Give Your Intentional Word of the Year Its Own Flower

Summary

This post is about your own word of the year, plus a flower that describes it.

Picking your intentional word of the year is pretty fun, but picking a flower to go with it can be even better! Flowers are symbols of beginnings, hope, transformation, joy, and love…perfect themes for a new year.

Most of the time, I pick out flowers based on their names. I cannot resist a good name! And when the color AND the name are my faves, it must be heaven-sent.

But there’s also something to knowing a flower’s meaning or creating your own.

Below, you’ll find word suggestions for your intentional word of the year based on themes, plus a few flowers to symbolize what’s in your heart.

Your intentional word of the year needs a flower, of course!

Most of us step into the new year when the weather’s cold, blustery, and lackluster-y. It isn’t easy to start the year off right in these conditions!

If you’re like me, I’m already longing for spring when January comes around. And spring brings the flowers that nourish my soul.

Picking a theme or word for the new year is a way to knock off some of those wintertime blues. AND I think we can take it a step further…and add a flower to represent our goals, dreams, and need for change.

I’ve curated a list of inspiring, motivating, healing, unifying, and affirming words to guide you into this next year…plus a few flowers to pique your interest!

Please enjoy this post which is all about your intentional word of the year…and flower!

Lady, what am I to do with this word and flower?

Maybe you just need a lil’ something to kick-start your year or guide you in the right direction. So, you might create a mantra and post it up on the fridge or a mirror. Something like:

“Invest” is my word of the year. And I’m going to invest in my goals, my peace, and my friendships.”

Pop up a snapshot of a floral that inspires those feelings and refer to it each day or when you’re needing a boost.

OR

Maybe you like gardening, like I do! And maybe you can be pretty sus at it, like I am! Plant your flower in your garden or lovely container. Nurture it and let it help you transform into the person you want to be this year…or just bring you that much-needed calm you desire.

OR

Maybe you feel inspired by lots of words and pictures! I get it. Same here! Create a Pinterest board (you can make it private if you don’t want any Nosy Nellies gawking at your journey) of quotes, images, colors, styles, and goals that appeal to you.

Words That Inspire

• Adventure
• Curiosity
• Discovery
• Imagination
• Artistry
• Hope
• Trailblazer
• Enchantment
• Romance
• Marvel
• Magical
• Sparkle
• Courage
• Believe
• Dance
• Sing
• Play
• Create
• Wonder
• Dream
• Imagine
• Repurpose
• Charm
• Beguiling
• Fascinate
• Enthrall
• Creativity
• Twirl
• Fancy
• Delight

For Inspiration, You Might Like…

Irises

Irises are whimsical flowers that symbolize everything from passion to hopefulness to enlightenment. The name comes from the Greek word that means “rainbow.” And since irises come in a rainbow of colors and types, this seems like the perfect way to describe them!

Gerbera Daisies

Gerbera daisies are playful, eye-catching, and wondrous. Their feathery petals instill a welcoming feeling, so having some at home when company comes a-calling is a nice touch! Gerbera daisies are associated with purity and innocence, plus new beginnings.

Words That Motivate

• Try
• Renew
• Refresh
• Overcome
• Triumph
• Pioneer
• Begin
• Encourage
• Trust
• Seek
• Strive
• Endeavor
• Engage
• Possibility
• Bloom
• Desire
• Revive
• Influence

For Motivation, You Might Like…

Lilacs

Lilacs are some of the first blooms of spring, bringing new life and renewed opportunity. They smell so lovely, too! With these picturesque petals popping up in the garden, our sense of purpose can be restored…and second chances feel like they’re just around the corner.

Sunflowers

Sunflowers are native to North America, with cheerful dispositions that can brighten any path. Their buoyant blooms lift their faces toward the sun, which represent rising up and staying strong, even through adversity. Sunflowers are also known to boost spirits and bring those good mood vibes.

Words That Mend

• Heal
• Relax
• Peace
• Comfort
• Slow
• Pause
• Stillness
• Intuition
• Forgive
• Calm
• Tranquility
• Transcend
• Endure
• Gratitude
• Cherish
• Prioritize
• Relinquish
• Simplify
• Reset
• Freedom
• Rejuvenate

For Healing Your Heart, You Might Like…

Roses

Like life sometimes, roses aren’t always the easiest. But when they do bloom, the joy is immeasurable. Roses are classic flowers, those you give for friendship, for love, for the difficult days. There’s something about a rose that’s comforting and full of peace.

Coneflowers

Coneflowers are darling pollinator plants loved by butterflies, including monarch butterflies. They come in lots of colors and look fabulous once established (something I’m currently trying to do!). These cheery blooms are associated with healing and strength, the sweetest floral icon for mending a broken heart.

Words That Unify

• Connect
• Voice
• Empathy
• Understand
• Listen
• Soften
• Open-mindedness
• Compassion
• Build
• Appreciate
• Bond
• Cohesive
• Kindness
• Care
• Give
• Cool
• Join
• Include
• Mentor
• Acceptance
• Learn
• Family
• Friendship
• Humility
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Justice

For Bringing People Together, You Might Like…

Zinnias

Zinnias are happy, colorful flowers that make fanciful bouquets. One of my former coworkers used to bring us zinnias from her garden, furtively leaving them on our desks as a sweet surprise. So, when I think of zinnias, I always think of Linda and the community she nurtured within our studio.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas have lots of history and if you want to learn more, check out this post. One beautiful thing that blue hydrangeas are known for is delivering an apology. We all mess up (in my case, a lot!) and make mistakes (my specialty!), so hydrangeas may help you to say I’m sorry. And sometimes it’s just the key to opening that secret door that leads you back to someone you love.

Words That Affirm

• Thanks
• Yes
• Raise
• Cheer
• Nurture
• Support
• Interest
• Acknowledge
• Attentive
• See
• Hear
• Feel
• Gratefulness
• Gentleness
• Hug
• Love
• Affection
• Notice
• Embrace
• Know
• Remember
• Compliment
• Invite
• Gather
• Honor
• Revere
• Tribute
• Link
• Recognize
• Celebrate

For Affirmation, You Might Like…

Daffodils

Daffodils have unique meaning for people all over the world. In Greek mythology, daffodils are connected to the character, Narcissus. This guy, Narcissus, was kind of full of himself, which gave him a healthy admiration for, well, himself! And while that can be super annoying, we can learn from his confidence and recognize the positive qualities in each other.

Carnations

Carnations are resilient flowers with endless ruffles that come in solid and multicolored blooms. They remind me of a frilly petticoat, which reminds me of parties and fun! Like many flowers, carnations have several meanings, but one that stands out is fascination. When someone fascinates us, it’s a pretty high compliment to them. And why not let them know how much they mean?

Conclusion: Intentional Word of the Year

Your intentional word of the year awaits! And if a flower helps you to visualize your dreams, then go for it!

You don’t have to pick any of my suggestions obviously either! These are just to get you started!

We each associate certain flowers with our own personal memories, feelings, and experiences. Because of this, we can create symbolism that’s unique to our individual stories. It’s about what inspires and renews us the most.

Please let me know your favorite flowers in the comments and if you’ll be choosing one for the new year!

Posts I Picked Just For You!

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