One Simple Way to Inspire Your Entire Year

Whether you’re someone who makes New Year’s resolutions or someone who prefers to set goals throughout the year, one simple way to inspire yourself is to select a word that becomes your “name” for the year.

This tradition started thousands of years ago during a time of slavery in the holy land. When slaves or indentured servants were released from servitude, they were given a single white stone. On the white stone would be written a new name that they would assume now that they were free.

To come up with your one word, spend time thinking about what you want to be free from in the upcoming year. Maybe it’s stress, fatigue, work frustration, relationship challenges, or struggles with your weight. Decide to release that struggle and its chains that hold you this year. Free yourself from this struggle and give yourself a new “name” for the year. Your new “name” represents your positive intention. If you have a white stone available, you can write your new name on a white stone that you can hold closely in the upcoming year to remind you of your intention. If you don’t have a stone, you could also use a small piece of paper that you can post in a visible location.

I started doing this process last year and it was amazing. The name I selected last year was, “love” and it was a perfect descriptor for my life in 2013. During 2013, I married my wonderful husband, formed stronger connections with my daughter and family, and felt strong overall feelings of love. Holding one simple yet beautiful word as my focus for the year was inspiring and effective.

At a white-stone event at church last weekend, my husband and I both selected our words for 2014. My word is “Joy” and his word is “Focus.” What beautiful intentions for the year – increasing and sharing joy and being more present and focused for 2014.

What is your one word for 2014? I’d love to hear about it in the comments below.