Have you heard about Oxford Dictionaries' Word of the Year? This year it's not a word at all! It's the Tears of Joy Emoji. According to Oxford, this emoji best represents the moods and preoccupations of 2015.

This year is coming to a close, and it's time to starting thinking about 2016. Instead of writing New Year's resolutions, one entrepreneur recommends thinking of a Word of the Year to "be, do, and have". I'm going to try this for 2016, and I hope you'll join me. 

Your Task: 

1. Think about one word that will define you in 2016. This word can be your #1 goal (Mexico), a hope (peace), or a personality trait (mischievous) that you hope to possess. 

2. Open a new blog post. Use the title Writing Challenge: My Word of the Year for 2016 - (Add word here)

3. Write a post describing why you chose this word. Include an emoji or image to help define your word and plans.

4. Share a link to your post in the comments below. Be sure to read my example, because it contains some important news. 

My Example

My Word of the Year for 2016 - Change

It is with sadness and gladness that I announce my Word of the Year for 2016: Change.

For the past 12 years, I've worked closely with Josef Essberger to help build and develop EnglishClub, the world's premier free site for English learners and teachers. In those years, I've enjoyed every project we've worked on from The Learning English Video Project to the Weekly News reports.

Developing and interacting with the MyEnglishClub community has been the most rewarding part of my EnglishClub journey. We started with a handful of learners and teachers in 2008, and have grown into a large, supportive, and creative community with members from all over the world. 

Sadly, every great chapter must come to an end. 

In 2016, I will be taking on a full-time position at an ELT publishing company here in Canada. This is an exciting change for me, and I am grateful for the opportunity.  

Even though I will no longer be the administrator of MyEC, I will check in on you all whenever I can. I hope some of our most active bloggers, members, and mods will continue to inspire and challenge you to practise your English in this fun, interactive, and supportive environment.

I'd like to say a special thank you to Josef as well as to all of the mods and active members who have helped run this club over the years. Please continue your great work, and promise to keep in touch.

I wish all of you a wonderful holiday season and change-filled (insert your own word) 2016. 

Cheers to change and new beginnings,

Tara