The Power of One Word: How Choosing a Word of the Year Transformed My Life

For almost a decade, I’ve had a little ritual that has shaped my life in ways I never expected- the power of one word. Every year, I choose one word to guide me through the next 12 months. It’s simple, but I swear by it. This practice has carried me through some of the toughest (and most beautiful) seasons of my life.

Some years, the word feels like an anchor, holding me steady. Other years, it feels like a dare – like I’m asking the universe to bring it on. But every time, that one word becomes a lens through which I view the year ahead.

Keep reading to discover the words that have defined my life, why they matter, and grab a freebie to help you choose your own word!

The Words That Defined My Life

In 2021, I chose the word Free.
I thought I was choosing freedom in terms of mindset, but that year life decided to interpret it differently. My husband lost his job, we lost our home, and we had to let go of so much. It wasn’t easy, but in that loss, I found a strange kind of freedom. We were stripped down to the essentials and left with each other, and that was enough.

2022’s word was Rise.
That year, we started to rebuild. My husband began a new career, and we bought our first home. Step by step, we climbed out of the uncertainty and found solid ground again.

In 2023, I chose Triumph.
It was the year of breakthroughs. We finally got clarity on things we’d been questioning for years. I earned my life coaching certification, left an MLM I’d been part of for seven years, and stepped into my next chapter with confidence.

2024 was all about Fulfillment.
This was the year we returned to the city we love, our kids rejoined their old school, and we prioritized joy and adventure as a family. After everything, this year felt like coming home – not just physically, but emotionally.

And now, for 2025, my word is Rooted.
It feels like the final piece of this cycle. Rooted means stability, long-term growth, and standing firmly in who I am and what I’m building. It’s about planting deep roots and trusting that the growth will continue, slow and steady.

Why This Matters (And How It Can Help You)

I share this because choosing one word has been one of the most powerful tools in my personal growth. It’s something I encourage my coaching clients to try, too. In the busyness of life, especially as moms, it’s easy to get caught up in doing everything without really knowing where we’re going. Having one word keeps you focused, grounded, and intentional.

If you’ve never tried it, I’d love to invite you to join me this year. Think about how you want to feel in 2025. What do you want more of? What do you need to let go of?

Need Help Choosing Your Word?

I’ve created a free Word of the Year Printable to guide you through the process. It’s a simple (but fun!) worksheet to help you reflect and narrow down the word that aligns with your goals and values.

Grab Your Printable Here and carve out ten quiet minutes to set your intentions for the year ahead. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

If you’re looking for some extra inspiration and love a great story, check out this article by James Clear, the author of one of my favorite books, Atomic Habits. What if choosing just one word and starting with that could be the catalyst for all the growth and change you’ve been searching for?

Your Turn: What’s Your ONE Word?

I’d love to hear from you! If you already choose a word each year, drop it in the comments. Or if you’re picking one for the first time, let me know what speaks to you. This little ritual can be life-changing, and I can’t wait to see what it brings for all of us in 2025.

Here’s to being deeply Rooted – in purpose, growth, and the things that matter most.

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