As I planned my Word of the Year for 2022, which came from a time of reflection, journaling, and prayer, it was not a word I expected.
Remember.
As I do with all my words for the year, the next step was research:
- Looking up the definition,
- Finding synonyms (remembrance, remind, recall)
- Creating a list of Bible verses on the topic.
Nothing resonated.
I was ready to go back to redo the exercise because the word “remember” seemed too hard on which to focus for a year.
But I continued by asking myself the five questions I do every year and journaling my answers:
- What is my true purpose?
- What do I need this coming year?
- What do I need to learn?
- What do I need to do?
- What do I need to change?
Amazingly, after I completed my journaling, I continually saw “remember” in different places: while I was reading my devotional or even an unrelated book. I kept seeing memes on social media with some of the same verses I had found.
Okay. Maybe this was the word.
When there is still some uncertainty after choosing a word, I suggest “sitting” with the word for about a week. Usually, during that time, there is some sort of confirmation. It just seems to happen that way.
Once confirmed, it’s vital to create an action plan. As I began mine, I thought back to how I answered some of the five questions, and it started to fall into place.
Remember.
- What do I need to do? Remember that I do better — mentally and physically — when I am helping other people.
- What do I need to learn? Creation of ways to help reach more people, blessing them with my resources.
- What do I need to change (to make this happen)? Step away from isolation to be among people, discover their stories, and connect.
I usually take time to create an action plan because I want to be successful with the changes I want to make.
Do you choose a word for the year? If you care to, share it in the comments below.
Click here for the Bible verses related to “remember.”
Visit my past Words for the Year: