I can't even believe 2026 is upon us. A new year...new hopes, more plans, and those crazy 'New Year's resolutions' that we have all tried to stick to. Some resolutions may stick, yet for many, they don't.
Have you ever thought about dropping the heavy resolutions and expectations and choosing a single word to help guide you instead?
Not a long list of resolutions.
Not a plan filled with pressure.
Just one word — a soft reminder you can return to when life feels loud, rushed, or uncertain.
There’s something quietly powerful about choosing a single word to carry with you through the year.
A word of the year isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.
A single, simple word can be a reminder to pause, to notice what you're doing, to gently realign when you drift. Some days you’ll live it well. Other days you’ll forget it entirely — and that’s all okay. The beauty of a word is that it waits patiently for you to come back to when you feel you need it the most.
I have been doing this for years, and it's been my gentle guidance throughout my days. It's not about heavy expectations, it's about awareness.
It's about reminding yourself to get back on track when you feel you fell off. It's not an end result, but an open door for many beginnings.
Choosing a word asks quiet questions for you to reflect on:
How do I want to feel this year?
What do I want to prioritize in my days?
Does what I'm doing align with my 'word'?
Is what I'm doing intentional or am I on auto pilot?
Maybe your word is rest, because you’ve been carrying too much for too long.
Maybe it’s open, because you’re ready to let life surprise you and you want to take on new things. Maybe it’s gentle, rooted, enough, or presence.
Once you choose your word, let it show up in small ways. Write it in a journal. Tuck it into your planner. Tape it to your mirror. Let it whisper to you when you’re tempted to rush or overdo or overthink. Let it be your gentle guidance.
Your word doesn’t need to be loud to be meaningful.
It just needs to feel true.
My word for this year is 'Determined'.
I chose this word because I do have big goals and I do have a list of things I want to get to. I have a list of things I want to make work. Yet I don't feel pressured by this list of ideas, or goals. I feel 'determined' to make them work, and with that intension in mind, and that word as my guidance, I feel things will fall into place as they need to, for I will intentionally stick by my word. By being determined, I will find my way.
As this new year begins, maybe let go of the heavy 'new year's resolutions' and try a word as your guidance. A little side kick you carry around.
May it guide you softly through whatever the year brings.
Wishing you the best for the year ahead. A year of reaching goals, deep connection, slowing down and living with intention.
We'll talk soon...
