’ve been fighting it, respect/honor was on my mind, then I was interested in Practice–but its a DO word. but delight made my heart jump when I read the list. I love Joy but its not the same–I need to delight in my kids, delight in my job (and that I have one) and my spouse. Rekindle the delight I used to feel about research (before children distracted me). Plus, I’m starting to see my face settle into frown lines. Not cool.

    delight it is!

  • Sasha Dichter

    Thanks for this, I really like the orientation. I blogged about a similar topic – in somewhat less detail – here on my blog. Enjoy, and Happy New Year!

    http://sashadichter.wordpress.com/2009/01/01/welcome-to-2009-my-namesake/

  • Sonia

    GROWTH!!

    Thank you, Christine, for sharing this incredible concept. 2008 was definitely a trying year for my word (courage) but it definitely served as that touchstone all year. Thank you!!!

  • Amanda

    RELEASE!!!

    It’s time to let go of old things so that I can move forward in my life.

  • Jeri Dansky

    Remarkable!

  • Ketzirah Carly

    Harvest

  • carla

    GRATITUDE!

    I’m so thankful for everyone who purchased my iPhone app, Gratitude Journal.

  • R

    ACTION!!!!

  • leah

    I love how when I find my word, my whole being just tingles all over. 🙂

    My word for 2009: Leap!

  • Kelly

    HEALTH & EFFORTLESS

  • fivecats

    LAZINESS

    (as in “Being aware of it, not tolerating it and actively overcoming it — not, as my wife first thought, as in To Become Lazy, which illicited applause from her, saying, “You’ve already acheived your goal!”)

    i have several post-its with the word “Laziness” with a red circle around it and a line drawn through it taped to various spots where only i can see it. i found that by not having my word written down where i can see it on a daily basis helped me to forget it over time. this is too important for me this year to allow that to happen.

    best of new years to all of us!

  • Sheila

    SELF-LOVE!!

  • Mich

    FOCUS !!

  • KMK

    FULFILL

  • Carlene

    I just found your blog and I have to say: Great idea!!!

    TRUST!

  • wakingspirit

    Confidence

    In my actions, in my choices, in my self.

  • Sally

    RELEASE! Now I can be free!

  • Pam

    ” DELIGHT “

  • kristine

    DELIGHT! It chose me.

  • michele

    Commitment. I’ve great at starting, and horrible at finishing. 2009 is a year for completion and follow through. Thank you for this concept – and Jen Worden for leading me here.

  • Andrea

    Soften.

  • Tim

    Serenity

  • celticbuffy

    The word that resonated the most for me was action. So I am shouting ACTION! and claiming it as my guide-word for 2009. It’s time to just stop sliding through life and claiming it for my own.

  • Kelley

    Abundance – there is abundance of love, of life, of everything.
    I will live in abundance instead of scarcity in 2009.

  • Magpie Sue

    Self Respect.

  • Allison

    My word of the year is TODAY. I have only today…and what an amazing 24 hours I can create.

  • Kathy

    Abundance is my word again for 2009. Abundance and gratitude for me go hand in hand but you must first recognize the abundance to be grateful for it. Having just finished our major renovation, we’re feeling rather blessed by the space we’ve created and being able to share it with those we love. I want to do much more of the sharing part in 2009 and wish abundance not only for us but for everyone.

  • Marsha

    RELEASE!

  • Elizabeth

    Wealth.

  • Lillithmother

    Tenacity ~ as much as I resisted my word, it just wouldn’t be denied ~ ha! Thank you for the seed Christine…

    Peace,
    Lil

  • Steffi

    Confident. I almost chose fearless but I don’t even want the word fear or any form of it in my vocabulary–or mind set–this year. I AM confident!!!

  • Becky

    I eventually settled on Gratitude as my word of 2009 a few days before the New Year.

    I’m guessing the Universe approves because, within 3 hours of the year starting, my boyfriend asked me to marry him! That’s one huge great thing to be grateful for!!! 😀

    Happy New Year to everyone. Here’s wishing you all a wonderful year full of joy, love, peace, abundance, growth, and every other fantastic thing!

  • Cristina

    ALLOW!

  • Kate

    Nurture and Align!

  • Lisa

    Clarity!

  • Dannelle

    Abundance! In all things… money, happiness, nurturing relationships, beauty, fun times, meaningful work, positive thoughts and intentions. Abundance in all the good things!

