Setting Intentions for 2026

Almost New Year’s Day. In our house, that means a pork roast with sauerkraut, mashed potatoes, and roasted green beans. Champagne corks pop, we gather. Hopefully we’ll play some board games (lately it’s been scrabble for mom and I, but usually we’re “Settlers of Catan” people) and enjoy the coziness that comes with a full menu and Christmas decor that’s blissfully unaware it’s overstayed it’s welcome. I feel a little abuzz thinking about my goals for the new year.

I’ll admit, I’ve never been a “New Year, new me” person or a New Year’s pessimist (as I refer to them — those that don’t believe there’s a point in trying anything new at all because we all fail all the time yada yada). I’m somewhere in between. I think setting intentions and getting clear on where you’re trying to be is helpful. If you’re in this camp too, maybe you’ll enjoy incorporating these simple practices into your New Year’s traditions.

Tradition 1: Choosing a “word of the year”

The last couple of years, choosing a word that simply resonates with me when I am setting my intention has served me well.

I honestly can’t remember what I chose the first year. The second year, I chose the word perseverance. I would think back to it many times throughout the year as it ended up being the most challenging year of my life. My dad passed away from cancer, and I had a baby a week later. I was able to persevere in my farm and business, and as a mother and wife. That was enough for that year. The word served as an anchor point for me when I would have rather sank back into my bed and said “not today.”

Last year, I chose the word generosity. I won’t go into all the ways this mentality helped us better serve others this year (as well as in turn better serving ourselves) but they were aplenty.

I haven’t decided on a word yet this year, but it’s a tradition I look forward to.

Tradition 2: Vision Boards

I first heard about vision boards from a mentor and teacher I had in the flower world, Erin Benzakein from Floret Flower Farm. She’s a large figure in this world and has taken local flowers to another level.

Erin talked about flipping through magazines with your intention or “word of the year” and simply cutting out what is resonating with you. What’s popping out to you? What feels familiar? Relevant? What elicits inspiration or emotion?

The last couple of years I have had difficulty sourcing my magazines! I’m not much of a magazine gal myself so I have to search libraries, friend’s homes, often my mom’s house, etc. to find magazines that are relevant to me. That’s important, don’t bring home 50 sports illustrated magazines if you hate sports…

When I’m finished, I like to put my board somewhere I’ll see it everyday, so I can move intentionally throughout the year. This tradition is a little more involved than the first, but it is fun and I believe in the power of intentionality. Give it a try!

Happy New Year my friends! I hope it serves you well!