Why Just One Word?
Last year I didn’t settle for just one word, I initially chose abundance and then I switched to Faith and made it even more complex by adding in fun, abundance, intuition, trust and heart thinking this would give me FOCUS ( the word my head felt I should have chosen.
Big Mistake! With hindsight I realize anyone could see that was too much complication for any sort of focus.
How My Word for 2014 Came To Me
This year I was working like a lot of others on having 3 words. I thought that Love was going to be one of my words, I had already made the image for it! Then I was going to add Focus and maybe Abundance. At this point I realized I was still in my head, not my heart.
Then on Tuesday in meditation the word courage was given to me. It was like a whisper from my heart. I pondered on this and then yesterday I asked my guides were they sure about courage and they were very firm.
So I have decided that my power word will be courage.
I love the fact that the latin origin of the word courage is cor, meaning heart as in the Italian word coraggio. So, very appropriate, given my Heart Whispers, being called the Heart Whisperer and my desire to start a Heart Whisper Revolution not to mention some recent tests for a Heart Murmur which I am happy to report are positive. Just 2 more weeks of resting.
So how do I see Courage playing out and supporting me in 2014?
To get some clarity on this, I started by painting and then went walking with Des, talking about my word and these words came to me:
I need courage to stop looking outwards, to stop comparing myself to others, to go within, to reflect, to be still, to listen so that I can go without authentically and effectively.
Today I finished the painting.
And being ready to share some of my vulnerability.
My Invitation for others to share their words.
Yesterday I invited my friends and fellow-bloggers to answer the question I asked myself. The response delighted me.
The question was:
Do you have a power word for 2014? What’s your word? Why did you chose it and how will it make you shine in 2014? Click to Tweet
These are their fabulous responses:
Anne Aleckson: Radical SELF-CARE This year will be the year that I step into caring for myself at a whole different level. Showing self-care shows my Heart and Soul that I now know that I am worth it and I am good enough and by stepping fully into that and living it out in the World I hope to model for those I meet that they are also enough and worthy.
Angela Aretmis:My power word for 2014 is ENJOYMENT. I drive myself very hard and have always been kind of a workaholic. While I advise people to slow down I rarely do, so this year I plan to begin taking my own advice to relax and enjoy my life more. I will schedule “fun” into my life from now on and make time to travel and socialize. I believe enjoying my life will bring more creative energy back to me and my business!
Betsy Henry: GRATITUDE as my word for the year. Whether I’m having a bad day or a good day, expressing makes me stop, step outside myself and acknowledge all the good in my life. I always have more peace and mind, less stress, more optimism and feel generally content with life. Feeling gratitude will help remain at peace with my job as a teacher and my “moon-lighting” job as Zen Mama!
Cathy Taughinbaugh: COMPASSION is my word for 2104. When others are facing challenges, reaching out and lending a helping hand can make all the difference. It will make me feel happier this year to focus on more compassion for others. I want to treat others how I would like to be treated and to remember that being gentle and kind can make the difference.
Corinne Rodrigues: My word for 2014 is ‘ME’. Now before you think, ‘How narcissistic!’, let me tell why it makes sense to me. I believe that I have always given second best to myself and this year I’ll focus on putting myself first – more focus on my needs – health, healing and development.
Elle Sommer; BLESSINGS is my word Suzie. I intend to embrace my blessings by expressing and sharing my enthusiasm, by speaking my truth, by walking my talk, by dancing to my heart music and singing the songs of my soul.This is the way I’ll make every day in 2014 wonderful days to remember.
Ellie Walsh: AUTHENTICITY is my word again in 2014. I felt it was about being Authentic for me and to me … and Yes this last year has been all about that. I’m staying with that word! I like how it feels and I liked how it worked out in 2013!
Heather Bestel: SIMPLIFY Every time I think of my word I will be reminded on my intentions for 2014 and I can use it to evaluate my choices or situations and ask myself: “ will doing this or choosing this path simplify my life or complicate my life?”.Simplicity brings with it calmness, tranquillity and peace. Every time I take action I’m going to be moving more toward calm tranquil peace. Focusing on my power word will make decisions and choices much easier for me to make.
