We’re almost two months into this year that seemed shiny with possibility just a few weeks ago. Anyone else feel like the shine tarnished almost as soon as 2026 was out of the gate? Eight weeks ago, we were setting intentions, loose as we may have held them at the time, and basking in the lure of fresh starts. I don’t know how it’s been for you, but I’ve struggled.
Don’t get me wrong. There have been good things in these first weeks. We enjoyed a fun and rich visit from our son, Michael, and his Robyn, for a few days, during which time we played tourist in our city, played games, and ate and ate and ate. A few weeks after that, I flew to B.C. and enjoyed a visit with our daughter and granddaughter. Travel nightmare in both directions notwithstanding, it was a joy to spend time with them.
But the news has been tough and while I wish it didn’t impact me the way it does, I have felt it in my bones. Those things I thought I’d focus on in the first quarter of this year have fallen by the wayside. I’ve endured days feeling empty, and with a lump in my gut.
Late last year, I started thinking about a word to bring into 2026. One day, half-joking, when we were talking about a volunteer opportunity, I told Gerry that I was choosing “no” as my word for the year. I say half-jokingly, because I brought that word with me when January 1 dawned, continuing to step back and pare down in many areas. I soon realized that, perhaps, “no”, wasn’t the best choice of a word to travel through the year with, so changed it to “discern.” I’m weighing everything that tries to stake a claim on my time, attention, and even our finances.
I wonder if we, as a people, will grow accustomed to the constant onslaught of bad news. Will we learn to be more resilient? Will the mental health crisis intensify? Will we learn to live in a world where we can believe nothing we hear or see unless it’s right in front of us and we can touch it for ourselves?
Or will we say “enough” and step off the treadmill of news and social media and constant bickering and right-fighting behind keyboards and, worse, in person? I don’t know. The answer is different for everyone. I’m making choices in a direction that is right for me. Discerning. And, more and more, heeding a little voice in my head telling me to “step off.”
How are you doing so far this year? Are you making any changes? Let’s chat.
Funny, but as I was thinking of a title for this post and “stumbling in” seemed to fit the way I entered this year, I remembered a song from the late 1970s. Maybe you recall it too. Here it is, something light and fun for your listening pleasure.
Thought-inspiring post. I struggle with my need to be up to date on current affairs and with the sadness and anger I experience when I do try to stay informed. I try to be selective about my sources but there’s just so much going on that goes against my Christian faith. Nothing stops the bad news. Faith helps me handle it as does Christian community. I hope I never become accustomed to accepting the bad news cycles, but pray I will find a way to contribute to some solutions. Not sure what that will be yet. Hence my word for the year.
As I was looking at the New Year and thinking about intentions (as opposed to resolutions), I was led to the word “ponder” as my 2026 word. It’s one that causes me to slow down and be reflective. To have more personal quiet times. To be grateful for the good things in my life, which are plentiful. It’s been a good choice for me.
Best wishes to you and yours!
Ponder. That’s a good one, Susan. I like how it invites a thoughtful slowing down, with an abundance of gratitude, to consider. As you say, so much of what we are fed through the news is contrary to our faith. I try to remember that it’s really not anything new, though it’s clothed differently. Thank you for your comment.
My word of the year is “Confidence” and so my prayer is that I’m trusting God to turn this nation around. I’m trying to have confidence in the VERY few politicians who actually have some class and high morals (Where are they all????). I have NO confidence that any of them know Christ. Didn’t know Canadians also struggled with the news. I’ve learned to stop watching the evening news, only watch the first 15-20 min of The Today Show on NBC and I’ve limited my time on social media and don’t miss it at all. My own personal goals I’m actually doing fairly well on. Winter has been a “real” one this year here in eastern NY. However, I’m done. I’m ready for warmer temps, longer days and books by the lake.
Stumblin’ along until Spring finally arrives 🙂
Confidence is a great word for the year, Faith. Trust me, Canada has plenty of news stories to be upsetting but, to be honest, a lot of our angst is imported from south of the border. I join you in being ready for long, warm days and books!
Everyone seems angry especially people on the News…what can they twist into the next big story to get viewers and cause hate and discontent?? I do not watch much news either so what little I see is sad…and if I was a News junkie my sanity would be in trouble.
You’re bang on with the media’s propensity to twist absolutely everything into one more thing to be angry of afraid. Balance is no more, it seems. And yes, thank goodness we’re not news junkies.
Hi Linda! Yes, there’s so much noise and confusion in the world and I just want to come home and close the door and keep my space friction free as possible! It’s hard to trust anything and with AI it’s really a game. We got scammed last year to the tune of $9,000 and it changed how I handle everything. I thought I was smart, but they were smarter so this year my word is “Breath”. I study things carefully, don’t do anything over the phone with money, always take a deep breath before agreeing to do “stuff”, or fill my days with things I really don’t want to do or can’t do anymore. Taking walks in my woods with my dog and hanging with hubby and kiddos is a pleasure. I even work a few days here and there and enjoy that for now. Hang in there and I do hope Spring arrives soon! Or at least no more snow! Ha! Have a good week!
Oh, Kathleen, I’m sorry that happened to you. I’m right there with you in making our home our sanctuary and filling our days with things that nourish our soul. Appreciate your thoughts.
I watch the first 5 to 10 minutes of the news, just long enough to see what’s going on in the world. After that I concentrate on my own little world, trying hard to keep things serene. I didn’t choose a word but if I did I think it would be serenity.
Serenity. Perfect. I’ve stopped all online news consumption and catch a bit of the evening news but that’s it.
Hi Linda. There certainly is a LOT of bad news these days. I watch a little of it on the evening show, and read a few highlights in the mornings. I keep any news feeds off my social media. Getting outdoors and seeing the beautiful world God created is crucial for my mental well-being. That and losing myself in reading good books. It’s too easy to get tied in knots about what’s going on in the world, and I can do nothing about it other than pray and shine my light where I’m at.
“I can do nothing about it other than pray and shine my light where I’m at.” I strongly believe that’s our best course of action always. Thanks, Lorrie.
‘Discern’ is a great word! All good in my world. Productive and happy work days, lovin’ on my grandpeople…My biggest 1st world problem is that I am not a winter person once Christmas is over. I want tulips and bunnies! The political situation in my country is a mess. I live in a barely-red state in that we have a Republican governor but he is rational and thoughtful. He walks a fine line to keep as much drama as possible out of our state. We get someone new in November though…not sure how that will play out.
I’m with you, Paige! Bring on the tulips and bunnies! I can’t bear the political climate right now especially, and have gone off most news for the time being.