We all want to live our best life. But, with all the noise that surrounds us, it’s easy to get stuck in the trance of just going through the motions: get kids to school, work, clean, chauffeur kids around, feed kids, get kids to bed, wash, rinse, repeat. But, I have discovered a SIMPLE WAY TO REFOCUS YOUR LIFE. ONE SIMPLE WORD can become a calling card to living a life of intention and can create a happier life in the process.
Sounds too simple to work. But, really, it’s all about clarity.
By finding my WORD and letting it become my mantra for the year, I have been able to stay focused on what brings fulfillment to my life.
And, by picking your WORD for the year, you can CREATE THE HABIT of living with INTENTION and bring true HAPPINESS and FULFILLMENT to YOUR life.
One Word Theme for the Year
I stumbled upon Gretchin Rubin’s Happier Podcast at the beginning of January. You may have heard of her best selling book The Happiness Project (which is currently on my nightstand and a review will be coming soon!).
This particular podcast episode focused on discovering your ONE WORD “theme” for the year. One Word Theme? No resolutions? No shame for breaking the resolutions?
That’s right! Just an easy way to SIMPLIFY your INTENT all year long.
Game Changer.
The basic idea is that the WORD (or short phrase) you pick will essentially be the LENS through which you want to live and experience the next year of your life. FYI: ANY word (or short phrase) works as long as it resonates with you. (Here are some tips on how to pick your word).
Refocus Your Intention
In picking my word (which turned out to be a short phrase) I wanted it to be a constant reminder to be FEARLESS, that I am WORTHY, and that it isn’t being selfish to DREAM BIG. So, I began brainstorming on what exactly I wanted for myself for the year. I decided on: WHY NOT ME
And, it has been a welcome reminder to keep walking my path when things get rough, when life gets in the way, and when I feel like letting go of things I really want.
Here’s the thing — without intention we tend to just let life “happen to us” instead of creating a life that we want.
That’s why finding your WORD is such a brilliant way to REFOCUS your intention. It makes you evaluate what YOU want from your life. Finding your word helps you take stock of what’s actually important and indispensable to your life’s happiness.
Create the Habit of Intention
Once you determine your WORD, then you need to stay connected to the intentions that lead you to pick this word–ALL YEAR LONG. Living your life with intention is something that must be revisited CONSTANTLY. It’s so easy to get off track!
So, staying focused on intention can seem like pretty lofty goal unless you find a way to make it STICK. We all need a little help in this department.
Happiness is a HABIT. Cultivate it. –Elbert Hubbard
My Intent Project
I personally find tangible or visual reminders super helpful when it comes to creating these kinds of habits. I have inspirational quotes and aspirations on chalkboards throughout my own house for this purpose. And, and I love art pieces that convey similar imagery.
So, I was thrilled when I discovered the My Intent Project bracelets. These simple little bracelets act as a constant REMINDER of your WORD (or phrase).
They are an inexpensive way to keep your intention FOCUSED on living the life you really want. I pulled the trigger the day I picked my word and bought a bracelet. I never take it off—not even to shower. It’s already APRIL, and I’ve still got it on!
I am completely SOLD on the bracelet idea! I know this will become my own personal way to ring in the New Year every January.
On the other hand, for those seeking an in depth and more creative way to delve deep into your WORD, then One Little Word by Ali Edwards, may be right up your alley. She has some pretty amazing projects geared toward helping you live out and stay connected on the intention behind your word’s meaning.
But, regardless of HOW you create the HABIT of living with intention and pursuing your true happiness, the important thing is that you STAY FOCUSED!
If you stay focused, then one word can create a happier life.
Live a Life You Love
What’s great about picking your WORD is that it makes you do a deep dive into what you really want and need in your life. Staying focused on those wants and needs—living with intention—is NOT a habit most of us have. So, we must CREATE the habit.
To live our best lives, we must live each day intentionally seeking out ways to make the things we truly desire a reality. But, it helps to have a reminder! That’s how ONE WORD can bring you happiness and help you create a life you love–it can be your mantra for the year. It can help you stay focused.
When it’s all said and done, you can look back at the year and see how living with intention has helped you live your best life.
One word CAN be pretty powerful. One word CAN create a happier life.
SO, WHAT’S YOUR WORD?
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