My Word for 2026 is Wellness

My word for 2026 is wellness, and not just in the “eat better, move more” kind of way. I’m talking about whole-life wellness. The kind that includes our physical, social, mental, spiritual, financial, and emotional well-being.

I’m learning that wellness is about so much more than fitting in a workout or eating the right foods. It’s about how we live, how we think, how we connect with others, and how we care for ourselves in every season. When one area feels off, it almost always spills into another. And the good news? Small, intentional changes really can create meaningful shifts over time.

This year, I’m taking a slower, more intentional approach. Each month, I plan to focus on one area of wellness and really spend time learning, adjusting, and building habits before moving on. No rushing. Not trying to fix everything at once. Just steady progress.

I’m starting with physical wellness, because for a long time that area felt overwhelming to me. Now I’m choosing to simplify it and focus on a few things that truly matter. Right now, that looks like learning to listen to my body instead of pushing through everything. It means moving my body in ways that feel good, fueling it with foods that support me (still very much a work in progress), and giving myself permission to truly rest.

If I’m being honest, junk food and sugary snacks are a real weakness for me. Instead of trying to eliminate everything at once, I’m focusing on replacement. Swapping sugary snacks for healthier options and even healthier sugars, which feels like a win right now, at least initially. Progress over perfection.

Along with that, I’m making some very practical changes like cutting back on my Diet Coke habit to just a few a week and being more intentional about increasing my water intake. I’m also learning to set my electronics down more often, giving my mind a true break, and being present in the moments that matter instead of constantly scrolling or multitasking.

This journey isn’t about perfection, it’s about awareness, consistency, and grace. And I’m excited to see how these small changes will begin to have a positive impact on other parts of my life.

I plan to share more on my wellness journey as the year progresses. I’ll share my successes, my shortfalls, and all the lessons learned in between. 

Are you on a wellness journey? We’d love to hear from you.