Every year, I share with you a word I’ve chosen for the year ahead.
I’m not entirely sure why I began this practice. Maybe it was the whimsy of it. Maybe it was the hope that one small word could anchor me when life feels big. Whatever the reason, I keep choosing one.
This year, I chose two.
At the end of last year, when everything felt chaotic inside the Mac household and the world at large felt equally unsettled, the word Wonder found me.
I know life will be hard at times, and the world will feel heavy at times, but my quiet wish is that by noticing small moments of wonder, I’ll find delight. That I’ll smile more. That I’ll allow myself to be surprised.
Like a fox appearing on the path during my morning walk or laughing until I can’t breathe with my sister. Adventures with Mac and the girls, or a butterfly drifting on the breeze.
Small moments. Whimsical moments. Moments of wonder.
The second word arrived when I felt stuck.
I wasn’t sure what I wanted to create next. I had projects to finish (I’m looking at you, Oracles), but I didn’t feel inspired. I didn’t have a plan, and strangely, I didn’t want one.
Part of me was ready to burn it all down and start again. But the less impulsive, practical side of me asked, What if you didn’t burn it down? What if you transformed it?
And that’s when Alchemy appeared.
For me, alchemy is about turning the lead of life into gold. It’s about transforming the soul-draining “have to’s” into inspiring “must-do’s.” It’s about reshaping things to suit who I am now and not who I was ten years ago.
Another shift this year is that I’m not treating these words like a strict practice. I don’t need to tick off a moment of wonder daily or manufacture alchemy weekly. They’re not tasks. They’re guides.
If I notice something whimsical, I might take a photo. If the muse strikes, I might make a beautiful lunch. And if it doesn’t? Noodles are just fine.
I share my word (or words) with you each year in the hope it might inspire you to find your own. And this year, to remind us all (me especially) that this practice doesn’t have to be rigid or regimented, it can be personal, flexible and yours.
If you have a word for this year, I would truly love to hear it. And if you don’t yet, maybe this is your quiet invitation to notice what you’d like to guide you for the year ahead.
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