Christmas is over, the New Year is suddenly here. Weeks ago, urges to declare the many ways I intend to improve myself started tugging at my brain. Writing some resolutions sounded like a good idea, until I started thinking about it.

This end of the year ritual can sometimes feel like an obligation and other times feel like an opportunity. This year, for my husband Chad and I, it’s not an easy task.

The last year has been a difficult one, slogging forward under the weight of unemployment and a relentless, fatiguing, job search for both of us.

When the future is so uncertain, how do you sit down to map out your short and long term dreams?

So rather than only focusing on what needs improving, I thought it would be encouraging to also write out a list of New Year’s Gratitude, things to be grateful for at this start of a new year.

Everybody goes through those periods when things aren’t quite right, whether it’s unemployment, failing relationships, lack of motivation, or what have you.

I’ve been there before, and, thankfully, I know that – as George Harrison sang so beautifully – all things must pass, both the good times and the bad.

Even during the good times, consumer culture encourages us to focus our attention on the things that dissatisfy us so that we might seek a remedy – something to buy that will (we are led to think) quell that dissatisfaction.

Focusing on those things that already satisfy us about our lives, on the other hand, can spark a beneficial cycle of positivity. Focusing on the good stuff can help cushion our harder times.

My shortlist of things I’m grateful for at this turn to a new year is pretty simple. And I thought I’d share it with you here:

Best wishes for a happy, healthy New Year!

Kristina