Ariel Faith's Word for 2026

Every year, I pick one single word that will keep me centered in the upcoming year!

This is my word for 2026: "Joy" to remind me that no matter how hard things can get, joy is all around us when we look for it. And here is my collaborative poem to bring a joyful rhythm to your day!

The Deep-Down Joy Kind

Oh, the Joy that you'll find when you open your eyes!

Not the ha-ha-hee-hee or the jumping-around kind,

but the deep-down-inside, peaceful, soul-happy prize—

The joy that God gives to the seeking of mind!

It's not about giggles or parties or cake,

not the surface-y stuff that goes poof in the air.

It's the warm-in-your-heart kind that nobody can take,

The contentment that whispers, "You're loved! You are there!"

It's the joy in the morning when sunlight breaks through,

In the breath that you're breathing, the kindness you see,

In the everyday moments—yes, those special few—

When you notice the gift of just simply to be!

This joy doesn't need you to have it all right,

Doesn't ask for perfection or easy, smooth days.

It just asks you to look—in the dark and the light—

To find treasure in ordinary, beautiful ways!

When your year becomes heavy (and sometimes it will),

When the challenges come and the road becomes long,

Let Joy be your center, your peace, and your thrill—

The deep grateful knowing that you still belong!

So here's to your word and the journey it brings,

To appreciation, contentment, and trust in what's true—

To the sacred, the simple, the God-given things,

And the deep, peaceful joy that is waiting for you!

Written with Claude's Assistance in the style of Dr. Seuss.

I hope you enjoyed this little bit of fun!