Thanksgiving: A Time to Remember, Reflect, and Renew
Every November, homes across the United States fill with the familiar aromas of turkey, pumpkin pie, and holiday spices. Families gather around crowded tables, friends reconnect, and time seems to slow down—if only for a moment. But Thanksgiving is more than just a meal; it is a powerful reminder to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the blessings in our lives.
A Brief History of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving traces back to 1621 when the Pilgrims, settlers from England, held a three-day feast with the Wampanoag people to celebrate their successful harvest. After enduring a harsh winter, illness, and loss of life, this gathering was a moment of unity, survival, and appreciation.
Years later, in 1863, during the midst of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving to encourage Americans to reflect on gratitude and unity, even during great division and suffering. Since then, the fourth Thursday of November has been recognized as a day dedicated to thankfulness and reflection.
While the holiday has evolved over time—and its history is layered and complex—its original spirit remains: gratitude, humility, and togetherness.
Meaningful Ways to Celebrate
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be perfect, lavish, or Instagram-worthy to be meaningful. True celebration comes from connection and presence. Here are a few heartfelt ways to mark the day:
1. Gather with intention
Whether it’s with family, friends, neighbors, or chosen family, make the day about who is present—not what is on the table. Even a simple meal shared with love is a beautiful celebration.
2. Create a Gratitude Moment
Before the meal, invite each person to share one thing they are thankful for. You’ll be amazed by the honesty, emotion, and connection that flows when gratitude is spoken out loud.
3. Honor your traditions—or start new ones
From watching the Macy’s parade to going on a morning walk or doing a gratitude jar, traditions keep us grounded. And if old traditions feel heavy or painful, create new ones that reflect who you are becoming.
4. Give back
Volunteer at a food bank, donate to a local shelter, check in on a neighbor, or support a single parent who may be struggling. Gratitude becomes more powerful when it is shared through action.
Counting Our Blessings: Even When Life Is Hard
For many, Thanksgiving can be a painful or lonely time, especially for those going through divorce, grief, illness, or major life transitions. And yet—this is often when gratitude matters the most.
Gratitude does not mean pretending everything is perfect. It means choosing to notice the small, sacred moments:
A warm cup of coffee
A text from a friend
A safe place to sleep
The courage to keep going
A new beginning
Keeping a gratitude journal is a simple but transformational practice. Each day, write down three things you are thankful for. Over time, this rewires your focus from what is missing to what is still beautiful.
You can also try:
Writing a letter to your past self, thanking them for surviving
Listing lessons you learned this year
Setting an intention for the next chapter of your life
Thanksgiving Is a State of Heart
At its core, Thanksgiving is not bound to a calendar date. It is a mindset. It’s the quiet recognition that even after heartbreak, challenges, or change—there is still goodness to honor.
This Thanksgiving, give yourself permission to slow down. Reflect on how far you’ve come. Celebrate your resilience. And remember: the greatest blessing you have is the gift of one more day, one more breath, and one more chance to rewrite your story.
And for that… we give thanks. Happy Thanksgiving!
Until next time,
Coach Deborah Griffiths
Website: www.brokentoboldness.com
Email: deborah@brokentoboldness.com