A Word to Hold Onto in 2026

Hi friends,

January has a funny way of showing up with a lot of expectations.

New year. New goals. New plans. New energy. And sometimes... a whole lot of pressure.

At Crisanthemum Studios, I like to think of January a little differently. Instead of asking myself, “What do I need to change?” I ask, “What do I want to come back to?”

That’s where the idea of a Word of the Year comes in.

A Word of the Year isn’t a resolution. It’s not a to-do list or a rigid promise to be better, faster, or stronger. It’s more like an anchor — something you can hold onto when the year gets messy (because it always

does).

When things feel overwhelming. When plans don’t go the way you expected. When you need a reminder

that you’re still moving forward, even if it doesn’t feel like it. Your word brings you back.

My word for 2026 is steadfast.

To me, steadfast means staying rooted even when things feel uncertain. It means continuing forward with intention, even when progress feels slow. It’s about commitment — not the flashy kind, but the quiet, everyday kind that shows up again and again.

There will be ups this year. There will be downs. There will be days when things feel effortless — and days when they feel anything but. Steadfast reminds me that I don’t have to do everything at once. I just have to

keep going.

If you’re feeling called to choose a Word of the Year, I encourage you to keep it simple.

Ask yourself: What do I need more of this year? What would support me when things get tough? What word would feel like coming home to myself?

Your word might be calm. Or brave. Or gentle. Or curious. Or joy. There’s no right answer — only what feels true to you.

And if January comes and goes without a word showing up? That’s okay too. Sometimes it finds you later, exactly when you need it.

A word can guide you. Clay can ground you. Creativity can remind you that you’re capable of more than you think.

As we move into 2026, my hope is that you find something — a word, a moment, a practice — that helps bring you back to yourself when the year gets loud.

With muddy hands and a warm heart,

Cris

 The Potter