My Word of the Year (part 2)

As I mentioned last week, choosing a word for the year is not something I usually do. But somehow, this year of 2026, I find myself with the need to keep two words in the forefront of my head. My first word is "focus," and you can read more about that here.

My second word for the year is "transformed," and the best way to define it for me is through this Bible scripture: "And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12:2)

This is the thing: If you do not consciously set your mind toward the good, your mind will naturally shift toward the negative. It's just how we are created.

How is your thought life? Do you sometimes play those really old cassette tapes in your head over and over again, even though they make you miserable? Have you considered trading in those cassette tapes for something new?

We can get stuck listening to the same negative voices, because we don't know what else to listen to. And, it takes works to renew your mind for the good. It takes no work to let yourself be conformed to this world--just turn on the TV, or scroll through your phone, or as I've been apt to do, turn on the TV AND scroll through your phone.

No more. I'm ready to transform my thoughts into ideas that will turn into actions that will bring love and joy to those around me. Let's make 2026 a year more beautiful than ever, but it all begins with our thoughts being transformed.

Let's do this.