It’s a new year, which means fresh calendars, big intentions… and the same old thoughts trying to sneak in like they pay rent.

We’ve all heard the expression, “A penny for your thoughts.” Lately, I’ve been thinking about how often my thoughts are actually worth about… well… a penny. Maybe less with inflation.

I’ve caught myself assuming things with very little evidence. I’ll take one tiny detail, build a full storyline around it, cast everyone in their roles, and take myself straight down an unnecessary rabbit hole. By the time I reach the bottom, I’m stressed, annoyed, or worried—over something that may not even be real. Impressive imagination. Questionable use of mental energy.

When I recently heard someone say, “A penny for your thoughts,” it stopped me in my tracks. What if some of our thoughts really are low-value? What if they don’t deserve the time, attention, or emotional reaction we give them?

We also hear all the time that our thoughts create our reality. If that’s true—and I think it is—then it might be worth upgrading the quality of what’s going on in our heads. No more clearance-bin thinking.

What if, this year, we caught ourselves mid-spiral and asked, “Is this thought actually valuable?” What if we stopped accepting assumptions, worst-case scenarios, and made-up stories as truth? What if we decided that our time, peace, and energy are worth more than penny-level thinking?

I’m not suggesting we never have irrational thoughts. We’re human. They’ll show up. But maybe we don’t have to entertain them, believe them, or let them drive the bus.

This year, I’m aiming for thoughts that are worth at least a few dollars. Preferably ones that are supportive, realistic, and a little more kind. Because if my thoughts are shaping my life, I want them to be high-value, not loose change.

Here’s to raising the value of our thinking—one thought at a time.

XX,

MG