My Word for 2026 will remain “Be”!

I used to think words of the year were unnecessary and, yes, kind of stupid!

I thought a word was just someone’s way of making themselves feel better about whatever they were trying to prove to show others that there was a plan in place for their life.

However, after a year in the classroom, we began the new year with a project that required students to choose one word that described the goal they would work towards to become a better version of themselves.

We gave them a list of words to choose from, and to my surprise, they loved the assignment.

As I helped the students, I began to think about what I wanted to change in my life, and it wasn’t just one thing, such as happiness, contentment, or gratitude.

I needed a word that would allow me to work towards all things positive and empowering in a person’s life.

So, I chose the word “Be.” Why? Well, not just because of the word itself, but all the words I could add after the word “be”. I then could create phrases like “Be kind”, “Be Myself”, “Be Curious”, “Be Forgiving”, “Be Grateful”. You get the idea.

I struggled with excellent and expected words like positivity, gratefulness, love, etc., because I know they are great words to center 2026 on and are always something I should be working towards.

However, words like these were not enough for what I am feeling inside. If I were to adopt these words, I would still be working towards the status quo.

Is there something wrong with the status quo? No, because who wouldn’t want to work towards happiness, gratitude, and positivity? It’s just that choosing one of these words was not enough. If I were to choose one word, I would feel obligated to focus on that one area of improvement.

I needed a word that would encompass the entirety of the changes I want to bring to myself. I wanted a word that empowered me to work on the basic need I have to just be me, according to me, not just the version or role other people have cast me in for most of my life.

I am tired of being the person that everyone has determined I should be or what everyone else wants me to do, and I wanted to give myself permission to be a more authentic version of the person I wanted to be, on my terms.

I am the one who has spent the most time with me, and I know what makes me tick.

So, my word of the year is “Be”! I will be the best version of Char that I could ever have imagined. It will be difficult because I have to break through the expectations that others have had for me and that I have been submissive to – but not anymore.

It’s time to be myself, and I plan to have a wonderful time in 2026!

Let me know what your word of the year is and how you plan to be the best version of yourself this year.