Hiten Vyas My word is PASSION because I believe that when I approach my work with passion, it makes me want to do well, naturally. As my heart and soul goes into the work, success seems to follow.
Karen Jolly My word is LEAP… I want this to be a year of taking action. I know when I take the time to tune in, tap in to my inner being, I get lots of inspired action and this is the year for leaping whenever it comes to me. This will allow me grow my business and expand myself daily in 2014!
Louise Edlington: FREEDOM is my main word for 2014 ashas been a word that runs through my life. I like the freedom to move, to travel, to buy what I want, to help others when I want to. I have a bigger ultimate goal of freedom now and that is to live in a sustainable space, an eco home and to be less reliant on the structures of society. This word will drive everything I do. It gives me the big picture that I am working towards in my life and business. The very word is my personal dream board.
Paige Burkes: CONNECTION: This year I’m focusing on connecting more deeply with myself, my family and those around me. Last year I was very focused on “doing” instead of “being” and I can feel it physically, mentally and emotionally. Connecting with others is a critical way of being that brings joy and happiness to life as well as business. Connecting with myself helps me to stay happier and more focused on what’s important to me. Connecting with others shows how important and special I think they are.
Sandi Amorim WONDERLUST: an irresistibly strong desire to travel or wander While this usually pertains to travelling, for me it includes wandering into the inner realms; my psyche and soul, feelings, fears, beliefs, desires. Having realized this perhaps I DO have a word for 2014 after all!
Sandra Pawula “FOCUS” is my power word for 2014. I took the VIA Survey of Character Strengths. My focus word immediately came to mind after seeing my greatest weakness. I want to let go of all that is unnecessary in my life and work so I can focus on the priorities and live with greater ease.
Vidya Sury: My power word for 2014 is “BLOOM”. I want to bloom as a writer, artist, photographer, craftswoman and above all, as an individual who inspires happiness in every life she touches.
Zeenat Merchant Syal: In the new year my word or my guiding word is “HEALING“. I am an empath and do a lot to help those around me, but in doing so have silently neglected myself a little bit. In this year I want to heal myself and all those around me. For when my heart is completely healed, I can heal others from a more purer, more heart centered place. I love how 2014 brought this “healing” strength with its waves of change. Thank you 2014! Thank you Divine light!
Have you chosen your word for 2014?
Please share in the comments your fabulous word and how you came to choose it.
PS This is a great post from my friend Nicole Cody on how to chose your power word
Live with love, smile often and be forever grateful
Listening to the whispers of your heart brings ♥More Joy ♥ More Love ♥ More Abundance ♥
♥♥”Please Share this article on your favorite social networks and with your community. This can help others heal and transform their lives. Thank you!”♥♥ Thanks so much for your support!
Pingback: Did You Chose Your Power Word for 2014 From Your Head Or Your Heart?
Pingback: Did You Chose Your Power Word for 2014 From Your Head Or Your Heart?
An amazing read and I love your journey!
I never thought about such a think and now I am thinking! As I look back on 2013 and the challenges that were brought before me, my word are hope, courage and grateful.
Thank you for this amazing passage!
hi Sharon,
Happy you are visiting and that you were able to find words for 2014 from this post. See if you can focus on one that is the overriding one that also encompasses the other 2.. ♡♡♡
Love this post! My word for 2014 is LEAP. Originally, I was thinking COURAGE – but I realized I wanted a word that evokes a little more action. For me – LEAP represents moving from where I am now, to where I am capable of going.
I love LEAP Lisa it represents for me forward action, leaping forward to grab your dreams, ♡♡♡
Hi Suzie, I get a very good feeling when I read your blog and listen to your message. What a good idea to have a specific word to lead you through the year. I am not sure about mine just now – maybe flow, joy or wider horizon could be good words for me. I love your paintings and colors. Thanks!
