Here we are again… discussing our word of the year for 2026. We’ve found that when we overthink this, we often pick the wrong word. We’ll tell you how we did it!
We don’t try to choose our word right on January 1. Instead, we pay attention to what keeps coming up, what pulls at us, and what makes our decisions harder.
After a while, one word just stands out.
Last Year’s Word
Last year, that word was sovereign.
Honestly, we needed that word. The year before felt overwhelming, with opinions and expectations coming from all sides. Choosing sovereign helped us step back, protect our energy, and stop reacting to everything that called for our attention.
It gave us some space to breathe.
But as time went on, we realized something else.
Being calm isn’t the same as being clear.
When things settled down and we weren’t always on edge, new questions started to come up. They weren’t dramatic, just quiet.
The kind that show up when you’re deciding whether to say yes to something that sounds good but still makes you uneasy for reasons you can’t explain yet.
That’s when alignment started to matter.
2026: Why We Chose Alignment
We didn’t pick alignment just because it sounded nice. At first, it actually felt a bit uncomfortable.
Alignment made us ask tougher questions than we expected. Not just, “Is this peaceful?” but, “Is this honest?” Not, “Can we handle this?” but, “Does this still belong in our lives?”
We noticed how often we were technically fine with something but not really committed to it. Sometimes we said yes because it fit who we used to be, or just because it was easier than explaining why we wanted something different now.
Alignment kept bringing that to our attention.
It came up when we looked at our schedules, talked about changes ahead, or caught ourselves justifying things that wouldn’t need defending if they were truly right for us.
What Alignment Means for Us Now
This time, alignment isn’t bold or flashy. It’s actually pretty quiet.
Sometimes, it means taking a long pause before replying to an email. Other times, it’s walking away from an old opportunity or admitting we’ve outgrown something we once wanted.
That can feel uncomfortable, but it’s also a relief.
This year, we’re not trying to add more to our lives. We want to make sure what’s already there makes sense and fits who we are now, not who we were when things felt uncertain.
Peace Was Needed, But Not the Final Step
Sovereign taught us to stop getting involved with everything, and that really mattered.
But peace by itself can turn into avoidance if you’re not careful. Calm can become a place to hide instead of a place to stand strong.
At some point, we had to ask ourselves how we were using the space we’d made. Alignment is how we’re answering that question.
Alignment isn’t about doing things faster or more. It’s about making sure every step matches what feels true to us now.
How We Make Sure We’re Aligned
We don’t have a checklist on the fridge or a strict system.
Mostly, it’s just us talking and saying things like, “Something about this feels off,” or, “This doesn’t quite line up anymore.”
We ask ourselves questions like: Would we still choose this if no one else knew? Are we truly excited, or just relieved to have this option? Does this help us move forward, or does it pull us back into old habits?
If we have to talk ourselves into something with a long explanation, that’s usually our answer right there.
When Things Don’t Feel Aligned
Misalignment, like clutter, usually sneaks in slowly. It shows up before you even notice it.
You start to feel more drained than you’d expect.
You put off tasks you used to handle easily. You begin to resent commitments you once accepted willingly.
Those moments aren’t failures—they’re signals. We’re working on noticing them sooner, instead of just pushing through and dealing with the consequences later.
If You’re Picking a Word This Year
There’s no reward for picking the perfect word right away.
Some years, the word comes to you right away. Other years, it takes time. Sometimes, the word that fits in January doesn’t make sense by July.
That’s completely fine.
Your word should support your life. You shouldn’t feel trapped by it or feel like you have to let it lead you.
It should reflect what you already feel, not push you to act like someone you’re not.
Alignment is the right guide for 2026 because it helps us stay honest about our direction and choices.
Honestly, that feels like enough to help us move forward this year.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
That’s honestly one of the more complex distinctions. Comfort often feels easy in the moment but draining over time. Alignment usually feels steady, even if it comes with some initial discomfort. We’ve noticed that aligned choices require less self-negotiation.
Then it did its job for the season for which it was designed. No rule says your word has to last the entire year. Changing it doesn’t mean you failed; it usually means you’re paying attention.
Yes, but not because we see it the same way. We agree on the word, but we often apply it differently. That’s actually part of why we like choosing one together. It gives us shared language without needing identical experiences.
