3 Word for 2026: Authenticity, Integrity, and Compassion
January 5, 2026 | Helen Gunn
Recently, I attended a local networking event where we were each asked a simple but powerful question: What is your guiding word for 2026? It stayed with me long after the event ended. As I reflected on the year ahead, I realised that one word alone didn’t quite capture what I want to carry forward. Instead, three words kept resurfacing, values that have always mattered to me, but whose importance has been sharpened by recent experiences, both personally and professionally.
As we enter a new year, these are the three words I’ve chosen to guide me through 2026: Authenticity, Integrity, and Compassion.
They are not trends or aspirations for appearances’ sake. They are principles, and compassion, in particular, is one I now recognise I have too often placed last.
Authenticity: Being Seen as You Are
Authenticity has always been something I value deeply. Yet in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, it can become easy to soften edges, mask parts of yourself, or adapt to expectations that don’t quite fit. Over time, that quiet self-editing takes its toll.
Recent years have taught me that consistently showing up as someone you are not leads to exhaustion and disconnection, from others, and from yourself.
In 2026, I am choosing to show up more honestly, both in my work and in my personal life. That means acknowledging strengths and limitations, speaking with clarity, and trusting that genuine connection is built through truth rather than performance. Authenticity may feel uncomfortable at times, but it is the foundation of trust, meaningful relationships, and sustainable success.
Integrity: Doing What Feels Right, Even When It’s Difficult
Integrity is the steady compass behind every decision we make. It is not about perfection, but about alignment, ensuring that actions reflect values, particularly when the easier option would be to compromise.
The past has reinforced for me how vital integrity is to mental wellbeing. Being honest about capacity, setting boundaries, and making choices that protect long-term health rather than short-term approval all require courage. Yet without integrity, progress often comes at too high a cost.
As I look ahead, I want my decisions, in business and in life, to be guided by principle rather than pressure. Integrity means standing by what matters, even when it feels uncomfortable, and trusting that consistency will always outweigh convenience.
Compassion: For Others and For Yourself
Of the three words, compassion is the one I have found most challenging to practise fully. It is often easier to extend understanding to others than to ourselves. Yet experiences of burnout and overwhelm have made it clear that compassion is not optional, it is essential.
In 2026, compassion means creating space for imperfection and recognising that growth does not happen on a rigid timeline. It means listening more deeply, responding with empathy, and remembering that everyone is navigating unseen challenges.
True compassion does not remove accountability, it softens the way we hold it. It allows integrity and authenticity to exist without harshness, fostering resilience, connection, and sustainable progress.
Carrying These Words Into 2026
We live in a culture that often celebrates speed, productivity, and constant availability, while leaving little room for reflection or rest. Against that backdrop, choosing to live and work in alignment with core values becomes a conscious and sometimes countercultural act.
For me, Authenticity, Integrity, and Compassion are not abstract ideas, they are practical guides for how I want to live, work, and interact as we enter a new year.
Authenticity reminds me to continue to show up honestly.
Integrity reminds me to stay aligned with my values.
Compassion reminds me to approach life with understanding and care.
2026 feels like a year for grounding, acceptance, and intentional action. By centring these words, I hope to build a life and business that are resilient, aligned, and meaningful, not just productive.
A reflection for you: which three words would you choose to guide your year ahead? How might they influence the way you make decisions, relate to others, and care for yourself?
January 5, 2026 | Helen Gunn
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I look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to the garden studio.
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If you have health concerns, please consult your healthcare provider.
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Where to find me
I’m easy to reach on foot, by bike, or by public transport. If you enjoy a canal-side stroll, I’m located between Sale and Brooklands Metrolink stops. If you’re coming by car, there’s space for one extra vehicle on my driveway, and it’s also free to park on the road.
I look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to the garden studio.
Contact me
I’d love to hear from you. The easiest way to reach me is by email or WhatsApp message — this means I can respond thoughtfully between client sessions. Due to the nature of my work, I’m rarely able to answer calls in the moment.