Hi Eva,
thanks for you upliftig comments makes my heart sing. I will be interested to hear what word you chose and the process you found most powerful ♡♡♡
Hi Suzie, I chose “wider horizon” for my word of 2014. 🙂
Love your word, Suzie! I have 3 for this year: healthy, happy, and supportive. I am reminded I need to work on them every day. But that’s the point, right? 🙂
Thanks for sharing this. BTW, love your painting!
Love your word, Suzie! I have 3 for this year: healthy, happy, and supportive. I am reminded I need to work on them every day. But that’s the point, right? 🙂
Thanks for sharing this. BTW, love your painting!
Yes Delia we need those words in front of us so we remember why we are following our hearts desire and that there is joy in what we do ♡♡♡
I loved reading the responses, and there are so many beautiful words. I was just listening to a video on YouTube about journaling to write down your fairy tale life. That’s what I’m doing. I’m manifesting, weaving, creating, and working towards my fairy tale. My word this year is freedom because I want to feel as free as a bird. If I decide I want to go to France tomorrow, I want that freedom and capabilities to make it happen. If I want to stay in all day and watch sappy romance movies and eat chocolate, I want to be able to just that. Freedom is very important to me. 🙂
That is my favorite word and have a painted version on my fridge to remind me what freedom represent for me. All that you have written here ♡♡♡
Ooh, I’ve never thought of coming up with a power word for the year. I’ll have to get my thinking cap on.
http://www.lifestyleandimage.co.uk
Welcome Carol,
drop back and share your word , let me know if you find the process helpful ♡♡♡
What great words, I have thoughts in my head that I am focused on for this year that will work for me and make me a stronger and more focused this year. I am believing that my GREATER is coming this year and that I will walk in HUMILITY and LOVE and FAITH!
Hi Margaret,
I love your words , they resonate with the heart and they will keep you focused ♡♡♡
This is the first year I’ve used a word and I love the idea. My word for 2014 from the heart is “emerge”
hi Lorelle,
I love the word emerge and have a book called emergings ♡♡♡
I tried to use BOTH my heart and head for mine, Suzie: it was “Foundations” (as in, building strong ones in all areas of my life)
Blessings
TANJA
I tried to use BOTH my heart and head for mine, Suzie: it was “Foundations” (as in, building strong ones in all areas of my life)
Blessings
TANJA
Hi Tanja,
I like foundations, will be interesting to see how you apply it throughout the year as you build those solid foundations ♡♡♡
Mine was definitely both. My word was “iconoclast”. It’s a word that has walked with me through many alleys of my life, but has only recently become an actual, vivid possibility.
It is of the mind because it describes a concept – destroying existing images, stereotypes, and norms to make way for something new. It is of the heart because this concept, to me, is key to my life’s work.
It is what I feel I’ve always been compelled to do, but too afraid to step into. And now, I am living the sort of life that, if someone told me I were to die in a week, I wouldn’t change a thing. It’s been wild, frightening, and immensely rewarding.
I can see the images of fear being destroyed in those I know. I can see them destroying their limiting beliefs and daring to believe that their dreams are possible. This year, I want to face my fears, my demons, my limitations even more, so I can show a pathway to the people watching. I want my life to be an example.
<3
Hi Vironika,
I have added you word to the image from you comment on FB
I love how you have explained it here in more detail ♡♡♡
Dear Suzie, nice to meet you! I have a clear word in my mind this year GRATITUDE, I always seek (and find!) a positive thought before sleeping and when I wake up. Practicing gratitude is helping me so much, I already feel better and the year has just started!
Welcome Clara. gratitude is a wonderful word to have and I know that having a daily gratitude practise is so important , thanks for the nudge ♡♡♡
I chose from my heart. I decided what I don’t want anymore, and then the song Roar by Katy Perry showed up. It has a lot in it that I’ve experienced myself. After a lot of soul searching, I believe that is my word for 2014, in life as well as business. I’m taking a stand, I’m making it my year.
