This year I decided to begin something intentional and deeply personal: a year of thank you and gratitude. I committed to writing thank you notes three times a week to people who have inspired me, mentored me, walked alongside me, or quietly shaped my life in meaningful ways. Some are longtime mentors, some are colleagues and friends, and others are people who may not realize how much their influence mattered. What they all share is this – they helped me become who I am today and who I am becoming in the future.

To stay grounded and purposeful, I keep a simple spreadsheet of names. It’s not about efficiency or checking boxes; it’s about mindfulness. The list helps me make sure I’m reaching out broadly and thoughtfully, honoring relationships across different seasons of my life. It also serves as a visual reminder of just how much people have poured into my life over the years – far more than I might notice if I didn’t slow down to reflect.

Writing these notes has already become more than an act of courtesy and a practice in paying attention. As I sit down to write, I have to pause and ask myself: What did this person truly give me? How did they shape my thinking, my confidence, or my sense of purpose? In answering those questions, I’m learning that gratitude isn’t passive – it’s active, reflective, and generous.

This year of gratitude is about making sure people know they matter and that their impact is seen. But it’s also about my own growth. By naming what I’ve received, I’m learning more about giving, humility, and connection. Gratitude, I’m discovering, isn’t just something you feel – it’s something you practice. And the more I practice it, the more clearly I understand how rich life can be when it is rooted in appreciation.

As this year unfolds, I hope these notes serve as small but sincere reminders of how deeply these people matter to me – and to one another. My wish is that each message carries warmth, affirmation, and a genuine sense of being seen. In choosing gratitude, I’m learning that giving thanks doesn’t diminish what we hold – it multiplies it. And in that spirit, I step forward with an open heart, grateful not only for the people who have shaped my life, but for the opportunity to say thank you while there is still time.

I often find myself reflecting on the blessings in my life—my children, grandchildren, family, friends, and even the many acquaintances whose paths have crossed mine through the years. Each relationship has added something meaningful to my journey. There have also been difficult seasons, times that tested my strength and understanding, yet the lessons I’ve learned from those moments have been profound and lasting – and have built resilience in my thoughts and decisions. I have learned to ask, “What can I learn from this?”

Among the blessings I hold especially close is the opportunity to write and publish children’s books with one of my six grown children. Sharing creativity across generations has been a gift in itself, one that blends family, imagination, and purpose. It reminds me that even as life moves forward, there are beautiful ways for our stories, values, and love to continue unfolding together.

I wondered what would happen when I started putting gratitude into the world. This is my Thank You and Gratitude Year, and I want family and friends to know that you’re a big part of why I’m grateful.  I have a feeling that this “year” will turn into a lifetime of gratitude. Please consider this a written hug to thank you.

Family Ink: The Mother and Son Storytelling Team