No More Overthinking—Just “Be”: My 2026 Word

I used to roll my eyes at “word of the year” trends. They felt unnecessary—like one more performative thing adults did to convince themselves (and everyone watching) that they had a plan for their lives.

But then I became an educator.

During the first week back from winter break, we launched a project where students chose one word to guide their growth for the year. We gave them a list of possibilities, expecting groans or blank stares. Instead, they lit up. They loved it.

As I walked around helping them choose their words, something shifted. I found myself thinking about my own life—my habits, my identity, the version of myself I wanted to grow into. And it wasn’t just one thing like “gratitude” or “positivity.” Those are beautiful words, but they felt too narrow for the season I’m in as an educator and as a human.

I needed a word that held space for all the parts of me I’ve ignored while trying to meet expectations, support students, and keep up with the constant demands of school life.

So I chose the word “Be.”

Not because the word itself is profound, but because of everything that can follow it:

• Be patient.
• Be curious.
• Be present.
• Be brave.
• Be rested.
• Be myself.

As educators, we’re constantly pulled in a dozen directions—by students, administrators, parents, and the invisible pressure to be everything to everyone. Words like “joy,” “gratitude,” or “positivity” are wonderful, but they felt like more expectations to meet. More boxes to check. More ways to measure whether I was “doing enough.”

I didn’t want a word that added pressure.

I wanted a word that created space.

Be gives me permission to step out of the roles others have placed on me—teacher, fixer, nurturer, problem-solver—and reconnect with the person underneath all of that.

I’ve spent years being who others needed me to be.
This year, I’m choosing to be who I need me to be.

That means breaking old patterns, releasing expectations, and letting myself grow in ways that aren’t tied to productivity, performance, or perfection. It means honoring the version of myself I’ve ignored while trying to keep everything running smoothly for everyone else.

So yes—my word of the year is Be.
Be more myself.
Be more grounded.
Be more whole.

It won’t be easy. Educators are conditioned to put themselves last. But I’m ready to rewrite that story. I’m ready to enjoy 2026 as the year I finally let myself be—fully, freely, and without apology.

If you’ve chosen a word of the year, I’d love to hear it and how you hope it shapes your life—both inside and outside the classroom.

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