Posted in Lifestyle

My 2026 Word of the Year and Resolutions

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My word for 2026 is: Alignment.

I used to think balance meant doing all the things, all the time—keeping every plate spinning and calling it success. But now I know balance is quieter than that. It’s about doing the right things, at the right time.

For a long time, I talked about living in seasons as an alternative to balance. Now I see it differently. Operating in seasons isn’t avoiding balance—it’s the gateway to it. It’s the pathway to peace.

Alignment, for me, means letting my energy, priorities, and capacity match the season I’m actually in. It’s about listening instead of forcing, choosing what fits instead of what simply looks good, and trusting that not everything needs my attention all at once.

Alignment is living with ease—allowing life’s current to guide me and trusting that when I follow my soul, things unfold the way they’re meant to.

In 2026, I’m choosing alignment over overwhelm. Presence over pressure. And peace over perfection.

And honestly? I need that—because I ended 2025… not great.

I’m not talking to Hector’s family. I’ve drifted from a few friends. I didn’t go to my mom’s for Christmas. Most of December I was sick, stuck inside, watching the days blur together instead of actually living them.

I ended up in the hospital recently, hoping for answers about what’s been going on with me now—and instead I got a full highlight reel of everything else. Pre-diabetic. Low iron (which I already knew). Low vitamin D (no surprise when I barely leave the house). Six medications. A lot of charts, a lot of numbers, and the very humbling realization that I haven’t really been showing up for my health the way I should.

I’m not working right now, and I won’t be going back to school in February either. That sentence still feels strange to type. It wasn’t the plan. None of this was.

But this isn’t me giving up. This is me pausing.

I want 2026 to be better—not in a “new year, new me” way, but in a quieter, more realistic way. The kind of better that looks like taking my meds, going outside, keeping appointments, choosing rest without guilt, and rebuilding slowly instead of burning myself out trying to fix everything at once.

Last year I made 25 resolutions and completed six of them. And honestly? Six is more than zero. So this year I’m not dragging all 19 unfinished goals with me like emotional carry-on luggage. I’m choosing ten. Just ten. The ones that still matter. The ones that feel possible. The ones that support the version of me who is tired—but trying.

This isn’t a fresh start.
It’s a continuation.
A softer one.
A more honest one.

  • Read 30 books
  • Run a 5K
  • Write 100 blog posts
  • Get a tattoo
  • Get my passport
  • Paint on a large canvas
  • Try 20 new recipes
  • Go hiking once a month
  • Schedule one spa day each month
  • Work out three times a week

That’s it. Ten goals for a year that’s about choosing what fits, honoring the season I’m in, and building a life that feels steady, creative, and kind to me.

Posted in Lifestyle

Word of the Year 2025

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I hope everyone had an incredible New Year’s Eve celebration and is excited for the adventures this year has in store!

This year, I’m diving headfirst into some thrilling New Year’s resolutions: I’m on a mission to plan my dream wedding with maximum joy and minimal stress, shed 60 pounds to feel my absolute best and keep my budget in check by skipping out on unnecessary expenses. Let’s make this year unforgettable!

But that’s just the beginning! I’ve got even more on my to-do list. I’m ready to regain control and stop letting stress dictate my life. Last year, there were so many moments when work or school tried to pull me under, and I let it overshadow the good stuff. This year, I’m committed to celebrating those amazing moments and embracing all the positivity life offers!

But how will I do this? Well, that brings me to my word of the year: Resilience.

Resilience is all about having the strength to handle life’s ups and downs! It means facing challenges, stress, and pressures with a positive attitude and returning from tough times. You can easily navigate through changes by building emotional resilience, being self-aware, and staying adaptable. It’s like having a toolkit for life that helps you grow and flourish, no matter what comes your way!

Here are some friendly ways I plan to build resilience in myself:

– I will practice mindfulness and be present in the moment.

– I’ll look for opportunities to discover more about myself.

– Keeping things in perspective will help me stay grounded.

– I’ll make self-care a priority in my life.

– Taking care of my physical and mental well-being.

– And I’ll remember to express myself! 

These are some friendly steps I’m excited to take on my journey!

Posted in Lifestyle

Word of the Year 2024

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I have chosen a single word to be the foundation of my daily decisions for the upcoming year. I like setting resolutions for each upcoming year, but sometimes, they make me feel like passing or failing. Choosing a word of the year feels like having a supportive friend. My chosen word will support me through thick and thin and help me stay focused, even if my world turns upside down. By focusing on this word, I will gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and find new avenues for personal growth, which can be more potent than any New Year’s goal or resolution. This practice is commonly called choosing a “Word of the Year.”

By choosing a word that resonates with you, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and find new avenues for personal growth. For example, if you choose “abundance,” you could focus on cultivating meaningful relationships, achieving financial goals, and spending quality time with loved ones. If your word is “discipline,” you could establish a workout routine, develop a consistent evening routine, and prioritize punctuality.

The beauty of choosing a “Word of the Year” is that it stays with you throughout the year, reminding you of your intentions and goals. It serves as a supportive friend that keeps you on track, even when life gets challenging.

For me, my chosen word for 2024 is “fulfilled.” I’m letting go of my tendency to overthink and instead focus on taking bold and courageous steps towards achieving my goals. I’m determined to approach everything I do with unwavering confidence and a positive attitude that will help me overcome any obstacles that I may encounter.

To make the most of the year, I’ve developed a New Year manifesto that outlines my passions, priorities, values, and intentions in the areas that matter most to me. The idea of being fulfilled will serve as a roadmap throughout the year, reminding me of what I want to achieve and helping me stay on track. I’m excited to leap into 2024 with a sense of purpose and determination, and I can’t wait to see what the year has in store for me.

My faith: I am determined to keep my promises to God this year. I will always remind myself that He will fulfill His promises to me. As a believer, I will rely on God to provide for my needs, knowing He possesses everything and can meet my wants. By doing so, I will live a fulfilled life in Christ.

Myself: Looking ahead to the coming year, I am committed to prioritizing my well-being. I have realized that focusing on my needs and desires is essential to living a fulfilling life. By engaging in activities that ignite my spirit, bring me joy, and inspire me to connect with the world around me, I am committing to the journey of self-care and personal growth.

My relationship: I want to have a meaningful relationship; the only way to achieve that is through effective communication. My partner and I have ups and downs, but we don’t always try to communicate and work through our issues. It’s important not to bottle up our feelings and to admit our faults when we’re wrong. We need to be clear on what’s missing in the relationship and discuss what we can do to improve things.

I have chosen a word for myself by asking a series of questions like what I want to achieve in the next year, what skills or characteristics can assist me in accomplishing my goals or lead a better life, what I need or desire more in my life, how I want to feel, and what my core values are.

It’s your turn now! I would be delighted to know your Word of the Year and why you chose it. Please share it with our community by leaving a comment below. Speaking your word into the Universe is a beautiful way to set things in motion.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!