A Word to Guide the Year for Caregivers

By Samantha Sharpe, TAEM Peer Leadership Manager + Partner Meeting Lead

This year, instead of making big resolutions, my kids and I tried something simpler. We each chose one word to guide us through the year—something to come back to when life feels busy, stressful, or off track.

We started by talking about the kind of year we wanted to have. Not a perfect year, just an intentional one. We shared words that felt meaningful, and each picked the one that felt right for where we are right now. We landed on explore, consistency, visionary, and peace.

Then we turned it into a family activity. We visited the Little Words Project and made bracelets with our words on them. Sitting together, choosing beads, spelling out our words, and helping each other tie the knots turned into one of those unexpectedly sweet moments you don't forget.

Now we wear our bracelets as daily reminders. When I glance at my wrist, I remember what I'm working toward this year. When my kids see theirs, it gives us an easy way to check in—"How's your word going?"—and opens the door to real conversations about how we're feeling.

If this resonates with you, join us at the Our Chance Breakfast on February 11th at Greenhouse Ministries. We'll have a bracelet bar where caregivers can create their own bracelet with an affirmation or word of the year. It's a small thing, but sometimes small things keep us grounded.