As we enter a new year, many of us feel the familiar pull toward reflection. We look back on what’s been hard, what’s been meaningful, and what we hope might be different moving forward into the year ahead.
Years ago, I connected with friends on a small Zoom New Year’s gathering during COVID. Instead of resolutions, one person suggested something simpler: choosing a single word to represent our intention for the year ahead.
I’ve done this every year since.
What I love about this practice is that a word isn’t a goal, resolution or a checklist. It’s more like a compass — a guide to return to again and again when you’re unsure which direction to take, or which choice to make.
Last year, my word was RELEASE.
I was very intentional about letting go of things I no longer needed — old behaviors, familiar stories, and patterns that once served me but no longer did. Release, to me, meant questioning what I was holding onto out of habit, guilt, or fear. And there was a lot.
Did I “release” it all? No. But I did release some, and more importantly, I made a commitment to look honestly at many of the things I had avoided or felt uncomfortable examining before.
As I’ve been thinking ahead to 2026, I initially thought my word would be STRENGTHEN.
I turn 49 next month, and I’m feeling changes in my body — perimenopause, an old neck injury that flares more often, new aches and pains, and the reality that at this stage of life, I need to think about my brain and my bones in ways I never have before.
Strengthening felt logical and practical, and aligned with many of my goals for the year ahead.
But when I dug a little deeper, I realized there was something underneath those more practical goals — something that, if I’m not consciously attuned to it, will likely stand in my way.
My word for 2026 is PERMISSION.
I’m recognizing that many of the things I don’t give myself permission to do are no longer a luxury, but a necessity.
Some of them are small — like giving myself permission to not answer every email by the end of the day, to take breaks without “earning” them first, or to step away before I’m completely depleted. Others are larger — like giving myself permission to prioritize my own physical and emotional needs without guilt, to say no even when it’s uncomfortable, and to make choices based on what truly supports my health rather than what feels most familiar or expected in the moment.
A few years ago, my word was LISTEN, and I’ve become quite attuned to what my body is asking for.
The roadblock isn’t awareness anymore. It’s allowing myself the time and space to follow through — without guilt, without excuses, and without first completing every item on my endless to-do list.
Permission, for me, means honoring what I already know — and then allowing myself to act on it.
Choosing Your Word
When choosing a word, I recommend writing it down somewhere you’ll see it — a journal, a note on your phone, a sticky note tucked into a book or taped to your bathroom mirror. (I’ve even incorporated my word into various passwords, which means I type and think about it often.)
You want your word in places where you can revisit it, allowing it to serve as the guidepost it’s meant to be for the year.
You may also choose to share your word with a loved one — someone who knows you well and can help you stay accountable, or gently re-direct you when the need arises.
If this practice speaks to you, I invite you to spend a few quiet moments reflecting on a word that feels right for this season of your life. Not one you think you should choose, but one that feels honest, supportive, and grounding.
I’d love for you to share your word in the comments below.
Sometimes simply naming it — and letting it be seen — is the first step.
2026…a year of BALANCE
Can’t wait to see this for you!
My word for the year is EQUANIMITY, a mindset of calm, steady balance no matter what life throws at us. This is a word and goal I’ve cherished for the last 25 years, informed by my mindfulness practice. For me, the last two years have felt particularly unstable and heavy, especially in the wake of the October 7th attacks and the rise in antisemitism that followed. I found myself moving through the full spectrum of grief, including shock, sadness, anger, and confusion, until now I’ve begun to see glimpses of acceptance: the world is what it is, with both its beauty and its brokenness. Equanimity isn’t about indifference; it’s about meeting each moment with clarity, steadiness, and compassion, even when things feel uncertain or painful. And despite the ugliness that exists, I’ve been deeply moved by the love and support I’ve experienced within my community, both personally and professionally.
–Dr. Roy
A very meaningful word. One of the words that started our relationship :)
2026 = ABUNDANCE (both personally and professionally)
Amen!
I was listening to a podcast about learning the art of losing. With aging, sickness, death, it is a practice I am taking into my meditation, movement practice and into 2026. Learning the art of losing. I guess I could re-name it letting go, but losing is an interesting word. It doesn’t make me a loser to get good at the art of losing. It can be a humble reminder of allowing or accepting. For example, when my daughter went to college, I lost having her around as much, but our relationship has only deepened. When I was diagnosed with cancer, I lost my hair and i gained empathy and understanding of living. Is clearing out my junk drawer losing? Yes and then I might be able to gain by reducing and recycling. So, as strange as it sounds, my word is LOSING.
I appreciate this so much and you always give me something wonderful to contemplate! LOSING!! It was actually in your New Years Day class when you spoke about the Year In Review that I started thinking about my word…and if STRENGTHEN was the one. After class I hiked with my brother and talked this out with him and made my way to PERMISSION. So thanks for the inspiration to get the ball rolling for me :) LOVE YOU!
Judy
My word and my goal for 2026 (and forever) is SERENITY:
Serenity means a state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled, characterized by inner stillness and freedom from stress or disturbance, even amidst life’s complexities. The word comes from Latin and evokes tranquility, quietude, and a sense of deep contentment, often associated with nature or meditative states. It’s a desired quality in personal growth, mental well-being, and spiritual practice, distinct from fleeting happiness.
I love SERENITY for you!! Now and forever :)
Three words this year: Lift My Heart
It’s my wanting, my boundary (as in, “Does this lift my heart? If not, it’s a No.”), and it will be my therapy. Leaning into joy, awe, pleasure, fun, laughter. And saying no to the things I can that move me away from that state.
Lift My Heart…love this!! Thank you for sharing!
My word for 2026 is STABILITY, because I am choosing steadiness and support in every area of my life. Grounded in my body and my mind, supported (and allowing myself to be seen) in my relationships, and emotionally balanced. This also includes work and financial stability so I can better embody balance and a peace of mind.
I contemplated between “security” and “stability” but ultimately “stability” felt more gentle and internal and builds off of a calmer foundation rather than a need to brace myself and seek protection.
I agree 100% and LOVE this for you!!
Behold!
To actually see and stand in awe—in both the big and small miracles every day.
Raising my babies right now has helped me see how simultaneous there is beauty in the chaos, the divine in the “insignificant”, the treasure in the every day.
My prayer has been that I behold the new thing He is doing—open my eyes to see and my ears to hear.
And allow the renewal of my mind and heart and self as a result.
SO beautiful!!
I love this idea, and in fact, it was fun to read about something I was already doing!! I was already choosing what I was calling a “theme word” for each year, as I did not like the specificity of resolutions anymore. Last year my theme word was healing. I made a lot of progress on that thanks to our work together. THANK YOU! This year my word is THRIVING! It reminds me to embrace my new reality from a place of optimism, excitement and possibility! It is challenging with all that is going on in the world now but I feel ready to thrive and not just live!
Susan,
Thank you for taking the time to write and I love the word THRIVING for you – and in my opinion you certainly are!!