Be Encouraged

Each year I choose a word to set the tone of my intention for living into the newest calendar year. In this case, 2026, I am choosing the word Encourage. To me it’s an extension of how I want to show up in the world, in my life at home with my family, with my staff and coworkers, and with my community locally and afar. 

The idea first came to mind as I pondered wanting to focus more on encouraging people in my life, specifically starting with my kids. It can be easy as a parent to see and want the potential you know your kids have and subtly nudge with critiques or teaching points versus encouragement. This year, I want to change that paradigm. I want to be my kids’ biggest cheerleader and outwardly encourage their passions and dreams, to give them the support to know that they are fully capable of their big unique ideas. I want them to imagine the possibilities of their path and know that I am an active encourager and fan in their lives. 

Of course, to be an encourager, I’m realizing, is to take courage. Starting with myself, I want to embody the confidence that the work I am doing is enough; to allow myself to make decisions from the mindset of “what’s the best that could happen” versus one of fear or insecurity, to take pride in what we are building in our community and what I hope for the cafe and this granola company to stand for. I want to be more outward in expressing my gratitude and appreciation for those around me, whether it be commending an employee for going the extra mile or dropping a note of encouragement to a friend going through a tough time. Our little touchpoints when we speak up in encouragement of others can go a long way, but often in life we are too caught up in the day’s tasks to make a point of mentioning how we feel…which is why I’m making it a tangible goal to do so this year! I’m going to be more intentional and bold with my words, express encouragement to others, and speak up in support. 

I’ve recently started writing my grandfather a note every single day. I understand that he leads a quiet life and I want him to remember that I’m thinking of him daily. I use the notes to share love and little details of my life, hoping it will brighten his day. I’m extending this letter writing to include sending cards three times a week to others in my life too. I want the people around me to know that I am an active encourager of their hopes and dreams- and a presence of support when they need it too. 

As a small business owner, I deeply appreciate the value of encouraging feedback from online reviews. Reading a personal message about the impact our business has for others is so encouraging and I want to spread that same appreciation to other small businesses, entrepreneurs, services, etc by posting my own reviews. It’s another simple and quick gesture of encouragement that I can easily incorporate into my days.

So here’s to 2026, the year I plan to encourage, want to join me?