Mantra for 2026
Road Dust and Writing Signs March 2026
Hello readers,
I hope you had a chance to read my guest post on Blackbirds Substack from February 16th, but if not, please check it out here Simple Outside Vast Inside .
I’ve discovered that many people are subscribing to a word or phrase of the year as their personal mantra. My author friends do, and my workout friends do. I think it might be better than a New Year’s resolution that gets swept up in the dustpan by the end of January.
I know it’s March, but there’s a lot of 2026 to go, so here’s my mantra: “Only Desire What You Have.” I have it posted in colorful markers on my fridge to remind me, because my brain likes to file away phrases and words at times where I can’t find them - like my mom used to do with my stuff when I was a kid, if I didn’t put it away.
I heard this phrase from a song last July when we were in Canada. We attended a musical on Prince Edward Island that told the story of how pioneers from Scotland arrived on the island’s shores in the 1700s, encountering a wild land with a short growing season and deadly winter storms. They relied on the natives to help them survive, and though they lived simply, they thrived through their music and highland dancing.
Their stories brought tears to my eyes and touched my heart, especially the finale, featuring the island’s message delivered in a haunting Scottish melody. The message: help others, be kind and generous - not competitive, be satisfied, and find contentment in what you have. The repeated phrase, “only desire what you have,” stayed with me. I can still hear the bagpipes and fiddles and see the dancers high-stepping around the stage. Mesmerizing.
If you have a mantra or word to motivate or provoke you throughout the year, please share it in the comments. I could use more inspiration.
Before I go, one more quick reminder: If you haven’t heard my interview with Debbi Mack, NYT bestselling author, give it a listen here: Crime Cafe Interview or here (if you don’t have Spotify): Debbi Mack interview
Until next time - May spring visit you sooner than later,
Joy
My personal catch phrase is "Live Fiercely." I use it to remind myself not to get stuck in the "I'm not physically/mentally up to this today" mode and to reach out and DO things, TRY new things and revisit old ones, and not let age be a barrier.
There is something so powerful and enchanting about the sound of bagpipes. I like that mantra like intention of, "only desire what you have" to be content, help others, be kind and generous. Here is the one I've practiced the longest in my life. "I live a healthy life in unconditional love."