  • Liz

    The word that is choosing me is “action”!

    I like it!
    Liz

  • kathreen

    SELF-MASTERY!!!
    woohooooo!

  • Gina Cuff

    FOCUS!

  • Andrea

    Oh my … I am not a blogger .. found Christine’s blog thru a friend’s blog… THANKS KERRI ! Everyone seems to be having so much fun with their “word” while mine feels so serious in comparison. I chose DISCIPLINE. I love my life – I am happy – I am blessed…. but I have NO DISCIPLINE. But check back with me December 31, 2009

  • Tara Strauss

    RELEASE!!!!!
    It took me a while to choose ONE word, but after putting thoughts aside and quieting my mind – this word / feeling resonated with me. Thank you for this suggestion, it a great way to make change.

  • Krysta

    CLARITY!!

  • Venky

    WEALTH! I pick wealth as I am looking forward to creating wealth!
    Thanks Christine!

  • Jeanette

    DISCIPLINE! I just counted my UFO’s and I have 15 going back to 2003. I’m looking at my desk which has papers stacked all over the place…my sewing room is a mess, and I could go on. If I apply DISCIPLINE, I can get a lot done and bring balance into my life. Thanks for the inspiration! I love the idea of a word for the year – thanks so much!

  • Deb

    SHINE!

  • Linda M

    BALANCE!

    I love this idea of a word for the year. I’m going to put it on the bulletin boards over all my work areas.

  • Amy

    Abundance.

  • Monica

    COURAGE!

  • Valaine

    BEGIN!!!

  • Deanna

    DETERMINATION!

  • jen

    CHANGE

  • anna

    Ownership (in the metaphorical sense)

  • Janet

    I was heading towards “release” when I saw “emerge” and felt an small ache in my chest.
    Emerge it is!

  • Stacey

    RENEW

    I’m so inspired by Charolette’s comment above:

    “I don’t need a new me…just a replenished or recovered me.”

    Charolette found this definition in dictionary.com:

    “re.new
    to restore or replenish ~ to revive; reestablish ~ to recover (youth, strength, etc.). ~ to be restored to a former state; become new or as if new again.”

    I feel really good about this positive spin on change, focused on me, on healing . . . I am going to go get it engraved on a bracelet or something.

    Thank you Christine, Charolette, and all. Best wishes to you all!!!

    RENEW 2009

  • Els

    Progress, I choose progress. I like the idea of the nuance therein; PRO-gress or pro-GRESS, either way will land me further down my chosen road with a modicum of satisfaction at a job well done.

  • Andi

    Abundance!

  • RetroBerry

    …flow…

  • deb

    Reinvention — yep.

  • Dianne

    Passion!
    Do my work and live my life with passion.

  • Life Organizer Blog | Kate

    Abundance!

    If I can only pick one!

    This is a great idea! Thank you!

  • l

    AWAKE!

  • amy

    Attend.

    BE Attentive. DO that which will make all things around you flourish. HAVE Peace.

  • annie

    RELEASE!

  • Charity

    My word for 2009 is “CHOICE” – as in I always have one.

    I have a choice about:

    whether to get up and go run or to hit snooze.
    whether to put the money in savings or to buy the new boots I don’t really need.
    whether to eat the mac and cheese or the tofu and veggie stir fry.
    whether to forgive the ex-husband or continue to carry the resentment.
    whether to submit the novel to agents or to continue to sit on it and live in fear of rejection.

    And so on. I want to make sure I know I’m making those decisions and I think that if I acknowledge I’m actually making a choice in each of those situations, even if that choice is for inaction, that it will lead toward positive action, because saying, “I’m choosing to hold on to resentment” sounds so ugh, really, as does, “I’m choosing new shoes over a European vacation.” Academically, I know I always have a choice, but I want to ingrain it at a deeper level this year and raise my consciousness of that truth of just what I’m creating.

  • irene c.

    My main word is Self-love. I wanted to share the other words I am still wanting to use. I broke the rules in the best way I know.
    Allow self-love with clarity and creativity. Release with effortlessness. Have the courage to trust abundance is there.
    This is a great year to be with.

