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I’m ditching my word for the year 2026 because New York Times bestselling author Tayari Jones told me I should.
On Sunday, March 15, 2026, I had the honor of moderating a discussion and Q&A with Jones when she visited Birmingham as part of her national book tour for her new novel Kin, which debuted #3 on the New York Times Bestseller list and is an Oprah’s Book Club pick. (You can read highlights from the discussion in The Birmingham Times.)
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I’m in desperate need of some journaling prompts for self-discovery. Yes, even at my big age of 45, I am still trying to figure out who I am and what I want.
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Today is my birthday, and I kicked off my own personal new year with two hours of journaling. Yes, TWO HOURS. You know journaling is my jam.
Some people think of journaling as juvenile, equating it with the “Dear Diary” ranting and raving we did as kids or angsty teens. But I turn to journaling for self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-care. I turn to journaling to grow up and glow up. In fact, the older I get, the more important journaling becomes. At this point in my life, it feels as necessary as water and air.
It’s my birthday, but I want to give you a gift. In honor of my 45th birthday, I’m sharing 45 birthday journal prompts for you to try when your special day comes back around — or even right now.
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What’s your word for the year 2026?
I’ve been choosing a word for the year for several years, and it’s a practice I’ve happily passed on to the women of the See Jane Write Collective.
Some years, I’ve picked three words. In other years, I’ve chosen a phrase.
Some years, I get completely obsessed with the word that I chose. It becomes my mantra or prayer that I constantly whisper. Other years—like this year, I must admit—I forget which word I picked until someone asks me.
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I’m obsessed with goal setting. I set writing goals and goals for other areas of my life each year, each quarter, and each month. Because I’m so passionate about goal setting, I’m constantly reading books, attending workshops and listening to podcasts to help me get better at setting and achieving my goals. I take what I learn, tweak it and try it out. Then I figure out how to share what I’ve gleaned from my personal experiences with you. That’s why I get so excited for my annual Write the Vision Workshop! (This year’s workshop is on Sunday, December 14 at 4 p.m. CT. You can sign up here.)
If you HATE goal setting, it’s probably because you’re not following through. And if you’re setting writing goals each year and nothing in your writing life is changing, chances are it’s NOT because of laziness. You work hard. Probably too hard. You are NOT lazy. But I think I know what’s holding you back.
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