This is so wonderful! Enough contains a universe. Gandhi said there is enough for everyone's need but not for everyone's greed. You picked an evocative word!
I’m drawn to "enough". I think I’ll claim it as my word of the year too!
It holds a beautiful duality, doesn't it? In moments of abundance, when your heart is full and you realize you are, simply, enough. Yet it also stands in the darker hours, a shield you can raise when you need to scream, "Enough!"
I like keeping that door open :) to gratitude AND to boundaries.
ENOUGH! Definitely captures the sentiment of 2026 (for many of us at least).
Great piece and LOVE the new pub idea. Let me know if you ever want to collaborate because every time I try to move away from law/politics, the world is like The Godfather... it just pulls me back in.
Ha ha.... My word is "abundance" I fashioned the whole year around it. This is right up my alley. I love words, what they mean and how they're used... and abused. You are speaking my language. A lot of good words in this essay. Trinidad might be on the bucket list. Interesting geopolitical news too.
I love that you're going with abundance! I feel like 'enough' and 'abundance' can coexist - one says 'I have what I need,' the other says 'there's plenty to share.' It's different paths, same destination maybe?
Trinidad should be on that bucket list.
Fair warning - you'll leave with a permanent soca soundtrack in your head and a bag filled with local food :)
Noted. I already love soca, but tell ya what, I don’t really know it when I hear it, unless steal drums are playing and I am wiggling my hips. Ha ha. Abundance for me this year, also has to do with "ethereal” abundance, balancing the two realms, generating, attracting, sharing and managing. Thought it was ironic that a self-styled “minimalist” would explore abundance. But the meaning just reached out to me. So here we are. Let’s Abun Dance. Har har. Safe Travels.
Enough may be the best word for a year I’ve ever heard!! The word that came up for me instantly when I thought about it this year was Acceleration— which scares me a little honestly! Ha! 🐎
Acceleration! Now that's a word that comes with its own adrenaline rush. I get the fear - it's like strapping in for a ride you didn't totally sign up for. But something tells me you'll handle it with grace, Shannon.
Sending you steady ground beneath those accelerating feet!
Trying to find my way mostly. As usually, I am just about to completely change my life. My daughter bought a house - suddenly grandkids and contentment sound very appealing.
Enjoy your holiday and your time offline, you definitely deserve it. My word is curiosity, to continue my journey of exploration I've been on. I just want to be open to what the year has to offer and be curious to what comes. I like your word too, we are enough 😊
Neela, this was so good. I've been drawn to the word “enough” for many seasons now. “Enough” holds such powerful duality: sometimes it’s a good feeling, when you already have what matters most and feel full, rested, and content. Other times, it’s the moment you’re worn out and finally draw a line because you just can’t take any more, and that boundary comes from hurt. And in my life experience, I have both of those.
Here’s to contentment and boundaries!
Wishing you the best time back home: deep rest, loud family laughter, and obscene amounts of doubles, extra pepper sauce, kuchela dripping, messy, and glorious.
Great piece, Neela. I have one of those trend-y T-shirts that reads “Nope. Not today.” I pull it out strategically on heavy days — not as attitude, but as a reminder of enough.
Over time, my family and social circle learned to read it as a signal: I’ve hit my limit — sometimes personally, sometimes from the weight of things beyond me, whether geopolitical or systemic.
In hindsight, it was worth far more than its purchase price. A small, visible boundary can do a lot of quiet work.
We're officially members of the Enough Club of 2026. Love that this word is finding so many of us at the same time. Maybe it's in the air, or maybe we've all collectively hit that wall.
Just perfect. You have reminded me that we do have enough - we are ok. And I have been worried about T&T with its proximity to V. The news is giving us nothing about what is happening now in that area of the world.
I do look forward to reading your new pub. I have often thought of creating a new page just for me and telling no one at all - especially not my family! Just somewhere I can write without being careful not to step on toes!! Or upset people.
Good for you. All my love as you travel to Trini - and back.
Thanks, Cecilia. Yeah, the news blackout on T&T and Venezuela is insane - They are seeing an uptick of small boats coming in with people to Trinidad. The price of food there is SOARING more than in most places.
The humane thing to do would be to lift the fucking sanctions. They won’t, though.
And I totally get the 'secret page' impulse. Sometimes you just need space to write without having to manage everyone's feelings about it. Maybe you should do it.
I had an article on draft for 8 months.
I just polished it and set it to publish in my new pub next Monday.
Yup, guilt is largely socially constructed. So what? Money is a social construct too, but it still determines whether you eat. Just because morality is invented doesn't mean it's meaningless. We invented language, music, law - all made up, all essential.
Is guilt USEFUL? And sometimes it is. It keeps us from being mistletoe or Trump :)
I just read that Kurt Vonnegut anecdote in a book today! It's wonderful that you are also sharing the importance of enough. The book also shared the Swedish word Lagom, which means "just the right amount." 💛 My word for the year was brave. I want to be brave this year - stand up for those that don't have a voice, try new things that scare me, etc. I've had enough of this administration and its cruelty; I want to answer with bravery. I'm so glad you are going home for a visit. That sounds like the BEST way to spend the month of February. (Also, thank you for the map. I'm embarrassed to admit that I did not realize Trinidad was so close to Venezuela.)
