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Have You Chosen a Word of the Year? Should You?

Retirement Reflections

I love it when great ideas and opportunities collide. Recently, Lisa of Lisa Notes published a thought-provoking post, ‘Rate Your One Word 2024.’ At the same time, Denyse of Denyse Whelan Writes Here approached my ‘What’s Been on Your Calendar’ and ‘What’s On Your Bookshelf’ cohosts and asked if they would consider hosting a one-off ‘Word of the Year 2025’ linkup. My cohosts kindly asked if I would like to join in, and of course, I said ‘yes.’

So here are Lisa’s very timely reflection questions. I’ve held them up against each Word of the Year that I’ve chosen since 2022. For all three words (or groups of words), my answers for questions 1 – 6 showed the remarkable power of a good WOTY. If I had to do it all over again, I would still choose each word that I did.

1. Did my word stay relevant? Why or why not?
2. How often did I notice my word this year, and where?
3. Did my word meet my expectations? Why or why not?
4. Did my word surprise me? How?
5. How did I grow because of my word?
6. Am I glad I chose this word? Why or why not?
7. Would I recommend this word to someone else? Why?
8. How many stars would I give my word? 

The only downside for me was with my first word (Peace) in 2021. It was a great WOTY choice, but I posted about it monthly, which ended up being too much for me. The commitment to writing about a WOTY monthly helps keep many people on track. But for me, it kept my focus external (what I would write about) as opposed to internal. For the next two years, I used a Pocket-WOTY, not revealing my word until the end of the year, which worked much better for me. I believe the success of WOTYs depends on a myriad of factors like these, with each of us choosing what practice works best for us as individuals.

For each of the WOTYs I have used so far, the words have always seemed to find me instead of me consciously searching for them. The same happened recently with my WOTY for 2025, which I am bravely posting here (but will not post about regularly). Like its predecessors, ‘believe’ is multi-faceted. Below, I’ve listed each of my Words of the Year that I have used and what they helped me to focus most upon.

PEACE
For my very first Word of the Year, I wanted my choice to be:
* Timely
* Optimistic
* A Call to Action
* A reminder of what I can do as an individual to promote hope, understanding, cooperation and mindfulness.

Other than the one downside mentioned above, this was an excellent word to start with, and it encouraged me to choose a WOTY again the following year.

CONNECTION
In a world that feels increasingly divided and digitally dominated, “Connection” served as an excellent WOTY for me. It helped me to
be more mindful of:
* Personal Relationships
* Community and Belonging
* Balancing Technology and Human Interaction
* The myriad of subtle threads that bind us together globally.

I found that ‘Forgiveness’ and ‘Kindness’ were frequently woven into my thoughts on connection, so I included them as part of my 2023 WOTY.

CHANNEL
From the Prayer of St. Francis:
“Make me a channel of peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is despair in life, let me bring hope.
Where there is darkness, only light. and where there’s sadness ever joy.

Grant that I may never seek so much to be consoled as to console.
To be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love with all my soul.”

This prayer was widely publicized during World War I and World War II and has frequently been used during times of war to encourage peace. It was set to music by Sebastian Temple in 1967, and recorded by Susan Boyle in 2010. The clip below is from the Dragon School Choir’s performance at the Sheffield Choir of the Year Competition 2011
Dragon School Choir.

This was the perfect WOTY for me this past year (definitely my most effective WOTY so far). It was a constant reminder that I cannot control or prevent all difficult situations. But I can choose how I respond to them and I can channel calmness and peace even when times are tough.

BELIEVE
Why I’ve chosen this (or it has chosen me):.
* A reminder to hold onto hope, even in challenging times.
* Encourages regular reflection on personal values.
* Focuses on unity and faith for a better future.

IN SUMMARY
While I didn’t fully answer Lisa’s questions here, I did do this privately. This exercise reminded me that my WOTYS so far have been quite similiar in their focus on hope and connection. But also, each word has had a unique nuance catering to different aspects of personal growth, relationships, and purpose that I needed most to focus upon that year.

Have you chosen a Word of the Year (past, present or future)? If so, are you glad that you did? My cohosts and I would love for you to share your thoughts or experiences here.

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
https://fresh.inlinkz.com/js/widget/load.js…

Thank you to Denyse Whelan for suggesting this link up and preparing this graphic.
Feature Photo courtesy of Alissa Fatma for Canva.com.

WOTY Link Up 2025
Hosted By:
Sue Loncaric, Women Living Well After 50
Debbie Harris, Deb’s World
Jo Tracey, Substack
Donna Connolly, Retirement Reflections

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Published by Retirement Reflections

Prior to retirement, I lived and worked in Beijing China for fourteen years (Middle School Principal/Deputy Director at The Western Academy of Beijing). Leaving international life behind, my husband and I retired to Vancouver Island in June 2015. To document both this transition and our new adventures, ‘Retirement Reflections’ was born. I hope that you enjoy reading these reflections, and will be willing to share your own.

71 thoughts on “Have You Chosen a Word of the Year? Should You?”

