Thanksgiving: A Gentle, Grounded Approach to a Complex Holiday

Thanksgiving often carries a certain expectation—gratitude, joy, connection, and a perfectly curated holiday moment. But for many people, Thanksgiving is more layered than that. It can be beautiful and heartwarming, yes… but it can also be overwhelming, emotionally triggering, or simply exhausting.

If this holiday brings up mixed feelings for you—gratitude and grief, joy and exhaustion, love and overstimulation—you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re not “failing” at Thanksgiving. You’re being human.

The truth is, holidays don’t erase our emotional reality. They often amplify it.

Below is a gentle invitation for a more grounded, compassionate experience today—one that honors both your humanity and your mental health.

Honor Your Pace

You don’t have to move at the speed of everyone around you.
If the energy feels too loud, too fast, or too much, it’s okay to pause.

Take breaks when your nervous system asks for one.
Step into another room. Go for a walk. Sit quietly in your car for two minutes.
Your body’s signals are worth listening to.

Step Outside for Breath + Clarity

Fresh air and a small shift in environment can reset your entire emotional state.

Just a few slow, deep breaths:

• lowers stress hormones

• calms the vagus nerve

• brings you back into your body

• creates space between you and the moment

Even a 30-second reset can help you come back to yourself.

Eat in a Way That Feels Good for Your Body

Holiday food can bring joy, pressure, nostalgia, or anxiety.
Regardless of what’s being served or what others expect, you’re allowed to make choices that support your body’s needs today.

Whether that’s:

• eating smaller portions

• skipping certain dishes

• enjoying your favorites fully

• or taking your time

…your relationship with food today doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s.

Say “No” Without Guilt

You’re allowed to opt out—of conversations, obligations, or traditions that don’t feel right this year.

“No” is a complete sentence.
“No” is protective.
“No” is allowed, especially on days that come with emotional complexity.

Your peace matters more than anyone’s momentary disappointment.

Protect Your Peace Like It Matters—Because It Does

During holidays, many people unconsciously shift into people-pleasing, fixing, or caretaking roles.
Today, you are allowed to choose yourself.

Protect your energy.
Create boundaries that support your wellbeing.
Let someone else stir the pot, answer the question, or solve the mini-crisis.

Your mental health isn’t a luxury—it’s your foundation.

A Final Thanksgiving Wish for You

Wherever you are today—surrounded by family, spending the day quietly, navigating grief, or simply trying to stay grounded—I’m wishing you:

• presence

• warmth

• room to breathe

• space to feel exactly what you feel

• and permission to honor your own humanity

You don’t need to perform gratitude or joy to deserve belonging.
You don’t need to be “okay” to deserve support.

May today meet you gently.
May you meet yourself gently.
🧡