One Little Word, 2026

~ wordancerblog

A few years ago, I came upon Ali Edwards popular project for personal growth and reflection called “One Little Word.” Ali started this tradition twenty years ago. It was a way to start the New Year with a renewed sense of purpose. Since I am a word nerd or logophile, the idea of choosing a new word to use as a focal point throughout the year was intriguing to me.  My past “one little words” have been: settle, purpose, remember, and zest.  This year, as I approach my seventh decade, I wanted to choose a word that would help me journey into old age with grace and courage.  I know I will certainly need it. 

I have been increasingly aware of senior citizens, especially old women, become almost invisible.  We are portrayed as hard of hearing, incontinent, and hobbled.  That is not the future I have in mind for myself.  I will fight that image with all my being. Honestly, there are times that I fall into that old-timer trap, and sometimes take the easy way out not pushing myself at the gym or trying something new, especially when it comes to technology.  I wanted to choose a word that would remind me, not to sit back and let old age take me over.  I wanted something flashy, something that stands out, something the opposite of invisible.

I often tell my students that I am “an old girl.”  They always reply, “You are not old!”  The reason I refer to myself as old, is that I want them to know that I’m proud of being “an old girl,”  that being old is not a bad thing.  God willing, we will all grow into graceful old age.  Old is wise. Old is valuable. Old is weathered but not worn out. I want my young students to see old as vivacious, intrepid, and persistent.  I want to be the poster girl for “spunky old lady.”  I want to stand out and shine. 

Growing up, I was shy and lacked self-confidence.  It took me many years to develop a stronger sense of self and shed my timid nature. When I turn seventy this April, I want a word that will remind me to be proud of all I have accomplished, all the students whose lives I’ve touched, all the words I’ve written, and all the beautiful places I have travelled.  It should be a word that can be written on a banner waving in the clear blue sky.  It should be a word that sizzles and sparkles, visible for miles and miles around.

REMARKABLE

15 thoughts on “One Little Word, 2026”

  1. Joanne,

    Like you, I don’t like the invisibility that comes w/ aging, so I refuse to be ignored or invisible. That said, I’m a bit muddled about your word. I’m assuming it’s “remarkable” since you picked “remembered” already.

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  4. This sentence: “It should be a word that sizzles and sparkles, visible for miles and miles around.” – and the word – and that amazing picture – does just that. (And I’m trying to remember – does Charlotte make a “Remarkable” web for Wibur???)

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    1. Charlotte wrote: “Some Pig,” “Terrific,” “Radiant,” and “Humble.” I think I now have my OLW for 2027! After Remarkable – I think I should be RADIANT. Thank you!

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    1. Thanks, Kim. I am not really comfortable with the adjective REMARKABLE, but that’s why I think I have to use it and embrace it. I’m more the type who camouflages and hides out under cover.

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  7. Joanne, This is a REMARKABLE word and a REMARKABLE post about the challenge of finally reaching a point when you know more than ever before and feel stronger than ever before and yet are deemed invisible by the people around you. I share this challenge and worry about being thrown to the curb as a has been rather than revered as a “feisty old lady who is remarkable.” I have saved your poem. It might just be my motto for the decade!

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  9. I love all of this! The word, the thinking behind it, the poem, and the picture! I just reacently purchased a book titled Aging Faithfully, and I’m looking forward to reading it. I am at that point where I feel like age is influencing the way my students see me. And I don’t always deal with that very well. Your words have encouraged me, so thank you!

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  11. Well, first of all, the older I get, the older “old” is =)

    And I love the mindset you are bringing into the new year. I love the idea that we can see aging as a recognition and reckoning of our own personal power. YES!

    I can’t wait to see what the year brings you.

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  12. I can’t add anything but, “Brava” to the comments here! The stanzas that begin, “Remember me as…” speak so clearly to me, especially the line about searching “for pictures in the clouds.” I do that with my grandson now, constantly ready to look up. Embrace the remarkable in 2026—and always!

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