  • tammy

    I started with a list of 11 words from your list and narrowed it down to 6. The word which first really called me was FREEDOM! (shouted in my best William Wallace character impersonation). I want to be free from the restrictions and expectations of a society which does not truly support those who live on the fringe.
    But to be quite honest all 5 remaining words also speak to me.
    Action, because I need to put more of my ideas into motion.
    Focus/Discipline (I grouped these together since for me they are almost synonymous) because I need to stop dividing my attentions and instead narrow my efforts into one area.
    Willingness, because I need to be willing to allow instead of control.
    And of course ABUNDANCE, because I need to get out of my mindset of not having enough..ie believing I cannot have everything I want because my bank acct is too low to justify spending on art supplies or frivolities.

    Thought-provoking post. Guess I need to work more on narrowing it down in my journal over the coming days!
    Thanks

  • michele

    Simple

  • Rita

    I have chosen 3 words (yes, I break rules) and ironically have selected mastery, discipline & attention because these 3 words resonate and relate strongly for me.

  • Erica

    CREATIVITY!!

  • marian

    JOY

    Actually I want to be greedy and have two words which have started to really resonate with me for 09

    JOY AND PASSION

  • lisa

    my ’09 word is Awaken. Here’s what i’m reminding myself all year –

    Awaken possibilities that lead to probabilities.
    Awaken that wise person hidden in your doubts.
    Awaken that playful child buried under your guilt.
    Awaken that attractive person who’s been trapped in the cracked mirror of your comparisons.
    Awaken that style that’s yours and yours alone.
    Awaken that healthy body that’s really in there.
    Awaken that spark you thought you’d lost.
    Awaken that silliness that’s given way to responsibilities.
    Awaken that passion you thought you’d given away.
    Awaken that sleeping giant that may now be your dream come true.
    Awaken your commitment to being who you want to be.
    It’s time to WAKE UP and smell the coffee (or tea)and be who you want to be.

  • Tina Mammoser

    Well, I started quite early on my word – because I kinda start ideas when I think of them rather than waiting for the New Year.

    So I didn’t know there was a list to choose from! oops. My words are:

    Structure and Joy 😀
    http://tina-m.blogspot.com/2008/12/word-of-year-structure.html
    http://tina-m.blogspot.com/2009/01/for-2009-structure-and-joy.html

  • Maurizia

    MINDFULNESS!

    Last year’s worth TRUTH made me realize that I do, say, eat, move so much in a year, but do it all on auto pilot and miss out on the benefits…or not…of what I am doing. So TRUTH led me this year to MINDFULNESS – be MINDFUL of food and exercise & their effects on my body; be MINDFUL of the clutter in my apt. & clearing out that which is just “clutter;” and money, as in being MINDFUL of needs vs wants in spending!

  • kate

    LEARN!

    Happy New Year everyone and good luck with your hopes, dreams, wishes, lives, words of 2009.

    I have that tingling feeling in my toes – it’s going to be a good year!

  • Shane Thomas

    Moving – To always be found moving in the direction of my dreams…

  • Sher

    ACTION and KINDNESS
    I spent 2008 “going to” do things and ended up doing none of what I had planned, so this year I am going to DO things.

    Kindness because I feel I am kind now but will focus more and do little things for family and friends

    Happy 2009 everyone

  • Joy

    PASSION!

    I’ve put this aside for the year…tending to other people’s needs, giving up my own to be more accommodating. I’m changing that this year. This year is for me to bring it back. 🙂

  • lucy

    FIRE is my word!

  • Charlotte B. DeMolay

    RENEW

    I don’t need a new me..just a recovered me.

    http://www.demolay.com/2008/12/my-new-years-resolutionsort-of.html

  • Amy

    ACTION!

  • Nancy

    Faith

  • Ami

    “Magic” is my word for 2009.

  • Cynthia

    My word is not on the list so I guess right off the bat I am “breaking the rules”! LOL!

    My word for 2009 is RHYTHM. It is my hope is to create rhythm of creative energy in my life that will carry us from one loving moment to a living moment to another learning moment.

  • Francesca Lee

    Christine,

    I stumbled upon your blog through Madeline Sklar’s blog on Go Girls Music.

    Your blog is truly inspiring. I wanted to thankyou for sharing your thoughts. You have a really cool site and I will be sure to tell others about it!

    Francesca Lee – “Introspective Dream Pop.”
    http://www.francescaleemusic.com
    http://www.myspace.com/francescaleemusic

  • Robbie

    Freedom!

  • i let it go

    STRETCH! as in, my body, my mind, my thoughts, my budget, my everything!

