This year has been tough. Actually the last two years as we fought with my brother in his battle with ALS. it’s such an ugly disease. As many if you know, Michael lost his battle against ALS in February. Within two months, we had 3 deaths in our family: Michael, his middle son Sean, and his daughter’s husband Danny. It was two months of living in just getting by, doing what was necessary to plan cremations and funerals, and no real time to breathe. My job became trying to support his kids as they dealt with all of the loss we had.

Then the real grief set in for me. It’s been hard to imagine life without my baby brother, and I miss him every day. Even not having the daily job of being his watchdog for his care at the nursing home was now gone, even though that in itself was lots of stress. And personally I just stopped, everything. I found myself spending several months watching Netflix and taking naps. For the first time in my life I just couldn’t pull out of it. Fortunately I have a great doctor and when I said I can’t do this anymore. I started some medication which has helped tremendously, both in improving my mental health and as a side benefit it has helped with my pain from fibromyalgia.

The first of December, I realized I hadn’t been spending time doing things that bring me joy. An avid reader (I usually read 100-150 books a year), I hadn’t picked up a book since February. December has been about reclaiming my joy, which also has meant saying no to those things that don’t bring me joy. You can miss your person and still have joy and happiness.

Now it’s time to look at what 2026 looks like. My word of the year is harmony. I’m choosing HARMONY this year—not balance, not hustle.
Harmony is about alignment.
About plans that fit real life.
About honoring energy, values, and seasons.

If your year had a word (or a feeling), what would it be?

This will be a focus in my community group this year. If it resonates with you, come join us at Inspiration Station Colorado Community, as we figure it out together. We’d love to have you.

Harmony: 2026 Word of the Year

I chose Harmony as my word of the year because I no longer want growth that costs me my peace.

Harmony means alignment over urgency.
It means choosing a pace I can sustain.
It means planning in a way that supports my life instead of controlling it.
This year, I am focusing on rhythms that feel steady, not rushed.
Progress that feels grounded, not forced.
Care for my body, my time, and my energy, not just my to-do list.
You will see that reflected here.
Gentle planning.
Thoughtful routines.
Wellness that supports real life.
Encouragement to adjust instead of quit.

If you are craving calm, clarity, and consistency that feels human, you are in the right place.

💬 I would love to know.
What word or intention are you carrying into this year?