How to Choose a Word of the Year 2022
I’m cleaning up my studio and getting ready to change out my big wall calendar to the 2022 version. And I need to choose a new word of the year for 2022.
The dream catcher featured above with the word Enchanted has been hanging on the corner of the calendar since last January.
My word for 2021 was Enchanted and my symbol was the dreamcatcher.
I’m already starting to ponder a word and symbol for the coming year. Which got me really curious…
Do you pick a word of the year?
And if so, how do you stay present to that word throughout the year?
How does it serve you long past January?
These are some of the questions we will be answering in the upcoming Radiant Retreat.
A word of the year is like a vision board, it’s easy to make it and forget about it. Even when it’s hanging in front of your eyes, you stop seeing it. You get caught up in your day-to-day life and lose sight of your dreams.
3 Ways to Begin Searching for Your Word of the Year
- Grab your journal and write about how you want to feel in the coming months. In the video below I show a cute book I made to hold our free Personal Development Journal that is included with The Radiant Retreat. It’s full of questions to get you thinking about what you want more of, what you want to release and who you want to be in 2022.
- From your writing, notice what words stand out the most. Especially the words related to how you want to feel. Make a short list of 5 to 10 words.
- Say each word out loud. Use it in a sentence. Look up the definition. Sit with your list for a few days before deciding.
What happens for me is that I will start to see, hear or read a specific word over and over again. I usually take that as a clear sign that the word has chosen me for the year rather than the other way around.
The final step: make art to illustrate the word
I always make art in my journal or on a canvas that highlights and illustrates the word. I love keeping front and center so I can stay present to it all year long.
Would you love to figure out your word of the year in a community of creative women and with the guidance of a lifelong artist and creativity coach?
Join Dr. Minette for The Radiant Retreat
During the Radiant Retreat you will create a powerful word or phrase of the year that will serve as a mantra or guiding light throughout the months, not just in January.
You will create art with your word.
Then you will pick practices and rituals that will keep that word top of mind all year long.
If you are serious about making 2022 radiant, vibrant, meaningful then you will not want to miss the Radiant Retreat.
This morning I had fun making a video to show how to bind our new Personal Development Journaling into a beautiful booklet. This planner and our Vision Book will help you to get creative and start dreaming about what you want more of for 2022.
My son Conner did a beautiful job designing these bonuses for you and I am having fun trying them out. I am so grateful for his contribution and vision.
With your Radiant Retreat ticket you will receive 3 additional creative bonuses. Find all the details on the registration page here. Save $100 when you buy before Monday, November 29.
P.S. I made a video about the Radiant Retreat. You can watch it here.
I have been choosing a word of the year for several years now. This year it is Engagement. It has definitely served me well! I will start thinking about the 2022 word soon.
I started to use a word of the year this year (2021) for the first time. Doing this was transformative. I used a similar process to the one you outlined. I was able to use this word (JOY) to guide my actions towards my goals for the year.
I would love to join your Radiant Retreat but cannot attend during the times you are having them.
Wishing you much success.
I’ve chosen a word of the year for the last 7 or 8 years. In 2021 my word was Flow and I am not sure I did much with it. I think this year I need to choose a more proactive word. I have a locket that I wear and I usually put a quotation using my word in the locket and wear it all year. I didn’t do that this year either since we didn’t go out much. I am on the lookout now for my 2022 word. Good suggestions.
I don’t have a word for the year but I plan to do more journaling for the new year to track my feelings.
Minette, how charming! I never heard of having a Word of the Year! Your artwork above is really lovely. Thank you for inspiring me to think of my top word or words!
Hey Minette, I have been choosing a Word of the Year for many years now. Every year, I keep a planner. Each night before going to bed, I plan the next day on paper. Before beginning my planning, I write my word of the year at the top of my planner. That way, it stays top of mind for me.
My word this year is “Expansion” and I have seen it manifest in every area of my life. By the way, I love, love, love your handmade journal. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Fun post! I will ask my dreams for the word.