When life feels overwhelming, gratitude can seem like a luxury. But in truth, it’s a necessity. Whether we’re facing personal challenges or professional obstacles, gratitude has a way of clearing the fog, calming our emotions, and showing us what really matters. It’s not about pretending things are fine when they’re not—it’s about finding the good even in the midst of hardship.

This principle applies to design and development as well. A buggy release or a last-minute client change can send us into a spiral, but gratitude helps us reframe those frustrations as opportunities to grow and learn. It gives us the patience to collaborate effectively and the optimism to keep building, even when the path isn’t smooth.

Joy, a character from Inside Out and Inside Out 2, perfectly represents the power of gratitude and its role in finding balance. In Inside Out 2, Riley faces new struggles as she navigates anxiety, which causes her to lose her way and feel disconnected. Amid this, Joy’s influence becomes even more vital—helping Riley reconnect with her center and rediscover the beauty and meaning in her life. Joy reminds us that while emotions are complex and anxiety or sadness have their place, gratitude is the light that keeps us grounded. Without it, emotions can overwhelm us, leaving the world feeling heavier and darker.

In our work, gratitude is like Joy—it centers us. It reminds us why we create and who we’re creating for. It helps us approach our projects with curiosity and purpose rather than frustration and burnout. And most importantly, it helps us stay connected to the bigger picture, even when we’re deep in the trenches.

So this week, take a moment to pause and reflect. Whether it’s the chance to work on something you love, a supportive teammate, or even just the satisfaction of solving a small problem, there’s always something to be grateful for. Gratitude won’t solve every problem, but it will help you see the next step—and sometimes, that’s all we need.