All is my word of the year. All walks with me. Shows up unexpectedly in books and conversations. Stops me and says, “Hey, take a moment and listen. I have something to tell you.”
I am fascinated by having a relationship with one simple word. A word of the year becomes a companion, a wise fellow traveler, and a fun sidekick. I think that is what surprises me the most about this practice – a word of the year isn’t all serious, deep, dramatic lessons – the word sparkles with joy and smiles too.
I hunt for “all” in stores. Maybe finding a great sign. A pin. Or special greeting card expressing this word in a creative way.
I am one who overthinks the past and lives in the future, planning, organizing, trying to control out of fear of what might happen next. All grounds me in the present. All is what we have right now. All is all that matters.
Pondering the word “all” this year has given me a new lens to see my life and the world. All has widened my view. Given me hope. Reminded me that I don’t see all, but all will eventually become clear. All will complete the story.
I have discovered this year a new word to use in my prayers. All invites my heart into worship. God’s name is All. He is my All. He knows all. He creates all. He imagines all. He is All.
I wasn’t excited about this word in January but now have a trusted friend journeying through 2022. I think “all” may stick around into the future periodically astonishing me with its wisdom and charm.
Today I am grateful for “all.”
If you have a word of the year, what has it spoken to you lately?
If you don’t do this practice, how are you growing this year?
I love that you approach your word from ALL angles. 🙂 Not just seriously, but also with levity. I need to follow your example! Thanks, Jean.
Lisa, it is your encouragement and reminders that help me live into this word and make this practice so rich, Thank you!!
Your words and images sparkle and lend enthusiasm and hope, Jean. Thanks for putting ALL on display this year!
All has been quite the challenge too this year. Just when I think I have squeezed all the wisdom out of this little word it teaches me something new!
I began the year with “reverence,” but have allowed my word-study to fall by the wayside. No doubt the word has come to me through reading or listening, but my focus was elsewhere. Perhaps I need to commit a quiet time one day every two weeks or so to at least do some internet research about reverence. You inspire me, Jean, with the careful attention you give your word-of-the-year!
I have found some years my word sticks around and others it comes and goes. A couple of years I discovered new words throughout the year so stay open. One never knows what word will pop into your heart.
My word has been…Peace…
Its a very interesting practice…a very good companion and contemplation….its given me something to say when i dont have anything appropriate to say…my daughter’s mother in law died last month….i sent peace for comfort..
Thank you Jean…Peace be with you..
I really like how you are using your word by giving it onto others, Pat. That is inspirational
My word for the year is “Breathe.” It’s so easy to take this life-giving practice for granted, but I’ve tried to be aware daily of how the ability to breathe is a gift.
Blessings, Jean!
Breath hold so much peace and calmness. I really like that word, Martha!