My Word of the Year for 2019

Posted on by Susan Earlam

Last year I toyed with the idea of a “Word of the Year”.

Using a Word of the Year gives your something you can lean into and focus on. It is a much gentler way of self-improvement than the dreaded new year resolutions.

I hadn’t done it before (although I’d seen it around the web a lot) and couldn’t decide between Reading and Writing. So I chose both

Photo shot at Dunham Massey

Looking back on 2018 I did Read and Write, much more than previous years. I wrote a book and I read more books last year than I have for a long time. For me focusing on a Word(s) really worked.

This time I wanted my Word of the Year to be a little more generalised, something that I could apply to all areas of my life. From my finances to my website, from travel to my novel, along with health, family, friends and home.

THRIVE is my word of the year for 2019. The dictionary definition is;

1. to grow strongly and vigorously
2. to do well; prosper

Sounds good, right?

In the Rose Garden at Dunham Massey

So how will this Word of the Year look, as I apply it in my life? How am I going to ensure I thrive this year?

These are some of the ways I want to THRIVE, this list isn’t exhaustive.

  • It’s about pushing myself forward for things before I feel “ready”.
  • It’s also about saying “no” to other things I might previously have jumped at, events, people, work, for example, that no longer serve me and my aims.
  • It’s about stepping away from being everywhere online and connecting with my community in other ways.
  • It’s about using my time purposefully and not spreading myself thinly.
  • It’s about looking at alternate income ideas. Something that feels more wholehearted and holistic. When I have brought sponsored content to the blog it is always authentic. It’s just a dwindling income stream for me as brands gravitate to the “sure thing influencers”.
  • It’s about making sure I get enough movement and daylight. I had a hip/groin issue for most of last year, which I think I’m now finally on top of.
  • It’s about learning about how to make the most of my garden and where I live. I want to grow beautiful things.
  • It’s about growing and experiencing new adventures with my family.
  • It’s about pushing my novel and hopefully getting an agent and then a book deal.
  • It’s about cherishing my friendships and how much they help me.
The Glasshouse at Quarry Bank

Do you have a Word of The Year? Or perhaps you fancy giving it a go. Jot down a few feelings, see what comes up. How do you want to feel this year? How can you help yourself get there?

To give you an idea, on my shortlist I had the following;

  1. Confidence
  2. Grit
  3. Abundance
  4. Evolve

I’d love to learn your thoughts on this?

Published by Susan Earlam

Writer of fiction, lifestyle and home interiors

21 thoughts on “My Word of the Year for 2019”

  1. I’ve never seen this idea before. I’m not sure what I’d pick for 2019. I think 2018’s word would be survive! House buying, moving and job changes were stressful.

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  2. Yes to using my time more productively too!!!! I feel like I waste hours every single day and then end up working super late as a result

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  4. I think this is a clever concept – Thrive is a good word 🙂 and I think you’ve got really good aspirations for 2019. Shout if you want to have a chat about gardening – that’s a lovely photo of the rose at Dunham Massey. looking forward to seeing how your 2019 pans out. love Bec xx

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  5. I love the word thrive, it’s so perfect for you! This is an exciting year for you, can’t wait to see where it takes you! Oh and my word is Artist, which is rather exciting!

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  7. That’s such a good word. I just started the practice a couple of years ago but last year in particular, I found the word became a real aid. I’m still mulling on my new word (I’m always a bit slow to start the year) but I think Bloom might be right.

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  8. Love this! I think my word might be collaborate – not necessarily on a financial level but more to do with teamwork & sharing 🙂

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  9. Happy New Year, Susan! I have read so many ‘methods’ of finding your word, but never really carried through in trying to find mine in past years. However, this year’s came unbidden, ‘Action!’ Last year held far too many wasted hours procrastinating…

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  10. Love this Susan, and really enjoying getting your newsletter in amongst all my work emails – cheers me up so much. Thrive is a lovely word. Mine this year is community.. also love the thoughts behind how you want to work with brands – I work with alot of influencers and your approach is refreshing and honest. Thankyou x

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