We asked members of our Youth Advisory Board—teen campers from around the country who have experienced grief firsthand—to reflect on their hearts this year, rather than resolutions. More specifically, we asked each one to share “one wish for their grieving heart in 2026,” along with a photo that felt meaningful to them. Below are their contributions, and you’ll find more entries from our YAB throughout January on our social media (@griefsucksdotcom on IG).
Riya, age 15:
My wish for my heart in 2026 is to feel a little lighter while still honoring the love I have for my dad. I lost him to cancer when I was two, so grief has always existed quietly in my life, even before I had words for it. This year, I’m wishing for more gentleness with myself, permission to rest, to laugh without guilt, and to accept that missing someone can exist alongside joy. I want my heart to understand that healing doesn’t mean forgetting, but learning how to grow around the loss and carry it with more ease. Mostly, I wish for peace, the kind that allows me to move forward while still holding onto love.
Teelin, age 17:
My wish is to approach new experiences with an open mind. I’ve learned that when I do this, it makes life a lot more interesting and meaningful. When I stop preemptively making judgments and assumptions about things before I do them, I give myself more space to grow and learn. Keeping an open mind also helps me understand people better, because I am willing to actually listen to their ideas and opinions even if I don’t agree with them, rather than shutting them out. Even when something might feel uncomfortable and unfamiliar, I have to remind myself that I might discover something valuable from it. By choosing to stay curious instead of being closed off, I feel more and more fulfilled as the days go on.
Sarafina, age 17:
One wish for my heart this year is peace and liveliness. This is my junior year of high school, and I’ve felt especially overwhelmed by responsibilities. Usually, I manage okay, but this year was harder because my week of grief camp (Experience Camps in California) was cut short due to nearby fires. That week is normally a reset for me, a time to process grief and prepare for the school year. Without it, I’ve felt extra sensitive emotionally and flooded by deadlines, to the point where I’ve had to cancel plans and step back from things I love. In 2026, I wish for more balance, more time to do what brings me joy, and more space to be with the people who matter most to me.
Amber, age 17:
My wish is to feel less stressed and to keep noticing the signs that remind me of my dad. When I feel overwhelmed, those signs bring me comfort, and ladybugs have become especially meaningful to me. Whenever I see one, it feels like a quiet reminder that my dad is still near, watching over me. It makes my heart feel calmer and less alone. This year, I want to trust those moments more instead of brushing them off. I hope to let those signs bring me peace, grounding, and reassurance, especially during times when stress feels heavy and everything else feels like too much.
Jonah, age 15:
My wish for 2026 is to enjoy the little things more. It’s easy for me to get caught up in big worries about life and forget what’s actually good and present right now. I think my mom would want that for me. I don’t think she’d want me to spend my life sulking or feeling weighed down all the time. She’d want me to enjoy what I have and the people I’m with. I chose this picture because it’s me and my friends, and it reminds me that life still has a lot to offer. I want to keep making space for moments like these and letting myself enjoy them fully.
Nunu, age 15:
The wish I have for my heart in 2026 is to keep a clear mindset and prioritize the better things in life. I’ve realized that carrying the burden of the past won’t help me grow into who I want to be. This year, I want to focus on my future and the goals I’ve set for myself. I’ve learned that I can control my emotions more than I used to, and that’s helped not only me, but the people who love and support me. I want to enjoy life fully, stay focused, and move forward without regret. My wish is to grow, heal, and become a better version of myself.
There’s no single way to move into a new year while grieving. These wishes remind us that healing isn’t about leaving grief behind, but learning how to carry it with more care, honesty, and self-trust. We’re grateful to each teen who shared their heart with us. If you are grieving as well this year, we hope you’ll take a moment to create a gentle wish for your own heart.
