A fascinating facet of the English language is that one little word can have multiple meanings. Take the word STRENGTH, for example. 

Merriam-Webster defines strength in multiple ways. If the image of bulging biceps comes to mind, you’re not far off. The first definition listed is “the quality or state of being strong.” But the list goes on to include the following:

• the ability to resist being moved or broken by a force

• the quality that allows someone to deal with problems in a determined and effective way

• degree of importance or credibility

• the power or influence of a group, organization, etc.

• one regarded as embodying or affording support

We live in the age of information and connection. There are so many ideas to process, so many people to communicate with, so many stories to keep up with, and so many opportunities to consider. It's exhausting that in a 15-minute span of media consumption, we can flare with hope, giggle with humor, and then seethe when presented with “rage bait” – a phenomenon so prevalent it was selected as “Word of the Year” by Oxford University Press. 

We try to discern which rabbit holes might be of value, which paths might unlock our dreams, which issues deserve our attention when there are far too many issues to choose from. Each day can easily become a series of distractions, and our tendency is to bounce around on the surface like drops of water on a hot griddle.

It's difficult to discern what's really of value, and it's hard to stay the course. And yet, to be effective, we need to find the strength to resist what might move us, break us, or cause us to give up. So, this year, I have chosen STRENGTH as my One Little Word for 2026.

Many heroes throughout history have demonstrated a well-rounded example of strength in its many forms, but to find my archetype of strength, I turn to literature. And the fictional character I find to be a paragon of strength is Atticus Finch.

In Harper Lee’s American classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch demonstrates unwavering moral courage. He is a wise and principled lawyer in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, and father to the book’s protagonist, Scout, through whose eyes the story is told.

When his community, fueled by racism, is ready to forego due process and lynch Tom Robinson, a Black man accused of assault in a story that does not ring true, Atticus is determined to stop them. He sits outside Tom’s cell, armed not with a gun, but with a book.

When the mob shows up, tension is high. Atticus is only one man (with a couple of kids tagging along in the shadows, and okay, a friend with a gun at the ready). But this one man, Atticus Finch, is known by the others. He has a track record of credibility and influence, so his presence initially halts them. 

However, the tension is not fully defused until Scout, Atticus’s daughter, begins a simple conversation with one member of the mob. Suddenly, the faceless gathering of force is seen as an assembly of individuals, and the tension is broken when the humanity of each individual is recognized.

Atticus goes on to defend Tom in court, firmly believing that the charges against him are untrue. It’s an unpopular move in his immediate surroundings. However, Atticus shows the strength of character to do what is right rather than what is popular. His show of strength is not one of high emotion or brute force. His strength lies in his commitment to what is right and just and true.

Ultimately, Atticus and his family face threats and backlash, but Atticus demonstrates the ability to resist being moved or broken. Even in the face of defeat, he embodies support for Tom and for the truth. And by his example of strength, he teaches the next generation within his fictional community, as well as many successive generations of real-life readers.

In our world of distraction, it's so easy to lay aside our convictions, to jump from one worthy issue to another, to give up on the things that aren't resolved quickly. There is always another issue waiting, always another path to pursue, always another opportunity to explore, another cause crying out for attention.

This year, I want to channel the strength of Atticus Finch. I want to demonstrate courage of conviction, to stay the course on what matters most to me, to resist being moved or broken. I want to summon the determination to override my fatigue. I want to offer support where I am able to do so, and persevere in the pursuit of things that are right and just and true. I also want, like Scout, to see the humanity of individuals, even those with whom I disagree.

And one more thing...

Although bulging biceps may not be at the top of my list, I’m at the age of biennial bone scans and constant reminders to engage in weight-bearing exercise. I won’t get very far toward any of my loftier goals if my body isn’t able to keep up. So, I’ll work toward “the quality or state of being [sort of] strong.”

I’ll arm myself with books, and at some point this year, I’ll be sure to read To Kill a Mockingbird one more time. Then I’ll pop some popcorn and watch Gregory Peck bring Atticus Finch to life in black and white. 

…And somewhere in between, I’ll be sure to work on those biceps.