My Three Words for 2026: Discipline, Gentleness, and Happiness

Re-centering myself mid-month to maintain a life rooted in discipline, gentleness, and happiness.

Introduction

At 34, I’ve lived through many New Year’s resolutions. If I’m being honest, most of them disappeared by the end of January. With that experience in mind, I sat down in December and asked myself a different question: How can I be intentional in 2026 without setting myself up for burnout or disappointment?

That’s how I landed on choosing three words to live by.

I know this isn’t a brand-new concept, but I was surprised by how simple and powerful it felt. Simple and powerful sounds like a dream for 2026, especially after a year that required so much healing and tending to my own wellbeing in 2025.

Discipline

After spending much of 2025 taking a necessary back seat in life, it felt fitting that 2026 would call me back into discipline. Not in a harsh or punishing way, but in a way that invites me back into my daily life, beyond simply doing what feels good.

To be clear, doing what felt good served a purpose when I needed it. But now, I’m ready to engage again. Slowly. Intentionally. With baby steps.

I’m someone who thrives with to-do lists, agendas, and structure, and this year I want to build a life that feels purposeful and achievable. Discipline, for me, isn’t about hustle. It’s about creating momentum I can actually sustain. One day I’ll write more about 2025, because it provides important context for this shift, but for now, discipline feels like a quiet return to myself.

Gentleness

Life needs balance, so gentleness naturally followed discipline. In fact, the moment I chose discipline, my heart immediately added, but with gentleness.

In my work as a therapist, I often end sessions with the reminder to “be kind to yourself.” This year, I want to practice what I so often offer others. When discipline feels hard or I miss the mark, gentleness will be the grounding force that keeps me from turning goals into self-criticism.

These intentions aren’t rooted in pressure. They’re rooted in care. Gentleness is how I plan to stay connected to why these goals matter in the first place.

Happiness

Everything I’m choosing to explore and build this year is in service of happiness. It really is that simple.

I’m 34, and I spent nearly a decade working toward this career. Now, I’m ready to pivot toward enjoying the life I’ve worked so hard to create. Sunshine, slow mornings, a Coke Zero, and reality television included.

Happiness doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. I want a life that produces it naturally, through presence, ease, and enjoyment.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re reading this and thinking, I haven’t figured out my words yet, let this be your reminder that the year is still young.

Take a moment to create a calm, warm space for yourself and explore what words feel supportive for where you are right now, not where you think you should be.

Wishing you a year that feels steady, kind, and full.
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