Choosing a Word of the Year is a powerful alternative to a new year's resolution. Unlike a resolution that can invite guilt or shame, your word can give you extra motivation, strength, comfort, or confidence all year long.

Picking a word or two doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask yourself these simple questions:

• What do I want more of in my life?

• How do I want to feel every day?
  

For 2026, I chose two words: soulful and whimsy. I'm craving days that feel deeply meaningful, but also playful. There will be no such thing as a "guilty" pleasure, just pure indulgence in all the things that feel good for my soul and bring me joy.

Listed below are 26 ideas for 2026 to help you decide on a word that's right for you. If you’d like a print or card featuring your word, search in my shop or I can create a custom word print for you.

Words to inspire growth and happiness

Become your most authentic and vibrant self by choosing one of these special words. 

Bloom — to bravely grow, expand, and open up, to radiate beauty and authenticity, to flourish and thrive

Flourish — to boldly become one's most authentic and vibrant self, to bloom freely, to not only survive, but thrive

Growth — positive evolution of one's own character or spirit, choosing to learn, improve, and flourish, progression

Joy — the result of doing things that fill your heart, an act of gratitude, sense of wonder, pleasure

Whimsy — playful charm and wonder, filling life with joy and pleasure, pure enchantment

Words for slowing down and savoring life

Instead of always feeling like you have to go-go-go, these words will help remind you to slow down and savor each moment.

Calm — a state of being that allows one to let go of worries and fear and embrace contentment, a soothing comfort, rest and relaxation

Intentional — done by design, making a deliberate choice to focus on the most important things, living with purpose

Peace — calm assurance, even in the midst of chaos, freedom from negative thoughts and emotions, powerful healer

Meaningful — focusing on things that bring value and fulfillment, aiming for depth and clarity, and authentic and real (this was my word for 2025!)

Savor — to revel in the pleasure and depth of each connection and experience, to slow down and enjoy one's life, to indulge

Soulful — filling one's heart with beauty, depth, and meaning, living life with tenderness and care, authentic spirit

Words to help you pursue your dreams

Ready to reach for the stars? These words will help you take a bold step forward.

Ambitious — having an endless amount of determination and drive, working hard to achieve one's dreams, goal-getter state of mind

Dream — boundless ambition, exciting adventure, a hopeful wish your heart makes

Fearless — free from doubt and uncertainty, limitless pursuit of dreams and passions, courageous

Passion — fuels energy and excitement, inspires endless determination and drive, guides us toward a life filled with meaning and purpose

Unlimited — free from limits and expectations, living an expansive life with infinite possibilities, and defying gravity (like the musical Wicked!)

Words to give you strength

Life can be quite the rollercoaster ride, but these words can remind you of your inner strength and power.

Badass — brave and awe-inspiring soul, one with endless strength and endurance, warrior

Brave — having the strength to stand up over and over again, courage in the face of fear, resilient

Courage — the ability to make a move despite fear or uncertainty, strength to keep trying, bravery

Hope — to believe anything is possible, the only thing stronger than fear, deep-rooted faith

Strength — powerful force, courage in the face of pain or grief, rising up after every fall, holding on to hope

Words for making a difference

If you want to shine your light and make the world a better place, these words are for you.

Compassion — giving the gift of empathy, understanding, and love, a desire to alleviate suffering, kindheartedness

Impact — to significantly influence an outcome, to have an extraordinary effect on others, to make a difference

Inspire — to fill others with courage and purpose, to move someone to action, to guide

Kindness — love in action, heartwarming generosity, thoughtfulness, the most powerful way to change the world

Shine — to spread light and love, to radiate warmth and beauty, to glow, beam, sparkle

How to make your word part of your daily life

Once you’ve chosen your word, don’t let it just stay in your head.

• Write it in your planner, journal, or on a sticky note where you’ll see it often.

• Create a visual representation, like a vision board or framed print.

• Share it with friends or family for accountability and inspiration.

If you’d like a print or card featuring your word, search in my shop or I can create a custom word print for you. And here are some frame options if you want to display it.

What’s your word of the year for 2026? Let me know in the comments or on social media. I’d love to hear how you hope your word shapes your year.

Happy New Year!

With love,

Alison Rose

Social media: @alisonrosevintage

Shop: alisonrosevintage.com