I came across this concept of a Word for the entire year for the first time on Laurel Regan’s Blog.
As firm as I am to have no resolutions for 2015, the idea of just a word to govern the outcome of a whole year seemed both feasible and fascinating! I hadn’t really given any serious thought to the idea at all. But, on the first of January, 2015, I came across three things which made it obvious that this must be my word for the year.
The first was of course, Laurel’s own post about her word of the year. It started with the words, ‘Happy new year.‘ Well, nothing earth-shattering about that. It WAS the first of January. But, the whole post gave off this comfortable and warm feeling of happiness. It was just meant to be.
Then, I read a post by Vidya Sury who has decided to start two new blogs this year on the theme of health and happiness. Her post was titled Gratitude but the very second sentence said ‘Gratitude=Happiness‘! I was so compelled and intrigued by the repetitive motif that I was beginning to wonder if there was a pattern here!
Finally, that night, I was chatting with my close friend and confidante, Aparna, who sold me on the idea of The Happiness Project. As I read the first few pages of that e-book, it dawned on me. This writer was talking about me, to me and through a book! The fact that this third sign came from a friend whom I consider more a soul-sister than anything else, sealed the deal for me.
So, that did it!
I have my Word of the Year and it is HAPPINESS!
Sounds so simple, doesn’t it? But it isn’t! It can be very challenging to stay happy all year long. I don’t mean the bounce high, leap off the shelf kind of happiness. I mean the quiet contentment that comes from waking up to see another day or watching the dew drops on a flower at the crack of dawn or just that silence that comes from realising that nothing is so bad that you cannot fix it.
Yes, that’s what I am going for this year. I sincerely hope that my circumstances will never compel me to say that I was NOT happy. Ever.
Here’s to Happiness- in writing, in parenting, in friendships, in love and in new challenges.
So, do you have a Word of the Year picked out?
Do you want to have one?
Either way, be happy. It’s your right.
If you DO have a Word of the Year, write a post about it and link it up with Laurel’s post here.
Love the choice of the word :D. Hope every initiative of yours throughout the year is filled with loads of happiness and joy :).
I actually don’t have a word for a year though I love the concept. I follow a philosophy. Last year was forgiveness and gratitude. This year is Health — mental and physical. Happiness is a great word of the year.
I think you chose the BEST word ever. Happiness is my love language 🙂 Michelle @ The Happiness Blogger
Stay happy and stay blessed!! 🙂
That makes so much sense…I was just commenting in Suzy’s blog about my word for the year and that I’m confused between happiness and contentment? 😀 Or perhaps staying confused and happy should be my theme 🙂
Reading about theme of the year in Laurel, suzy and now your blog is inspring me to pick one for me too. You theme is so beautiful 😀 Still scratching my head to pick mine.
Love your word for the year! Wishing you happiness in everything you do, Shailaja! Cheers 🙂
nothing simple about it… it will always be a challenge to be happy in today’s world.. so this sort of positive reinforcement and focusing on happiness is a brilliant thing. Just like “Gratitude”
That is a good word. Helping you stay optimistic and looking at the cup half full.
Wishing you a happy year ahead.
Great choice. Shailaja.
I just commented on Suzy’s blog the same thing. My word of the year is also happiness 😀
Richa
Absolutely adore this idea Shailaja! Love your word for the year! Cheers to happiness, forever and always!
Loved your post.Happiness lies in small things of life which we should enjoy and feel blessed.I have posted a poem on happiness. Please visit me on Bharatispen.
I don’t have a word for the year, but I like the concept and your choice too. Good luck, Shailaja
Your post gave me a thrill – I love how your word came to you! It’s such magical confirmation when everything seems to point in the same direction, isn’t it? I wish you a 2015 filled with happiness overflowing!
I think it is a wonderful word you have chosen Shailaja: such a simple word but can be challenging at times. I wish 2015 will be a year abundantly full of happiness! 🙂 Ok, lots of happy photos now…. 😉 <3
Seeing the silver lining – no matter what – developed as a childhood habit for me, Shailaja and I am grateful to my Mom for inculcating it in me. That we did not have a choice was another matter – and it really does not matter at this point.
I am so happy you chose my favorite word! And I am honored by the mention!
Oh yes, I do have a word for the year. Several, in fact 😉
A beautiful post to welcome a new year. I wish you happiness in all your days.
Gave you a shout out on my post and announced my word: grateful.
SO TRUE.. HAPPINESS now that in itself is such a beautiful word and brings a smile to the face.
best wishes and here’s wishing all the happiness always to you and everyone around you
I began the word/ phrase of the year in 2012. And I find it serves me very well… a LOT better than new year resolution do!
Here’s wishing you all the Happiness you can dream of… and more. Happy new year!
It’s a refreshing concept, Dagny. I’m glad i stumbled upon it ☺. Thank you and wish you the same and more that your heart desires in 2015!
Need I say I loooove the idea of a word, and this particular word as well :). And I’m so glad you loved the book, it absolutely feels like words out of our head doesn’t it?!
Words just speak to my heart. Thank you for being part of my life, Aparna ?