Let’s take more roller coasters this year
Thoughts about my word of the year, reflections, and aspirations
I like to set the tone for each year in my journal on the first day of January by doing “kakizome (書き初め)”, an auspicious practice to write in calligraphy, a short word or sentence to bring well wishes to the new year. Instead of blessings, I choose to seal in ink my word of the year that can guide and shape my intentions. My word of the year in 2025 was “Self-care”, a declaration to combat social media fatigue, set boundaries, and take care of my health in what evidently was a horrendous and turbulent year. It was also a year of indulgence, where I enjoyed the whimsy of my hobbies, traveled to amazing places, and ate a lot of delicious food. In a way, I have lived that word to its fullest, while letting myself go in some categories of my routine (I may have put on a few extra pounds from all the stress eating).
This year, I also came up with a word to guide my year. Before putting my thoughts on to Substack, my dear friend Chelsea from Words in the Margin decided to put together a fun collaboration project. We will both take a guess at the intention behind each others’ word of the year, and I’ll share my quick analysis at the end of this article. Stay tuned to us trying to figure out what our Word of the Year meant to us!
Leap - My 2026 Word of the Year
I decided on my Word of the Year for 2026 in on the first day of December. It was a spontaneous moment, and the word felt a bit rushed and compulsive, so I allowed myself to marinate it on it for a few weeks before really settling into the theme.
Leaping forward, leap into action, leap of faith. The word felt adventurous and bold; As if I can achieve anything I want to do. It brings to mind the image of a toddler taking a bold jump over a rain puddle -- a word that is filled with child-like wonder and without any fear. 2026 is also the year of the Fire Horse; my zodiac happened to also be the year of the horse, so it feels like I’m rearing on my two hind legs, ready to leap over a cliff to the other side without abandon.
After a year of recharge, I’m ready to take on new challenges in my career and in my personal life. In 2025, I fall back on my word “Self-care” a lot when I’m faced with things that I don’t like to do: engage in social activities, speak my mind, or try new things that seemed challenging. I analyzed my behaviors and figured out my biggest problem: I don’t do things if I don’t feel ready. This often results in over-planning, over-thinking, and hesitation to dive into solving problems. Afterall, one could never really be completely ready, right? The funny thing is, usually the task at hand isn’t really that daunting, it’s always procrastination dragging me down. And in the instances when I closed my eyes and rolled up my sleeves, the thing gets done almost immediately. In a way, my word of the year “leap” is my solution to fear and an encouragement.
I was inspired by the creative director of TRAVELER’S COMPANY, Atsuhiko Iijima, in his own reflection.
The will to change is accompanied by anxiety, anger, and pain. It’s also the source of creativity, and become the power to push something forward.
I’m also charmed by Moomin, the whimsical character by Tove Jansson
What if feeling scared is actually the first sign of being brave?
Just like closing my eyes before the rollercoaster starts its plunge (I hate roller coasters), I simply need to trust myself and the process. Despite what lies on the other side: success or failure, I’m going to take the leap and see what happens next.
It has only been two weeks into the new year and I’ve already put this word into action. After a year of protesting the system vigorously over the internet, I pulled myself to a neighborhood protest, holding up signs alongside a group of white-haired retirees at a four-way intersection. This wasn’t one of the bigger protests around the country, and I admit I needed to channel my frustration and feelings of wanting to punch ICE. Yet I am proud of myself for trying something that feels discomforting, and persisting. I went to the same group of protest again this Saturday, and it felt like a meaningful use of my time. I signed myself up to the organizers’ newsletter, let’s see what other challenges it’ll bring.
Other things I’m leaping into: Japanese lessons! I purchased a set of JLPT course book in 2017 when I first moved to Seattle. All five volumes sat pristine in my closet after almost 9 years. Perhaps it was the encouragement of my word of the year “leap”, I finally made myself sign up for a private tutoring class that will hopefully help me gain confidence in learning the language. Ultimately, this will also allow me to communicate better with my colleagues and teams in Japan. I’ve been longing for open communication and smoother understanding in my workspace, I think this will be a first step towards that goal.
Let’s take more roller coasters this year
Back to the roller coaster analogy. There are some roller coasters that I do enjoy, such as the Space Mountain where the ride rocks you left to right through speedy turns. These kind of rides knocks me around but at least I’m still firmly in my seat.
It’s the type of roller coasters with steep drops that scares me; the type that leaves your tummy feeling funny and your legs weak. Yet, it’s those kinds of roller coasters that offer the greater reward of seeing some amazing views and perspectives when you’re on the ride. My partner, Elliot, loves that thrill, whether it is driving his fast cars or preferring Six Flags to Disneyland. I don’t know if it was my upbringing influencing my behavior, but I’m always risk-aversive, preferring security and comfort. Yet, sometimes I’m envious that he seems to have more fun.
With this new aspiration, I don’t expect my personality to take a 180 degree turn and become someone who is suddenly outgoing or a daredevil. However, I do look forward to asking myself the next time I hesitate: “maybe let’s just take a leap of faith and see what happens?” I wonder what new opportunities and exciting things this new mentality will open up for me.
Words in the Margin - Manifest
Chelsea, the author behind Words in the Margin, has been a long time friend that I met through the stationery community back in 2017. Alongside our analog journey, she is one of my favorite creators who delivers her journaling process and creative intention through eloquent words. Last year, her focus was on her first born child, and her word of the year was “Foundation”, an extremely fitting intention for that new challenge.
This year, she shared with me that her 2026 word of the year was “Manifest”. In a way, I think it was very similar to my word and my perspective towards new challenges this year. It signals that we’re both ready for change, and will take steps towards realizing new adventures and opportunities. The word “Manifest” also gives me a fluttering feeling -- an anticipation for amazing things to happen. Although I whole-heartedly believe in science, I’m also a firm believer in positive affirmation and serendipity. I believe in the magical power of attraction and I’m super excited to see what kind of experiences she will face in this new year.
Finally, I’m excited to read about Chelsea’s interpretation of my word of the year, and diving into her word “Manifest”. Please enjoy reading about it over at Words in the Margin!