…it’s time to start thinking about things related to the new year. For me, that’s setting some intentions, choosing my OLW, and recording my first bird of the year. So, Happy Poetry Friday and Happy New Year!
I started thinking about my one little word a few weeks ago. I pondered a few possibilities and had almost settled on “perseverance,” but it didn’t feel exactly right. For some reason, “discover” kept showing up. I thought maybe “discover” was too similar to my 2024 word “explore.” But I decided that discover is different enough and takes explore to a different level. So, while I’m choosing “discover” as my OLW for 2026, I know that explore and perseverance might hang around, too.
discover
something new
in everyday life
expand the heart with
wonder
When I looked out at the bird feeder this morning, I noticed a small brown bird fly in. But before I could grab my binoculars to identify it, a beautiful male cardinal perched on the top of the hook. He stayed longer than I expected he would. I believe he wanted to be my first bird of the year. I’ll be doing some research on cardinals, but for now I’m looking at this bird as a sign of grace, integrity, and hope.
The last prompt in Georgia Heard’s December calendar of writing invitations was to “write a blessing for the year ahead, one you’d give to yourself or others.” I’ll end today with this:
May we discover new ideas, new connections, new delights while deepening the old.
Catherine has the round up today at Reading to the Core where she shares a poem for January. Be sure to stop by for lots of poetry goodness.
Imagine the Possibilities 
Thank you for your blessing, Rose! We see more cardinals at our feeder than any other bird. I love them! I was looking for my first bird yesterday when a DEER showed up! A mama and her fawn. It was so thrilling I don’t remember now what the bird was…so I guess my first bird was a deer. :) And yes, I think exploring leads to discovery…so… perfect word! xo
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Thank you, Irene. Love the story about the deer and fawn – a beautiful image.
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Thank you for giving us hope to look forward to the new year. I’m ready to discover new things again and not only react to the bad decisions coming out each day. I need some time to discover me again.
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Sounds like a good plan, Diane.
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I don’t choose an OLW, Rose, but love reading of your own connections to the past ones, and now to “discover”. Just the thought of it brings a wonder of “What will it be this year?” I grew up in Missouri & loved the cardinals. Now in Colorado, they are not here, so thanks for sharing yours, “expanding the heart”!
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Thanks, Linda! I have a cardinal couple who hang out in my yard all winter. I’ve come to love them like I do the bluebirds.
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Rose, ELEVATE, my 2025 one little word, truly moved me and kept me moving in my efforts to support writers. I’m building on my 2025 momentum by also choosing DISCOVER for my OLW for 2026. Happy New Year to you!
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I’m happy to share a word with you, Joyce! I wonder what treasures we’ll discover?
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I like hearing about everyone’s OLW. It has me thinking. Discover has so many possibilities unlike exploring, discovering sounds like there may be a few surprises to find this year;) Happy New Year Rose, and happy discovering!
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Thanks, Cathy! And the happiest of new years to you, too!
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Rose, I love discover as a deepening … expanding the heart, which says so much more than even “noticing.” Here’s to a blessed 2026.
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Thanks, Patricia!
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Rose, I love your OLW and your “discover” poem! I am looking forward to all the poetic places “discover” leads! I also love the idea of the cardinal choosing you! You reminded me of reading (from Elizabeth Gilbert, I think) about the first living creature that crosses your path in the new year is that year’s guide. Going out for a walk now! Happy New Year, Rose!!!
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Thanks, Mona! Happy New Year!
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Discover is a wonderful OLW, Rose. I love the poem you’ve written in it’s honor, especially these lines: “expand the heart/with wonder.” Thank you for sharing your blessing, too. I wish the same for you. Happy New Year!
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Thank you, Catherine.
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Thank you for the blessing, Rose. I like your OLW. It’s a great word.
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I do love cardinals — I’m glad he was your first of the year. And I love the expansiveness of “Discover.” Happy new year, Rose!
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Discover is such a great word and opens up the doors to so many possibilities. Happy New Year, Rose!!!
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Discover is such a hopeful word! Like you. My first bird was a Carolina Wren squawking on the back deck. They are usually singing loudly, so I’m not sure what this one was mad about. Thanks for the sweet blessing for the new year.
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I love the song of the Carolina wren!
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This is a beautiful post, Rose. I love cardinals and appreciate the symbolism they offer us. I look for them now as signs from my parents – and in-laws, all gone but checking in on us. Your idea for a blessing for the new year resonates with me also. Thank you for sharing through this hopeful and positive post. Happy New Year to you!
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When I went for my New Years morning walk, I’m pretty sure it was a robin I heard first, but I’m absolutely sure a crow was second. Like you, I’m sticking with the stronger message. I’ll take trickster crow’s symbolism of wisdom and knowledge, magic and mystery. No omens for me!
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I agree that the crow is much more interesting! Hope you have a great year.
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