My word of the year for 2026 is . . . . . Mindfulness.
Why do I pick a word of the year? The simple answer is just because I want to! The more in-depth answer is because it helps me focus on something to try and improve my daily walk. I have been doing "theme words" or choosing a word for my year for more than ten years. You can find a recap of some of those by clicking here - which will take you through some older blog posts from years past. (I'm not sure why they don't all show up other than I either forgot to tag them or tagged them differently)
Why "Mindfulness"? Last year I picked the word "Worship" because I wanted to focus more on the heart. Finding ways to worship and draw closer to God. I did not accomplish nearly what I had hoped to but I did work towards finding ways to worship and to focus my mind on worshiping. I increased my daily devotional time and started a small prayer journal. These are things I want to build on this year while expanding it into more areas of my life and to me, the idea of "mindfulness" tied into that concept.
I have some goals on my 101 in 1001 goal list that tie into this which include scripture memory and reading non-fiction books. I am setting some stronger goals relating to Bible Study and prayer. Then there is the idea of "mindfulness" with our home as I continue to work on better organizing, decluttering things we truly don't use or enjoy. Along with that is reducing what we have stored away in the basement. I did a big cleanout/organization last year, which I just finished up recently, but it was surface level. This year I plan to dig deeper and clean out more. Part of this whole concept is looking at my time, my spiritual walk, each room in our home and taking time to mindfully consider what is truly important and valuable. Filling my mind, heart, and home with those things that are uplifting and bring joy.
There is an underlying goal in all that I am currently working on and that is to be to a place of "comfort and ease" as we get closer to our teens graduating which will mean a shift; especially for me. That shift mostly will include at the very least a part time job but most likely something full time. I would like to be to the point when I reach that milestone that my heart and home are comfortable and at ease. The spaces will be relaxing and organized; my heart will be full of joy and Jesus. I am working now, before we reach that point, to be ready WHEN we reach that point.
So, as I enjoy the last few weeks of this year and focus on enjoy family, friends, and being mindful of the true reason for Christmas -- I am also looking forward to 2026 and am excited to see what God does.
