Mindful Monday | Words for 2026

This year I began reflecting on my 2025 and all that I accomplished and achieved. I was proud of putting myself first and beginning my wellness journey. I chose to put myself first and start from there. I chose a word of the year that helped guide my mindset and focus along my journey. My word was intention…..I moved with intention, I chose activity intentionally, I chose experiences intentionally throughout my life, and I was worth the intent. That was basically how I thought about things and activities in my life; what do I want to feel or how does this action serve my goal. I was amazed at how my life had shifted into a stronger and more confident me. It was foreign at first, but empowering. I leaned into that feeling and my whole mindset shifted. The goal shifted to more than just I want to lose weight but to I want to be healthier and enjoy my life more.

In December 2025, I wanted to start to think about my word for 2026. I asked for input from my boyfriend, my mom, and my pen pal for their idea for a word. I wrote words down and looked up synonyms trying to find the right word. I came up with expand. I had gotten to a point on the journey of working on me where I had lost 20 pounds, I felt good in my body, and I felt a confidence I had never felt before. So, how can I go to the next level. How can I grow and expand my reach and knowledge. Elevate didn’t feel right, so expand made sense. Then I came across the word deliberate. That intrigued me…I wanted to explore the possibilities of this word a little more. I then ventured into the world of ChatGPT…I don’t know what I was thinking, but it gave me ways to tie the two words together.

Looking into it, being deliberate basically means living with intention, my word for 2025. Adding the word expand just meant adding breadth and creating more space for who I want to become and grow into. I even found journal prompts for both words, and even combined prompts with both words. Reading the monthly journal prompts made me think. If I want to expand from where I came from and be deliberate in doing so I have to remain intentional in my efforts. Just in talking about my words and thinking about my steps to lean into them, I’ve realized they come naturally to the next steps on my journey. There is a gospel song and scripture that tells you to order your steps. This phrase came to me in a dream last night, and it really stuck with me after I woke up. Ordering your steps in this journey is how I can

I am not sure where this journey will lead me, but feel free to join me on this ride. I love to share, and lately I feel so excited to share what may help others. Being mindful and present has helped me change my overall mindset on life, my health, my relationships, and my future. If you chose a word of the year, let me know. I would love to know what is going to be your motivator this year.