A Simpler, More Soul-Aligned Way to Grow This Year

For the past 13 years, I’ve embraced Jon Gordon’s One Word practice instead of traditional New Year’s resolutions. I can confidently say it has transformed my life.

What I’ve learned repeatedly is this:

You don’t choose your word. Your word chooses you.

When you engage in the process—look back, look in, look up—your word emerges with a clarity that feels almost spiritual. Often, you may not even grasp why it’s your word. Not yet.

My 2015 Story: When My Word Became My Lifeline

In 2015, the word that kept resurfacing was Strong. I didn’t choose it; it chose me.

At the time, it didn’t make much sense. I had no plans to lift weights or run marathons. I didn’t have a specific goal related to physical strength. But the word was unmistakable: Strong.

So, I did what I always do with my One Word: I used it as my guide. Every day, I asked myself, “Is this making me strong?”—physically, emotionally, spiritually.

For eight months, that word influenced small decisions, tiny shifts, and steady growth.

Then, in August 2015, my 13-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer.

In an instant, everything in my life changed. Suddenly, I needed a strength I didn’t know I had. I had to be the calm one, the steady one, the anchor. And there it was—my word, waiting for me.

Strong wasn’t merely a goal. It was preparation. It was identity. It was the person I needed to become, even before I realized I would need to.

That experience reaffirmed for me—once again—that your word will always meet you where you are and prepare you for where you’re going.

What Is the “One Word” Practice?

Instead of setting resolutions that fade by February, you choose one word to guide your year. One single intention. One grounding point. One touchstone.

Examples include:

• Restore
• Balance
• Strengthen
• Steady
• Nourish
• Joy
• Trust
• Peace
  
  

Your word doesn’t need to be clever or impressive. It needs to be true.

Why One Word Works Better Than Resolutions

Traditional resolutions often demand an overnight overhaul of your life—something your nervous system interprets as stress.

One Word does the opposite:

• It simplifies your focus.
• It aligns with your identity.
• It supports emotional safety.
• It encourages steady, sustainable growth.
• It journeys with you rather than pushing against you.
  
  

This approach mirrors the way we heal—with herbs, nutrition, TCM energetics, and lifestyle alignment. Not through pressure, but through gentle consistency.

How to Choose Your Word

Here’s the three-step process I’ve used every year:

1. Look Back

Reflect on what drained you. What strengthened you? What patterns are ready to be released?

2. Look In

Consider what your body craves. Where do you feel resistance? Where do you feel longing?

3. Look Up

In prayer, meditation, silence, or stillness, ask: “What word is meant for me this year?” Let the word come to you. It will.

How to Live Your Word Daily

Your One Word becomes a filter for your choices.

If your word is Restore, ask: “Does this restore me?”

If your word is Steady, ask: “Is this helping me stay grounded?”

If your word is Nourish, ask: “Is this feeding me—body, mind, or spirit?”

Keep your word visible:

• Write it on your mirror.
• Make it your phone wallpaper.
• Say it during breathwork or prayer.
• Let it shape your daily habits.
  
  

Why I Recommend One Word to My Clients

Healing isn’t a checklist. It is a process of becoming.

Your One Word:

• Supports emotional resilience
• Reduces overwhelm
• Increases clarity
• Helps you stay aligned with your wellness goals
• Integrates beautifully with herbal and nutrition protocols
• Strengthens your nervous system capacity
• Encourages steady, sustainable transformation
  
  

When your mindset aligns with your healing plan, everything becomes more effective—your herbs, your diet, your routines, your sleep, your energy.

Let This Year Be Different

You don’t need to force big changes. You don’t need a long list of goals. You don’t need the pressure of perfection.

You don’t need a resolution—you need a word.

A word that meets you where you are, guides you where you’re going, and shapes you into who you’re becoming.

If you want help discovering your One Word or incorporating it into your 2026 wellness plan, I’d be honored to walk with you.

Embracing the Journey Ahead

As you embark on this journey, remember that growth is not a race. It’s a personal journey that unfolds in its own time. Embrace the process, and allow your word to guide you through the ups and downs of life.

The Power of Community Support

Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can amplify your experience. Share your One Word with friends or family. Engage in discussions about your journey. This connection can provide encouragement and accountability.

Reflect and Adjust

As the year progresses, take time to reflect on your word. Is it still resonating with you? Do you need to adjust your focus? It’s okay to evolve. Your word should serve you, not constrain you.

Celebrate Your Progress

Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Acknowledge the steps you’ve taken towards embodying your One Word. This practice fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to keep going.

Conclusion: Your Word, Your Journey

In conclusion, the One Word practice offers a refreshing alternative to traditional resolutions. It invites you to explore your inner self and align your actions with your true desires.

Let this year be a transformative one, guided by the word that chooses you. Embrace the journey ahead, and trust that you are exactly where you need to be.