I saw a sticker at my favorite book store the other day that said, “hope is a discipline.” I immediately bought it and put it on the back of my laptop so I can look at it everyday and remind myself that things will get better. In the past year it feels like the state of not only our nation, but our world, is getting worse and worse everyday. It is a struggle to not be pessimistic when I am constantly seeing headlines about civilians in Gaza starving, ICE detaining a five year old, women losing their rights, and federal agents killing American citizens. I’m sure that many people will agree that right now hope feels unattainable. It takes effort to remain hopeful. Everyday it is an effort to find the good and remember that this will pass. Although I have many thoughts about everything that has happened this last month, I don’t want to put out another piece of negative media. We are surrounded by so much gloom and I don’t see any benefit in adding to it. I’ve compiled a list of five positive things that have happened in 2026.
1. 19 states raised their minimum wage
On Jan. 1, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington all raised their state’s minimum wage. 13 out of the 19 states listed raised their minimum wage to at least $15. Alaska, Florida, and Oregon are also scheduled to raise their minimum wage this year.
2. The ten darkest weeks of the year are over
Nov.16 to Jan.22 were the darkest weeks of the year. This makes me happy because it means that warm weather is on the way. Especially with the extremely cold temperatures recently, I am more than ready for spring and summer. Although things may be difficult then too, it’s easier to manage when I can drive with the windows down, play pickle ball with my friends in the evening, and go for early morning walks with my dog.
3. Mattel releases its first autistic Barbie doll
Mattel worked with the Autistic Self Advocacy Network for 18 months to create an autistic Barbie. The doll has sensory-friendly clothing, noise canceling headphones, a fidget spinner, and communication tablet. Mattel has made an effort to promote inclusion and has already released dolls with wheelchairs, hearing aids, vitiligo, and down syndrome.
4. The Ottawa Senators are selling “Heated Rivalry" jerseys and proceeds are going to a local LGBTQ+ hockey league
The Ottawa Senators have been selling jerseys with the names Rosanov and Hollander on their official team store since the middle of January. The proceeds are going to a local queer hockey team called Ottawa Pride Hockey that was founded in 2020. Even though the jerseys are $325, they have already sold out twice.
5. The High Seas Treaty is officially in effect
On Jan.17 the High Seas Treaty was established. This treaty has been in the works for 20 years, and was created to protect marine life in international waters that cover almost half of the earth. The treaty addresses pollution, climate change, and overexploitation. It’s a landmark international agreement that will significantly help with ocean conservation efforts.
Hope is fickle. There are some days where I just feel like it will be this awful forever. My mom has told me countless times that I am too young to be so cynical, but it’s hard when I’ve been surrounded by such chaos my entire life. However, I am working everyday to find hope in little ways. Every time I read another devastating article I remind myself that this will pass. I have hope for a better world and I’ll keep working to maintain that hope.
