Intentionality in 2026
My Word of the Year and why it matters
One of my favorite December rituals is choosing a word to guide my focus for the year ahead. Sometimes I deliberate for a long time before settling on the perfect word, but this year it came quite easily. My 2026 Word of the Year is: Intentional.
I don’t think I am alone in craving authenticity in my life. With the explosion of AI and its wide-reaching impacts on the arts, the bombardment of unrealistic beauty standards on social media, and the despicable lack of empathy towards other humans, I want to cultivate empathy, courage, and truth.
Intentionality means slowing down, appreciating what I have, and what my body and mind can do. It means taking my time with writing projects, exploring more creative outlets, and minding my finances instead of being influenced or a passive consumer. Leaning into a slower, more mindful approach to living and cultivating joy and peace (for myself and others).
Here are a few things I am looking forward to being intentional about in 2026:
focusing on writing projects, taking my time with them
learning a new creative hobby (music)
investing more in my yoga practice
keeping my body heathy with movement and plant-based meals
appreciating the things I have
I hope you have a wonderful start to the new year, and, in the wise words of Leigh Bardugo, Begin As You Mean To Go On and take 15 minutes to cultivate your passions and intentions. (I love this approach because it doesn’t have to be a monumental shift in your habits or mindset.)
Do you have a word of the year, or something you are looking forward to cultivating in 2026? I’d love to hear it.
Wishing you joy and intentionality in the year ahead,
Cidney