I love it ROAR- I will be watching and will add the word to my image ♡♡♡
Dear Suzie,
A very Happy New Year to you 🙂
My word for 2014 is also courage 🙂 and it comes from my heart. It came to me while filling in Leonie Dawson’s 2014 Create your Amazing Year workbook. I feel this is the year that I step into my Power fully and embrace my magnificence as is. Interestingly enough in numerology this year is about power and it’s the year of the horse which is my power animal! Amazing synchronicities lead the way for true affirmations in line with one’s spirit guiding the way forth.
Bright blessings to you sister x
With love
I’ve been picking a word/theme for the past five or so years now. In the past, my word has either been something that I wanted more of in my life (like creativity) or what I wanted to use as a mantra (like believe). So imagine my surprise when elevate popped into my head this time around. I love that its etymology is actually more about to lighten than about to raise. I’m quite looking forward to seeing how elevate shows up in my life and my business this year.
Thanks Suzie. I read your post and I thought I’d meditate on it for a moment. The word I have chosen is POTENTIALITY. Thank you for helping me to come to that realisation. xx
Thanks Suzie. I read your post and I thought I’d meditate on it for a moment. The word I have chosen is POTENTIALITY. Thank you for helping me to come to that realisation. xx
Suzie, love this! I did choose one word for ’14, and that word was Service. But to my surprise it has morphed to include the words I had chosen for the previous two years (joy and healing), so my theme for 2014 is Joyful Healing Service.
Sending love!
Sue
I love how you have added Joyful healing to Service Sue and it feels good. Joy is one world that will undepin much of what i do in 2014- Not joyful no do 🙂
Love to you
My word for 2014 shall be “Unpredictable” because I love everything it conveys: changeable, uncertain, chancy, dicey, random, even whimsical. Time to embrace the fun in not having everything figured out.
Wow now that is different, I love that you say you will embrace the fun of it all
I look forward to hearing how this works out for you ♡♡♡
My words are CLARITY and TRUST. I’m asking the universe for clarity about my business, my career in general and my personal life. I added trust as a reminder to trust the messages that come through. Great post. I will share it on my FB biz page!
Hi Nano,
Thanks for the share. i love your words and how you will use them. Trust is so important and it something we do often discard ♡♡♡
Hi, Suzie. Love your post and how you came to your word. You are so right, it’s better if the word come to us:)
My word for the year is BUBBLE. I had a big breakthrough late last year when someone told me how manifestations are like popcorn – you heat them (=do the internal work) and for the long time you don’t see anything, but then they start popping… and I liked this analogy so much I used it all the time. But having POPCORN as a word of the year would be really silly. But then I discovered switchwords, and there was this word BUBBLE, meaning expand beyond limitations… And I just love it.
Alenka
Welcome Alenka,
I love it it, Bubble to expand beyond limitations. I do like the image of the popcorn and it’s relationship to manifesting. . I love the ideas you have presented. Switchwords= will have to google♡♡♡
Pingback: My Happiness Project - Everyday Gyaan
Pingback: Cathy Taughinbaugh
Pingback: Cathy Taughinbaugh
Love your word and thank you so much for including one of my words in your list because as you know I have three. I loved that our conversation about it made me realize that freedom is the central one. But fun and focus are very important to me also. I think I shall follow your lead and draw my words also!
Thanks Louise I do love your 3 words and it was good that you were able to see a central one. I know that Joy now will be like a focus word for me in that will this bring me joy ♡♡♡
Oh, I love this post!
What a beautiful word to pick for this year. Courage. I hope that you’re able to have as much as you need and MORE in your heart every day this year and beyond.
My words for this year are Happiness and Abundance. I chose these words specifically because I made the decision to actively choose them. I choose happiness over misery and discomfort. I choose abundance over struggling and lack. In all ways I’m the master of my future and I will ACTIVELY invite and pursue Happiness and Abundance in all things this year (and in the years to come!).
