I love seeing social media posts about Word of the Year and intentional focus for this upcoming year. As the Choosing Wisdom team, we each share our words and focus for 2023 below and give some tips to help you choose your own word of the year.
Lori’s Word of the Year
In 2015 Larry R. Lawrence gave a talk entitled “What Lack I Yet?” which became a pivotal time for my husband and me as we earnestly asked the question that inspired this powerful talk. What area did we need to focus on, how did we need to change, and where did we lack and have room for growth? It became pivotal because those questions inspired action, and we made small but significant changes that have had a long-term chain reaction in how we live our lives.
At the end of each year, I evaluate what went well and where I need to make adjustments. I’m reminded of this line from Elder Lawrence’s talk: “If spiritual growth is not a priority in our lives, if we are not on a course of steady improvement, we miss out on the important experiences that God wants to give us.”
Choosing a word each year helps me focus on growth and improvement that will keep me moving in the right direction. It has been said that our speed is never more important than our direction. So my growth in 2023 is more about which way I’m facing rather than accomplishing a long list of things to do.
I’ve spent the last month contemplating where I want to direct my energy, attention, and power in the coming year — asking questions like, What do I want to start doing or becoming better at? How can I make my spiritual growth more of a priority? As I’ve reflected on what choices I need to make to be on a steady course of improvement, the word SEEK or SEEKER continued to come to my mind.
SEEK is an attempt or desire to obtain or achieve, search for, find, or discover. In 2023 I want to become a seeker of learning and truth, connection, order, peace, and gratitude. I want to seek acceptance for things I cannot change while discovering ways to incorporate more light, inspiration, and personal revelation. I want to seek “this Jesus of whom the prophets and apostles have written, that the grace of God the Father, and also the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost, which bearers record of them may be and abide in you forever.” (Ether 12:41)
Heather’s Word of the Year
My word for 2023 is Believe. This word came to me several weeks ago while I was not really thinking about it. I gave it some thought, and it just feels right. I can see how “Believe” can be implemented in many ways in my life. I anticipate that as I look back a year from now that I will have dozens of examples. Here are the top 3 focus areas and what I wrote in my journal as I pondered on my word of the year.
Believe in Myself- I recognize that in the past, I have played small because I didn’t believe in myself. I’m done with that! I have the knowledge, skills, and wisdom! My playing small hurts others. I need to shine and lead!
Believe in God- I will continue strengthening my relationship with God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Ghost. I will notice the Spirit and take action on promptings. I am co-creating with God. I believe God has work for me to do and wants to help me.
Believe in Miracles- What seems impossible is possible! Believe! It will be fascinating to study Jesus’s miracles in the New Testament. It will be awe-inspiring to see miracles in my life!
Sharing these thoughts from my journal is a bit vulnerable. I hope my words empower you to live your life purpose and believe in yourself too!
Sharee’s Word of the Year
It took me a while to figure out my word for 2023. First, I wrote down what I want to accomplish in 2023 in all areas of my life- relationships with my husband and grown children, business & financial goals, health and vitality, spirituality, and fun!
Following that journalling session, I brainstormed words that would encompass all those goals. I also wanted the word to be a joyful word that represents my bright, positive personality.
I meditated, pondered, and prayed for about three days over the list of words. Shine rose to the top!
I love the idea that I will Shine in 2023. To me, Shine represents doing my best in the many areas I want to improve and strengthen. Shine means that I will attract things to me that I desire. For business, it also means that I will shine as a leader in a joyful way and attract those that wish to work with me.
I look forward to creating a joyful and successful 2023 with Shine as my intentional focus! I wish these blessings for you too!
Choosing Your Word of the Year
Desiring progress is a healthy and normal part of the human experience. It doesn’t mean that we are ungrateful for our current circumstances. It’s an expression of faith and hope!
If you have already selected a word of the year, we’d love to hear about it in the comments!
If you are still considering your intentional focus, perhaps the following questions from Kelly King will be helpful:
- What is lighting you up right now?
- What are you most passionate about?
- What obstacles are limiting your progress right now?
As you think about the questions above you might notice a theme. When we are excited about a topic, we need to trust that we are on the right path and go with it!
On the other hand, if you want to make some breakthroughs this year, focusing on ways to overcome an obstacle is a great way to accelerate your progress. Choose an empowering word to develop within yourself.
Put reminders up around your home, as your phone wallpaper, and in your car! No matter what word you choose, I have found that when I focus on growth, I always win!