  • Gayle

    My word is Light…as a noun, verb, adjective…just Light. 🙂

  • april

    Luck.

  • Chookooloonks

    INTEGRITY!

    Before reading your post, I had chosen “true,” as in “authenticity.” But I think “integrity” encompasses everything that I want to strive for this year.

    Happy 2009!

    K.

  • Rete

    My word for the year is acceptance. Not only so I don’t get so frustrated with the things I can’t change, like other people’s actions, but also to allow the universe to give me what it offers instead of feeling unworthy or overwhelmed when what I really want just seems to fall into my lap unexpectedly.

  • Thauna

    My word for 2009 is ALLOW.
    Allow me to truly be me and all that entails
    Allow my dreams to manifest
    Allow my vibration to match my desires
    Allow myself to attract love and friendship
    Allow myself to connect truly
    Allow the good stuff to flow to me because I deserve it!
    To practice the Art of Allowing throughout the year
    Allow the Universe to conspire on my behalf! :o)
    Allow those I love to pursue their own path

  • Susan

    Motivation!

  • Lisa Muller

    NURTURE

    Last year I RELEASED. This year I’m ready to NURTURE in as many ways as possible!

  • Susana

    I was in an Iyengar yoga class trying to hang upside down on a chair. This sort of thing was effortless for me as a child. This asana was taking a lot of work & effort on my part. In the middle of the pose it dawned on me that I am having some major issues w/ trust and that things don’t need to be so hard & difficult. So, two words for me this year and they can be used individually or in conjunction.

    Trust

    Effortlessness

  • emily

    HEALTH! Emotional, spiritual, and physical.

  • Mary C

    HAPPINESS!!!
    November 11, 2006 my world turned to darkness my husband of 4 years was killed in a work accident. I have benn sad and lonely, spending days in tears and only seeing pitch black. I have had passing moments of being happy or joyful always returning to the gloom. After two years I can see this pin of light in the black My word for 2009 is happiness.

  • Melinda

    I choose Release!

  • patricia

    I am choosing Gratitude – it feels right and is a place I need to return to and explore more deeply. health and happiness to all

  • Rhiannon

    I was all set to choose “Shine” but something that happened a couple of days ago , combined with listening again to your “overyjoyed” song the other day made me switch at the last minute to “Joy”.

  • Wendy

    Trust!

    It has a lot of multiple meanings for me right now and will be a big part of 2009, I’m sure.

    Here’s to a great year!

  • Libby

    FEARLESS!

  • Elaine (the UK one)

    Paradigm

    Hello 2009: ‘Bring it on…’ let’s do some shifting!

  • Debby

    Courage! Courage to change my negative way of thinking, Courage to listen to me, Courage to be in the moment – not in tomorrow’s, and Courage to get healthy and strong!

  • Sylvia

    picking the right word was hard—but I choose Savor. I thought about using a symbol or line as inspiration. Savor means not rushing through life, not hurrying to get to the next thing but looking, touching, feeling, and incorporating the experience and let it percolate there until it comes out in art.

  • Krish

    Hey Christine….some what uncharacterstically for a guy, my word for 2009 is BIRTH! As in, I want to birth something this year!

  • Marina

    Responsibility. Reading through your list, Power was a word that resonated for me. I was reminded that with great power comes great responsibility. Power is something that I would like more of, but recognizing my responsibilities is something that I struggle with. So this year will be about accepting my responsibility in what I put out in the world, and what I choose to accept out of what comes to me. Maybe with greater responsibility will come greater power.

    Happy New Year!

  • erin

    Mine is HONOR.

    I find that I have a hard time honoring the body I’ve been given, my natural talents, my own self, and others. I want to show up and honor myself and others.

  • Barbara J Carter
  • sheba

    Vibrancy

  • Barb

    COURAGE

  • Nic

    My word is NOW. Right here, right now. There is no better time.

  • Fiona Purdy

    Accept. Happy 2009 everyone!

  • Jessica

    RELEASE!

  • Adiva

    Really enjoy your blog!

    WEALTH!

  • vicki

    openness

  • lilalia

    What a delight to read all of the words for this year. I am so looking forward to reading about them in months to come.

    My word, Accomplishment.

    Thanks, Christine, for injecting so much love and energy into our lives. What is your word?

  • Pam

    Release. RELEASE. R-E-L-E-A-S-E !!!

