Pausing to Reflect as the Year Ends
It’s unbelievable that we’re about to turn the final page on another year. Like all of them, this one was filled with beautiful moments and rich blessings, along with challenges and difficulties. Through it all, we (hopefully) learned and grew from the experiences life placed in front of us.
As we prepare to step into a new year, I think it’s important to pause and reflect on what the year brought with it—and what we can do, within our ability, to create positive change moving forward. For me, choosing one word for the New Year has become a meaningful and manageable way to do just that.
Why I Gave Up on New Year’s Resolutions
I gave up on traditional New Year’s resolutions a long time ago. Honestly, they always felt daunting and a bit unrealistic. And let’s be real…how long do most of us actually stay focused on those resolutions? Half the time, I couldn’t even remember what was on my list!
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Discovering My Word for the Year
Several years ago, though, I stumbled across a small book that completely changed how I approach the New Year. I’ve shared it with friends and family over the years, and now I’d love to share it with you. The book is One Word That Will Change Your Life by Jon Gordon, Dan Britton, and Jimmy Page
It’s a quick read—about an hour or so—and it walks you through discovering one word for the New Year to carry with you. Instead of a long list of goals I may or may not stick to, this one word becomes my focus…my mantra for the year. The book also offers thoughtful, practical ideas for setting your intention and gently reminds you to return to it again and again.
Words That Shaped My Year
When I chose my very first Word of the Year, I was just starting my blog, Fun with Fun-Size, and was understandably nervous and fearful. I had so much to learn and navigate, and I found myself doubting my ability to move forward. Knowing my faith needed to be bigger than my fear, I chose the word FAITH. I made a bracelet and wore it every day—it served as a constant reminder whenever my confidence wavered.
The following year, I chose FEARLESS. I was still holding onto my faith but continuing to work through my fears. That bracelet reminded me daily to stay strong and turn my fear over instead of letting it hold me back.
Spreading the One Word Joy
Last year, I gifted the book to several friends and family members. I asked them to read it and choose their own word for the coming year. Once they shared their word with me, I had a bracelet made for each of them so they could wear it as a daily reminder.
It was a huge hit.
I gifted the book at Christmas, but this would also be a great way to kick off the New Year with friends. Gather your people for dinner or drinks and gift them a bracelet…or a notepad…or a journal! Part of the success of choosing one word for the New Year is sharing it with others so they can help encourage and support you throughout the year.
How to Keep Your Word Close Every Day
There are so many great ways to keep your Word of the Year front and center. Here are a few gift ideas (and dare I say, I’ve been the lucky recipient of all three—I’m a very good gift-giver to myself 😉):
Bracelet (or another style option): A quick daily glance serves as a powerful reminder
Notepad: Notes are used so often—it’s another gentle nudge throughout the day
Journal (or another style option): Perfect for capturing insights, tracking the year’s journey, or keeping a gratitude journal when things feel hard
There are also signs, coffee mugs, and sweatshirts—but even a simple sticky note on your mirror works beautifully. Whatever keeps your word visible is perfect.
Choosing Your Word for the New Year
As I look ahead to the coming year, I already know what my one word for the New Year will be: Balance.
I work full time, run this blog, stay active in church, do my best to show up for friends and family, and care for my 87-year-old dad. This past year, my head has often felt like it was just barely above water. While I’m proud of all that I carry, I also know something has to shift.
Balance, for me, means learning to take better care of myself—my health, my movement, my nutrition, and my rest—so I can continue showing up for the people and things I love without burning out.
That’s the beauty of choosing one word. It isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about intention. A gentle reminder to pause, recalibrate, and move forward with purpose.
Final Thoughts
So as we step into a new year, I invite you to consider choosing one word for the New Year. Something simple. Something meaningful. Something that meets you exactly where you are.
If you choose a Word of the Year, I’d love to hear what it is. Sharing it with others is often where the magic happens.
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Hi Shelley, I love this One Word idea. The word that came to me right away is RECONNECT. We’ll see where that leads in 2026 🙏
Thank you, and Happy New Year!
Ooooohhh…I love that! Perfect word to take into the New Year! Here’s to a wonderful 2026~
Shelley, what a beautiful idea! I thought about it and am reflecting on the word REFLECT. I have family coming over for New Year’s and plan to share the idea with them. Thank you so much for this.
I am loving these wonderfully insightful words for the coming year AND delighted you’ll be sharing it with the fam! Happy New Year~