Embracing Courage in 2025 and the Fierce Journey Ahead in 2026

Embracing Courage in 2025 and the Fierce Journey Ahead in 2026

Choosing a word to guide your year can be a powerful way to focus your energy and intentions. For me, 2025 was the year of courage. This word wasn’t just a theme; it became a lens through which I viewed every challenge and opportunity. Looking back, courage showed up in countless ways—sometimes quietly, sometimes boldly—and shaped my year in profound ways. Now, as 2026 approaches, I am ready to embrace a new word: fierce. This choice pushes me beyond my comfort zone and invites a fresh energy into my life.

How Courage Defined 2025

When I picked courage as my word for 2025, I didn’t fully realize how often I would need it. Courage appeared in moments that tested my resolve and in everyday acts that required honesty and strength.

Testifying in Court

One of the most intense experiences of the year was testifying in court. Standing there, speaking my truth in a formal setting, demanded a deep well of courage. It wasn’t just about the legal process; it was about showing up fully, despite fear and uncertainty. This moment reminded me that courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act in spite of it.

Showing Up in Hard Times

Life threw some tough challenges my way, and courage was the steady companion that helped me face them. Whether it was supporting loved ones, managing unexpected setbacks, or simply getting through difficult days, courage meant showing up even when I wanted to retreat.

Being Present with My Girls

Courage also showed up in my role as a parent. Being present with my girls, especially during their own struggles, required patience and bravery. It meant having honest conversations, admitting when I didn’t have all the answers, and modeling strength through vulnerability.

Learning and Growing

Taking on new learning opportunities was another way courage manifested. Whether it was tackling unfamiliar subjects or pushing myself to finish my book, courage fueled my commitment to growth. Writing that book was a journey of self-discovery and discipline, and every page completed was a victory over doubt.

Telling the Truth

Perhaps one of the most consistent ways courage appeared was in telling the truth and speaking about my story. This meant being honest with myself and others, even when it was uncomfortable. Speaking truth helped build trust and deepened relationships, reinforcing that courage often leads to connection.

Why I Choose Words Instead of Resolutions

Instead of making traditional New Year’s resolutions, I select a word to guide me. This approach feels more meaningful and sustainable. A word acts as a daily reminder to embody certain qualities rather than a checklist of goals that can feel rigid or overwhelming.

Words challenge me and support me at the same time. They are flexible enough to apply to all areas of life but focused enough to keep me grounded. Choosing courage helped me stay aligned with my values and intentions throughout 2025.

Preparing for 2026 with the Word Fierce

As I look ahead, I have chosen fierce as my word for 2026. This word feels bold and a bit intimidating, but that’s exactly why I picked it. It pushes me to step outside my comfort zone and bring a new level of energy and determination to my life.

What Fierce Means to Me

Fierce is about strength, passion, and fearlessness. It’s about standing up for myself and others with conviction. It means being unapologetically authentic and protecting what matters most. This word invites me to be more assertive, more confident, and more alive.

How I Plan to Embody Fierce

• Set clear boundaries to protect my time and energy

• Speak up boldly in situations where I might have stayed silent before

• Pursue goals with relentless focus, especially those that scare me

• Show fierce love and support to my children, family and friends

• Embrace challenges as opportunities to grow stronger

  
  

Choosing fierce is a commitment to shifting my energy intentionally. It’s a promise to myself to live with more fire and purpose.

Reflecting on the Journey and Looking Forward

Reflecting on 2025, I see how courage shaped my experiences and helped me grow. Each act of bravery, big or small, built a foundation for the next step. Now, with fierce as my guide, I am excited to continue this journey with renewed strength and passion.

Choosing a word each year is more than a ritual. It’s a way to stay connected to what matters most and to remind myself daily of the qualities I want to live by. Courage taught me resilience, and fierce will teach me boldness.

Living courageously means showing up, even when it’s hard. Living fiercely means stepping into your power and owning your story. Here’s to a 2026 filled with fierce love, fierce growth, and fierce living. May your word guide you as powerfully as mine guides me.