  2. I love this. In fact, I think WOTY posts could just be my faves of the year – so much possibility in each word. When I think of believe I think of Polar Express and how Sarah and I are convinced we can still hear Santa’s bells…

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    1. Your comment made me smile, Jo—especially the mention of The Polar Express! That image and the sound of Santa’s bells is timeless. Here’s to a year full of belief and accomplish(ment) for both of us (yes, I peeked ahead).

      I look forward to catching up soon.

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  5. Hi Donna – I always love how you approach challenges like this (I guess the “reflections” in your blog title is more on point than I realized!) I like how nuanced your Words have been over the years. I’ve linked up today because I always enjoy reading what others choose and the reasons behind their choices. Here’s to a lovely 2025. 🙂

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  7. Happy New Year, again, Donna, Many beautiful, thoughtful, and thought-provoking words in your post. “Believe” game me goosebumps, for many reasons. You share some of the reasons for your choice here. You will likely hear this from others, too: Have you had the opportunity to watch “”Ted Lasso?” I greatly enjoyed the series … start from the beginning … filled with warmth, wit, and heart … You may have already watched it, and understand why I am highlighting it here. Looking forward to seeing you when we can make it happen this year! 💕Erica

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    1. Happy New Year, Erica! Your comment touched me deeply—thank you. I seldom watch tv or even Netflix (etc) so I unfortunately have never seen Ted Lasso. You now have me completely curious.

      I look forward to the four of us connecting again soon!

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  9. Great reflection on your words, my friend! I have chosen one as well for 2025, but it’s too involved of a process to detail it here, in the Comments. I’ll tell you all about it on Friday 😁.

    Deb

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  10. Although I don’t normally pick a WOTY, I love to see what others choose. Since on Jan. 1, we have no way of knowing what the year has in store for us (think of those who picked a WOTY Jan. 1, 2020) the word often takes on new meanings or nuances over the year.

    Believe is a great word and I’m glad that Denyse suggested this link-up!

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    1. Thanks, Janis – I’m so glad that our recent video chat provided the dress rehearsal for this post. Your timely question helped me to really sit down and review each WOTY that I have chosen so far. I originally didn’t think that chosing a WOTY would work for me — I have been surprised and delighted how wrong I was about that! ❤
      I look forward to catching up again soon.

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    1. Thank you, Barbara. Ideas can be equally as powerful as WOTYs especially as they also leave room for exploration and flexibility. Whatever you decide for 2025, I hope it brings much happiness. I completely understand how life can make us lose track—that’s how I have been feeling the last couple of months as well. I look forward to our blogs continuing to connect in 2025.

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  13. An excellent choice this year, and every year, Donna. Although I haven’t participated in the WOTY, I have always enjoyed your reflective posts. I can understand how it is an internal exercise for you. Believing in the future and ourselves and for me, the people in my life, that’s a powerful word.

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    1. Hi, Barbara – Thank you for this insightful and thought-provoking comment. I feel good about ‘believe’ as my guiding word this year. I think it nicely ties in with hope, strength, and connection—not just for ourselves but for those we cherish. I agree with you that that is very powerful!
      See you on your site soon. ❤

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  14. Hi Donna, BELIEVE is such a magical word for me. I think of E1 & E2 who still believe in the magic of Christmas. Belief gives us hope as you say and we certainly need that in spades with all that is happening around the globe. Thanks for co-hosting this special linkup for the WOTY. I’ve enjoying reading everyone’s choices. x

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    1. Hi Sue. Thank you for your warm comment! I love how you’ve tied ‘believe’ in with E1 and E2, the innocence of children and the magic of Christmas. That’s such a heartwarming connection. Thank you for inviting me to cohost this linkup with you. I didn’t realize how much I was in need of the uplift and the inspiration! I look forward to catching up soon. ❤

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  16. Thank YOU Donna for your warm and kind words in your post introduction. I think it is a good time for us to consider what we may take with us as guiding lights, intentions and instructions into the year ahead.

    Way back when I first did this I chose a word Kindness…and I still have the mandala I made with it. I think I was about self kindness at a time in my life when I had no idea of “what was going on inside me” and was using my head to help.

    Sigh.

    I know that life is not as easy as take this instruction and move forward of course but I like that now, I and others like yourself, know we can consider our directions with some guidance.

    Take care and your kindness is always noticed!

    Denyse x

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  17. Hi Donna, an interesting post. I did have a word for the year a few times but I never bothered about it. I don’t even set goals other than moving forward with my projects which seem to keep growing in number.

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  18. Believe is such a good WOTY – there’s so much in that word and I can see it can be very helpful especially during challenging times. For 2025 I have another word, but “believe” is baked into some of my intentions with it.

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    1. Hi, Susanne – It is awesome to hear from you. We’ve lost touch a bit and I look forward to reconnecting again. You have me intrigued about your word for this year. I will be off to your site shortly to find out. See you there!

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      1. Yes, I’ve had some years of overwhelm (but a lot of good things too) and I haven’t been able to be around a lot, and haven’t done much blogging myself other than documenting my fitness progress (which is part of the good things these years). I hope to change that in 2025. I do visit your blog now and then but haven’t commented in a long time!

