Stop Thinking About Your One Word—Start Experiencing It
{One Word 2026 July Linkup}
Every summer we do a One Word Sensory Challenge. It’s a way to experience our words instead of just thinking about them.
This month, I invite you to explore your One Word through three of your senses. Choose one challenge or try all three!
1. Touch It
If your word had a texture, what would it feel like?
Would it be smooth like satin or rough like tree bark?
Soft, prickly, heavy, warm, cool, or airy?
Try this:
- Find an object that captures the feeling of your word.
- Create something with clay, Play-Doh, fabric, or natural materials.
- Notice how different textures help you connect with your word.
For my own One Word this year, Shift, I feel it as slippery. Also warm because it’s in motion. And light and airy because it’s always on the move.
2. Taste It
If your word had a flavor, what would it be?
Sweet like honey? Bitter like dark chocolate? Salty, spicy, tart, or refreshing?
Try this:
- As you eat today, notice which flavors remind you of your word.
- Choose one food or drink that represents your word and savor it slowly.
- Draw a picture of that food or write a few sentences about why it fits your word.
For Shift, I imagine sour balls (they start out as one thing, then explode into something else the longer you suck on them) and Charms blow pops (the outside is hard, then cracks open and inside is chewy bubble gum).
3. Hear It
What does your word sound like?
Maybe you hear it in birdsong, running water, a favorite song, or even in silence.
Try this:
- Listen for sounds that remind you of your word.
- Add songs to a playlist inspired by your word.
- Say your word aloud several times, noticing how it sounds and how it makes you feel.
For Shift, I hear it as an appliance, like my A/C turning off and on, or the refrigerator cycling throughout the day. Also, animal sounds, like bird songs on my daily walk or dogs barking in the neighborhood.
You might even give yourself bonus points by imagining what your word smells like!
Sometimes our One Word becomes clearer when we stop trying to figure it out and simply experience it.
Share Your One Word Update
Share your reflections in the comments below or link up your own One Word post. The linkup will remain open until midnight, Sunday, August 9, 2026.
You’re also welcome to share your photos and discoveries in our One Word Facebook Group throughout the month.
I’m looking forward to seeing what you discover.
Looking ahead: Our August One Word linkup opens Wednesday, August 26.
Question for you:
Which of these three challenges—touching, tasting, or hearing your One Word—works the best for you, and why? Share in the comments.
If you’d like to receive our monthly One Word emails and ideas for 2026, join here.
I used to love Blow-Pops, especially the watermelon and green apple ones.
Here’s to another month of growth, guided by One Word.
I loved Blow Pops back in the day, too. It’s been a minute since I’ve had one though. I’m on the lookout now though! 🙂
It’s always good to gather together each month, Lisa.
I agree! I love seeing what everyone else is gleaning from their words. It helps keep me on track too.
You are so totally innovative, Lisa! Love this. Pls. never shift away from being beautiful, creative, encouraging YOU!
Love you.
xo
Lynni
Aw, you are so sweet to me, Lynn! My life has been so enriched by having you as my friend. ❤️
A great big ditto! I’ll never shift from my adoration and love for you, dear friend.
xo
L
As I approach my 60th birthday next sSunday, Lord willin,g Lisa. The past month has forced me to truly trust the Lord for healing. It has been a painful but productive time of growth and healing. Thank you, sister for continuing to lead and encourage us through each year as we embrace our “words.”
Happy Birthday to you!
Hope you have a fabulous 60th birthday, Horace, and are celebrated well, friend!!!
Happy birthday, Horace!
I’m fond of saying that when you hit such milestones, what I call Big O birthdays, it is your prerogative to celebrate for a full year! I’m so sorry you have had health challenges. I have had one, too, and I know it’s not for the faint of heart! Praying for your healing.
Blessings,
Lynn
This is a great summer activity. I’ll add my summer sensory challenge post soon. I took July off from writing (except for the above post.. I didn’t want to miss the link up). LOL.
Hope you enjoyed your July writing break but glad you didn’t miss the linkup, Paula! 🙂 I always love visiting your posts and seeing how you are savoring life.
Okay, I’m back with my summer sensory challenge post.
I love this challenge Lisa!
Instantly I could answer each one, which is unusual as I’m a reflective gal.
Sanctuary tastes like a large mug of my favourite tea, Earl Grey.
Sanctuary feels like the fresh salty breeze off the ocean upon my face & yet a cozy warmth at the same time.
Sanctuary sounds like the gentle lapping of the waves upon the shore.
To answer your question, I think all three work equally together for me with Sanctuary, for they explain what it means for me so well.
Blessings, Jennifer
I love your answers, Jennifer. Your choices are so fitting for Sanctuary. I can see why you picked each one! Thanks for sharing them here.
I love the imagination in this post Lisa. It’s this kind of innovation that will carry us through the year with vigor as we write and think about and learn from our words.
It’s always fun to find new ways to interact with our words. And to read how others are doing it too. I’ve enjoyed your Present posts so much this year.
Sharing the idea of experiencing life as a participant, for my Random post at SSPS #422. I think it is something we all need a reminder to get back to. Thanks for sharing with us at SSPS, have a great week ahead.
“experiencing life as a participant” – yes to this! You’d think it would come naturally to us, and while it often does, sometimes we get too bogged down with planning and managing life that we don’t actually enjoy participating in the experiencing of it. Thanks for this, Melynda.