  • Deb

    Cultivate. My post about it is up now.

  • Stacey

    Rejoice! I’m aware that I have so much abundance, so much to be grateful for, so many gifts handed to me on a silver platter every day. I just want to be sure I remember and REJOICE in it!

  • LaVeda H. Mason

    I have spent so much time struggling against what is, and what cannot be changed, trying to ‘fix’ everything and everyone around me.

    A few days ago, I thought about last years’ exercise, and the word ‘Acceptance’ popped into my head. Suddenly I realized that by not accepting what is, I’ve not seen situations for what they truly are. And that in some cases, it was time to let things (and people) go.

    So, “Acceptance” it is… and let the decluttering begin!!

  • sheista

    effortless

  • TracyWall

    ACTION
    Wherever my stumbling blocks, engage in ACTION to dispel fears.
    Thank you Christine!

  • cara

    AWARENESS

    Last year, my word was ‘creativity’ and I was very successful at bringing photography and writing back into my life. Yesterday, I spent my meditation session asking what my word should be for this year, because I couldn’t decide. Afterwards, I happened upon a blog post talking about ‘awareness’, then this morning I read an article in the Oprah magazine that had been sitting on my counter for three weeks. The topic was ‘awareness’. So I believe the universe has answered my question and this should be my word of the year!
    Happy New Year to everyone.

  • Patricia

    ENGAGE
    This means getting out of my very large comfort zone and engaging with what is present and real, even if it makes me uncomfortable.

  • M

    Acceptance.

  • Elaine

    I was working through “Find Your North Star” by Martha Beck in November when a picture of this highly decorated word appeared in my mind. Flourish.

  • Deborah Donndelinger

    Well my body said yes to Willingness although my mind wouldn’t have picked that. But hey, body’s wisdom is good .. so I’m going with WILLINGNESS.

  • Beth Dargis

    EXPRESSIVE

    I am unshackling myself, loosening perfectionism and letting go of my reserve.

  • Connie Rose

    TRUST! Trust in myself, trust in the process, trust in being in the right place at the right time, trust that my vision will manifest in its own way and pace and that I can do my work with good intention and not worry about the outcome.

  • Sydney

    DELIGHT!

    I was having trouble picking a word when I realized what I was really looking for was “delight”.

  • Staci Schoff

    Thank you Christine — I did this last year and as I review my goals from last year I can’t believe how much change has come about for me in just one year. Last year I needed DISCIPLINE — this year I need COURAGE. Happy New Year!

  • Michellle

    METTLE! What a great word. I just ordered a necklace with my word…as a daily reminder for me. Thank you for this. I’m off to make my 2009 vision board…(with a focus on my word). What a way to begin a new year. Happy New Year to all!

  • Laure

    INTENT & BOLD, but not always BOLD INTENT.

    I’ve chosen INTENT to remind me to know what my intent is for the day, task, conversation, moment; to be clear I have an intent; and to help me focus on the intent.

    BOLD is there because I have a great plans for 2009 and it’s going to take boldness to pull some of them off. I also love the quote about going boldly in the direction of ones dreams and how the universe will be there to support you in untold ways never before imagined. I’m paraphrasing (loosely) But that’s the meat of it.

    Thanks again, Christine, for the opportunity to move forward one step, one moment at the time! Happy New Year to you and all who pass this way!

  • Sunrise Sister

    GROWTH.

    I love the power of the focused word as a resolution. Thanks.

  • Ruthie

    SOAR

    I am ready to soar to new heights. Soaring to me implies being full of bliss, joy…embracing the mystery, living life to it’s fullest. And in order to soar, I must let go…
    Whi hoo!

  • pam

    My son just joined the army, he left yesterday. I was going to use “SHINE”, but now I have changed it to “PEACE”. I got out my old peace necklace from the 60’s to help me remember.

    Pam

  • Shauna

    REMEMBERING!

    Remembering who I am. Remembering to trust, to ask, to go deeper. Remembering and embodying all that I know!

  • Beth DeSombre

    Generosity. I have more than many others do and now seems to be the time to be generous with all that I have. But also generous in my interpretations — I plan to assume that people mean well.

    And on the subject of New Year’s Resolutions: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4ebAkIGqDE

  • brandi

    EXPAND.

    i looked it up and the definition sang to me: to increase in extent; to spread or stretch out, unfold; to express something more fully, in greater detail.

