Word of the Year Recap: Notice

Inside: In a year that played out in ways I never expected nor could have imagined, my One Word was a quiet reminder to pay attention to what is good and true. ~

Nobody has been keeping track but me, but this is only the second time I’ve written about notice, my word for 2025.

I haven’t lacked words about my word because I forgot about it or because it wasn’t the right word for me, however.

In years past, my words have guided me from month to month, often in surprising ways. In many a December, I’ve looked back and felt thankful—sometimes even amazed—at how appropriate my word was for what transpired in my life over the last 12 months.

This year, my December feelings are more complicated. In fact, I’ve struggled to write this recap more than I ever have before.

A Worthy Goal

When I introduced notice in January, I shared that I was expecting to be led by the word’s verb form: “to observe, perceive, acknowledge, discern, spot, recognize or pay attention.”

“It seems almost redundant to say, but we notice more—about everything—when we pay attention,” I wrote. “But paying attention well requires us to be fully present. Engaged with what’s right in front of us. … It’s a worthy goal any year, but even more so this year. At least for me.”

So, about that.

In late March, I suffered a traumatic brain injury when I was hit by a car while riding my bike. Although I miraculously avoided numerous worst-case scenarios during my first few days in the hospital, I wasn’t exactly “fully present” for several weeks.

Beyond That …

My head injuries included tiny broken bones in my right ear, which made my pre-existing hearing loss worse. And a few months after the accident, I started experiencing what may be a delayed nerve injury: significantly diminished taste and smell.

These issues are not life-threatening, of course. But since much of what we notice around us involves our five senses, I had to find other ways to pay attention this year.

To be honest, I’ve spent more time than I care to admit noticing details about myself—what hurts, what doesn’t feel “normal” yet, what I can’t taste or hear, what I still can’t do after [insert number] months. (This is understandable, I think, but it can also be exhausting—for me and for my loved ones.)

When I stopped sensing much flavor in my food, a familiar verse helped me refocus my attention: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8).

Noticing the Goodness

Ironically—or perhaps not—notice is a synonym for taste. And, with this scripture as my guide, I started trying to be more intentional about noticing the goodness around me. What I’m thankful for. Answered prayers. Signs of God’s presence and provision.

It’s amazing what we notice when we pay attention, isn’t it? Turns out, evidence of God’s faithfulness really is all around us, even in our hardest years.

I was reading through the book of Psalms during this time, and verse after verse also provided nourishment to my heart and soul. Psalm 73:26, for example: “My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” And Psalm 118:24: “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Wearing notice around my wrist has been a helpful reminder to keep counting my blessings and remembering God’s goodness throughout 2025. And although I’ve chosen a new word for 2026, I hope to continue these practices next year too.

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If you chose a word for 2025, how did it influence your life? Please share in the comments.

♥ Lois

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