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Jan 4Liked by Nicole Baart

I like having a word for the year. Last year I chose the word "peace", and it was present throughout the year. Those close to me knew it was how I often described what I felt in my heart and soul. This year the word "anticipation" has bubbled up to the surface. Anticipation of what God has planned for me and the opportunities He will give me. (I am also keeping "peace" - can't let go of this word.)

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I'd hang onto peace too! It's a great word. And I love anticipation... It's so hopeful and forward-leaning. Happy New Year to you!

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I really like having a word of the year instead of a resolution. I find thinking of my word calms me and helps me focus. Last year the word was 'acceptance.' This year's is 'courage.' Not bravery...they are different. Thanks for your article-I always enjoy your sincerity in your writing.

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Yes! Agreed. I love the word “courage.” It seems so fitting for 2024. May you have so many opportunities to be brave in big and small ways!

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Jan 1Liked by Nicole Baart

My list includes a resolve to control my urge to comment on most Substacks I read.

How'm I doin'?

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I don’t like your New Year’s resolution! I LOVE it when people comment on my posts. It makes this little space feel like a community--and it reminds me that I’m not writing in a vacuum. I welcome your comments!

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Jan 1Liked by Nicole Baart

Nicole ...

Happy New Year 2024

I have done two things in the last year for my resolutions. First my word. I am choosing the word silent this year because if the letters are moved around, the word listen can be made too. One of my favorite Bible verses is, "Be still and know that I am God." I want to be a better listener of God's direction for my life and those I encounter during my daily journey. The best way for that to happen is to be silent in the process.

Second, I am sure you are familiar with Jon Gordon. He is such a positive and uplifting speaker. Are you familiar with his annual Positivity Summit he does? If not, check that out. I love his speakers that give relevant and usable information with 5-10 minute presentations that ALWAYS leave me with something to think about and/or work on about myself.

I received an email from him in December of 2022 with the message line stating the 21 Tips for a Positive New Year. I picked out 6 of those that I thought were needed in my life. I have written in a daily Blessings Journal now for 5 years. So today being January 1, I will recap my 2023 with a summary from that journal and how I did with my Word of the Year and my List of Goals for 2023.

I plan to choose new goals for the coming year along with my chosen word and begin my 2024 Blessings Journal.

Thank you for the words you put on a screen. It is great that you share your thoughts and wisdom with each post.

Happy 2024 ...

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Silent is such a lovely word. My word last year was “haven.” To me, it signified comfort and safety and peace and rest and silence. I hope your year is filled with stillness and the wisdom that grows inside it!

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Jan 1Liked by Nicole Baart

Happy New Year! I haven't chosen (or been given) a word just yet, but I have begun my "24 Things to Do in 2024" list.

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Ooh! I love the idea of 24 in 24! I may be borrowing it... 😉

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I love that you choose such positivity. I usually have my word chosen weeks in advance--it generally finds me. But this year has been harder. I came downstairs to journal it out this morning and settled on "intentional." I wanted to evoke settling into the moments of the here and now, but I also want to be more focused in my work efforts and quit chasing rabbits. So "intentional" seems to tie it all together.

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I love the word “intentional.” It was one of my picks a few years ago. I find it a great creative exercise to ponder my annual goals, hopes, and aspirations and condense them into one meaningful word!

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Oh, I think I'm going to like your column. I love your word. For me, the new year is just another day. I don't like to celebrate it as something different than a new day. A new year sounds so intimidating. I hadn't thought of it until reading your column, but I think, no, I know my 2024 word is "new." It may sound like a silly, incosequential word, but it holds such meaning. This past year, I have made a point of being in awe of something every day and I intend to continue that. But now I want to notice a new thing every day. Thanks for helping me think about that.

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