GRATITUDExMILLION

I started this Gratitude Movement because I truly believe that when we focus on all that we have—rather than what we lack—we live a happier life and become more willing to recognize and appreciate the efforts of others.

When I resigned from teaching last year, I knew in my heart that I had given everything I had to my students. I had tried my best to be a positive impact in their lives. But what I didn’t expect was the overwhelming outpouring of gratitude I received from my former students. Their words, their stories, their appreciation left me absolutely floored. It became clear to me that I had made a difference in the lives of so many, and I thought to myself: Why should it take a life-altering decision for that gratitude to be shared?

That question led me to create this movement—with the hope of sharing one million stories of gratitude and, in doing so, making the world a better place. That was my vision.

Recently, my beautiful dog Hennessy passed away, and my heart is broken. It happened so suddenly—he wasn’t sick. We started the day as we always did, with a beautiful morning walk, and the next day, he was gone. He was my best friend, my roommate, my travel buddy—my life revolved around him. It’s hard to be grateful when your house is empty, when there’s no one waiting for you at the door after a long day.

Hennessy came into my life six months after I lost my first dog. Though he never knew it, he healed me from that loss. Then, a few months later, the world went into lockdown. I don’t know how I would have survived the isolation without him by my side—once again, he saved me. And when the last four years of my teaching career became unbearable—filled with toxicity and harassment—Hennessy was my escape. No matter how hard the day was, I could always come home to him. And we would go for a walk. Every single day.

Hennessy had a purpose in this world—to heal me, to save me, to lift me up when the world was knocking me down. And he did all of that with unconditional love. He never asked for anything in return. All he needed was my time, my love—and I gave those to him freely, happily. We were together 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

Despite the pain I feel now, I am deeply grateful. Grateful that in the five short years we had together, I received 15 years’ worth of love. I’m grateful for every walk, every bark, every snore, every dream, every laugh, every car ride, every scratch on the floor—for every single moment.

It’s hard to say I’m grateful for the pain, but I know this pain is just a reminder of the love that filled my heart. I am grateful that Hennessy came into my life when I unknowingly needed him most. He showed me what unconditional love looks like—and that we are all deserving of it. If I can find gratitude in my darkest moment, then we all should make an effort to recognize it in the happy, joyful, peaceful moments.

Rest in peace, Hennessy. You were, and always will be, my saving grace.