Hi everyone, Happy New Year! As we come to the end of one year and begin another, it’s natural to reflect on the year that was. In 2025, I decided to participate in choosing a Word of the Year — a concept conceived by Ali Edwards many years ago. My Word of the Year for 2025 was Journey (you can read more about my thoughts here).
At the time, I was experiencing creative burnout. My mojo always seemed to be missing, and I had even stopped going into my craft room if I didn’t absolutely have to — and I love my craft room. Everything felt overwhelming. I didn’t think the things I was creating were very good, I felt stuck, and I really wasn’t in a great headspace.
I knew I needed to lighten up and rediscover my joy of crafting. With Journey as my focus for the year, I permitted myself to try different crafts, to stay out of the craft room if that felt right, and even to travel without taking craft supplies (I know!). My goal was to rediscover my joy and love of crafting. This year wasn’t about finishing lots of projects or defining a signature style. It was about allowing myself to be on a journey — trying different things and enjoying the process with far less self-judgement. It was about doing what I needed to do, and then allowing myself to do nothing. I gave myself room to wander, pause, and take detours without needing to justify them.
What I’ve Noticed
As the year comes to a close, what I’ve noticed is that although my creative mojo still likes to disappear more often than I’d prefer, there have been some changes. I’m more curious and more willing to try new arts and crafts (except pottery — does anyone else have tactile sensitivity issues?). Over the year, I have experimented with numerous Diamond Dot paintings and coasters (relaxing), Paint By Numbers (not my thing), adult colouring (addicted!), and I even attended an in-person collage class — which I loved and can’t wait to do again. My goal with these activities was never about mastering a new skill or replacing one hobby with another. They were simply about trying something new and enjoying the process.
What surprised me most was discovering activities I want to explore further. I found creative practices that genuinely relax me, and I discovered that some things I had built up as “scary” were actually amazing. I learnt so much along the way.
Am I still stuck in my head sometimes? Yes. Do I lose confidence when I can’t do something the way I think it should be done? Absolutely. Where I’ve grown is in how I respond to those moments. I remind myself that I am still learning, exploring, and growing. I also remind myself not to compare myself to others.
This year reminded me that it really is about the journey, not the destination. And let’s be honest, in most creative pursuits, there isn’t a final destination anyway. There’s always more to learn and more room to grow.
My word, Journey, didn’t deliver answers tied up in a neat bow, but it did help me reframe my thinking, and that is incredibly valuable.
My 2026 Word of the Year: Explore
My Word of the Year for 2026 is Explore. Explore feels like a natural evolution from Journey. I wanted a word that carried freedom; a word that allows curiosity, experimentation, and trying both new and familiar things without pressure. I want to experiment, play, and simply see what happens. I plan to continue exploring new art mediums and techniques, revisiting old favourites, and following what genuinely interests me — even if it doesn’t lead anywhere. And it doesn’t have to lead anywhere. I’m okay with just enjoying the journey.
Explore also fits beyond the walls of my craft room. I plan to visit art galleries, have art play days with friends, and explore both new and familiar places, ideas, and materials. I want to appreciate every step of my creative process and be kinder to myself along the way. I’m not setting rigid expectations or outcomes. I’m choosing curiosity, discovery, playfulness, and joy.
I don’t know exactly where Explore will take me, and that is kind of the point. I’m excited to see what unfolds during 2026. I’ll share some things as the year progresses, but other things will be just for me to experience.
It’s Your Turn
If you’re considering choosing a Word of the Year, I encourage you to meet yourself where you are — not where you think you should be. Your word doesn’t need to be aspirational or impressive. It simply needs to support where you are right now. If you’re feeling unfocused or overwhelmed, tools like journaling or even a conversation with tools such as ChatGPT can help you narrow your thoughts, explore possibilities, and put words to feelings you may already sense but haven’t quite articulated yet.
Have you chosen a Word of the Year for 2026, or are you still exploring your options? I’d love to hear — feel free to share in the comments below.
Here’s to a creative year guided by curiosity, intention, and one meaningful word at a time.
Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you have a great day!
