My 2026 Word of the Year

I don’t think I ever publicly shared my word of the year for 2025, but this year I’m doing things a little differently.

In 2025, my word was opportunity. I thought long and hard about it, made a vision board, really leaned in. And wow, did that word deliver. 2025 brought me OPPORTUNITY. Incredible opportunities. I met amazing people, tried new things, and said yes to just about everything. I never would have guessed I’d be where I am now.

That said, opportunity also brought burnout. Turns out, saying yes to everything is not always kind to your body or your brain. I don’t regret a single bit of it, even if I’m still recovering.

When it came time to choose my word for 2026, I had to slow down and really reflect. I looked back at 2025 and ahead to where I want to be next year, both personally and professionally. If last year taught me anything, it’s this: if you don’t take care of yourself, there isn’t much of a future to feel excited about.

So this year, I’m pivoting. In the best way. My word for 2026 is flourish.

Flourish means a lot of things to me. I want to flourish personally first and foremost. I want to flourish professionally. I want to build. I want abundance. I want intention. For me, all of that is woven together.

Near the end of 2025, I had a very real realization. If I didn’t take care of myself, this business couldn’t continue, no matter how successful the year looked from the outside. If I didn’t change things right away, the 2026 growing season would be over before it even started. Putting myself first is my top priority this year. That looks like resting once a week. Not saying yes to everything. Being much more intentional with my time. It might mean fewer markets. It might mean more on farm opportunities. A lot feels up in the air right now, and honestly, I’m excited it isn’t all nailed down.

I want to build deeper connections with each of my customers. That’s why I do what I do. I want to know you. When I make a bouquet, I think about where it might end up and how you might feel when you see it. And yes, I want ALL THE FLOWERS. I want only the best for you. I want a beautiful garden I can share with you. I want you to feel something when you see photos, when you visit for a private event, or when you bring a bouquet home. Inspired. Nostalgic. Grounded. I also want you to know you’re worth it. I know that sounds a bit like a shampoo commercial, but truly, you are worth every, single, beautiful bloom. I want joy to rattle through your bones when you look at your flowers.

I want both of us to feel inspired. I want you to feel refreshed, creative, and just plain happy when you see your bouquets. I want to share all parts of this flower farming life with you, the highs and the lows, and I hope you love the highs as much as I do. There really is nothing quite like it.

This year, I’m pouring into myself the same way I pour into my flowers. I’m putting myself first and building a community rooted in connection, intention, and inspiration. I’m growing my business and saying yes to ventures that truly align with who I am. There will be more flowers, more learning, more joy, and more abundance in all its forms.

This feels like a season of intentional growth and abundance. Creativity expanding. Community deepening. Rest being honored. Roots and dreams growing side by side. Flourish feels like the right word for a year where I’m choosing to grow boldly, beautifully, and in a way that actually works for me.