I was inspired by Wendy Green’s article, “A Word for My Year.” I’m guessing you were, too! After some reflection, I’ve chosen “gratitude” as my word for the year. It’s not quite a resolution, but it is very much my intention to practice gratitude every day in 2026.

I’m writing about this intention here in the newsletter—putting it out there publicly—because I know two things about myself:

1. I need encouragement, and
2. I don’t like to disappoint anyone, including myself.

With that in mind, I’d like to invite everyone who reads this article to encourage me, remind me, nudge me, and even gently nag me—asking what I’m grateful for whenever you see me. We all need reminders, especially when we’re developing new habits, and I promise to be full of gratitude for your help.

When people intentionally look for things to be grateful for, their perspective begins to shift. Their minds are primed to notice more that is good, fulfilling, wholesome, and positive. So often, we operate from a deficit model—focused on fixing what’s wrong rather than noticing what’s right. Research shows that when people change their perspective, they can change their outlook, and that shift can truly change life for the better.

In “An Attitude of Gratitude: What Science Says About Being Thankful,” Gisela Maria Valencia shares insights from two psychology experts at Florida International University, Philip Lazarus and Rachel Ritchie.
“Experiencing gratitude actually rewires the brain,” Ritchie explains. “It helps communication in neurological pathways. It’s been linked to improved sleep, relationship health, and mood regulation.” Studies also show that gratitude increases the production of serotonin and dopamine—neurochemicals that help regulate emotions and enhance overall wellbeing.

The practice of gratitude not only boosts these “feel-good” neurochemicals; it also decreases cortisol, commonly known as the stress hormone. According to Lazarus, past president of the National Association of School Psychologists, people with lower cortisol levels “have better cardiac functioning and are more resilient when facing emotional setbacks or negative experiences.”

Gratitude is also deeply connected to a sense of higher purpose, acts of kindness, and meaningful relationships. As Lazarus puts it: “Family. Friends. Faith. When things get tough, these are crucial lifelines… and they are very important in helping people see the good in their lives and overcome adversity.”

Anyone who knows me knows how much I value positive social connections and the practice of gratitude. As I’ve mentioned more than a few times at Walking to Wellness (okay—maybe often enough that it could be getting a little annoying!), both gratitude and positive social connections are true game changers when it comes to emotional wellbeing and physical health.

On January 7, when our Walking to Wellness community gathered on the first Wednesday of the new year, we began a new group gratitude practice. Each week, members are invited to write something they’re grateful for on a slip of paper and place it in our “Choose Happy” Box. They may include their name or submit it anonymously.

The idea is simple and powerful: we’re joining together in a gratitude practice that has been scientifically proven to improve physical health, enhance emotional wellbeing, and reduce stress—all before we walk, talk, and enjoy one another’s company. And that, my friends, is certainly something we can all be grateful for.