Rebecca

Word of the Year

I’m not sure I’ve mentioned it here before, but one of my favorite things this time of year is picking my Word of the Year. Originally, I would pick a word on my birthday {in July}, deciding on a word/theme for my new age. I eventually switched it over to New Year’s, which is what most people do, and it’s continued to be a thoughtful process.

Rather than creating a list of goals that may or may not happen, I like the idea of deciding a word/theme for the year. There’s not really a way to “fail” since it’s an idea, and there’s enough flexibility that as you evolve through the year, the definition and/or application can evolve as well.

Before sharing my word for 2026, I thought I’d look back over previous word selections. From sifting through old blogs and planners/journals, it appears that I started with my birthday in 2004. So more than 20 years of picking a word/theme for my year. Wow … Time flies, y’all.

2004: Redefinition
2005: Promise
2006: Memory/Reality/Dream/Vision/Grow {I noted that I had a hard time narrowing it down!}
2007: Waltzing {I was in a phase of playing Josh Groban’s “So She Dances” on repeat}
2008: Living
2009: Fullness
2010: Vision

I cannot seem to locate words for 2011 or 2012 – there was a lot going on in those years, so maybe I didn’t choose one? It’s more likely I did and recorded them somewhere different, one of those “safe spaces,” ha. I know for sure that I switched to New Year’s word selections in 2013.

2013: New
2014: Beauty
2015: Brave
2016: Believe {I bought myself a stacking ring set that reads “she believed she could” on one ring, and “so she did” on the second}
2017: Thrive
2018: Wander & Soar
2019: Lionhearted {another ring was purchased for the stack}
2020: Love
2021: Content {very fitting for the year Mr and I got married}
2022: Cozy
2023: [???] How do I not have a word for this year? I started the blog!
2024: Abundance
2025: Peace – Peace of mind, Peace be still, Peace in the midst of the storm

And in 2026? I have selected Make.

Make the bouquets.
Make delicious eats in the kitchen.
Make a new chicken coop.
Make all the crafty things.
Make memories.
Make dreams come true.
Make a good hobbity life.

Do you pick a word and/or theme for your year?

20 comments

  1. I love the idea of making a good hobbity life – yes!! I’m right there with you 🙂 I also love the idea of picking a word on your birthday. I haven’t picked a word the last couple of years but maybe this February (my birth month) will be a good time to try again.

    I hope 2026 is full of making for you!

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    • There is something about the birthday selection of a word versus the January selection. I’m not sure one is really “better,” but there is a different feel 🙂

      Thank you! ❤ So far it's been a good making year, and we're only a few weeks in! 🙂

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  2. I love this!! I feel like this is lowkey my word too. I’m making a book sweater and embroidering books after I finish reading ones I loved. I have never embroidered in my life but I’ve done about 8 books and it’s been so fun to learn! I’m also wanting to try crochet and diamond painting!

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  5. Hi Rebecca, I love the word MAKE as your word of the year. I have chosen words in the past, and this year, I have a little mantra: Keep Showing Up. I’m looking forward to seeing all of the wonderful things you make this year!

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  7. This pi’s a wonderful word for the year! I don’t really pick a word but create has been stuck in my head. I even have some planner spreads dedicated to it this month. I really like the spirit of make.

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  10. Okay, I love that you pick a word but I also adore your selection for this year: MAKE! Since creating art is good for the soul and mental health that seems like an excellent choice. I can’t wait to see all the cool/yummy/interesting things you’re gonna make this year 🖤

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    • Creating and doing things with my hands in general is so very good for quieting my brain and settling things down inside – that was a contributing factor in my word selection this year. 🙂 I also can’t wait to see what I end up making this year! 😀 ❤

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