I can’t believe that October is about to turn into November. Yikes! That being said, it is time once again for the 2023 One Word Monthly Challenge.

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Are you getting ideas for what your 2024 One Word might be? It’s not too soon to be thinking about it!

Take some time in the next few weeks to begin listening for a new word.

Here are 5 questions you might consider.

What aspect of my 2023 One Word worked for me?
What about the word was difficult?
Would I rather my 2024 word be something similar to or completely different from my 2023 word?
Do I need something harder/easier/more playful/more serious, etc. for 2024?
Do I have unfinished business with my 2023 word that could develop into a 2024 word?

BONUS:
Draw a sketch of your One Words from previous years (if you’ve been doing this a while). Do you see a pattern? Do you see a progression toward a new word?

Let this be a fun time of listening and exploration!

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So here goes…

What aspect of my 2023 One Word worked for me?
What about the word was difficult?

Since January I have been working full-time and going to school part-time. My evenings and weekends are spent with textbooks and my laptop. I have not had much time for anything else. I used to blog on a daily basis, but now I’m lucky to be able to post something once a week.

My “word” for 2023 is teach/learn. It appears that my life will be on this same trajectory until May 2025. I cannot imagine any other “word” having such an impact on me this year. My husband, friends, and coworkers have been beyond supportive and forgiving when I have had to study instead of doing “something fun”. Quite frankly, I am looking forward to this semester coming to a close so that I can have a few weeks where I do not have any projects, papers, or exams.

Would I rather my 2024 word be something similar to or completely different from my 2023 word?
Do I need something harder/easier/more playful/more serious, etc. for 2024?
Do I have unfinished business with my 2023 word that could develop into a 2024 word?

Even though I would love for my 2024 focus to be something more playful and light I don’t see that happening. Instead, I have the distinct feeling that I am supposed to keep this same “word” – teach/learn for 2024. I know this may be bending the rules a bit. However, God has been faithful to use the word He gives me each year to bring about change. So, for now, the plan is to carry the lessons of 2023 into 2024 and continue to teach/learn.

Draw a sketch of your One Words from previous years (if you’ve been doing this a while). Do you see a pattern? Do you see a progression toward a new word?

I have been “choosing” a WOTY since 2020. The first three years built on each other. I honestly believe that God used those words to prepare me for this current season.

• 2020 ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE
• 2021 ABIDE
• 2022 ENCOURAGEMENT

If the past is any prediction of the future, I may end up with teach/learn, or something similar through 2025.