This time of year, we set resolutions, intentions, goals—including writing ones—and then often, slip.
In episode 164 of the Life Writers Vlog, we admit it happens and suggest a fresh lens for 2026.
Goals help us, even when we miss the mark, but what about picking a single word for the year.
I’ll tell you about my friends and my angel-card tradition and how one word can quietly guide us. I randomly pulled the exploration card, which I love.
For 2026, I chose the word progress to guide all aspects of my life, including healing, writing, and compassion.
Take some time and think about what your word for 2026 might be. Then, share it with us and tell us why you chose it.
Keep your word close by, somewhere where you’ll see it daily.
But regardless of what your word is, always remember: The only way to do this wrong is to not do it at all!
I have been all over the map in relation to my writing. I want to write about my childhood, my family history, my young adulthood and marriages. I started to write about my children in certain aspects of their lives like hockey. All of these take me in different directions, including research. Now I have added to this, by reviewing the subjects I took at university. Since my university was interrupted and changed course, I am going back to what I first wanted to study, which was Environmental Biology. Chemistry, math, geography, microbiology, biochemistry, and statistics stand out for me.… Read more »
I had forgotten about angel cards! They are a sweet, simple way to focus on an intention. I think my “angel” word for the year would be forgiveness, as it seems like a time when many need to think more about loving and forgiving others and ourselves. My word for my writing is fearless. I want to pursue my personal writing and any opportunities for publishing without overthinking, second-guessing, or backing away when the universe opens a door for me. Thanks, Patricia!
Patricia, Another great idea from you. I have wrestled with the trajectory I seek in 2026, and your idea to summarize my intentions with one word may be the answer. My word is Mindfulness, hopefully capturing much of what I have going on, wishing to reduce my anxiety and stress levels, Diane and I are on a path to simplify our lives with the down-sizing of our house on the river to a townhouse about one third the size in th Twin Cities, in a suburb where we will be within thirty minutes of three daughters. I also have been… Read more »
It’s wonderful to hear you have published your book. I always loved to listen to your stories about the farm and your childhood.
Thanks for the kind words. It feels good to have achieved the goal of publishing, but also a little empty without the big hole left in my life that was filled with the creative work of writing and the satisfying moments of deep reflection on my life and the specific memories of childhood and early experiences of raising our six daughters, and my earning career. People have asked whether there will be more stories – a sequel? I admit that at this time, I don’t have the passion for another project, but, if I do develop the passon, I might… Read more »
Vern, WOW, so nice to see your book completed and the covers front and back. You are an inspiration to me.
My word for the year is STRENGTH ===========>
To keep moving on in a positive, strong, truthful way with patience, kindness, and wisdom.
So nice to be reading your name again.
Holly
Holly,
Thanks for your kind words, and sharing your word for 2026 that you will assist in guiding changes that you may want to make in your habits and behavior. Good luck. Vern
Vern, I love the specific examples you gave about why you chose Mindfulness as your word for 2026. Congratulations on your book! Are you able to post a photo of the cover?
Kit,
Nice hearing from you. I have attached the Book Designer’s cover and back copy.
Looks great! Thanks for sharing the cover images and text. How does it feel to be done and published?
Kit, Great. However, I had no marketing plan so now I am filling one order at a time, at my expense, after sending a copy of the book in festive bubble -wrap to everybody on my Christmas Card list.I had no intention to market my book, I am getting family requests for dozens of books for their grandchildren when my initial plan had been to place a reminder in the book that they could buy additional copies at Amazon, but, unfortunately, Amazon was not an option, and I didn’t include a do-it-on-my-own entry in the book, regarding how to get… Read more »