This year you’ve decided to try something different to help you stay on track and make positive changes in your life. Resolutions have proven to be ineffective in the past, and you’re intrigued by the idea of a word of the year. Great! But how exactly does one go about choosing their very own word…
THE STORY
…In Tuesday’s post I discussed why you might want to consider choosing a word of the year a.k.a. a guiding word or focus word. If it’s a concept that intrigues you, then let’s look more closely at the “how”.
First of all let me say that choosing a word (or even several words or a phrase) shouldn’t make you feel pressured or stressed. There is no right or wrong way to go about it, nor is there a right or wrong word. You are doing this for you; it’s all about you and no one else. Do not overwhelm yourself thinking that you have to choose the “perfect” word. You’re simply looking for a word that resonates with you and the direction that you’d like to go. You might even find that as the year goes on, you want to change your word or add another one. As I said, this is all you…there’s no wrong way to do it.
The word(s) that you choose is like a theme for your year as opposed to a rigid pass/fail resolution. It’s something that you can apply to little things in different areas of your life. Think of it as a little reminder to always be working on making your life the way that you want it to be.
For example, one of the two words that I chose last year was “intentional”. Whenever I found myself not paying attention whether it was to a person, an experience or even something as mundane as feeding my dogs “intentional” would automatically pop into my head as a gentle nudge to really be in the moment and stop missing out on my life.
This year I have chosen “focus” and “explore” as my words because both really resonated with me when I thought long and hard about where I want to see myself going this year as well as what I need to be successful and remain sane with the changes that are on the horizon for me.
Here are some tips that I think will help you along the path to choosing a guiding word that’s right for you:
- Think about what you need more of in your life. What does your life look like now and what do you see coming this year? Come up with a few words that will guide you towards what it is you need.
- Think about who you want to be. No matter who we are, we all have qualities that we would like to see more of in ourselves. Brainstorm some words that encompass some of those qualities that you would like to see.
- Next December when you look back at 2020, how do you want it to look? What words could help you to get there?
- Think about the past year. Are there things that you wish you had done differently? Is there a word that sums up how to do those things better this year?
- Google “word of the year lists” or “word of the year ideas” to give yourself options. As you read over the lists pay attention to words that resonate with you.
- Once you have a list of words that interest you, narrow it down. If a word is almost, but not quite right, use the online thesaurus and look at synonyms for the word. I actually did that this year and it was really helpful in the narrowing down process.
- Sit with your word for a few days. Does it feel right? Does it feel natural and not forced? Will it help keep you on the path that you want to be on?
Have you chosen a guiding word? If so, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!
THE OUTFIT
This look tells a story of coziness. It expresses the need for warmth on a cold day, while acknowledging the fact that color is still important, necessary even, in the gloomy months of winter…
Once cold weather sets in, velvet is kind of my jam and this orange-y/rust velvet duster is one of my very favorite pieces to wear. Although it is a shade of orange, it works surprisingly well over an all black base outfit without veering into Halloween territory, and it instantly elevates a basic pair of jeans. This time I styled it with my orange, pink and black floral jumpsuit. It’s actually a summer piece that was more than lightweight enough for July, but when layered properly works all year long.
There’s just something about velvet in the winter that gives off all the warm and cozy vibes. One of my favorite ways to wear it is in the form of a velvet duster. There’s nothing easier than a kimono to add some spice to a basic look, and a velvet duster is like the cozy winter version of a kimono. It will take even the simplest outfit to a whole new level with very little effort.
THE TIP
When looking for the right velvet duster try to find one that hits somewhere between mid-calf and ankle length. For the most versatility, make sure that there is either some stretch to the fabric or a little extra room in the arms so that you can layer it over long sleeves on a cold day.
THE LINK UPS
Check out the weekly link ups I participate in for even more fashion and style ideas…
Duster: Similar; Jumpsuit; Zulily (Similar); Boots: Similar
**Disclaimer: Commission earned through shopping links in this post.
