A New Year's reset: Fresh perspectives for 2026

A new year can be a complicated thing. Over the years, I’ve learned that we each land here differently.

Some of us come at the first of January clear-eyed and peppy—fresh planner in hand, ready to optimize and ideate. We have goals to commit to paper and thoughts to share with the world.

Some of us would like to hide from those people. We’re still recovering from the holiday season. Our thoughts haven’t been gathered. We’d prefer to slip quietly into the year, undetected, waiting to raise our hand until we’re good and ready. Others of us are simply treading water, asking for grace to make it through one day at a time.

Honestly, I’ve been all those people.

I do love a brand-new notebook and a goal-setting session, but some winters have hit hard, and I’ve felt lingering guilt about my lack of go-getter-ness.

Recently, I’ve subscribed to the idea that all of January can be an opportunity to reflect on the past year and think about the new one. It works for me! More time, less pressure.

With that in mind, I’m easing into 2026, soaking up wisdom from my colleagues while I wrap my mind around the year ahead.

New year reflections from World Vision Canada staff

My World Vision coworkers are a thoughtful, passionate and motivated bunch, so I asked them to share what’s energizing and grounding them in 2026. Here’s what they said.

Renewing my commitment to helping children

Elizebeth Jacob, Supporter Marketing Coordinator

One of the most life-changing moments for me in 2025 was meeting my sponsored child, Mevisi, in Malawi. That visit inspired me to sponsor her sibling, Happy, and it completely changed the way I think, spend and advocate for children’s rights here in Canada.

In 2026, I want to deepen my connection with my other sponsored child, Jheferson in Bolivia, through regular updates and messages on MyWorldVision. I’m also planning to return to Malawi in April to serve hundreds of children and their families. I feel so grateful for these opportunities that fill me with hope, purpose and energy for the year ahead.

Speaking up about humanitarian causes in my professional networks

Armando Rocha, Product Owner

One of my goals for 2026 is to continue sharing weekly reflections on the nonprofit and humanitarian world, which is a practice I began last year. After two years in this sector, I’ve learned that most people genuinely want to help, they just don’t always know where to start or which organizations are truly making an impact.

By writing consistently, I hope to spark conversations, clear up misconceptions and highlight the incredible work happening around the world. This is part of my personal commitment to help create a better, more compassionate world for those who need it most.

Dropping everything to step out in faith

Wellah Dimanarig, Marketing Specialist

This year, instead of a one-time resolution I’m choosing a daily rhythm: to keep saying “yes” to Jesus and to the new beginnings his grace makes possible. The story of Peter from the Bible has been challenging me to let go of comfort and control, and to take the next faithful step even when it feels risky.

When I fall short, I’m learning that God doesn’t write us off; he restores us and calls us to keep showing up for others. That’s the hope I want to bring into 2026 at World Vision Canada: practical, steady love that helps children and families experience real change.

“As soon as they landed, they left everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:11

Teaching our kids to use money for good

Monique Strassburger, Director, Impact Product

A few years ago, my husband and I started teaching our kids to sort their small allowances into three buckets: savings money, fun money, and donation money. Now that they’re older, we’re ready to take it deeper.

This year, we want to move beyond conversations about sorting and start talking about their choices. How decisions affect themselves (should I buy the chocolate or the toy?), those around them (do you want to buy that for your friend or your sister?), and even people they’ve never met (how can your generosity create change in someone else’s life?).

My hope is that these rhythms don’t just grow their financial literacy, but shape compassionate hearts that see money as a tool to love others well. How ultimately, wise saving and joyful spending make room for courageous giving.

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Investing in relationships and community

Michelle Cole-Henderson, Marketing Strategist

Though easier said than done, investing in relationships is rooted in God and is an intentional investment we must make to reflect God’s love to each other and the world. It’s an intimate, small step to deepen trust with friends and family. When we show up consistently and are visibly vulnerable, we build a sense of “we” versus “me.”

I’m journeying to make emotional safety and belonging focal for 2026. It's a life application that’s guaranteed to deepen spiritual health and growth. Jesus modeled it first, through his love for me and his commandment to love one another. So, I’m starting with a simple small meal or a hello!

"So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

Jumping into Lake Ontario!

Marthé Lotz, Product Owner

Every year I have only one New Year's resolution, and that is to take part in the Courage Polar Bear Dip. Every January 1st, we jump into the icy cold waters of Lake Ontario to raise money for World Vision water projects. My reasons are very straightforward:

• I can commit to at least one challenging (for most people!) resolution with a high level of certainty to achieve it.
• I can use the opportunity to tell people that I work for World Vision and share the impact it has on people’s lives. Sometimes people even donate.
• I know I am fortunate to have working taps at home so my family can have hot and cold water for drinking and washing.
• While doing the dip, I am always thankful for a fully functional body—the cold water wakes up every inch of it!

Drawing courage from the communities we serve

Maya Thomas, Regional Program Manager

In 2017, I visited Achham, Nepal, on a program monitoring visit. I have been thinking about that trip lately—how seeing women and girls walking miles up harsh terrain to gather firewood has stayed with me. On their backs they balanced heavy baskets, supported by their heads. I tried to carry one of the baskets myself. Even empty, the weight was staggering. It pressed into my head, neck and shoulders. I remember feeling the enormity of their daily burden—not just the physical, but the unseen weight of their limited choices and deferred dreams.

Over the years at World Vision, moments like these have deepened my understanding of true resilience and reaffirmed why our mission and purpose matter. They fuel my commitment to work for a future where no child’s potential is constrained by circumstance, where dignity is restored and opportunity flows freely to all.

Choosing to pay attention

Some years we land in the new year full of resolve. Other times, we don’t. And that’s okay.

Life is teaching me that fresh starts don’t always feel fresh. They’re rarely dramatic or perfectly timed. But they do ask us to pay attention.

Often, it’s the small shifts—of perspective, or habit—that carry the most weight over time.

Whether you’re easing into January or sprinting toward your resolutions, we hope these reflections have offered insight, encouragement, or simply a moment of rest as you move into the year ahead.