Each year at Spoonie Threads, we choose a word to help guide how we show up—for our community, for each other, and for the work we do. It’s not about trends or buzzwords. It’s about intention. About naming something that feels true, especially in a world that can feel unpredictable, overwhelming, or simply exhausting.
For 2026, our Word of the Year is ANCHOR.
This year’s word was selected by our COO, J. Spencer, and it resonated immediately across our team. “Anchor” feels steady without being rigid. Grounded, but not limiting. And for a community that lives with chronic illness, disability, and ever-changing needs, that balance matters deeply.
As Spencer shared:
“Our word for 2026 is ‘anchor’—a reminder to stay grounded while embracing flexibility. Anchoring means rooting myself in my core values and well-being, creating a steady foundation for intentional living. But anchoring doesn’t mean being stuck; it’s about choosing where to root myself, knowing I can always lift anchor and move when needed. When life feels chaotic, I’ll pause and ask: Where is my anchor? What values keep me steady? For me, ‘anchor’ is about blending stability with adaptability—grounding deeply while remaining free to navigate life’s changing tides.”
That idea—stability without stagnation—is something many in our community understand on a lived, daily level.
For people managing chronic illness or disability, life often requires constant adjustment. Symptoms change. Energy fluctuates. Care routines evolve. Plans shift. In that reality, anchoring isn’t about rigid routines or forcing consistency where it doesn’t fit. It’s about identifying what helps you feel steady enough to keep going.
Sometimes, an anchor is a value: dignity, self-trust, rest, or autonomy.
Sometimes, it’s a support system: caregivers, community, or a brand that listens.
Sometimes, it’s something tangible—like clothing that makes daily care easier instead of harder.
At Spoonie Threads, we think a lot about what it means to be an anchor in practical ways. We design adaptive clothing that supports daily routines without demanding extra energy. Pieces that help people feel more secure, more comfortable, and more themselves—especially on days when everything else feels uncertain.
But anchoring doesn’t mean staying the same.
Just as Spencer described, anchors can be lifted. Needs change. Bodies change. Seasons change. And part of honoring the chronic illness and disability community is acknowledging that flexibility is not failure—it’s survival, wisdom, and care.
This year, ANCHOR reminds us to:
-
Stay rooted in listening to our community
-
Design with intention, not assumptions
-
Honor rest as much as productivity
-
Create products that support independence and interdependence
-
Hold steady to our values while continuing to grow and adapt
It’s also a reminder for individuals reading this: you get to choose your anchor. And it can change. What grounds you today might not be what grounds you next month—or next year—and that’s okay.
As we move into 2026, we hope this word offers a moment of pause. A chance to ask:
-
What helps me feel steady right now?
-
What supports do I need more of?
-
Where can I root myself—and where might I need permission to move?
For us, ANCHOR is not about holding tight at all costs. It’s about finding steadiness that supports movement, not fear. Grounding that makes room for care. And values that keep us connected—to ourselves and to each other—no matter how the tides shift.
We’re grateful to share this word with you, and we look forward to carrying it with us throughout the year ahead.
