Choose Your Word of the Year for 2026

Starting a new year is, metaphorically, like stepping over a threshold — entering a new space that is separate from where you have been. 

And transitions of any kind mean change — although many people drift across the calendar transition, maybe with a quick resolution in mind, and then keep living as they have been.

This moment offers all of us an opportunity to think more deeply, and focus specifically, on the life we want to live the next 12 months.

What do you truly want in 2026?

In this transition to a fresh new year, do you feel called to do something new? To do more of something you’re doing now? To let something go? To embrace a particular way of being in your day-to-day life?

I invite you to think of entering a beautiful expansive place filled with great possibilities, and choosing the way you want to live in the new year.

To help you sharpen your focus and live your best year, I am happy to offer you a tool that I have used for years. It helps you to get crystal clear about a focus and quality of life that will be meaningful, and be inspired to take aligned action.

I and many of my clients have found this to be a remarkably helpful tool to use at the start of each new year.

Choosing a Word of the Year is powerful

While it may sound surprising, a carefully-chosen word has proven over and over to guide me in more ways than I initially envisioned.

The key is to get quiet and then move through a process of discovery.

Start by listening

Begin by kindling a light from within. Connect to the desires in your heart. 

Ask your heart what it wants. Ask if there are things it craves.

Then sit and listen.

You may hear whispers or bold statements.

Whatever you hear, think next about something small you can do to respond to a deep desire that can be satisfied with ease.

Honor what you hear

If, for instance, your heart longs for quiet, set time aside in a peaceful place. Make it beautiful. Light a candle. If you have flowers, put them where you will be. Add a scent that pleases you. Then savor the quiet.

If your heart asks for connection, reach out to someone and make a date. Or call a special person who is far away. Or plan a lovely way to spend time with someone about whom you care.

If there are a number of things your heart yearns for, aim to satisfy those desires gently and lovingly. 

Next, use a focused process to guide you

It is my pleasure to offer you a process I have honed that will help you choose a word that aligns for you, and will anchor you to what you want in the year ahead.

The words I have selected over recent years have made a tremendous difference for me. Here are a few of them.

Several years back I chose DEPTH. I yearned to dive deep into learning more and also do deeper work with my clients. My word inspired me to create new retreats, to take women deep into their hearts and find satisfying paths forward. 

In 2024 I chose IMPACT. I aimed to keep a keen focus on ways my work could touch and support as many women as possible. The word supported me to do more speaking, and to create a new program to bring into organizations to help women thrive personally and professionally. 

At the start of 2025, I chose SPACIOUS to guide my year. I have looked at that word each day, where it is tacked to the wall next to my desk. It has reminded my to simplify, embrace play, commit to a lighter schedule, and get more help.

To guide you to find a meaningful word that fits you for 2026, click here to download my PDF. It will walk you through 3 thoughtful steps.

(You can also click on the image above to get the PDF.)

You may quickly find a word that feels just right, as I have in some years.

Or, you may consider a word or two for a couple of days, even explore a synonym that is more nuanced and inspiring, and then land on the word that’s just right for you in 2026.

(A few years back, a client had started with the word THRIVE, and came to realize that FLOURISH would be an even clearer guiding word.)

And give yourself bonus points if you add a sentence or two, as a reminder of the ways you want your word to support you.

Living your Word of the Year 

As you will see when you download the PDF, I suggest printing out your word in large bold letters, and putting it where you will see it and be reminded of it each day — so you gain the greatest benefit from this process. 

And I welcome you to share the word you choose for 2026! Email me

One last thing…To supercharge your 2026, consider joining me and an intimate group of amazing women at Creation Vacation! There’s still an open spot for this glorious annual retreat that starts January 19. Let’s talk to see if it’s the perfect fit for you now, or if there’s another path to your most rewarding, fulfilling future.