As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to pause, look back on what you’ve overcome, and look ahead to what’s to come.  Between juggling family commitments, catching up with friends, and trying to carve out quiet spaces for yourself, your days may have felt full and fast. Amidst the busyness and the emotional ups and downs, it’s easy to overlook the small stitches that quietly hold your story together and carry you forward.  This festive season, let’s explore how cultivating gratitude can be a gentle gift to yourself.  Why Giving Space for Gratitude Matters For those navigating the rocky waves of the breast cancer journey, feeling thankful can sometimes feel out of reach. Whether you’re managing lingering treatment side effects or adjusting to your new normal beyond cancer, you’re coping with challenges that extend beyond everyday stressors.  In moments when uncertainty looms, carving out space for self-reflection can feel especially difficult. Yet research shows that practising gratitude can support emotional well-being and quality of life—improving mood and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety [1] [2] [3]. Gratitude doesn’t erase hardship, but it can become a quiet strength woven through your healing process.  Finding Light in Small Moments Gratitude isn’t about pretending things are easy or forcing positivity. Instead it’s a grounding tool–a meaningful companion you can lean on during overwhelming days. It’s the gentle act of refocusing your perspective and noticing the small things that made the year feel a little softer: warm conversations, friendships that held you up, milestones like completing a follow-up appointment, or even the comfort of a favourite meal [4].  Gratitude doesn’t need to be saved for special occasions or big breakthroughs [4].  You can weave it into daily life, little by little, reminding yourself that even in difficult seasons, life still holds pockets of goodness. Simple Ways to Practise Gratitude Expressing and internalising gratitude may feel unfamiliar at first. But like any habit, it gets easier with gentle repetition.  Setting aside even a minute or two each day can help you build the practice slowly–like knitting a sweater, one careful stitch at a time. Here are four ways to invite gratitude into your everyday moments:  Start a Gratitude Journal Write down a few things you’re thankful for, no matter how small. Some days, even the simple act of waking up and getting dressed for the day is worth acknowledging. Whether on paper or digitally, this practice encourages mindful reflection and can help lower stress and depressive symptoms over time [3]. What you write becomes a comforting reference–something you can return to on tougher days when you need a reminder of how far you’ve come [4]. Express Thanks Out Loud Taking a moment to thank someone–your care team, a family member, a friend, or even the friendly hawker stall aunty–can brighten your day and theirs. Intentionally showing appreciation helps strengthen meaningful connections and fosters a sense of emotional support [4] [5]. Write a Letter or Thank-You Note If expressing gratitude verbally seems daunting, writing it down can be a gentle alternative [1]. Think of someone who has supported you in your journey, and write why you’re grateful for them. This can be a message to someone dear–or even a letter to yourself, reflecting on your own strength, resilience, and growth. Take a Gratitude Walk Step outside and notice simple joys: the warmth of sunshine, flowers in bloom, or children laughing in the playground. Changing your surroundings can offer a calming pause and help you engage in grateful contemplation, making room for fresh perspectives when cancer feels ever-present and everyday stressors feel heavy [5] [6]. These gentle practices aren’t about doing more–they’re about noticing more and appreciating the things that often go unseen. Everyone’s relationship with gratitude is deeply personal. For some it can be a helpful tool; for others, it may feel difficult or uneven at times. There’s no “right” way to be grateful. What matters most is finding what supports you on your unique path. A Closing Note At Solis and Luma, we believe survivorship isn’t a destination but a journey woven from many moments. Some are bright, some are challenging–but each one is a part of your story. It’s in these moments, stitched together by courage, hope and gratitude, that healing takes shape.  As we turn the page to a new year, may you find comfort in the small things that carried you through 2025, and strength in the ones still to come.  In your patchwork tapestry of healing, it’s these gentle threads of gratitude that strengthen every stitch, every patch, every seam.  References [1] International Journal of Women's Health, A Grateful Disposition Promotes the Well-Being of Women with Breast Cancer Through Adaptive Coping [2]  Frontiers in Psychology, Using a Gratitude Intervention to Improve the Lives of Women With Breast Cancer: A Daily Diary Study [3]  Current Oncology, Effects of Gratitude Journaling on Patients with Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial  [4] Cleveland Clinic, 7 Ways To Boost Your Health by Practicing Gratitude [5] Journal of Happiness Studies, The Role of Gratitude in Breast Cancer: Its Relationships with Post-traumatic Growth, Psychological Well-Being and Distress  [6] International journal of environmental research and public health, Wondering Awe Is the Mediator of the Link Between Experience of Nature and Psychological Wellbeing—Relevance for Public Health