I love that the Vonnegut thing is making the rounds. And Lagom is perfect - I didn't know there was a word for it. Brave is a good word for this year. We need more people willing to actually stand up right now, especially when it feels scary. And don't be embarrassed about the map thing - most people have no idea where Trinidad is or how close Venezuela is. Trinidad was the topic of both my interviews for greencard and citizenship. The proximity makes everything happening there feel way more real when you're going back.
This is so wonderful! Enough contains a universe. Gandhi said there is enough for everyone's need but not for everyone's greed. You picked an evocative word!
Exactly bro!
Gandhi knew the secret - needs vs. greed.
I like to think ‘enough’ is the universe whispering, ‘Hey, you got this, Neela. Chill.
Thank you for being here, bro.
I’m drawn to "enough". I think I’ll claim it as my word of the year too!
It holds a beautiful duality, doesn't it? In moments of abundance, when your heart is full and you realize you are, simply, enough. Yet it also stands in the darker hours, a shield you can raise when you need to scream, "Enough!"
I like keeping that door open :) to gratitude AND to boundaries.
Thank you Neela!
Hey Mia
I can write entire essays about duality lol
Enough as contentment AND as a boundary. Gratitude and protection in the same word. I love that you're claiming it too. We should start a movement :)
Here's to keeping that door open to both. 🙏
Thank you for being here!!!
To gratitude and to boundary - love that Mia
So many power words, sis.
ENOUGH! Definitely captures the sentiment of 2026 (for many of us at least).
Great piece and LOVE the new pub idea. Let me know if you ever want to collaborate because every time I try to move away from law/politics, the world is like The Godfather... it just pulls me back in.
Haha, I understand the attraction, trust me.
Let’s absolutely brainstorm a collab when I get back in late February.
Maybe a version of ‘Enough in Law & Politics’? LOL
Thank you for being here, John.
Ha ha.... My word is "abundance" I fashioned the whole year around it. This is right up my alley. I love words, what they mean and how they're used... and abused. You are speaking my language. A lot of good words in this essay. Trinidad might be on the bucket list. Interesting geopolitical news too.
I love that you're going with abundance! I feel like 'enough' and 'abundance' can coexist - one says 'I have what I need,' the other says 'there's plenty to share.' It's different paths, same destination maybe?
Trinidad should be on that bucket list.
Fair warning - you'll leave with a permanent soca soundtrack in your head and a bag filled with local food :)
Thank you for being here.
Noted. I already love soca, but tell ya what, I don’t really know it when I hear it, unless steal drums are playing and I am wiggling my hips. Ha ha. Abundance for me this year, also has to do with "ethereal” abundance, balancing the two realms, generating, attracting, sharing and managing. Thought it was ironic that a self-styled “minimalist” would explore abundance. But the meaning just reached out to me. So here we are. Let’s Abun Dance. Har har. Safe Travels.
‘Abun Dance' just became the official motto of 2026. It's decided. 😂
And there's zero irony in a minimalist exploring abundance.
You've just learned that abundance isn't measured in THINGS, it's measured in spaciousness, joy, connection. The happy stuff.
Also, wiggling hips = you definitely know soca 🌴 when you hear it.
Thank you so much!
Enough may be the best word for a year I’ve ever heard!! The word that came up for me instantly when I thought about it this year was Acceleration— which scares me a little honestly! Ha! 🐎
Acceleration! Now that's a word that comes with its own adrenaline rush. I get the fear - it's like strapping in for a ride you didn't totally sign up for. But something tells me you'll handle it with grace, Shannon.
Sending you steady ground beneath those accelerating feet!
Thank you for being here. 🙏
🏃♀️ 💨
I have enough.
I've had enough.
I've listened and watched.
maybe not tough enough
for the vile stuff
that trump has hatched.
He is vile!
Enough is soft power in a hard world, and we will hold our ground.
Thank you so much for being here, Linda.
Enjoy the rest of your Tuesday!
Absolutely, I've been thinking about contentment, and about what we need for happiness. It's not much, actually.
To me, all you need is good health and good company, and don't forget the food.
Happy Sunday Elsie
I was away.
Just got back yesterday.
How have you been?
Trying to find my way mostly. As usually, I am just about to completely change my life. My daughter bought a house - suddenly grandkids and contentment sound very appealing.
We both are - I think this is okay - trying to find our way.
Congrats to your daughter and to you.
It sounds good to me, Elsie. 🤗
I have enough of most everything🙏🏽My chosen word is courage. 🤍
I love that chosen word, Jeanne.
Happy Sunday, my friend.
How are you?
I'm well thanks, still in Ecuador, relaxing. Keep the peace of Trinidad snuggled into your heart, my friend. 🤍🫂
You know I will.
