My word for 2026

HUMANKIND
Written By Salma Ali

In recent years I’ve developed a practice of choosing a word for the new year (inspired by my friend Elise); a word that serves as a guiding principle or the qualities of which I want to embody throughout the coming year. Last year, my word was alchemy; the year before, keep going; before that, and one of my favorites, soup. This year the word seems to have found me even before I started searching for it.

The word that keeps popping into my mind is, urgency. Not from a place of fear or panic or pressure, as in “time is running out”; but from a place of momentum— as in, “let’s just get on with it.”

While I don’t have the same energy I did before, and my memory seems to be fading as a result of the cancer meds I’m taking, and some days are just hard, this is my new normal. I can either wait for the “right time” when things are better; or I can set some goals, create structures, and start.  

Like writing my next book on wisdoms from our elders, the third in the 30 Days series. I had started collecting wisdoms a couple years ago—asking people I would meet what wisdom from a parent or mentor guides them. These beautiful reflections sit waiting in voice notes and old notebooks. I am determined this year to draft the dozen or so stories I have so far, gather another 30 or 40, and create a beautiful handmade book, so we can all benefit from the guiding grace of our elders.

I am focused on making strength training and walking a non-negotiable morning routine, before the day gets away from me; this actually does feel urgent as it’s critical for managing the symptoms of my treatment. But even as I write this, I haven’t been for my walk or done my stretches; no good reason why not. I’m putting “URGENT” reminders on my bathroom mirror and computer. I’ll keep you posted…

I want to seize moments to tell people how much they mean to me; why wait. In that spirit, I decided to surprise my uncle for his 80th birthday a couple weeks ago. I booked a last-minute ticket to snowed-in Syracuse—though the flight was ultimately canceled, the gesture meant the world to him. A few days ago, I went to a beautiful celebration of a community elder’s life, organized by his children—an opportunity for people to tell him what his life story has meant to them. He was overwhelmed, we all were. We need more of this. Why do we wait until an elder’s funeral to share what they meant to us and tell cherished stories?

This feeling of urgency is the reason why when my brother sweetly asked me to join his family for Umrah (the shorter pilgrimage to Mecca), I didn’t hesitate. Arif and I had been thinking about going for Umrah for a while but hadn’t made plans waiting for that “right time”.  Now I’m seizing the opportunity, when I’m feeling pretty good and my mom is stable, to experience Umrah with Arif, my brother, sister-in-law, and nephews. I know that these moments of praying together in Mecca and Medina will further deepen our bonds and provide sustenance for the challenges to come.

On January 1, 2026, we will be in Mecca performing Umrah inshAllah, what a beautiful way to start the year. I didn’t plan it this way; God is the best of planners. It’s been decades since my last Umrah and for Arif it will be the first time. We are reading, reflecting, learning from others, and feeling blessed to be called on this journey.

It would be my honor to pray for you if you would like me to say a special prayer. Please do not hesitate to reply and share your prayer with me; I’m keeping them in a notebook and will recite them in Mecca and Medina.

Urgency feels like the right tempo for me for 2026. I don’t want to slow down and take it easy; I’d rather get on with doing the things that fulfil me and bring me joy (like finally taking that dance class!) The sentiment is not about doing more and packing it all in. It’s about focusing on the things that matter most and not putting them off if they seem manageable now.

Mom is doing ok; the kids are fine; Arif and I are feeling healthy. There’s no crisis at the door. Alhumdulillah.

This is as good a time as any. I’m ready to get on with it, iA.

Here’s to a healthy and peaceful 2026. My love and sincere good wishes to each of you.

Salma

PS: What is your word for 2026? I’d love to hear it; let’s keep each other accountable. Arif’s is introspection; for Saanya, it’s risk; and Zayd’s is allow.

Please do send me the prayers you’d like me to say during Umrah, it would truly be an honor.

Salma Ali
Next

It took just six words (this is 59!)