The Yellow Door Life

Around nine months old, I said my first word; “dada.” 

I asked my mom today if she could remember the next word I said, but she couldn’t. 

Language is such a critical part of who we are and how we show up in this world, but it’s interesting to think that at one point in our development all we can do is scream and make squishy sounds. 

I love starting a new year, but I hate all the buzzwords that go along with it, especially resolution. 

I like the word resolution just fine, but I think it should be said and done in other months besides just January. 

I also like the words healthy and habits, but again, they should be getting used more frequently than just at the start of a calendar year. 

As 2025 came to a close and 2026 awakened, I started seeing posts all over my Instagram feed about people’s “words” for the year. 

I suppose I’ve seen this in years past, but it seemed to be everywhere this time around.

I have no problem with picking a word to focus on for the year. I love words. I’m all about them. But again, will the trend make it past the month of January?  

I’ve never done it before though, so I figured, ok why not. I’ll pick a word. 

I realized though that as I contemplated what word to choose for myself, I couldn’t fixate on a single one. 

One of my favorite pages to follow on Instagram posted her word for the year, and I liked that one a lot, but it wasn’t fully mine. 

I felt stumped.

I literally could not pick one, so I decided that my word for 2026 was in fact, word. 

I know. Leave it to Emily, the writer/blogger/English teacher/poet/avid reader to pick the word word as her word for 2026. *side eye*

But hear me out.

I live and breathe words, it’s all I do day in and day out. I can’t pick just one to focus on for a whole year, or even a whole day. My word is going to have to pivot a lot this year.

There was also like a solid decade of my life where my response to literally everything was “word,” so this honestly feels like everything is coming full circle.  

My word for 2026 is going to eventually lead me to a whole list of words that I can make some kitschy post about in eleven-ish months, so there’s that too. 

Already, the words discipline, motivation, promise, trust, and focus have already been my word since 2026 began. 

Then, last night, I was taking Spike outside and I had this sudden thought about something I have due at the end of January. 

I said to myself, “Now, now Emily, remember you can’t worry about the end of the month yet, you have to focus on what has to be done today. You must compartmentalize.” 

Ooh, that’s a good word. 

So as I sit at my desk, typing all these words, I am compartmentalizing.

I’m not thinking about having to go back to work tomorrow.

I’m not worrying about all the things that didn’t get done over break.

I’m not doom scrolling.

I’m writing a blog.

Next, I’m going to work on an assignment for iteach, and get ready for bed. 

Look at me, already successfully utilizing my word.  

I can’t wait to see what word is going to pop into my head when my alarm goes off at 5:30 tomorrow morning.

Yay me. 

❤