2026 Word of the Year- Your words matter!

Our words carry incredible power. They can make someone smile, laugh, cry, or even respond in anger. In this chaotic world, where emotions run high and tensions flare, our words matter more than ever. They can bring us together, hold us accountable, and inspire us to stand up for what’s right—or speak out when something isn’t.

Words can also have a huge impact on our goals and dreams.

For many years now, I haven't made any New Year's Resolutions, or any goals...because I usually choose something too lofty! Instead I've been choosing a word to focus on and to be inspired to grow during the year. 

In 2020, my word was "inspire." And, well… we all know how that year went. That year did inspire us to move to the beach, and we DID—but it was also an incredibly difficult time.

The uncertainty of the past few years, combined with the unexpected lessons these words seem to bring, made me hesitant to continue choosing one! 

Looking back, I realize I was too focused on the outcome of the word instead of asking myself, How can this word help me grow in small, everyday steps?

This year, my word is joy. 

That’s where my focus lies this year. What can I do even in hard times to focus more on joy, and less on fear and uncertainty. 

We just hit 5 years of living in Florida, and it's been a whirlwind. Full of changes both in our personal lives and in the world in general. The world, our country, our relationships, have all been tested by politics, by my eyes being opened to the racism, lack of empathy, and hate all around. 

I have heard so many times this year that Joy is the greatest form of rebellion during hard times. And honestly, this past year has been HARD. My business has taken a hard hit, our finances have been tested by the economy, my relationships with friends and family have taken hard hits- I've had to make changes, pull back from relationships, and focus more on what is best for my little family of 4 to keep JOY in our lives. 

My girls are teenagers and are beginning to see the world for what it is- often full of darkness and sadness- good people lifting up and praising bad people, Christians failing to show Christ....and this is not the world I want for my kids.

So my focus is on finding joy in the little things. The insignificant things, and the big things. 

What is important to my is my family and the impact we have on the world. 

Creating pockets and moments of family joy

Finding joy in the small everyday moments, and the big celebrations too. Baking cookies together. Snuggling a little longer. Hunting shells at sunset. Singing loudly in the car to annoy my kids. Watching their favorite shows and musicals. Focusing on things like bringing my oldest a cup of tea or making my youngest her favorite matcha and avocado toast (who's child is she? haha! I don't like either!). Things that bring my family joy, bring me joy too. 

Less documenting, more experiencing

For a few reasons, I've chosen to post less of what's currently happening in our every day lives online. With how toxic some platforms have become, and in trying to protect my own kids privacy, I recently converted my personal profiles to business ones. I removed all my friends and have now made them where you can follow instead of friend me. This isn't a knock against anyone but is just an effort to keep peace in our lives. Yes, this means I'm missing out on seeing some of my friends and family's special moments, but I'm also staying online less and focusing more on being in the moment.  

Spreading joy offline in our local community

Whether it’s offering a compliment, or holding a door, my heart is leaning more into bringing moments of joy to strangers around our community. We're also leaning more into giving back to our local organizations like food pantries, library and reading programs, and our local sea turtle watch. I'm excited to spread more JOY in this way next year- and it's all thanks to your purchases which I've been donating a portion of! 

Signs, art, and reminders that anchor joy at home

Of course spreading joy is a part of my art too. My goal for my business is the same one I shared last year… I want my handmade wood signs to bring calm, comfort, and joy to your home. Every sign is crafted with heart to become more than decor, but a moment of peace on a wall, a smile in a room, a reminder of a place where your heart feels at rest. 

I want to approach life with JOY: how I spend my time, by setting boundaries, carefully guarding my words, and prioritizing the mental health of myself and my family.

As for my business, spreading joy is easy: I want my words and art to bring peace, light, and joy into your life.

There’s so much negativity in the world—I want Anchored Soul Designs to be a safe, uplifting space for you.

Our Coastal Home Decor Signs are built to hold meaning, spark connection, and help your home feel like the ocean- a grounded, soft place to land.

If you’re searching for Word of the Year ideas and Handmade Wood Signs for your home in 2026, I hope you'll let me create something to make your heart feel lighter and your days peaceful.

And I’d truly love to hear your word too…

What’s your Word of the Year 2026?

Tell me in the comments! And if you want your word on a sign to inspire you throughout the year, you can find custom signs for any moment and Word of the Year custom wood signs in the shop at Anchored Soul Designs

And as I seek Joy this year, I hope you will too. Joy will look good on you, beach friends. And beautiful in your home too.

Let me know below what your Word of the Year is! And if you’d like your word on a sign to inspire you all year long, snag a custom sign here.