In 2025, my word was unlimited. 2025 taught me how limited I am! I also learned more about moving within my boundaries and limitations. Finding that space in between the limited and unlimited parts of who I am.
As 2026 approached, I found myself meditating/contemplating that space between limited and unlimited. What did my beliefs, goals, desires and inner knowing line up with? Not where other people told me what to be…what aligned with me.
2026 is my year of alignment.
What does alignment mean? Does it mean molding yourself into some idea position or posture? Does it mean living an ideal life set by standards that you should be meeting?
Alignment by definition is:
“1: the act of aligning or state of being aligned
especially: the proper positioning or state of adjustment of parts (as of a mechanical or electronic device) in relation to each other
2a: a forming in line
b: the line thus formed
3: the ground plan (as of a railroad or highway) in distinction from the profile
4: an arrangement of groups or forces in relation to one anothernew alignments within the political party” –merriam-webster.com
For those of you who drive a car, what does it feel like to drive a car that needs an alignment? The ride is not smooth. The vehicle will pull to one side. The wear on the tires is uneven. The car is harder to drive. You have to compensate and the vehicle is not as efficient. Cars often need an alignment after being driven on rough terrain. Not every vehicle’s alignment happens at the same time or perhaps every vehicle needs a different tool to come into alignment. And every vehicle drives differently.
Do you see where I am going here?
Life is a vehicle of movement. Our bodies are vehicles of movement. The invisible parts of us (emotions, nervous system, thoughts, etc.) are vehicles of movement.
I want to have a smoother ride for 2026!! And that doesn’t mean the ride will be easy. For me it is about building a deeper awareness of what is right for me. It sometimes may mean that I need to loosen my grip of the steering wheel.
It means a deeper inner focus on driving my vehicle not trying to drive another person’s vehicle.
Learning the tools that I need to adjust my alignment. Adapting what no longer serves me to embrace a different way of being.
Here is an example. I have been using a google calendar. I gave up pen and paper. There are some ways that it is very convenient to use my google calendar. Yet, I am having trouble with planning (out of alignment.) I am a visual organizer. I like to see things all at once. I am also a detailed organizer. I need to see things in their proper container or everything looks like clutter to me. I need the ease of electronics and the feel of paper.
What do I need to align? A physical planner and an electronic planner and a set time each week to co-ordinate them together.
I need the planner to hold many things. I need a weekly vertical view with time stamps. It needs to have a place for a to do list. I need a space for expenses. I need a monthly overview. And a place to hold a pen would be useful though not necessary. These provide containers for me to put my detailed information in that I can look at all in one place!
Reset Sundays! I take Em to work for 7 am on Sundays. There is a lovely space of quiet that happens Sunday mornings. I can have a coffee and align my physical and electronic calendars. Review the week before and plan for the next week.
To some of you, this may feel chaotic.
For me it feels peaceful, purposeful and grounding. It feels like alignment!
Do you pick a word or intention for the year? Something deeper than a goal?
Let me know!
