Verso l’alto: Striving for the Heights with Comfort and Joy

Why I Choose a Word of the Year

Every December, I sit down with a warm beverage and choose a word or phrase to guide me through the next year. It’s a little tradition that helps me focus on what matters most. Last year, I even tried making a vision board (yes, I went all-in). I’ve found that having a word sharpens my awareness—like putting on glasses to see opportunities more clearly. It doesn’t mean everything magically goes as planned, but it helps me stay open to saying “yes” when the right moment comes along.

Verso l’alto: My Phrase for 2024 and 2025

For 2024, I chose Verso l’alto—“to the heights.” Inspired by Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati, who climbed both literal and metaphorical mountains, this phrase became my mantra for aiming higher. And here’s some exciting news: Pope Francis plans to canonize him in the summer of 2025!

This past year, Verso l’alto reminded me to keep climbing, even when I felt stuck, tired, or unmotivated. It inspired me to say yes to opportunities that stretched me in new and exciting ways. For example:

• I wrote four new chapter books to expand the Duke the Deaf Dog series’ age range and reading levels. Each book features longer stories with deeper exploration of the themes and issues Deaf children experience in elementary school—something I’ve wanted to include for a while.
• I produced three mysteries in audiobook format to make my content more accessible to people with different abilities and reading preferences. Accessibility has always been a core value for me, and this project reinforced that mission.
• I took on one of my biggest interpreting challenges yet: interpreting on an international cruise with a large group of Deaf people. It pushed me way out of my comfort zone, putting me in unique situations and giving me the chance to meet some incredible new people.

Looking back, I’m not sure I would have said yes to all those things without Verso l’alto as my guiding light. The phrase reminded me to aim higher, even when I felt intimidated or uncertain. Since I’m still mid-climb (aren’t we all?), I’m carrying Verso l’alto into 2025. But this time, I’m adding two new companions: Comfort and Joy.

Adding Comfort and Joy to the Climb

Not the kind of comfort that comes from sweatpants (although I don’t discount their importance). This comfort is deeper—it’s about knowing God’s got my back, no matter what. And joy? That’s the fuel. Chris Stefanick puts it best in his book Living Joy: 9 Rules to Help You Rediscover and Live Joy Every Day: “If your life is a battle, joy is your sword and shield.” Who couldn’t use that in their toolkit?

Monsignor James Shea’s talk at SEEK24 brought this into focus for me. He reminded us that the words “comfort and joy” from God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen aren’t just holiday fluff. They’re about the unshakable joy of knowing Jesus has already won the ultimate battle.

I’ve re-watched this video several times and his final insights have stuck with me all year. “If we don’t give up, we always win.” Simple, yet profoundly true. No matter how many times we feel like we’ve gone astray or face challenges that seem insurmountable, the promise of redemption is always there. The video is about 27 minutes long, and absolutely worth your time. At the end, he repeats the carol’s lyrics: “To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray. Oh, tidings of comfort and joy.”

Goals for 2025: Personal and Professional Heights

Embracing this hope for the future, my goals next year are shaping up to be a mix of personal and professional hills. I’ll be creating more resources for young Deaf children and educators, expanding my book projects, and interpreting at SEEK25 in Salt Lake City. (The conference’s model saint is Joan of Arc, who is basically the poster child for joy-fueled courage. If she could lead an army with zero military experience, surely I can tackle a few deadlines and a to-do list, right?)

“Not giving up” is a resolve I’m carrying into 2025. When the climb feels steep, when the to-do list feels never-ending, when self-doubt creeps in—I want to hold onto my guiding words. Comfort to remind me I’m not alone. Joy to give me the strength to keep moving forward. And Verso l’alto to lift my gaze higher and remind me that no matter how daunting the journey may seem, there is always a new peak waiting to be conquered.

What About You?

Do you choose a word or phrase to guide your year? Or are you more of a “let’s wing it and hope for the best” kind of person? Either way, I hope you find your own version of comfort and joy this season—and maybe even a little inspiration to aim higher. 

Kelly Brakenhoff is the author of 15 books and a seasoned ASL interpreter. She splits her writing energy between two series: cozy mysteries set on a college campus and children’s books featuring Duke the Deaf Dog.

Parents, kids, and teachers love the children’s books and activity guides because they introduce ASL and the Deaf community through fun, engaging stories. And if you enjoy a smart female sleuth, want to learn more about Deaf culture, or have ever lived in a place where livestock outnumber people, the Cassandra Sato Mystery series will have you connecting the dots faster than a group project coming together the night before it’s due.

A proud mom to four adults, head of the dog-snuggling department, and grandma to a growing brood of perfectly behaved grandkids, Kelly and her husband call Nebraska home.