  • Julie Stuart

    ABUNDANCE!

    I took the idea with me last night to a party and all our friends chose words too. It was so much fun and uplifting to see everyone make a beautiful intention for their year.

  • Faith

    I was leaning toward ‘focus’, when all of a sudden ‘strength’ came popping out of nowhere and said “choose me!”. And since my thoughts about strength include focus, I figured this was a good sign. So my word for 2009: STRENGTH!

  • shiborigirl

    impermanence…..a reminder that nothing lasts forever

  • EVA

    FLOURISH!!!!

  • Kathy

    Clarity – so I can clearly see – not what I think reality is.

  • Till

    EXPANSION

  • carey

    CONNECT. not on the list that i could see, but it chose me a few weeks ago and i think it’s going to be a good friend in 2009. happy new year!

  • Eliza

    WILLING.

    It chose me two weeks ago and I’ve already made some small strides with it.It began as Willingness and has morphed into willing. The last two years I’ve tried using a word of the year and I guess I just wasn’t ready because I promptly forgot about it. This year I’m willing to make the effort to make the changes I need to in my life.

    Thanks Christine!

  • Lori

    My word is CREATE ~ I look forward to where it will lead me. Thank you, Christine, for your gentle prompting!

  • Rebecca

    CLARITY!!

  • Angela Raincatcher

    PASSION!

  • Sheila

    LOVE the concept of this post!

    Authentic

    I want to be me, fully. Instead of working from a list of “shoulds”. Instead of coming from a place of guilt. Just be totally, authentically, myself.

  • Lisa Rough

    INTEGRATION!!

  • Kristin

    EXPANSION!!!!!!

  • sarah

    CONNECT!

  • Kim

    PRESENCE

    And all my reasons are in today’s blog entry: http://funkykim.typepad.com/funky_kim/2009/01/my-word-for-the-year.html

  • Jackie K.

    ENJOY!!! with a minor in NURTURE

    This is my intention to lighten my too serious demeanor and approach each day open to finding the fun and joy.

  • Jess

    PATIENCE!

    Happy New Year!

  • Angelica

    DELIGHT jumped out at me this morning! I declare 2009 to be filled with delight!
    I’m looking forward to how the Universe will fulfill this word.
    Blessings, Angelica

    I like this “word of the year” stuff — see my blog for December 5th … http://revangelica.blogspot.com

  • cher

    Balance-step back and use clarity to honor my inner self and feel at one in the here and now. to be fully present to myself.
    oh the joy of a new year and a new word. I will carry my 2008 word always and now expand into 2009 with Balance.
    thank you Christine for giving us a place to declare our intention

  • christina

    Renew
    It picked me about two weeks ago and I am going with it

  • Monica

    HEALTH! I realized that if I were operating on the old model of making resolutions they all involve health and self care: remove make up before bed, floss (!), lose LBS, drink less wine…

    The idea of thinking of health is consoling. No long list of should and should nots…just a simple question for every action–does this sereve my health and self care?

    Thank you, Christine.

  • Addie

    Commitment!

    Commitment to love and take care of myself. Commitment to the present tense. Commitment to follow-through. Commitment to do as I wish. Commitment to not let too many little things get in the way of “me.” Commitment to health and prosperity. Commitment to trusting the universe. Commitment to love, friendship, and family. Commitment to truth. Commitment to wonder, and fun, and enthusiastic happiness!

    I can’t wait to see how this year unfolds for me. 😀
    Happy New Year to you all!

  • Trista

    Clarity — silky blue soft light-reflecting glass clarity.

  • Pat

    Last years word was Relationship. This years word is Jubilee, as in the Year of Jubilee where property reverted to original owners, captives were set free and a new start with big celebrations.

  • kim mailhot

    RELEASE !

  • Kelsey

    We may either have a calm, low-key year, or we may have a year full of huge upheavals, like last year. Either way I choose Courage.

  • Susan

    YES!!!
    Last year was BE and I learned so much about be-ing me. This year I will say YES to more of what makes me be me!

  • Phoenix

    (formerly posting as Juju)

    My word is POTENTIAL. For me, this means letting go of all the negativity in my life and embracing all the potential for happiness, love, goodness and beauty.

  • Christi

    Courage.

  • Louise in SW Saskatchewan

    EMERGE

    After a lot of thought, this word EMERGED as the one to focus on this year. Let the various “me’s” emerge and become real!

