One Little Word for 2026

Ali Edwards gets the credit for beginning the tradition of One Little Word in my life. This year will mark the twelfth year that one word has been the focus of my intention. At the beginning of each December, I start to hunt for a word for the upcoming year. I’ve found that my favorite words– and the most powerful ones in terms of guiding meaningful and positive changes– have had multiple meanings. Present remains a favorite since it can guide attention, gift-giving, and even running meetings. One of my favorite things about the OLW practice is that each word stays with me, even when it’s not the chosen word of the year. My words have braided and twisted, winding their way around and throughout who I am and how I live. 

Heal has been the perfect word during 2025. I’ve recovered from foot surgery, and I’ve rehabbed a new knee. Having taken early retirement, I’ve also been nurturing myself with more time for activities I love. All good healing, both physical and emotional. Given the serious nature of heal, I’m going with a lighter 2026 choice. 

My new book, Foundational Skills for Writing, has a lot to do with brain involvement, so I’ve been thinking about the physiology of the brain a lot, as well as neurological chemicals and transmitters. Endorphins are hormones that boost pleasure, raise pain tolerance, and produce a relaxed sense of well-being. They spike when people laugh. Dopamine is an endorphin that is frequently associated with learning, reinforcing experiences and improving motivation. Success increases dopamine levels, and so does laughing. 

When I researched the benefits of laughter, I also found significant benefits. Just last night, we played family games that had me laughing so hard, it was hard to breathe… so it makes sense that laughter can raise heart and breathing rates, as well as oxygen intake. But, who knew that is also linked to improved blood vessel function, lower cardiovascular risk, stronger immune responses, and even improved bone density. What a perfect follow-up to my #OLW2025–heal!

During 2026, I’ll be on the hunt for opportunities to laugh. I may gravitate toward funnier books and movies, and I’ll notice and appreciate laugh-worthy absurdities in daily life. This upcoming year will be one for seeking out humor, and I’m looking forward to my One Little Word of 2026 being laugh. #OLW2026-laugh 

Feel free to send me anything that’s made you laugh!