Looking Ahead: 2026 and the Power of Gratitude
Looking Ahead: 2026 and the Power of Gratitude
I’m in my feels this morning, reflecting on 2025 and wow, what a doozy it has been. Hardship showed up in ways I never imagined, but through it all, I’ve learned more about myself and my resilience. And for that, I am thankful.
A few years ago, I started choosing a theme word for each year. It seemed like a small thing at first, but honestly, it changed my life. That one word becomes my compass when life feels overwhelming.
For 2026, my word is gratitude.
Gratitude wasn’t something I grew up practicing. It’s something I’ve had to learn, and keep learning, as I’ve gotten older. The more I practice it, the more I realize how much I have to be thankful for. Sometimes, I don’t have the words, but I always have the feelings. Still, I know it’s important for those words to find their way out of my mouth. That’s my goal; speaking gratitude, not just feeling it.
Gratitude in Loss
This year brought loss that shook me to my core. Saying goodbye to Mabel was one of the hardest things I’ve ever faced. She wasn’t just a dog; she was family, a partner in ministry, and a source of comfort for so many. Her absence left a hole that words can’t fill. And yet, even in that grief, gratitude found its way in. I’m thankful for every moment we shared, every life she touched, and the legacy she leaves behind. Loss taught me that gratitude doesn’t erase pain, but it gives it meaning. It reminds me that love was real and that’s something worth holding onto.
Gratitude in New Beginnings
But 2025 wasn’t only about endings; it was also about beginnings. Moses joined our pack, bringing his own unique personality and joy into our lives. Bruce continued to amaze me with his versatility and heart. And Kingdom Comfort Dogs grew from a dream into a movement, creating spaces of healing and connection for people who need it most, starting with me. These new chapters remind me that life is a mix of sorrow and joy, endings and beginning; and gratitude helps me embrace it all.
Faith and Hope
I always hesitate to include faith-based messages within my comfort dog posts, but it’s such a part of who I am. My faith created hope where there was none. Rest assured, no one from Kingdom Comfort Dogs will ever push Christian beliefs on you. We are simply thankful that you allow us to be part of your journey. If you want to talk about God, we will listen. If you don’t, we listen just the same.
One verse that has carried me through this season is:
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
As we step into 2026, I’m holding tight to gratitude—not just as a word, but as a way of living. Here’s to finding the words, sharing them freely, and letting gratitude shape the year ahead. Oh, and to the fullness of finding purpose. You DO have a purpose and so do I. Let’s find it in 2026.
Sandy
