2026 Word of the Year: Gratitude

Since 2016, I’ve had the annual practice of selecting a guiding word for the upcoming year. It’s an opportunity for reflection, and a way of setting the tone for what lies ahead. 

Lately, I’ve been taking stock of my life, reflecting on the past decade, and looking forward to the next chapter. For all the struggles and challenges I’ve encountered in the last 10 years, I find myself filled with gratitude. 

I’m grateful for my health, my boys, my partner, my family and friends. For the opportunity to do work I love and believe in, and for the trust and openness of my incredible clients. I’m grateful for the community I’ve co-created with others, and also for the chances I’ve had to travel and explore the world beyond my backyard (Roots & Wings!!). And – this year especially – I’m grateful for the flexibility that allows me to focus on what matters most… like caring for my late parents, and being there with them in their final moments. 

Gratitude is more than a feeling, though: I think it’s a state of mind. 

When you’ve gone through times of trial, it’s easy to give in to despair and hopelessness. We’ve all had those moments, right? Yet from where I stand today, I feel an even greater sense of gratitude for all that I have, and for each moment of happiness and fulfillment… because I know that it’s a privilege, not a promise. 

So for 2026, I’m choosing to focus on gratitude. To make time and space for appreciation. To consciously calibrate my mind to look for the good. 

You know how when you buy a new car, you start to notice that model everywhere you go? I suspect that when you start to center gratitude, you’ll find that there’s plenty to be grateful for. 

So whether “Gratitude” resonates with you for 2026, or there’s a different direction in which you’d like to turn your attention, I invite you to give this exercise a try and find your own Word of the Year. I can’t wait to hear what you choose!

Find YOUR 2026 Word of the Year!

Curate a long list of words, then live with them. See how they make you feel, what they make you think of...what they bring up for you. Cull that into a short list of three or so options. Then reflect on those and choose your word for 2026!