Welcome Audra
Thank you so do i as i struggled to accept the word. I like you reason behind your word choice. Good wishes in your pursuit of both ♡♡♡
Suzi, I’m so glad to read that you’re on the mend. I debated long and hard about my word/s for 2014 and in spite of agreeing with your reasons for only having one, have chosen three.
Self-love, prosperity and fun! I feel I take things way too seriously sometimes and in 2014 I’m determined not to overthink stuff, but instead just relish the joy in every moment.
Self-love includes radical self-care. I had a conversation with someone on New Year’s Eve who acted as a messenger for how much my self-care has slipped in the past few years and I have felt the call strongly to get back on track with it since.
Prosperity because the last 6 months have been difficult in terms of finances. It’s been absolutely wonderful in terms of abundance in everything else, so 2014 is the year in which I completely revamp my money mindset and embrace prosperity so that I can truly get out there and do the work I am meant to be doing.
Thanks for the chance to really evaluate whether these words were what I really wanted!
Hi Shann,
Yes fun is so important. My question for me is does this bring me joy?
I get the abundance number along with the manifesting, i have so much abundance and great at manifesting courses etc, like you I now need to bring in the prosperity in 2014.
I am so happy that the post helped you- that always makes my heart sing ♡♡♡
Glad you are on the mend, Suzie. I love these words for 2014. They are inspiring and this is definitely a post to reference as the year goes on. Thank you for including mine! All the best to you in the coming year. I love your courage painting! Beautiful.
Thanks Cathy and so am I! The art of resting I suppose is developing my patience muscle. I like your idea of the reference point as the year goes on ♡♡♡
Hi Suzie:
I love your courage painting. That one speaks to me — maybe because I love words. Anyway, it’s just beautiful.
I had chosen the word ‘intentional’ but now I’m not satisfied with it. It’s very logical and pragmatic but not heart centred. Back to the drawing board.
Hi Susan,
Thanks and i look forward to hearing what word your heart chose.. ♡♡♡
Your inspiring painting with energetic words to choose from is outstanding, especially for me who struggles in choosing at times. The word “authenticity” stood up, and voila! that’s the one I will focus on this new year, from both sides of the spectrum: being authentic and identifying authenticity as I interact with others! Great post!
Wow Delmy that is awesome. that is my friend Ellie’s word for the second year in a row. O love how you will embrace this and how wonderful that the words came to you from the imagery ♡♡♡
Suzie,
I love every word these bloggers wrote! I think I could apply them all to myself as well!!
Thanks for putting this together! I love being part of this group!
xoxo
Thanks Betsy, yes it is a great group and your word is such an important one for me to embrace in 2014 ♡♡♡
Suzie, I am delighted to find this post after just hearing about choosing a power word for 2014. Couldn’t wait to say thank you…and now it’s time for me to allow my inner warrior to settle down all the words running through my mind right now – and give me my power word. Stay tuned! So many amazing words shared…such power and growth and assurance in everyone’s hearts and minds. This is awesome!
Welcome Trisha,
Your comment makes my heart sing Trisha. I look forward to hearing what your word is when your inner warrior settles down. Let me know and I will add it to the image ♡♡♡
I think the word courage can sometimes be thought of as harsh … Like we have to be harsh to have courage …
But as I read what came to you “I need courage to stop looking outwards, to stop comparing myself to others, to go within, to reflect, to be still, to listen so that I can go without authentically and effectively.”
This is the courage to be kinder to yourself … the courage to go within even deeper and live those whispers of your heart.
I love it!
Big Hugs 😀
Thanks Ellie,
yes the courage to live the whispers of my heart and to do that i do have to go deeeper
big hugs back to you ♡♡♡
My word for this year is Providence. As I step out on faith in a new direction my every need will be provided for by my Creator.
Hi Tai,
Well that is the first time I have read that word this year and i relate to your explanation of it thank you ♡♡♡
Hi Suzie,
I’m glad to hear the test results were okay and hope you’re resting well.
