Why “Rooted” Is My Word of the Year
I was walking the dogs back in December after a terrible wind storm, when it suddenly became clear to me that my word of the year for 2026 was going to be Rooted.
At first, I thought I chose the word because I wanted more stability, more presence, and to feel more grounding in my life and my work.
But the more I’ve sat with it, the more I’m realizing something deeper.
I don’t think I chose this word.
I think it chose me.
When you look at nature, everything begins underground.
The trees, the flowers, the bushes...they all have roots that begin in the dark, in the dirt, where the unseen magic is happening before any of us actually see it.
Before the blooms, before the branches, before the fruit, leaves, and flowers can thrive...
There are roots.
Quietly growing.
Stretching deeper.
Becoming strong enough to hold what’s coming next and trying to prepare themselves for any storm that might threaten their strength.
Lately, I’ve started to feel like that’s exactly the season I’m in. Like I was meant to check in on how strong my roots were so that when the hard times do come and a storm blows through, I can still be standing strong.
As we enter into May already, it is clear to me that being Rooted means I am not in a season of rushing growth.
I am not in a season of doing more.
I am in a season of being deeply planted into what matters most.
For me, this season looks like tending to what actually matters:
- my faith
- my family
- my health
- my peace
Because I’m learning that growth without roots doesn’t last. And like many of the trees on our farm that succumbed to the strong storms that have blown through this past winter, I don't want to fall. I don't want my roots to be pulled out from under me and cause me to tip over.
I want them to be full of Strength and Purpose.
I don't know what else this year has in store, but I know that I am putting in the work to feel more grounded, more stable, and more strong...as a mother, a wife, a dreamer, a daughter, a sister, a friend, and all the things that I desire to be. I want my impact on this life to feel deep. I want it to feel strong.
This year isn’t about becoming more for me. If "more" is the outcome of getting rooted and grounded in my values and what matters most, than that is a gift. But it is not what I am seeking.
It’s about becoming rooted first.
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