Delight | Word of the Year 2026

Can you believe we’re already entering spring? This year already feels like it is moving far too fast. I have been giving work far too much importance lately and I am happy to share on the blog again. I thought I should start with my word of the year, which I meant to share back in January.

I have goals throughout the year, but I no longer make new year resolutions. I figure that we tend to put pressure on ourselves enough already, and that I didn’t need to pile more on myself. Instead, I’ve been practicing a “word of the year,” a word chosen to inspire and motivate my life choices, particularly the small daily choices. Before my word of the year, I used a phrase, rather than a set of goals. In the past it has been phrases such as “try new things.” In 2019 it was “take up space.”

In 2020, my first word of the year was “self.” I needed to work on my self-esteem and my self-worth. I put a focus on really figuring out who I am and learning to appreciate myself. The following year it was “presence,” then “create” in 2022, then “simplicity” and “flourish.” Last year, my word was “dwell.” And dwell I certainly did.

Matthew and I spent a lot of time making our rental house feel more like a home. We made our front porch a cozy haven to relax after busy work days, we dined al fresco in our yard on a folding table with a pretty tablecloth, we planted flowers and made our indoor space work more for us. Matthew got himself a new desk for working from home and added shelves to our bathroom closet. I hope that I continue to carry that joy into this year and next.

My word of the year for 2026 is “delight.” And perhaps springtime is the best time to share that with you. It is still chilly outside and we might end up with some unexpected snow, who knows what New England will bring us, but there is something extra delightful about the season of spring. Perhaps it comes with the return of the birds and their music in the mornings or with the changing of the clocks as the sun sets later each day.

When I think of delight, I think of glimmers of joy throughout the day. We are delighted when something unexpected happens to bring us cheer. A conversation or a joke can be delightful. A cup of tea or meeting up with an old friend is delightful. I plan to open up more opportunities for delight this year and I am happy to share that with you.

That is all. That is my goal. My only resolution. No pressure, just pure joy. I’m delighted.