What a wonderful set of words! Angela’s word about enjoyment got me thinking about my own work levels. I think I’m working too hard and in addition to being passionate, will also enjoy myself too!
Thank you.
Yes Hiten I am resting well, I have learned the hard way and this past week or so I can see the benefit of rest.
Yes joy and fun I think help us life with more passion ♡♡♡
It’s so inspiring to read about your process with your power word for 2014. And how uplifting it is read about the power words chosen by all these remarkable women. Thank you for gathering this collection.
Thanks for playing Sandra, yes it was an interesting process and the word is a challenge for me too ♡♡♡ I just glanced at you post title- that’s part of what courage is for me- being true to me ♡♡♡
What an encouraging post, Suzie! You asked a great question and I am thrilled to read the answers. Stating our purpose is like letting the Universe know.
Thank you for including me! Love you!
Vidya, thanks for inspiring me with your focus question.
Love your word too, I can see you blooming with love, wisdom and color in 2014 ♡♡♡
My word for 2014 is RECEIVE. It came to be through quiet time and introspection. This year I will hold my head high and RECEIVE all the I deserve with an open heart.
Nice one Shann Receive is something so many of us need to learn to be accepting and deserving of. As part of courage I will be learning to receive more openly ♡♡♡
Suzie – Courage is such a powerful word – LOVE IT! And all of the words from those amazing ladies were just too cool – this has become a favorite New Year anticipation for me each year! Mine is ROOTS and I thank you for the visit to my post! Much love to you for the New Year!
Hi Kimberly and welcome, Wow Roots that brings up being rounded in all that you do, was that you thinking?
Yes courage surprised me, it has me looking at where i show courage and waus i hide- going to be interesting ♡♡♡
I love this Suzie! I have chosen a word the past few years, and I love how it helps me focus. My words have been JOY, AWAKEN, and INSPIRE. For 2014 my word is THRIVE. This word just came to me just as the other words did, using both heart and mind. I will push fear and doubt aside and THRIVE! <3
Wonderful Deanna, I will add your word Thrive to my image I am expanding. I like the other words you have shared too especially joy and awaken Thanks ♡♡♡
Beautiful post Suzie!
Thank you for asking me to focus on my power word. I had thought very casually about it but, when you asked me to write something it cemented the word into my consciousness!
And, for that I am extremely grateful.
I need fun, play and enjoyment in my life!
Thank you – thank you dear friend.
I love, love, love your artwork!
xxoo,
Angela
Beautiful post Suzie!
Thank you for asking me to focus on my power word. I had thought very casually about it but, when you asked me to write something it cemented the word into my consciousness!
And, for that I am extremely grateful.
I need fun, play and enjoyment in my life!
Thank you – thank you dear friend.
I love, love, love your artwork!
xxoo,
Angela
Angela You make my heart sing, I am so happy that my question was a catalyst for you. I will always thank you for that prescription that has mejoyfully creating art the inspires and uplifts ♡♡♡ I look forward to seeing you enjoy 2014
Suzie:
I chose DISCOVERY. I spent time in prayer on my continued journey to health and wholeness and my heart whispered: discover what you need and what you already do well. Blessings to you Suzie and all who gather here <3
Hi Tanya,
Welcome, I love how you discovered your word. It is not one that I would have thought of, now i can see magic in finding discoveries ♡♡♡
Gratitude. This has been my word for a couple of years. I believe that when consciously we are thankful/grateful in the midst of high and low life situations, the stronger we become and more appreciative of who we are and what we have … others benefit by extension.
Opportunities to express gratitude are everywhere. Everything else that is good for us, small and large, flows from that. Gratitude is a force to be reckoned with!
That’s my word and that’s what my post for this first week of 2014 is about!
Gratitude Kathy will be a word I’ll add to the word board. Yes the more we feel grateful the more abundance and love we experience in our lives, when we ignore it life is not so nice ♡♡♡