This week we welcomed a new year, and so a new Word of the Year (WOTY). And for 2026, the word is … connect!
The word for 2025 was adventure! And oh, what an adventurous year it was. So much so that my husband wanted veto power over this year’s WOTY. He was just kidding, of course (at least I think so). He loves adventure as much as I do (at least I think he does). Among our adventures: we traveled around town and around the world, moved to a new-to-us house, and I began volunteering at the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Choosing a WOTY really does bring focus to what I want more of in my life.
So once again, as I sat down to choose my WOTY, I pondered what that “more of” might be. I made my list, then spent a little time with each word, invited it in to my consciousness to see what my life might feel like with more of that word. One word always seems to float to the top, the one that most fits where I am.
This is a good process for me. Throughout the year, I think about what my WOTY might be for the following year. Until I dedicate some time to it however, it doesn’t always come up. Such was the case this year. Connect was not even in the running, I really had a different one in mind. Yet, connect is perfect for me at this time.
Since moving to Oregon, I have found it challenging to make new connections beyond the friendly neighbors and other aquarium volunteers. I’m not lonely, I have good friends I keep in touch with long distance, but I do miss those two-hour deep-hearted discussions over coffee or lunch.
I vacillated between “connect” and “connection” and connect prevailed. I liked that it was active, requiring me to do something, rather than the passive noun, connection. As an introvert, social situations are challenging. However connect is perfect for me, as it allows me to enjoy one-on-one interactions on a much deeper level than the big groups that tend to drain my energy. I’m not shy, I’m not anti-social, I’m just an introvert.
Connect might also mean connecting with friends I’ve lost touch with, or connecting with a group of people I share much in common with, or other ways I haven’t even thought of yet. I choose to look at my WOTYs broadly, instead of narrowing the focus. You just never know what may come up.
So, Happy New Year and here’s to connecting in 2026! Have you selected your WOTY? How did your 2025 WOTY manifest? Be sure to share in the comments.
Janet
Connect is perfect for 2026. I’m going to connect to myself again- I’d lost track of who I was. I’m always taking care of everyone else which I love to do. So…now I’m going to connect with the people I meet, the volunteering I do, and the small things that cross my path each day. happy New Year!
Susan Madden
That’s it! Connect in all the ways!
Deborah Smith
I love your WOTY. It really makes a focus for the entire year. I chose “LovingKindness” as mine for this year. I know it’s actually two words but it just felt right. Like you, it wasn’t even in the running until January 1st. I just opened my eyes that morning and knew I needed it for myself, my family, my community, and this world we live in. Happy New Year to you Susan!!! I can’t wait to read how you ‘connect’ all year long.
Susan Madden
Lovingkindness is my favorite meditation, one I do most days, and share it with my meditation groups once a month or so. Yes, so important for yourself and the world, creating compassion and waves of peace. And I do consider it one word!