My Word for 2026 - Reclaim

Susan C. Young Quote

It has been several years since I chose a word in January as a guide to help me chart my course.  When I first did this, it felt purposeful.  The word chosen simply bubbled up without effort and felt a good fit. In 2024 and 2025, however, I faced a void.  No word seemed right.  No ideas arose from my depths.  As I don't think these things should be forced, I let it go. 

This year I was interested in what others were sharing and one word chosen by a friend drew me.  I didn't want to embrace that word specifically, but there was a hidden gem inside. I felt the urge to seek out.  I opened a synonym site on the web and began exploring with her chosen word - restore.  That led me through a maze of words and checking synonyms for each until I hit a ones that resonated.

I ended up with a list of 3-4 words that all spoke to me. It took some time sitting in silence, emptying all thoughts, before one rose to the top.  That word was RECLAIM. It wasn't an easy word for me to define fully.  Why did this word draw me in so strongly? The idea of reclaim made me feel thoughtful and introspective, but I wasn't sure where it was leading me. 

Over the next few days I hope to find more clarity, but I do have some beginning thoughts.  In my mid-50's, I discovered the interviews I was doing were changing me.  My journey widened to include daily yoga, sitting in silence, reading books that revealed and brought clarity, and joining heart led group that helped me heal.  My growth during that time was life-changing. It wasn't easy - there were lots of tears - but I began to let go off all that didn't serve. The weight on my shoulders lightened and I began to feel firmly grounded. 

A few years I felt it was time step away from the group and with that, many of my supportive habits began to fall away.  My daily yoga and quiet meditation became sporadic, and books focused on personal growth got sidelined. 2025 was not an easy year.  Personal challenges and world crises caused my spirit to plummet. I found myself in darker spaces.  I allowed digital distractions to consume precious time and attention.  My feet were no longer planted firmly on a strong foundation.  

I headed to counselling first, which was eye-opening and brought new clarity. That was a great start, but my follow through was missing.  So in this moment, I commit to RECLAIM what I let slide by embracing the daily rituals that support me mentally, physically, and emotionally.  Starting each morning on awakening, and through out each day, I will repeat new affirmations chosen to support my return to being centered and grounded.  Habits take time, so I move forward without a deadline.  I simply commit to try each day. 

I will also be spending some time focused on my health. The last few years have brought a few unwelcome changes, most notably a fatigue that is always there. I want to reclaim my energy and return my body to a better level of health overall.  The doctors haven’t found an answer, so it is time to take control and reach beyond the establishment. I will let you know how that goes in a future post. 

Somewhere in the background I feel there is another face to RECLAIM that will present itself as I move forward through this year.  I have no idea what that might be, but I stand ready to hear the universe's whisper whenever the time is right. In this moment, my only focus is to reclaim my power, the power I let slip away. 

Wherever you stand on the idea of choosing a word as a theme for your year, make the choice that is right for you - one that is heart led.  Some years I embrace one, other years I ignore the practice.  Each new year is different and requires a shift.  There is no right or wrong.