Have you ever thought about choosing a Word of the Year?
Less specific and less pressure than a New Year's Resolution, a Word captures the essence of what you you're hoping for in 2026. It gives you a foundation, a direction, and inspiration which you can keep coming back to throughout the year.
I'm Mandy, founder of Ellie Bea Jewellery and 2025 was the first year that I chose a Word of the Year - I chose RENEWAL. I'm not saying it was a magic wand but I have constantly reconnected with my word throughout the year to support my decisions, give me focus and keep me heading in the right direction. I have worked on renewing my outlook, renewing my dreams and renewing my sense of purpose.
What is the best way to choose a Word of the Year?
If you would like to choose a Word of the Year and you're not sure where to start, here are my 5 top tips to help you:
1) Take time to dream about how you would like the year to feel; let your mind wander and immerse yourself.
2) Visualise in detail what is important to you this year; what would you like to be doing, where will you be and what you would like to achieve.
3) Write a list of inspiring words which come to your mind; don’t overthink or analyse them,but write down every word as it comes to you.
4) Read them through and take note of which words resonate the most and you feel connected with
5) Over the next day or two, see which word you keep coming back to and which one just feels “right”
Why I chose my Word for 2026
After much deliberation and working through the 5 stages above, I have decided that my Word of the Year for 2026 is FAITH.
It was the word I kept coming back to as it seemed to underpin everything I would like to achieve, who I want to be and where I want to go over the next year. I realised that if I didn't have FAITH in myself, then none of this would be achievable. Self belief is hugely powerful - we shouldn't always look to others for approval or validation; but instead listen to our intuition which is helpfully nudging us towards our dreams and our purpose.
I know it's easier said than done and I'm definitely a work in progress! But having one powerful word which you can keep coming back to throughout the year gives a foundation and a focus. A word which inspires you and supports you when you're making decisions or when things aren't going quite as you planned.
Soul Wishes - Word of the Year Keepsakes
If you would like to choose a Word of the Year to keep you motivated and on track, take a look at my relaunched collection of Soul Wishes - Word of the Year keepsakes. There are 8 words to choose from but you can also choose your own word, fabric shade and symbol if you select the bespoke listing.
And just because we’re talking about “Word of the Year” doesn’t mean you can only choose your word in January – you can start at any time of the year! And they also make inspiring little gifts for your friends who are perhaps going through a tough time or need a pick-me-up. We could all do with an extra boost now & again!
Which word would you choose? I would love to know.
Mandy x