Where to find me
I’m easy to reach on foot, by bike, or by public transport. If you enjoy a canal-side stroll, I’m located between Sale and Brooklands Metrolink stops. If you’re coming by car, there’s space for one extra vehicle on my driveway, and it’s also free to park on the road.
I look forward to connecting with you and welcoming you to the garden studio.
Contact me
I’d love to hear from you. The easiest way to reach me is by email or WhatsApp message — this means I can respond thoughtfully between client sessions. Due to the nature of my work, I’m rarely able to answer calls in the moment.
3 Words for 2026: Authenticity, Integrity, and Compassion
January 5, 2026 | Helen Gunn
Authenticity: Being Seen as You Are
As we enter a new year, these are the three words I’ve chosen to guide me through 2026: Authenticity, Integrity, and Compassion.
They are not trends or aspirations for appearances’ sake. They are principles, and compassion, in particular, is one I now recognise I have too often placed last.
Authenticity has always been something I value deeply. Yet in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, it can become easy to soften edges, mask parts of yourself, or adapt to expectations that don’t quite fit. Over time, that quiet self-editing takes its toll.
Integrity: Doing What Feels Right, Even When It's Difficult
Recent years have taught me that consistently showing up as someone you are not leads to exhaustion and disconnection, from others, and from yourself.
In 2026, I am choosing to show up more honestly, both in my work and in my personal life. That means acknowledging strengths and limitations, speaking with clarity, and trusting that genuine connection is built through truth rather than performance. Authenticity may feel uncomfortable at times, but it is the foundation of trust, meaningful relationships, and sustainable success.
Recently, I attended a local networking event where we were each asked a simple but powerful question: What is your guiding word for 2026? It stayed with me long after the event ended. As I reflected on the year ahead, I realised that one word alone didn’t quite capture what I want to carry forward. Instead, three words kept resurfacing, values that have always mattered to me, but whose importance has been sharpened by recent experiences, both personally and professionally.
Compassion: For Others and For Yourself
The past has reinforced for me how vital integrity is to mental wellbeing. Being honest about capacity, setting boundaries, and making choices that protect long-term health rather than short-term approval all require courage. Yet without integrity, progress often comes at too high a cost.
As I look ahead, I want my decisions, in business and in life, to be guided by principle rather than pressure. Integrity means standing by what matters, even when it feels uncomfortable, and trusting that consistency will always outweigh convenience.
Integrity is the steady compass behind every decision we make. It is not about perfection, but about alignment, ensuring that actions reflect values, particularly when the easier option would be to compromise.
Carrying These Words Into 2026
In 2026, compassion means creating space for imperfection and recognising that growth does not happen on a rigid timeline. It means listening more deeply, responding with empathy, and remembering that everyone is navigating unseen challenges.
True compassion does not remove accountability, it softens the way we hold it. It allows integrity and authenticity to exist without harshness, fostering resilience, connection, and sustainable progress.
We live in a culture that often celebrates speed, productivity, and constant availability, while leaving little room for reflection or rest. Against that backdrop, choosing to live and work in alignment with core values becomes a conscious and sometimes countercultural act.
Of the three words, compassion is the one I have found most challenging to practise fully. It is often easier to extend understanding to others than to ourselves. Yet experiences of burnout and overwhelm have made it clear that compassion is not optional, it is essential.
For me, Authenticity, Integrity, and Compassion are not abstract ideas, they are practical guides for how I want to live, work, and interact as we enter a new year.
Authenticity reminds me to continue to show up honestly.
Integrity reminds me to stay aligned with my values.
Compassion reminds me to approach life with understanding and care.
2026 feels like a year for grounding, acceptance, and intentional action. By centring these words, I hope to build a life and business that are resilient, aligned, and meaningful, not just productive.
A reflection for you: which three words would you choose to guide your year ahead? How might they influence the way you make decisions, relate to others, and care for yourself?
December 1, 2025 | Helen Gunn