Day 95 of 100 Days of Hope

✨ One Word That Changed the Way I’m Entering the New Year ✨

Every December, I find myself doing the same thing—writing long lists of resolutions, making big plans, and dreaming of all the ways I want to transform my life in the coming year. And while there’s nothing wrong with dreaming big, I’ve noticed something about myself:

The longer the list,
the slower I move.

It’s almost like the weight of all those expectations becomes too heavy to carry. Instead of feeling inspired, I end up feeling overwhelmed. And then, slowly, almost without noticing, my excitement fades.

This year, I knew I needed clarity.
Not more ideas.
Not more goals.
Just clarity.

And that clarity came in a surprising form: one word.

At first, I resisted the simplicity of it.
One word? That’s it?
It felt almost too gentle, too small, too easy.

But the more I sat with it, the more powerful it became.

I started asking myself deeper questions:

• Who am I becoming?

• What do I truly desire—not just on the surface, but in my heart?

• What is missing that would bring me joy, fulfillment, and strength?

• What word would help me return to myself when life gets busy or heavy?

I didn’t rush an answer.
I let the question breathe.

I scribbled down possibilities like Integrity, Resilient, Connection, Believe, Manifest.
Some felt inspiring. Some felt like nice ideas. But I knew the right word would feel like recognition—almost like a quiet yes deep inside me.

And here’s what surprised me:

Focusing on one word helped me get clearer about what I truly want.

Something shifted when I realized this word wasn’t just an intention—it was an invitation:

• to direct my energy toward what matters

• to stop apologizing for wanting more joy and goodness

• to believe in what I desire without hesitation

• to let small steps build confidence over time

• to trust that my desires have meaning

One word.
Just one.
And suddenly I felt lighter, clearer, more connected to the woman I’m becoming.

I don’t have everything figured out.
But I have direction.
And that’s enough.

Why One Word Works

I used to think growth had to be complicated to be meaningful.
But the truth is, simplicity gives us room to actually move.

With just one word:

• focus becomes easier

• belief becomes stronger

• excuses lose their grip

• distractions fall away

• clarity becomes a companion, not a pressure

One word becomes your compass.
It guides you back when you drift, and it reminds you of what you’re choosing—again and again.

How to Choose Your Word

If you’re feeling called to try this too, here’s what helped me:

1. Listen inward before you look outward.
   Your word should feel like yours.

2. Don’t pick the word you think you “should” want.
   Pick the one that stirs something in your chest.

3. Let your desires speak without apologizing.
   Wanting more is not selfish—it's sacred.

4. Write your word where you’ll see it every day.
   Your mirror, your phone, your journal—let it surround you.

5. Let your word guide your choices.
   One word can reshape everything when you return to it often.

Your Turn

If you choose a word this year, I would truly love to hear it.
Not because it needs to be shared with the world,
but because naming what we want brings it closer.

And I want goodness for you.
I want hope for you.
I want clarity, joy, and confidence for you—
not because the calendar is turning,
but because you deserve it.

Here’s to a year guided by one powerful, personal, present, positive word.

What’s yours?
I’m right here, ready to witness it with you. 🤍

With hope,
Julie