Every year I write a haiku that’s inspired by my word of the year. My 2024 word is LOVE so my haiku becomes a seventeen-syllable reminder that helps me lean into everything that’s important about my word. Think of it as a mantra or a prayer.

Of course, love is a big topic. That means I do some prewriting before I distill it down to a tiny 3-line poem.

Here’s what I do before writing my haiku:

1. I do an end-of-the-year assessment with prompts that help me reflect on the past year and the year to come. It’s called Year Compass and you can download it free HERE. Usually, while I’m doing this process, my new word for the year comes to me.

2. I also write a list of what worked and what didn’t work from the past year. I put a heading at the top of a piece of notebook paper (What Worked/What Didn’t Work) and write a fast brainstorming list. Often, I ask my family to do this, too. Then, we share our lists. During the sharing, I add items to my lists that I forgot.

Both of these activities help me dial in the focus of my 2024 haiku. Then, I pull out another piece of paper and begin drafting versions of my haiku. I don’t get too uptight about this. I’m open to changing it later in the year if the journey with my word takes me to places and ideas I don’t expect. That’s part of the fun. But for now, here’s where I’ve landed with my 2024 haiku about LOVE!

embrace big loving

welcome the interruptions

in patience with ease

I think it’s a good sign that I can write this from memory. I have a feeling this one is going to stick.

If you’re interested, I made a mindmap of this haiku, explaining why I picked each word for the poem. With just seventeen syllables, every word counts!

I invite you to find a word that inspires your coming year. Then, if you feel wild and playful, pair it with a haiku. All it takes is three little lines and seventeen syllables. Five in the first and third. Seven in the middle. Happy writing.

Always writing,

Lorrie