Our Words of the Year for 2026: Vitality & Intentional

As we head into a new year, we return to a simple but powerful family tradition that has brought clarity, focus, and real transformation into our lives: choosing our Word of the Year. Rooted in the Universal Law of Attraction—“what we think about comes about”—this serves as a reminder that what we put into the world has a way of coming back to us! After years of building our vision boards and declaring words, we’ve seen firsthand how choosing one guiding word—our personal North Star—can shape our mindsets and invite more of what we want into our lives. It’s grounding, surprisingly impactful, and one of our favorite ways to begin a new year with purpose and direction.

This past year, we both chose Peace as our guiding word. Throughout 2025, we spent time working on our personal inner peace so we could spread it to others - being instruments of peace in our networks, community, and beyond. We are hoping to carry this mindset forward and continue serving others to spread love and peace.

For 2026, we’re welcoming two new words to inspire and guide us…

Matt’s Word: Vitality

2025 was a bit of a rollercoaster; we experienced tremendous highs and some tough lows. Through it all, Matt became acutely aware of the gift of his one precious life. He chose Vitality as his 2026 word of the year with the intention of maximizing every aspect of it. Physically, he wants to build on his good health by eating better and getting more exercise. Our faith has been an element in our lives since birth and has guided us over the years. Spiritually, he’s committed to deepening his faith while also demonstrating and spreading “the good news” with others. Emotionally, he’s focused on setting healthy boundaries, practicing acceptance, and concentrating on what he can control. By nurturing these areas, Matt hopes to amplify his Vitality for himself, his family, and his community.

Christina’s Word: Intentional

I’ve noticed that sometimes I slip into “auto-mode”—doing things simply because they’re on the list or because I feel like I should. I’ve caught myself returning a text, stirring dinner, and asking our son, “How was your day?” all at once…while not fully being present. And with this year marking a huge milestone for us—we’re becoming empty nesters!—I don’t want to rush through any of it.

I chose Intentional as my reminder to slow down and truly take in what matters. To choose quality over quantity, clarity over chaos, meaning over mindless motion. I want to make conscious decisions about how I spend my time, how I show up in relationships, how I care for our home and my work, and how I nurture myself. I also want to be thoughtful about what (and who) I welcome in—and what (and who) I lovingly release.

I imagine a year that feels aligned, grounded, and purposeful…one choice at a time.

We’re excited to see how Vitality and Intentional show up in our lives throughout 2026.
We hope this inspires you in some way to dream and attract good things to you. Do you choose a Word of the Year too? We’d love to hear yours—send us a message we’d love to hear all about it!

Cheers to 2026!
Christina & Matt

Matt & Christina are Team Skally, top real estate agents in the Seattle Metro with expertise in luxury homes on the Eastside including Bellevue, Newcastle, Issaquah and Renton. Their client testimonials say it all - they deliver exceptional service and record-breaking results. Recognized as top agents on social media by Property Sparks, Diamond Award winners for best client service, Nextdoor’s Neighborhood Faves and regularly featured in online and print publications including Greet - Newcastle & Newport Hills Magazine. In addition to serving clients, Matt and Christina love family time with their two sons and Goldendoodle as well as volunteering in the community.