Happy Thursday Jeanne
Enjoy your holiday and your time offline, you definitely deserve it. My word is curiosity, to continue my journey of exploration I've been on. I just want to be open to what the year has to offer and be curious to what comes. I like your word too, we are enough 😊
Hey Sophie
Happy New Week!
How are you?
Curiosity feels like such a kind way to move through the year.
Enough really is enough 🤍
Thank you for being here…
Neela, this was so good. I've been drawn to the word “enough” for many seasons now. “Enough” holds such powerful duality: sometimes it’s a good feeling, when you already have what matters most and feel full, rested, and content. Other times, it’s the moment you’re worn out and finally draw a line because you just can’t take any more, and that boundary comes from hurt. And in my life experience, I have both of those.
Here’s to contentment and boundaries!
Wishing you the best time back home: deep rest, loud family laughter, and obscene amounts of doubles, extra pepper sauce, kuchela dripping, messy, and glorious.
Here’s to knowing when we’re full, and when it’s time to draw the boundary. Thank you for being here, Lucille.
Great piece, Neela. I have one of those trend-y T-shirts that reads “Nope. Not today.” I pull it out strategically on heavy days — not as attitude, but as a reminder of enough.
Over time, my family and social circle learned to read it as a signal: I’ve hit my limit — sometimes personally, sometimes from the weight of things beyond me, whether geopolitical or systemic.
In hindsight, it was worth far more than its purchase price. A small, visible boundary can do a lot of quiet work.
Happy Thursday Leni
I love that!
That's next-level communication efficiency. No long explanations needed.
I might need one for airports. Or Mondays.
Thank you so much for being here.
Enough is perfect.
My word is steady.
2026 isn’t about becoming more.
It’s about staying steady long enough for what I’m building to hold.
I love it.
Steady is the other side of the coin.
Together, they're basically the entire antidote to hustle culture.
Cheering for your steady 2026.
Thank you for being here.
Love this!!! I’ve also been going into this year with the theme of ‘enough’ as word of the year. Loved your take on it. Enjoy your trip!!!
Hey Katrina
We're officially members of the Enough Club of 2026. Love that this word is finding so many of us at the same time. Maybe it's in the air, or maybe we've all collectively hit that wall.
Either way, I'm here for it.
Thank you, and thank you for being here.
Just perfect. You have reminded me that we do have enough - we are ok. And I have been worried about T&T with its proximity to V. The news is giving us nothing about what is happening now in that area of the world.
I do look forward to reading your new pub. I have often thought of creating a new page just for me and telling no one at all - especially not my family! Just somewhere I can write without being careful not to step on toes!! Or upset people.
Good for you. All my love as you travel to Trini - and back.
Thanks, Cecilia. Yeah, the news blackout on T&T and Venezuela is insane - They are seeing an uptick of small boats coming in with people to Trinidad. The price of food there is SOARING more than in most places.
The humane thing to do would be to lift the fucking sanctions. They won’t, though.
And I totally get the 'secret page' impulse. Sometimes you just need space to write without having to manage everyone's feelings about it. Maybe you should do it.
I had an article on draft for 8 months.
I just polished it and set it to publish in my new pub next Monday.
It would ruffle some feathers. Oh well.
Thank you for being here, Cecilia.
Is sin just the apotheosis of guilt
As Nietzsche put in a note?
Isn’t guilt generated by a betrayal of one’s morality?
Isn’t one’s morality derived, for many, inculcation
Of one’s society and the religions of one’s society?
Is all suffering eliminated by following Buddhist thinking?
If pain and suffering are muted, are joy and wonderment
Also put on a dusty shelf of a moribund soul.
Look to nature. Is there sin and guilt?
Does the mistletoe feel guilty for sapping
It’s nourishment from a mesquite tree?
Hey Jim
Yup, guilt is largely socially constructed. So what? Money is a social construct too, but it still determines whether you eat. Just because morality is invented doesn't mean it's meaningless. We invented language, music, law - all made up, all essential.
Is guilt USEFUL? And sometimes it is. It keeps us from being mistletoe or Trump :)
I just read that Kurt Vonnegut anecdote in a book today! It's wonderful that you are also sharing the importance of enough. The book also shared the Swedish word Lagom, which means "just the right amount." 💛 My word for the year was brave. I want to be brave this year - stand up for those that don't have a voice, try new things that scare me, etc. I've had enough of this administration and its cruelty; I want to answer with bravery. I'm so glad you are going home for a visit. That sounds like the BEST way to spend the month of February. (Also, thank you for the map. I'm embarrassed to admit that I did not realize Trinidad was so close to Venezuela.)
Happy Thursday, Karen,
I love that the Vonnegut thing is making the rounds. And Lagom is perfect - I didn't know there was a word for it. Brave is a good word for this year. We need more people willing to actually stand up right now, especially when it feels scary. And don't be embarrassed about the map thing - most people have no idea where Trinidad is or how close Venezuela is. Trinidad was the topic of both my interviews for greencard and citizenship. The proximity makes everything happening there feel way more real when you're going back.
Thank you for being here, Karen.