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  19. A well written reflection on words of the year and their significances – and your summary paragraph contains the neat “unique nuance”. Believe is definitely apt for this year

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  20. I’m glad the questions were timely for you, Donna! I’m choosing the word Ripple for myself this year. I love the choices you’ve made through the years, each so intentional and meaningful. I find this practice of working with One Word of the Year to be so beneficial!

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  21. Those seem really good words, Donna. I’m glad they helped you focus, stay on track, and make a difference. Of all of them, at the moment, Connection draws me in the most.

    I’m not choosing a WOTY, but a friend gave us a packet of “Angel Cards” a few years ago and we have those, in a bag, in our camper. Once in a while, each of us draws a word, blindly, and then we try to focus on that one throughout the month or week. We used to do this daily, but that was too much as we would forget about our word most of the time.

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      3. So far, so good with my January word, Donna. Interestingly, an Israeli tourist on “my ship” to the frozen continent had angel cards as well and had my roommate and me pick one. I ended up with “strength.” So, now I have two guidance words this month. 🙂

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  22. I do enjoy hearing the rationale behind words chose, and then how they reflected in the year. I came back to a WOTY this year, after not having a specific one chosen for a few years. I’d had successful years, and unsuccessful years with the concept. But I know this year I will need Patience!

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    1. Hi, Pat – I’m glad that you came back to having a WOTY again. I originally didn’t think they would be helpful to me, but to my surprise they truly have become my regular mantra.
      Wishing you a good year ahead with all of the patience that you need. ❤

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  23. Hi Donna, you always wow me with your insightful thoughts and reasons behind your WOTY. I get what you mean about trying to write about WOTY on a regular basis and love that we are all different in our approaches. Your words have all been perfect for you and your reasons behind them and what they’ve given you during the year. In fact I’m with Jo, the WOTY posts are some of my all time favourites and yours in particular because of what you bring to each of your words. So thank you for being a super co-host and an inspiring friend.

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  24. Thank you for sharing the reflection questions, Donna. I’ve never thought to do that kind of purposeful reflection on my Word of the Year. Since I didn’t choose a word in 2024, I’ll have to save this review for next December, but I love the idea. My word for this year is INTREPID. My mantra is, “I am open and receptive to all possibilities.”

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  25. Believe is a wonderful WOTY, Donna. This word should be in all of our minds continuously, as a reminder to hold onto our beliefs as core values. I haven’t had a WOTY for several years now, opting to let certain words or beliefs if you will, pour over me unfettered. But I respect those which many have chosen to focus on. I “believe” more than ever connections with friends, family and virtual friends are what help define our lives.

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    1. And I believe that you are very correct about the importance of connections in our lives. Research agrees with you too. Social Integration and Social Relationships are constantly rated the number 1 factor to increasing longevity!
      Wishing you an awesome year ahead!

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  26. 2025 WOTY – STOIC. Not the stiff-upper-lip or uncomplaining definition but rooted in the philosophy of stoicism & its 4 cardinal virtues: wisdom (common sense), fairness (contribute to society), courage (perseverance/authenticity), moderation (self-discipline/forgiveness of self & others). It’s a big goal & all encompassing, embodying spirituality, transience, orderliness, introspection, community. It’s a philosophy that embraces life in all its elements, including death. There were 16 deaths in our circle in 2024, some close to center, some peripheral; some young, some old; some expected, some sudden. This business of death is really about life.

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    1. Hi, Mona – ‘Stoic’ is such a thought-provoking WOTY. Thank you for sharing it here. I look forward to reading more how this word helps guide and facilitate during the year.
      I am so sorry to hear about the large number of deaths in your circle this. Sending very warm thoughts and hugs your way.

      Thank you for always reading, commenting and keeping in touch!

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  27. Thanks so much for stopping by and for hosting!! I enjoyed reading your reflections on your past WOTY…Mine for last year was Pause which took on a whole new meaning with my husband’s sudden illness and passing….I think that my WOTY for 2025 of Hope will stay pretty much the same throughout the year…And I hope you are having a great week!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

    Debbie-Dabble Blog

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  28. What an interesting reflection on your words of the year, Donna. I’ve never chosen one. My brain gets overwhelmed by the choosing process. Lol. But your post clearly showed the value of intention. I particularly liked what you said about channel – “I can choose how I respond to them and I can channel calmness and peace even when times are tough.” Now, I’m going to have to choose a WOTY. 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much for dropping by. I honestly did not originally believe that a WOTY would be right for me, but this practice has proven me wrong. Once you choose a word (or, as in my case, a word chooses you) it is remarkable how you begin to see that word everywhere! ❤

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  29. Donna,

    Believe is an excellent choice for 2025, and I hope you’ll incorporate some of the impacts of your choice in future posts. My word this year is “acceptance,” not only as it relates to the my relationship with the beliefs, words, and actions of others, but also with impacts on my life. An example is aging, and focusing on the positive aspects of it rather than the negative. It’s gonna happen–might as well look at it from the good side.

    I agree with Jennifer above, and look forward to traveling with you in 2025. Joe

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