I do love words and playing with words often brings joy, insights, and surprises. Words are tools for writers yet so much more. I see words as friends, teachers, and fellow travelers on my journey in life.
My word of the year is WAY. Instead of seriously studying this word and seeking stoic wisdom (which will come in many forms) I asked this word – What delights do you hold?
Yay Way!
When I introduce WAY as my word of the year Barb Hergeburg left this comment:
“When I first read your words, I thought you had chosen “yay”. Can you imagine what a journey that would be?”
Yay way – doesn’t that lighten up a word? It’s like putting WAY in gigantic neon lights. We celebrate its existence in our life. When these two words combine, the height and power of WAY amplifies.
Yay way makes me smile.
No Way Jose!
No way, Jose means ‘absolutely not!’ This expression originated around the 1960s. The exact origin is unclear. However, it likely became popular simply because Jose rhymed with no way. You could also say it this way:
- Not a chance
- Fat chance
- Not over my dead body
- Not in a million years
- Not on your Nelly
Pondering this silly way of saying way reminds me what is absolutely essential in my life and what do I absolutely say no to? This could be a great journaling and prayer prompt!
Wayfarer
On a more serious note, I saw the word wayfarer last week and of course since it contained my word of the year, I took note.
Wayfarer is a word coming from the 15th century and means “one who passes through, traveler, pilgrim”. Someone on a journey.
Perfect image for me traveling alongside of this word WAY in 2026 as a companion, a fellow pilgrim on a journey of listening, exploring and learning. When I picture wayfarer, I see a seeker, a wanderer, someone who in curious and on a quest for something, Someone. Playing with this word gives me an identity in my walk with WAY.
What fun it is to have a word to watch for – like a silly, quirky friend who pops out occasionally with wisdom, maybe an invitation, and always a joyful presence. Adopting a word of the year as a spiritual practice strengthens observation skills and provides an avenue for hearing God in new and exciting ways.
Playing with a word can be fun, insightful, and always surprising.
What do you see as the benefit for playing with a word, especially a word of the year?
Oh, I love all these fun ways you’re watching and playing with your word, Jean. Way is such a great choice for so many possibilities. I love how you make the most of your word! I see my word Shift all the time, but typically in a singular way (“change”), although in many different contexts.
I think playing with the word is fun but also insightful. Leads us down different paths!!