May I have a word with you?

A mentor once encouraged me to stop treating myself like a self-help project and work on trusting my intuition. At the time, that advice felt improbable and out of reach. But as she encouraged me to choose new practices, I felt drawn to let go of lists and goals and embrace a guiding word for the next year.

And I’ve practiced this ever since.

At the start of each new year, I identify a guiding word for myself. It’s been a delightful and transformative practice, and I’d love to share it with you.

The beauty of foraging for a single word is that it invites you to explore a theme, rather than accomplish a list of specific goals. Over time, that theme weaves its way through your life, shifting and evolving as your path unfolds throughout the year.

I’ve found this practice to be deeply grounding and nourishing.

If you’d like to try it, here’s how to get started:

1. Reflect and make a list.
   Embrace the season you’re in right now. Think about your current values, what’s drawing your attention, and jot down any words that come to mind. Let the words feel like invitations. There’s no right or wrong—just brainstorm freely.

2. Look for patterns.
   Once you have your list, take a moment to look for the through-line. Are there recurring themes or words that feel especially meaningful? Circle the ones that resonate most deeply.

3. Trust your intuition.
   Whether it feels logical or not, let yourself be guided by the word that’s calling to you the loudest. Trust it. It’s choosing you as much as you’re choosing it.

This simple practice can shape your year in unexpected and wonderful ways.

As we step into the new year, I’m offering a 12-week Artist’s Way practice for anyone interested in committing to their creativity, even if you don’t consider yourself a writer. Whether you join on your own or with your reading or writing group, this experience is designed to deepen your connection with your creative self.

If you’re feeling hesitant, I get it—I was too. My first completion of The Artist’s Way program was through an online group (that no longer meets), and it completely transformed my relationship with writing—and with myself.

Here’s how it works: All paid subscribers will receive a Zoom link and instructions for our first meeting, but the first step is simply to grab a copy of Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and read the introduction. If you have friends who want to join, they can sign up as monthly or annual subscribers and will automatically receive the link in this email after the paywall, and/or in next week’s email, as well.

Not ready to commit? No problem—show up to our first session on January 4th, and decide from there. I’m confident that one meeting will inspire you to continue.

The Artist’s Way is Julia Cameron’s seminal guide to cultivating creativity. Her 12-week program focuses on two core practices:

• Morning Pages: Three pages of free-form, handwritten journaling done daily to clear your mind.

• Artist’s Dates: Weekly solo adventures to connect with your inner artist.

Our group will convene on Zoom starting Saturday, January 4th, at 1:00 PM PT, for 12 weeks of a clearly delineated combination of self-directed study, guided support, written weekly check-ins and monthly Zoom meetings.

Is it any wonder that no truly respectable society has ever trusted its artists?
— Ursula LeGuin

I can’t wait to explore this journey with you! It’s an opportunity to recommit to your creativity in the new year.

Is a writing practice calling to you?

What word will guide you in the year ahead?

If you’re open to it, please share in the comments below.

My word for 2025 will be: