Word of the Year practice can be a driving force in deepening our self-knowledge, in finding clarity and meaning, and in growing closer to God. I have both enjoyed and been stretched by this spiritual practice for more than 10 years.
Here is a graphic I created for all my past (and my new) word of the year:
If you look right in the middle, you will see what word emerged to accompany me in 2024:
WELL
The past few years I seem to learn more from simple words, though last year I complicated my journey with a phrase. The two years before, All and Go, were great companions.
WELL jumped into my heart as I listened to a poet friend from South African share his newest poem. “Let me answer YES to the lightness of being, that I live well and love well, that I listen to my heart’s desires, living life fully human, fully alive.” I love Stanley’s inspirational words yet that day the simple, ordinary word – well – echoed deep within me.
WELL holds so much potential – to listen and to play with. WELL can be almost every part of speech:
- Adverb – in a good or proper manner
- Adjective – satisfactory and in good condition
- Verb – to rise to the surface and usually flow forth.
- Interjection – As a surprise expression
- Noun – a source of water to refresh souls.
WELL attaches itself to so many wonderful phrases, images, and Bible verses, too.
After I heard Stanley’s poem and added WELL to my list of possible words for 2024, I reread Macrina Wiederkehr’s poem “On Being a Well.” I knew immediately that this was the word for me:
“What makes this world so lovely is that somewhere it hides a well.
Something lovely there is about a well, so deep, unpiped and real, filled with buckets and buckets of that life-giving drink.
A faucet will do in a hurry. But what makes the world so lovely is that somewhere it hides a well.
Sometimes people are like wells, deep and real, natural, unpiped, life-giving, calm and cool, refreshing.
They bring out what is best in you.
They are like fountains of pure joy. They make you want to sing or maybe dance.
They encourage you to laugh even, when things get rough.
And maybe that’s why things never stay rough once you’ve found a well.
Some experiences are like wells too.
People create them.
They are life-giving happenings. They are redeeming experiences.
They are wells. Wells of wonder, wells of hope.
When you find a well, and you will someday, drink deeply of the gift within,
and then maybe soon you’ll discover that you’ve become what you’ve received
and then you’ll be a well for others to find.
So lift up your eyes and look all around you, over the mountains, down in the valley, out in the ocean, over the runways, into the cities, into the country, sidewalks and highways, paths in the forest, into the hearts of a thirsty people.
Look, and I beg you, don’t ever stop looking because what makes this world so lovely is that somewhere it hides a well,
a well that hasn’t been found yet.
And if you don’t find it, maybe nobody will.
And if you don’t be one, maybe nobody will find you.”
Isn’t that lovely? I am excited to explore life with this new word of the year. And yes I will share some of its wisdom and lessons with you during 2024.
Do you find a word of the year? If so, what is your word for 2024? Let’s share.
I love your graphic with all your words, Jean. It reveals so much about your heart to see these meaningful words. Well is an amazing choice; so many options you’ll have with it!!! It really sparks my curiosity. 🙂
Jean, I have chosen the words “can do” for this year. Instead of thinking of what I can’t do, I am asking God for help to do what I “can do” in any given situation.
This is my eighth year for selecting a word for the year. It is a good practice for me.
Hi June! I love your word “can do” there is a real positive energy in those words. Reminds me of the WWII poster with the lady flexing her arm. I am thinking it says those words too. Glad this is a good practice for you – has been for me too.
thank you jean…a soul poem..the word acceptance seems to be the front runner..but it scares me…
peace
Acceptance brings calm and peace too. Acceptance doesn’t mean the end of change, growth just an authentic realization of what is. I think acceptance could be powerful word.
Last year’s word was “beloved,” which nurtured me all year long and supported me in my relationship with others. This year’s word is a pair of words: unfold/enfold. I am eager to see how they show up in the coming months.
Great words, Nancy. Enfold was one of my words I think about 2014 – taught me many. things. There are some lovely poem with that word in it too. May 2024 unfold in mighty ways for you and enfold your heart with blessings!
No doubt “well” will provide you much opportunity for discovery, Jean, especially since it can be used as almost any part of speech. (How about that? I never noticed that before!) Thank you for sharing Macrina’s poem–lovely, inspiring thoughts! Thus far no word has chosen me for 2024.
Keep open for a word, Nancy. it may still appear but then again this is a practice that may not be calling you this year. I know some people lean more to a word a day, word a month etc. who knows where the Spirit will lead!
Well is an excellent choice, Jean – so much potential and so many possibilities! My word for the year is Surrender. You can check out my thoughts on it in my most recent blog.
Blessings!
Thanks Martha and yes lots of potential with this word – Surrender is a powerful word and one that also is active right now in my heart and faith. I look forward to your insights into that word – I hope that your wisdom/experience leads you deeper with God.
Jean my word is acknowledge. It takes me to One person and place for decisions, wisdom, and comfort– ultimately to rest and acknowledge the sovereignty of God and He is the Giver. It can be heavy, but that word is a refuge for me.
ooo acknowledge is a word I don’t see chosen as much as others and I really like it. So many lessons await you there! ! Blessings on your journey with this word