Inside: I didn’t write much about my word for 2024, but it remained at the top of my mind, prompting me to take action when I needed to—or when I may not have otherwise. ~

It’s that time of year, when people who chose a word to guide them for the last 12 months often report on how that went for them.

I’ve been selecting a word of the year since 2015. I’ve worn many of them around my wrist on a bracelet. And some years, especially more recently, I sprinkled posts about my word over the course of 52 weeks.

Not so in 2024, however.

This is only the second time I’ve written about my word, which was now.

It’s kind of ambiguous, now is. There’s no obvious way to illustrate it, or even to give regular updates about what it’s meant in my life.

I guess I’ll put it this way: Throughout the year, now was ever near, prompting me to take action when I needed to, or when I may not have otherwise.

Perhaps the best way to explain it is to share a few examples.

For Starters …

My knee, which had bothered me on and off for months, started yowling in April. Hoping for a quick and easy fix, I made an appointment and went to the doctor.

Instead of the easy fix, she had some blunt words about my X-ray, which prompted me to decide—right then and there—that I was done running. (It was an easy decision, but also difficult, as I described in a post called “Learning to Adjust to an Unexpected and Hard Change”).

Given my love of endorphins, it was clear that I needed to replace running with a different form of exercise. Biking made the most sense for me, so I went to a local cycle shop, picked a used bike out of the few on display and promptly purchased it.

The way I saw it, there was no need to conduct endless research and weigh all the pros and cons of all the various options. The time to make the change was now.

It took me a while to get used to the fact that I’m not running anymore, but I’ve been riding ever since. And in some quiet way, now helped.

Another Example

I had been thinking about attending a writer’s conference for months, maybe years. It had been more than two decades since I had been to one, and the world of publishing has changed drastically since then, to say the least.

I had narrowed my choices down to two conferences, but sometime in late spring, I decided not to go to either. Then, on the last day to get a discounted price for Write to Publish in Wheaton, Ill.—11 days before the conference started—I changed my mind and signed up.

I had never gone to this conference before, and at that point didn’t know anyone else who was going. It was, to put it mildly, a spur-of-the-moment, out-of-my-comfort-zone decision.

Did now make me do it? I can’t say for sure, but it certainly pointed me in that direction.

The conference was enjoyable. It helped me make some good connections and confirmed some steps I need to take if I ever hope to find a publisher for a book I’ve been working on. I’m glad I went.

Now’s the Time

But again, I don’t know if I would have gone if the song of now had not been playing on repeat in my mind and heart. Now’s the time. Do it now. It’s now or never.

In other words, my word reminded me, don’t put off until tomorrow what I can do today.

Not that I’ve listened every time, of course. I’m definitely a creature of habit, and habits are hard to break.

It has helped, though, I can say that.

Today is all we have, after all—now. The people and projects right in front of us might not be there tomorrow.  And sometimes, we need to heed the still, small Voice and take a step or reach out—even if it makes us stretch in new or uncomfortable ways.

Not Done with Now

I’ve chosen a new word for 2025, but as is often the case with my words for each year, I don’t think I’m done with now. And not just because I like my now bracelet and don’t want to stop wearing it.

In a way that is hopeful rather than stressful, it gently reminds me that we all have a limited amount of time left and we best make the most of it. Starting now.

• • •

Do you choose a word for each year? How did your word guide you in 2024? Please share in the comments.

♥ Lois

P.S. I’m linking up this week with One Word 2024, #tellhisstory, InstaEncouragements, Let’s Have Coffee and Grace & Truth.