I don’t typically make New Year’s resolutions, but I do appreciate the opportunity for reflection and a fresh start that a new year offers. As I think about 2026 and my hopes for the year ahead, one area I want to focus on is growing in gratitude.
By nature, I tend to be more pessimistic—my glass is almost always half empty. As much as I hate to admit it, negativity often wins in my mind. Unfortunately, this tendency is amplified by anxiety. A single negative thought can quickly spiral into the worst-case scenario, feeding my anxiety even more. It’s an exhausting cycle, and one I’m determined to change in 2026.
Over the years, I’ve learned to manage my anxiety in many ways—moving my body, staying hydrated, resting when needed, engaging in hobbies that provide mental breaks, practicing breathing exercises, and taking medication. However, one approach I haven’t tried, and one I suspect could be helpful, is focusing on gratitude. Research even suggests that gratitude can be a powerful tool for improving mental health.
This idea grew out of a real-life experience with my kids that prompted deeper self-reflection. As the holiday season approached, my kids naturally began asking for more, but I also noticed an increase in complaining and a lack of appreciation for everything they already have. One day, feeling especially frustrated, I may not have been so gentle in reminding them of the need to be more grateful. Then it hit me—if gratitude isn’t being modeled by me, how can I expect them to truly understand what it looks like?
As a result, we started a simple practice of sharing one thing we’re grateful for as we sit around the dinner table. In the weeks that followed, I noticed a difference. Our responses became more thoughtful and meaningful. While we’re still working to make this a consistent habit, the practice has personally helped me. It turned down the volume on my negative thoughts and encouraged me to be more intentional about noticing the good in my life. This doesn’t mean ignoring the bad, but rather embracing a “both-and” approach—acknowledging challenges while still holding space for gratitude.
As we move into this new year, I want to continue growing in gratitude with my family, but I also want to take it a step further for myself. I’m committing to spending a few minutes each day focusing on gratitude. Over a year ago, my sister gave me a guided journal that—if I’m being honest—has been sitting on my nightstand collecting dust. This year, I’m finally brushing it off and putting it to use.
If you’re like me, and negativity often feels like the default, I hope this is the year you intentionally take a step toward positivity and choose to grow in gratitude alongside me.
