Simple Word of the Year Set-up

Even though it’s still the first month of the year, I can already see this year is going to be different. Setting up my Word of the Year feels transitionary - an in between place where adjustments will continually be made to accommodate something new. It is one reason why I think the Pantone® color of the year, being a white, seems right to me. It is spacious, and this year, for me, a journal or journals need to be spacious, leaving room for the unplanned and unknown. I’m going to need to stay flexible and pivot when necessary, so onward and forward into this new year.

 

In previous blog posts, I shared my word for 2026 is SEASONS.

This word is very broad, encompassing the four seasons, as well as seasons of life. It feels perfect for me at this time.

The video here is a flip-through with a brief explanation of this year’s word journal. The organization is very minimal and I’m hoping it will work with the quotes and illustration journals shown behind it. My planner notebook is totally separate this year.

I am very excited about ‘seasons’ for a number of reasons. The obvious one is that I get to focus on and celebrate the wonders of each season of the year. The season of Winter has even taken on an unexpected charm, as I focus on its unique beauty with the lines of tree branches and the many neutral colors in brown, green and white.

In every season, it’s amazing what focusing on the natural beauty of the moment can do to bring joy and wonder.

The word ‘seasons’ inspires me in my new venture of pattern and image design. I get to focus on creating collections with the imagery of the seasons and their holidays. This year I plan on doing lots of seasonal drawings and doodles that can be translated into surface designs.

A New Season of Life

I am also in a new season of life, the youth of old age. I can look back and look forward, knowing the time ahead is less than the time behind. This reminds me to be intentional about how I am and what I do.

Purpose and meaning have always been important to me. Health and legacy are becoming more prominent. I’m not only considering the present. but also the future - even after I move on from this life. I hope that doesn’t sound morbid. I am accepting the reality and seeking how to make the most of life, and be who God made me to be.

 

Word of the Year Pages

In the video there are a number of title pages to write synonyms, metaphors, and ideas for each season of the year, plus holidays. I didn’t feature them in photos below because they are super simple titles with some Washi tape. The titles are written with Sakura Calligrapher pens (01 and 02 sizes) and strips of Washi Tape are mostly from Archer & Olive. If you want to check them out, you can use code Valerie10 to receive 10% off your purchase.

The other Seasons pages are shown below.

https://www.valeriesjodin.com/blog/2026-word-of-the-year-journal-set-up

As mentioned in a previous post, I’m putting my collection of ‘Seasons’ quotes in a Quotes journal shown behind my Word of the Year notebook at the left.

The Scriptures are next on a single spread. I will likely add more Scripture, quotes, and poetry in the journal as it becomes meaningful throughout the year.

The playlist has been so meaningful the past year, so I included a spread in the Word of the Year journal that lists the songs and artists, with room to add more during the year.

I forgot to put my definition page after the title page, so I put it after the playlist page. I guess it doesn’t really matter. Flexibility and giving myself grace is key for every season this year. I realize I have let go of a lot of my perfectionism and it feels good. That will probably come in real handy this year.

Below shows the drawing and colored pencil finishing of the Seasons page.

 

Time is going fast. The first month is nearly done.

I hope your year is off to a good start.

May you be blessed and filled with joy!

Valerie

Word focused E-course

If you want to dig deeper into your word and expand your creative techniques, check out my online course ‘A Beautiful Word.’

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StencilGirl Products: I receive royalties from stencils I’ve designed from StencilGirl Products. I hope you enjoy creating with them.

Art in real life, Word of the Year, Blogs, TutorialsValerie SjodinArt in real life, Archer & Olive, journal set-up, 2026 Word of the Year, Word of the Year, 2026 journal, Playlist2 Comments