  • Kent Blumberg

    MASTERY is the word for me. It embodies all I am becoming – learning and growing in order to master my profession.

  • barb b

    HEALTH

  • nicole

    I put so many words into my God Box and decided to let the Universe pick for me. Nice idea but the first 6 words I picked didn’t resonate for me. I decided to do one more, but as I was mixing the papers around, one fell out in front of my legs. I threw down the one that I had chosen and thought, “This one really wants me to see it so I’m going to go with this one, period, end of story.”

    ABUNDANCE!!!

    And THAT is the word I wanted to pick to begin with but thought, “Oh how cliche!”

  • Chrissy

    TRUST

  • Michelle

    BALANCE!!! I incorporated my word of 2008 – Simplicity – as much as I could and in 2009 I want to BALANCE myself.

    Happy New Year and thank you for being a continuous source of motivation!

  • lynn

    Ditto on FULFILLMENT!

  • Sarah

    I am waffling between delightful (delighted?) discipline and delighted commitment. I figured if I started making my comment here that I would have to decide (with delight, of course!). I love the alliteration of the first, but believe the second one is winning as I type because there are a number of things I am (re)committing to and my delight in all of them gives me the energy to enjoy (see? I still get alliteration, right?). Love and thanks, Christine, and Happy New Year to all!

  • Carolyn

    LOVE!
    &
    COURAGE!

  • Louise

    ACTION & COURAGE!

    Sorry completely didn’t listen about the attention splatter! But I think these words complement one another well and will both serve me well this year.

    Happy New Year

  • Rose

    I cheated and chose two. – Oops.

    Awaken and Focus!

  • Anna

    I’m going with EXPAND!

  • Vickie

    COMPASSION!

    This word jumped out at me for some reason. A quick definiation check had me picking and choosing the meaning. For me, I am choosing this to mean “tender; merciful”. I am going to have compassion for myself and those around me. The days of being my own worst critic are over! 🙂

  • Rachel

    CLARITY!

  • Bonnie

    NOW! As in, be here now.

  • Frances

    CHOOSE
    Am tired of operating on auto-pilot and being governed by old habits and patterns. This year I am going to pause, breathe, and choose.

  • bonni

    ABUNDANCE!!

    I’ve been thinking about this word for some weeks now. I made myself some desktop wallpaper with “abundance” on it (a collage of images, plus the word). I wrote a blog entry about my word of the year. I say the word out loud and in my head several times a day. I like the way it sounds and the way it feels. Abundance. ABUNDANCE!!!

    Last year, I sort of stumbled onto the “word of the year” idea quite by accident (long before I found this excellent blog). My word for 2008 was “Happiness”, and I ended up learning quite a lot about how to be happy and, more importantly, how to be joyful and what the difference is.

    I’m quite interested to see what I’m going to learn about abundance… 😉

  • Judy W

    I have spent the last month trying to choose ONE word for this year (last year was organize). But there are two words that are equally calling me to listen.

    RELEASE and FOCUS!!!!! Which somehow seem to go hand in hand in my heart.

  • Liz

    RELEASE!

  • Shazza

    GODDESS!

  • Matilda

    Create!

  • Lori-Lyn
  • Sara

    COURAGE

  • Tanja

    HEALTH!

  • Cheryl

    “Edit” is my word for 2009. Not only will it encourage me to work on my Nanowrimo novel from 2007, it has implications in many areas of my life.

  • Emily

    TRUST

  • Leslie

    BOUNTY!

    Oh, but I like all the others too… No, no, no, just BOUNTY! “just” he he he… what could be more bountiful than bounty?

    🙂

  • Claire

    Listen

    I am opening myself up to actively listening.

  • amy

    FULFILLMENT!!!

  • Amylia Grace

    DELIGHT!

    Which means I’m in the moment, experiencing it in the now! I love your post on DELIGHT and I embrace 2009 with delight and joy! 🙂

  • Patti

    LISTEN!!

    Listen to my inner guidance – keep the line open and act on it!

  • JaniceMarie

    Create!
    Fabulous concept!

  • Bridgette Boudreau

    GO!

  • Jesann

    CAN!

    As in, I can do it!

  • jill

    I am choosing the word “Action”. I spend alot of time up inside my head but never seem to put my ideas into “action”. Thank you for helping me get moving!