Always Be Curious, Discover, Explore! I am hoping that this phrase made up with words can help me chart a path for the year that’s all about embracing wonder, seeking knowledge, and diving into the unknown.

This phrase not only represents my goals for the year but also highlights the power of language to guide, inspire, and connect us—what it means to truly have a way with words.

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A Way With Words

What Does ‘A Way With Words’ Mean?

To have “a way with words” means possessing a talent for using language effectively and beautifully, whether in speech or writing. It reflects a knack for expressing ideas persuasively and with charm. For instance, we might say, “She has a way with kids,” to indicate her natural rapport with them, or “He has a way with animals,” to describe his unique connection with them. Similarly, someone with this knack crafts sentences that resonate and stick with us—like skilled public speakers, writers, and poets.

This ability, sometimes called “the gift of the gab,” highlights eloquence, particularly in speech. Associated with the Blarney Stone legend in Ireland, it emphasizes verbal fluency, while “a way with words” applies equally to the written word.

Words connect us—to ourselves and to others. We weave our way with words by using them intentionally: setting goals, expressing emotions, and telling stories. They mend rifts, build bridges, and spark action, reminding us that the right words, delivered and used thoughtfully, can create lasting impact and meaning.

Weaving Our Way Wordily

Words have the power to shape our journey, and choosing a word (or words) of the year is like setting the tone for that journey. It’s more than just a word; it’s a guiding light that keeps us focused and inspired as we navigate the year ahead.

Looking Back

Last year, I picked four words as my WOTY. While it was more than usual, these words stayed in my mind and helped me grow, even if I didn’t follow them consistently (ironically, ‘consistent’ was one of them!).

Phrase of This Year

This year, I have a phrase which does have three words that could qualify as WOTY but in their own way, they are all connected strongly to each other. As I mentioned at the start of this post, my phrase is “Always Be Curious; Discover; Explore.”

I alphabetized the words to make the phrase easier to remember—it’s a small trick to keep them at the forefront of my mind.

Just as having a way with words means understanding how to use them effectively and meaningfully, selecting these three words represents my intention to apply them purposefully throughout the year. Together, I hope they act as a call to adventure, both internal and external, reminding me to stay curious and open to new experiences.

How Did I Pick This Phrase?

Curiosity was one of my words last year, and I realized I need to deepen my focus on it. Plus, many of my plans for this year align with the connected ideas of discovery and exploration, giving me a head start in applying them.

Quick Tips on Picking Your Word of the Year

• Reflect on the past year: What worked and what could improve?
• Identify qualities you admire or want to cultivate based on the reflection..
• Choose a word (or words) that inspire and challenge you.

The Books!

So I need to get started on reading nonfiction books from the Cybils awards nominees soon. Granted, I am a round 2 judge this year, so I left the marathon reading to the round one judges and waited on their shortlist, but I had planned to get started sooner than later. However, given my inclination to procrastination(which I hope changes with all those goals), I found myself looking at other books across other years, and other categories instead. And I found one that lets me have my way – with the things that letters make when they come together!

Away With Words

Description

A deliciously clever and entertaining collection of poems that celebrate word play by former Children’s Poet Laureate and New York Times bestselling author Mary Ann Hoberman

Words are remarkable / Here is a book / Where you’ll not only listen / You also will look / Where you’ll not only look / But you also will think / About words and their meanings / And how in the blink / Of an eye or a letter / Their meanings can change / Words are remarkable / Language is strange!

In this poetry collection, the masterful Mary Ann Hoberman celebrates the joy of wordplay with poems about the alphabet, assonance, alliteration, grammar and punctuation, similes, rhythm and rhyme, and so much more!

My Quick Thoughts

An alphabetical roller-coaster of fun poems with wacky illustrations! I loved each one, and can absolutely positively say that it is sure to be an utterly delightful read!

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, have you read this book? Or do you have a favorite book of fun poems? I would love to hear your thoughts on this post and your recommendations. What phrase, word, or book captures your love for words? Share in the comments and let’s spread the wordy joy