My Word for 2026

Quite a few years ago I started using the prompt from the Abbey of the Arts to find a word for my year. You can read it here: https://abbeyofthearts.com/blog/2025/12/11/give-me-a-word-2026/

But the last couple of years I didn't even have to think about the prompt. My word comes without my consciously seeking it. It has come a couple of days before the end of the year, as if the New Year is seeping into the old, saying, "Get ready for a transition."

I think this particular word is one I've had before.

I can say, though, that with my current cancer journey, I know it will definitely apply.

It can apply to ANY part of my life as well.

I decided to make a collage card for my word last night. So I'll use it to "announce" my word.

The way I make the collage is that I flip through magazines, looking for what appeals to me. Colors, textures, layout, scenes. I intuitively see what resonates. Then I tear out the parts that choose me.

And I start building a card. I'll usually start with an edge and gradually fill in. I don't know where the space for my word will be until I get some images glued down. I choose what feels balanced for me. Sometimes I tear images, sometimes I cut with scissors.

I do it all by "feel."

I try not to think about what I'm choosing. I try for balance—for the card as a whole to feel balanced. And for my word to fit within the whole without dominating it.

I was drawn to a big city newsstand scene. It appears in pieces on my card. A nice surprise is that a magazine that ended up directly over my "2026" has an interesting title. What I take as a hopeful one. And I didn't see it until I took the photo of my card and zoomed.

I was looking to see what I'd included—and didn't even know it was there.

I think those kinds of things usually have more significance than conscious choices. They're where the Mystery comes in. That what puts this post into my "woo woo" category.

I'm sometimes a little afraid of seeking my word and making my collage.

Because in several years that have turned out to be difficult, my word and collage hinted at that. They were a kind of warning.

But last night I felt hopeful! And I wasn't drawn to dark images.

I still feel hopeful today.

What does that mean about my future?

Who knows?? Not me!

But I'll gladly accept feeling hopeful.

Okay, so finally here it is... my Word for 2026