Why one word can bring clarity, focus, and forward momentum—without overwhelm.
In a world that constantly asks us to do more, be more, and move faster, choosing one guiding word for the year can feel almost radical.
And yet, year after year, this simple practice has become one of the most grounding and transformative tools in both my creative life and my art business.
Rather than setting a long list of resolutions or rigid goals, I choose a Word of the Year—a single word that becomes a touchstone. A quiet guide. A way to return to what matters when decisions feel heavy or distractions creep in.
This practice doesn’t demand perfection.
It invites intention.
We do not need magic to change the world, we carry all the pwer we need inside ourselves already: we have the power to imagine better. ~ J.K. Rowling
And one more for good measure!
Why a Word of the Year Works
Words hold energy. They shape how we think, what we notice, and how we act.
When you choose one meaningful word to guide your year, it begins to act like a compass—subtle, steady, and always pointing you back to your deeper values.
Here’s why it’s been so powerful for me:
1. It Creates Focus Without Pressure
As artists and creatives, our ideas are abundant—but our energy is not.
A Word of the Year helps filter choices. When faced with a new project, opportunity, or commitment, I can pause and ask:
Does this support my word?
If the answer is no, it becomes easier to let go—without guilt.
Creative example words:
Illuminate · Harmony · Flourish · Clarity
2. It Bridges Art, Business & Personal Life
What I love most about this practice is that it doesn’t live only in the studio.
The same word that guides my painting decisions also influences:
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how I structure my workdays
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how I grow my business
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how I care for myself
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how I show up in relationships
A well-chosen word becomes a thread that quietly weaves through all areas of life.
Life-guiding words:
Resilience · Balance · Growth · Nurture · Boldness
We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make our world. ~ The Budda
3. It Encourages Intentional Action
A Word of the Year isn’t about striving—it’s about alignment.
It gently asks:
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Is this choice in harmony with who I want to be this year?
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Does this support the way I want my days to feel?
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Does this move me closer to the kind of creative life I’m building?
Over time, these small check-ins shape not just our output—but our experience of the year itself.
Intentional words:
Evolve · Joy · Presence · Radiance
A Personal Reflection
Each year, my chosen word becomes a kind of North Star—not loud or demanding, but quietly steady.
It doesn’t dictate outcomes.
It influences direction.
In past years, this practice has helped me move through seasons of growth, rebuilding, confidence, and renewal—always reminding me to return to what feels true rather than what feels urgent.
(If you’d like to read more about how I began this practice and how it’s shaped my creative journey over time, you can explore my earlier post here: Harnessing the Power of a Word of the Year: A Transformative Tool for Artistic Growth.)
My Word for 2026: Radiate
After much reflection, listening, and testing how different words felt in my body and my work, I’ve chosen my Word of the Year for 2026:
Radiate
To radiate is not to force or perform.
It’s to emit from within—warmth, clarity, confidence, and quiet strength.
For me, Radiate speaks to:
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creating art that feels alive and heartfelt
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building a business that grows from authenticity rather than pressure
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allowing joy, creativity, and intention to be visible—not hidden
It’s a word that feels expansive, hopeful, and grounded all at once.
An Invitation
If you’ve been craving more clarity this year—less noise, more meaning—I invite you to try choosing a Word of the Year for yourself.
Let it be simple.
Let it be honest.
Let it support who you are becoming.
You may be surprised how much one word can hold.
I create whimsical, carefree art that uplifts your spirits and beautifies your walls with colour and joy all year long.
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