Over the past several years, I’ve enjoyed selecting one word to guide my year.

Last year, my word was Jubilee. I was turning 50 and wanted to create a year centered on joy and doing things I never thought were possible for me. It was an incredible year that left me with many memories and lessons learned. You can read more about it here.

Some of my previous words have been Connection, Trust, Savor, Joy, Brave, Love, and Growth.

This year’s word came to me in November with a quiet whisper.

Simplify.

This word feels different from any of my previous words, yet it feels deeply appropriate for where I am in my life right now. I’ve been reflecting on what truly matters to me and noticing where I tend to get in my own way.

I often get in my own way by over-doing - over-thinking, over-working, over-planning, over-efforting. There’s often an underlying belief that what is here isn’t enough, and that more effort will somehow create more safety or certainty.

Along with the word Simplify, another phrase landed for me:

Slow down to speed up.

This year is about slowing down. About focusing on what truly matters and being willing to let other things go.

Two Simple Filters

I have two filters that will guide my decisions this year:

1. Is it simple?
   If not, how can I make it more simple?

2. Does it light me up?
   If not, how can I make it more fun - or what would it take for me to let it go?

This approach feels very different from how I’ve operated in the past - and interestingly, that is what lights me up. I often tell my clients that when you want something to change, doing something different, even in a small way, can interrupt old patterns and create new possibilities.

I know I’ll need reminders of these filters throughout the year. I’ve already shared them with my inner circle and invited them to reflect them back to me - to ask me how a decision fits within my two filters when I’m unsure or drifting into old habits.

I’m sharing them with you now as well, and I plan to reflect on them throughout the year to see what unfolds.

Is it simple?
Does it light me up?

If not, how can I simplify or bring in more joy?
Or what would it take to be willing to let it go?

Slow down to speed up.

Trust that I can be guided from the inside toward my next step.

Part of slowing down, for me, means creating space to hear myself - my body, my intuition, my own internal guidance.

If you’d like to create that kind of space with me, I’d love to have you join me inside The Gathering.

I created The Gathering with this same filter in mind. It’s simple, and it’s a place to slow down and start learning how to listen inward and trust what you hear.

We begin on January 21st, and if you join before January 10th, you’ll also be invited to a 2026 Intention Setting & Alignment Workshop, where I’ll walk you through setting intentions for the year ahead. Join today to lock in your Founding Member rate.

If you have any questions about The Gathering and whether it would be a good fit for you, please feel free to reach out. There is no pressure to join - simply an invitation to be guided in slowing down and listening to the wisdom of your own body.

Join The Gathering

I’d love to know: Do you have a word for the year? Or any practices that help you begin a new year with intention?

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