Fire was my word of the year for 2025, so I built the word an altar.
Choosing a word of the year is about choosing a direction—an energetic intention for what you want to cultivate in your life. It’s a cornerstone of the intentional way of living that I practice and preach. Intentional living is my ministry.
I’ve used pictures before to keep my word of the year top of mind, helping me stay aware, aligned, and focused. But I had never built an altar.
This year, fire was about burning it all down—metaphorically.
It pushed me to fight for things where I used to wimp out.
It urged me to keep the heat on, to push through resistance, to move. Fire doesn’t accept acquiescence or lack of inertia.
Fire supported me in working through some personal patterns that desperately needed a reset. It gave me the courage to publish a blog about my childhood experience with sexual molestation. It fueled the creation of the Professional Moms Community Network—now 12,000 women strong across our communities. And it brought forth the conviction that it’s finally time for me to launch a podcast.
I’m a Sagittarius—a fire sign. This year was about embracing that part of myself on a bolder, unapologetic level.
The altar brought art and play into the practice.
The small painting of an old-fashioned Zippo lighter with a heart on it reminds me to stay true to my vision. The artist, Iman Džombić Hajdarević, endured multiple heart surgeries. Once I heard her story, I knew I needed to own this mini canvas.
I keep a box of matches open so the red tips are visible—the ignition waiting to be activated. And because I’m a Deadhead, this box includes a favorite quote that speaks to fire as light: “Once in a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.”
And now, my word for 2026: Attunement. I already have my first piece of art ready to go.
Attunement feels musical — bringing everything into energetic alignment, creating resonance. It holds a harmonic vibe. In numerology, it’s a master number: 33, the number of the spiritual teacher, the guide. Perfect for the year I launch The Intention Podcast.
Do you choose a word of the year?
I’d love to hear what yours is.
