My One Word for 2026
- Candice Suarez
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
I don't always choose one single word for the year, but this year I did. Actually, I chose twelve, but one is the overarching, singular one that I will embody. I’m holding it as a working draft for the year: a clear direction, with room for revision as I learn, grow, and respond to what unfolds.
My word . . .
Flow: Flow is a cognitive state where one is completely immersed in an activity—from painting and writing to prayer and surfboarding. It involves intense focus, creative engagement, and the loss of awareness of time and self (definition from Psychology Today)
I like the fact that my word is both a noun and a verb. It can be applied to many areas and to my big commitment goals for the year. It is necessary for me to embody the concept of flow as I work towards those goals, and all of the habits, systems, and processes I am implementing will foster that state.
Now I also said that I have twelve words (values) for the year. I am cycling them through, one per week, per quarter. They are my guiding principles. An emphasis shift. I have the word posted on my desk beside my laptop so that I am in constant reminder of who I need to be and what I need to believe in order to progress through the year in the way that I want to.
If you are coming on the retreat, we will spend time on cultivating your list of values and one-word focus (if you choose one) and talking about how to hold a strong vision while still drafting your year in pencil. I would love to hear what your word is and if you are joining me in choosing twelve.
I hope you can make it to the Weekly Draft on Sunday. I would love to foster a group cohesion where we share our weekly focus - this is the day I change my word as I set up my calendar and time block.
Journal Prompts:
Where in my life do I want more ease without losing momentum or ambition?
What does success look like when it’s guided by flow rather than force?
What habits or systems help me trust myself enough to stay immersed and present?
What does my current word ask me to believe about myself this week?
What would a “successful week” look like if I judged it by alignment instead of output?
How can I hold my goals with both devotion and openness?
What does my current word ask me to believe about myself this week?
Affirmations:
My values guide my choices, even when the path changes shape.
Each week is a meaningful draft of the life I am creating.
I do not need to force clarity; it emerges when I stay present.
Save the Date!
It's here!!! I'm so excited to announce our first annual planning retreat - Draft Your Year with Pencil and Purpose! This is the perfect opportunity for you to get away to the beach, spend time in reflection and planning, and do the personal work necessary to make your 2026 the best year yet! Dates are January 22-25, with a Thursday evening arrival and departure Sunday morning. This will be for members and other guests. Click HERE for details and the link to sign up!
Office Hours: Office Hours in January will be on Wednesday, January 14. This is for Editor's Circle Coaching Members as well as any Guided Revision Coaching Members who would like to touch base between scheduled coaching appointments. HERE is the link to schedule a 30-minute slot
The Weekly Draft: happens every Sunday evening at 7pm at this link. Come prepared to reflect on the past week and draft the upcoming week. It is meant to be a heads down, co-planning time, with me being available to share strategies and/or answer questions. Join me HERE
The Reflection Room: We will take a break from this until the new year, at which time we will switch to an evening session. The new day and time will be Tuesdays @ 7:30pm starting January 6.
Join me HERE
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