Why is My Word this Year Self-Acceptance?

Today, I'd like to reveal the word of the year I've selected to guide my efforts in creating tools, resources, workshops, and the Rediscover Your Intention Self Retreat, all in collaboration with the Stacked Intent Podcast Team. Have you ever chosen a word of the year? I've done it multiple times, but this year, I'm committed to making it a theme centered around love, Becca. People often choose a word to reflect an action or thought that will provide focus, set goals, inspire feelings, act as a mental mentor, or serve as a personal motto to help them truly embrace the year ahead.

Let’s discuss how to discover the word or motto that will guide you through the year. Start by jotting down the moments that brought you joy this past year. What made you feel good? What sparked your excitement? Consider what can help you maintain those feelings consistently. Next, reflect on areas for improvement in your life: What caused you stress? Did you excel in any particular aspect? How are your relationships faring? Take a moment to assess your physical health and mental well-being. What do you see when you look in the mirror? If you’re not satisfied, think about what changes you can make this year to cultivate a life you truly love. This is where the words you have set for your year and how you choose to speak are a reflection on the values and intentions you have for your day to day.  This single word or phrase that you choose is intended to help guide you through the year to help qualify the choices you are making throughout the year to align with what you want to look at in 2026 as you reflect on how your 2025 went. 

Before you continue to explore my suggested word, take a moment to reflect on your intuition regarding your choice. Do you feel it in your gut? If so, trust that instinct. If you're uncertain, start by jotting down every word that comes to mind! Next, consider what you want to achieve in the upcoming year. Write down actionable words that resonate with your goals. What skills or qualities will assist you in reaching your aspirations or in creating the life you wish to lead? Note those characteristics as well. Now, think about what you need to make that happen in your life. This is the time to list your essential needs. How do you want to feel throughout this journey? Write down words that capture those feelings. Lastly, reflect on your core values: What isn't aligning with them, or what could help you embody them more fully? Now, what is your chosen word? You can jot down three to five options on a piece of paper and randomly draw one, or you can choose the one that you believe will most positively impact your year.

This year, my focus word is self-acceptance. Why? Because I have truly faced challenges in embracing the transitions that life has thrown my way, which has made daily acceptance a struggle, starting with accepting myself. Throughout 2024, I noticed how my inability to accept life's changes impacted various aspects of my life, including my eating habits, communication, marriage, friendships, and business. I am determined to return to a place of love for my life and each day that comes with it. There was a time when I would wake up and appreciate whatever my day had in store, even amidst the challenges of feeling overworked, not completing my master's degree on time, dealing with loneliness, and more. This year, I am committed to rekindling that joy in waking up every morning, and I look forward to sharing this journey with you. While others may talk about how they embrace change, it’s essential to find your own acceptance; otherwise, the struggles will persist.

Embracing self-acceptance means acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses, understanding that imperfection is part of being human. It's about giving yourself the grace to grow and the patience to learn from experiences, without harsh judgment. As I embark on this journey, I'm reminded that self-acceptance is not a destination but a continuous process of nurturing self-love and compassion.

Through the workshops and the retreat, I'm excited to explore practices that inspire others to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery, fostering a community where we support each other in embracing our authentic selves. The Stacked Intent Podcast Team and I are committed to creating a space where stories of transformation can be shared, where empathy and understanding thrive. Together, we can inspire each other to live with intention, embracing every facet of who we are.

Leave your word of the year in the comment section below!