The Power of a Word: Letting a Theme Shape Your Year

I intentionally took time off over the holidays. With the end of Christmas break approaching, I chose to be fully present — laughing, playing music trivia, belting out classics from the 70s through the 2000s, eating all the cozy foods, and ringing in the new year with my family. Our living room was full of laughter, and honestly, it was exactly what I needed to close out 2025 and welcome 2026.

Before rushing into a new year, I always pause to reflect. And as I looked back over 2025, I felt a mix of gratitude, growth, and hard-earned clarity.

Reflection Before the Rush

January of 2025 marked yet another attempt at prioritizing my health — but this time was different. I hired a personal trainer who listened. I was honest about years of yo-yo dieting, health complications, and the reality of trying to care for a body that had been through a lot.
Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Since 2014, my body has carried me through pregnancy, nursing, cancer, major surgeries, chemotherapy, and recovery. I don’t share that to dwell on it — I share it because in October of 2026, I’ll celebrate nine years in remission, and that perspective changes everything.

After surviving something like that, it’s easy to live in a “dessert first” mindset. But eventually I realized that truly living meant fueling my body, not just feeding cravings. I wanted longevity. I wanted to be here — fully — for years to come.

When the Answers Finally Came

Even with consistent workouts, steps, macros, and water, nothing was changing. Bloodwork finally revealed what willpower never could: hormone imbalance, insulin resistance, and health markers that needed medical support — not more discipline.

With the right treatment and support, everything shifted. I’m down over 40 pounds, I feel stronger, and for the first time in a long time, my efforts align with results.

That was only January.

The rest of the year unfolded in real-life fashion — family milestones, storms both literal and figurative, recovery seasons, travel, celebrations, challenges, and new beginnings. It wasn’t linear or polished. It was full.

Why I Choose a Word Instead of Resolutions

I’ve chosen a word of the year for about five years now, though I don’t always share it publicly. I don’t do traditional resolutions because they’re rigid, disconnected from real life, and often lead to burnout.

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Life changes too quickly for one-size-fits-all goals.

A word gives me flexibility. It allows space for creativity, grace, and growth across seasons that don’t stay the same for long. My word for 2025 was ROOTED, and it showed up everywhere — in my health, my faith, my consistency, and my decision to finally build systems that support my life instead of fighting against it.

Systems, Rhythms, and Consistency

When I decided to build a business while teaching full time, parenting, and managing life, I knew I needed strong foundations. Consistency didn’t come from motivation — it came from small rhythms and systems that made showing up easier.

I’ve started ideas before. I’ve quit things too soon. This time was different because I built support underneath the work. When motivation faded and life got busy, the systems held me steady.

That’s what consistency actually looks like.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As I look toward 2026, I’m asking different questions:

• What season of life am I entering?

• What rhythms will support this season?

• What needs to be simplified?

• What needs to be strengthened?

This year looks different. I’m 42. I’m parenting a young adult and a middle schooler, teaching full time, renovating a home while living in it, rebuilding a business, committing to my health, deepening my faith, and continuing to learn as I go.

I don’t have my word yet — and that’s intentional.

As 2026 begins, I encourage you not to rush. Reflect. Journal. Ask yourself what kind of year you want to experience, not just accomplish.

Maybe this is the year you let go of traditional resolutions.
Maybe this is the year you choose a word instead.

I’ll be sharing more reflections and tools throughout January — including a free workshop — to help guide this process gently and intentionally.

You don’t have to move fast to move forward.
You’re allowed to move slowly.
You’re allowed to build foundations that last.