Creative, my word for 2026

The start of each new year always brings a moment of reflection — looking back at my life, what was successful and what could have been better. For quite a few years now, this reflection has been connected with choosing a word for the year.

The word that came to me for this year is “creative”. I have a need for creativity coded in my brain and body but in practice, I’m not very creative… Sort of a paradox, isn’t it? Because when I want to express my creativity, I can’t seem to find sufficient skills in my toolkit.

I used to try forcing the expression of creativity by setting plans and projects, which definitely helped, but the proper motivation wasn’t there. When searching for better answers last year, I placed the following advice under my side monitor: “It’s not about forcing enthusiasm you don’t feel, but more about showing up with openness to what might emerge.”

That thought helped me to understand that being creative doesn’t always mean enjoying it — it means making way for ideas and thoughts you may not have even known you had. It’s a path of discovery that includes all the pain of the long walk and happy moments when you stumble upon something worthy.

While looking for an inspiring quote to accompany this post, I came across this one:

“The creative process is a process of surrender, not control.”
― Julia Cameron

It mirrors my understanding beautifully. If you want to be in utter control of your creativity, you’re putting obstacles in its way. Of course, you can and should make preparations — not just wait for inspiration “from above” — but then show up and be open to what comes.

Don’t forsake your creativity because you don’t find it good enough. There’s always some intriguing surprise waiting for you to discover it.