Grounded

Every January 1st I choose a word for the new year. 

For 2026, my word is “grounded.” 

I came to this decision during a week-long workshop I attended at the beginning of December. It was with other female entrepreneurs, and we did the hard work of casting visions and setting goals for 2026. The word “grounded” kept coming up in the work that I was doing. After about the tenth time I saw it appear, I knew this word was choosing me for 2026. 

What does it mean to be grounded? 

Well-balanced and sensible.

Naturally sincere and firmly established.

Mentally or emotionally balanced; having a peaceful, practical, or realistic outlook.

As I have thought about this word, gardening came to mind. I am not good at keeping plants alive… at all. Last year we had a little potted evergreen on our back porch for Christmas. It did well for a while. I watered it and tended to it regularly. Then we planted it in the bed behind our porch, and to be honest, I kind of forgot about it. I neglected it and left it to fend for itself. It did not flourish. Its roots never established. It was not grounded. And, it died. 

Accordingly, I too must be grounded in order to flourish. 

I realize that I am most myself when I am allowed to be grounded and gentle, and that same grounded gentleness can become a gift to the world. 

When I feel grounded and at peace, I become a sanctuary for others. A steady guide. A quiet anchor. A safe place for overwhelmed people to land. 

My desire is to be a calm, steady, compassionate presence who brings order, peace and hope where there was overwhelm. 

I want to flourish in 2026. Not just in my business, but in all areas of my life. 

So, in order to flourish, I will work to be grounded.