Your Word, Your Year: A reflection on intention, tiny decisions, and choosing a guiding word to shape the year ahead.

Welcome to the reality of January 2026.It’s well on its way, galloping forward towards what the Chinese call the Year of the Fire Horse. And where are you in the movement of time? Still trying to get going, already crazy busy and exhausted, or somewhere in between?

My treatment room has been buzzing with people — their excitement, victories, and challenges. It’s made me wonder what the best way really is to transition into January. And that’s what I’d love to explore with you here.

Is this the time for a big shift? An almighty, drastic change in an attempt to finally manifest the perfect life you feel has eluded you? Or is it a time to hold an intention — something that can act as your guiding North Star?

Radical changes are rarely sustainable. But building stepping stones towards better habits absolutely is, especially when those habits are aligned with a clear intention. Let’s look at a few everyday examples.

“Getting thin and in shape” is one I hear often. It’s a great idea, but it’s vague and can feel overwhelming. What if instead it were guided by an intention like prioritising health and increasing energy? That intention becomes a sieve through which decisions are filtered, helping to avoid those internal war-zone moments.

When the alarm goes off and it’s time for a walk or run, remembering your intention makes the decision easier. If you run that same decision past “thin and in shape,” it’s much easier to hit snooze. The real choice point, though, often happened the night before — putting down your phone, picking up a book, and allowing yourself a deep, nourishing sleep. Health, energy, and rest belong together, so those decisions feel more aligned and less effortful.

“Getting your finances in order” is another common one. Again, it’s a great goal but still vague. Guided by an intention like freedom or empowerment, decisions become simpler — setting up a debit order, saving for the future, or choosing not to buy something in the moment all feel easier when filtered through that lens.

So, what is your word for 2026? Let that word be your intention — your guiding light and your guardrails.

I’ll share mine. My word is Galvanised. I’m often tempted to try to have it all and say yes to everything. Avoiding FOMO can easily become my unconscious guide. Just recently, I chose not to do something that would have added pressure and reduced my sense of forward flow. I’d looked at flights, tried to convince myself it was a good idea — but when I returned to my intention, the answer was clear and easy: not this time. Less is often more, and time cannot be stretched thin without consequences.

As this beautiful, possibility-filled year stretches ahead of us, remember that you have choices. Where you end up at the end of 2026 will be shaped by the millions of tiny decisions you make every day. A guiding word makes those choices easier and kinder.

The year will bring challenges and curveballs — those are part of the mystery of life. But the controllables are best guided by your intention sieve. Choose your word wisely and watch this year become one you look back on with delight. There are 345 pearly days left. Use them for yourself and enjoy each and every one of them.

I wish you health, some slow time, laughter and peace of mind for the whole year ahead.

Love

Sue