Choosing a Word for the Year: How “Rest” Reshaped Me and Why I’m Stepping Into “Dream”
Every December, long before I write resolutions or make plans, I choose a Word of the Year. It’s a ritual I began in 2017—one simple word to anchor me, guide my choices, and help me pay attention to who I am becoming.
What I’ve learned is that the word always manifests, but rarely in the way I expect.
How “Rest” Chose Me Back
My word for 2025 was Rest. I chose it at the end of 2024, when burnout was no longer something I could push through or politely ignore. I felt frayed at every edge—mentally, creatively, emotionally. I had spent the previous year writing every single day, pouring myself into words, deadlines, and expectations. I loved the work, but I didn’t notice how deeply I was running on empty.
So I chose “Rest” for 2025, with the hope that it would invite softness back into my life. I imagined slow mornings, gentle routines, and quiet creativity. Instead, rest manifested in ways I never saw coming.
I didn’t write for ten months. I took a stress leave over the summer. And a month after returning to work, I was laid off.
It felt, at first, like life was happening to me, not for me. But burnout has a way of holding up a mirror. It forced me to stop performing strength and actually build it. It asked me to look at my life honestly, bravely, and without the protection of busyness.
Rest was not a reward; it was a reckoning. But it was also a release. I had been stripped of the things that were robbing me of joy, and I was forced to choose how I would rebuild my life. I knew I couldn’t go back to living the same way. I had to make different choices.
Stepping Into My 2026 Word: Dream
After months of slowing down, sitting with myself, and listening to the quiet parts of my life, a new word emerged, one that felt tender but full of possibility.
“Dream”.
Dream of a life I don’t need to recover from.
Dream of work that feels aligned and expansive.
Dream of days shaped by intention, not exhaustion.
Dream of becoming the version of myself who no longer apologizes for wanting more.
I’m stepping into 2026 with this word as my compass. Not because it guarantees an easy year, but because it invites me to imagine a life that feels balanced, inspiring, and deeply fulfilling.
Why You Might Want a Word of the Year Too
Choosing a Word of the Year isn’t about predicting the future. It’s about setting an intention for how you want to feel, live, and grow.
A single word can:
help you shape decisions with clarity
remind you of what matters when life gets loud
anchor you when you feel overwhelmed
give you permission to slow down or expand
guide you toward the version of yourself you’re becoming
You don’t need to overthink it. Often, the right word will tug at your sleeve. It will feel both comforting and slightly challenging. It will whisper, “This is what you’re ready for.”
How to Choose Your Word for the Year
Here are some gentle prompts to help you find your own:
What do I want more of in my life this year?
What do I want less of?
What truth have I been avoiding?
Who am I becoming?
What would feel nourishing to my mind, body, and creativity?
What word feels like home? What word feels like possibility?
Let your word find you. Trust the nudge.
Your Turn
As I step into my year of Dream, I’d love for you to choose a word that will guide you into your next chapter.
What word is calling you? What intention feels right for the season you’re in?
If you feel comfortable, share your word in the comments. I’d love to cheer you on as you step into your own beautiful becoming.
Here’s to a year of rest, dreaming, and everything we’re brave enough to imagine.
Warmly,
Sharla
