What happened when I stopped forcing clarity and let it find me….
I used to overthink my word for the year. So much so, that I stopped “trying to figure one out.” I’d brainstorm lists, Google ideas, journal until my hand cramped, and still feel unsure. Like I was choosing something that sounded good instead of something that felt true and aligned.
This year, I tried something different.
I asked ChatGPT to help me find my word.
Not in a shortcut kind of way.
More like a guided reflection. The kind where someone mirrors back what they see when you’ve been living inside your own head for too long.
My word for 2026 is expansion.
What surprised me wasn’t the word itself.
It was how seen I felt not just in the word but the explanation. Here are some bits of it…
”You letting your creativity take up space without apologizing.”
”You trusting that your voice doesn’t need permission to evolve.”
”You expanding beyond the old boxes people first met you in.”
The prompts helped me connect the dots between where I’ve been, what I’ve been building, and what I’m quietly craving more of. It felt less like picking a word and more like uncovering one that was already starting to blossom.
If you’re feeling stuck, pressured, or just a little “meh” about choosing your word this year, here are a few prompts you can try.
- “Based on everything you know about me, what word would guide my next year?”
- “What theme keeps showing up in my life right now that I might be overlooking?”
- “What kind of growth am I actually ready for, not just wishing for?”
- “Give me a word for the year and explain it in a grounded, encouraging way.”
Then read the answer slowly. Notice what makes you nod. Notice what makes you exhale or gives you goose bumps even. That’s the good stuff!
If you try this, I’d love to know what word finds you.
