One Little Word 2026: Whole
My word for 2026
Do you pick a word for the year? I’ve been doing this every year since 2008, thanks to Ali Edwards’ "One Little Word" project. It’s a tradition I’ve grown to love—a simple way to set intentions and stay focused throughout the year. What makes it even more fun is that my whole family gets involved. Everyone picks their own word, and it’s something we talk about and cheer each other on for all year long. This year, we all “unveiled” our words as part of our family New Year’s weekend celebration.
For 2026 my word is WHOLE.
Choosing "whole” as my word for 2026
To be honest, this was the hardest time I’ve ever had picking a word. I really struggled with it for some reason. I did think of the word “heal” as a possibility because I have some health challenges right now, but I couldn’t get too excited about that one. My husband actually suggested the word “whole” and he helped me see how many applications it could have in my life. He said that he liked how it didnt convey that I needed to be “fixed”, but that I could focus on becoming whole.
Whole is also about keeping the bigger picture in mind. It reminds me to step back and look at how everything connects instead of treating each part of life as separate or competing.
It also means thinking about my body and mind together. Not as separate systems, but as parts of the same whole. How I sleep affects how I think. How stressed I feel affects my energy. How full my schedule is affects everything else.
This year, I want to notice how those pieces interact instead of trying to fix them one at a time.
Supporting “Whole” in Everyday Life
One way I plan to support this word is through small check ins that look at the whole picture. Instead of asking just one question, I want to pause and notice a few things together.
How am I sleeping
How am I moving
How stressed do I feel
What does my schedule actually look like right now
None of these exist on their own. Looking at them together helps me respond with more compassion and better choices.
How “Whole” Fits with Memory Keeping
I love using memory keeping as a way to see the whole story instead of just isolated moments. Photos, notes, and roundups help me notice patterns. They show me when life feels balanced and when something needs attention.
Documenting my days helps me stay connected to the bigger picture, not just the highlights or the hard parts.
Some meaningful reflections I want to remember
Wholeness is found in seeing how everything connects.
You do not have to fix every part to honor the whole.
Care for the whole, not just the loudest part.
Balance begins with awareness.
The full picture matters.
Being whole is not about perfection. It’s about paying attention to what you need.
When you look at the whole picture, small choices make more sense.
Wholeness grows when body, mind, and life are considered together.
I don’t know exactly how this word will show up yet, and that feels okay. My One Little Word always unfolds as the year does. For now, whole feels like a steady reminder to slow down, zoom out, and care for myself as a connected system rather than a list of problems to solve.
So, what about you? Do you pick a word for the year? If you do, I’d love to hear what you’ve chosen and how it’s inspiring you for the year ahead!
If you are still looking for ideas, here are my past words.
2008 – Create
2009 – Learn
2010 – Do
2011 – Healthy
2012 – Nourish
2013 – Refresh & Renew (a phrase instead of a word)
2014 - Forward
2015 - Focus
2016 - Progress
2017 - Complete
2018 - Ready
Ali Edwards offers community support and products around the One Little Word theme if you are interested.
