The Power of Thanks: Living in Gratitude This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving—it’s a day that’s all about food, family, and (hopefully) a lot of laughs. For me, it’s a time to really reflect on what I’m grateful for, to take a break from the usual rush, and to focus on the things that truly matter. But, as much as Thanksgiving is a day for celebrating, it’s also a day where we can take a moment to reflect on the bigger picture—about how we’re living, how we’re giving thanks, and even how we choose to celebrate.

I know Thanksgiving can stir up mixed feelings for many of us. As much as we love the tradition, it’s hard to ignore the complex history that comes with it. So, this year, I wanted to explore how we can not only acknowledge that history but also reframe Thanksgiving into something that empowers us all—something that’s full of genuine gratitude, love, and understanding.

Let’s dive in and talk about how we can transform Thanksgiving into a day of reflection and empowerment. Together, we can reshape the meaning of the holiday and make it a time to give thanks for what we have while lifting each other up.

The History of Thanksgiving: A Complicated Story

Now, I know that Thanksgiving is traditionally told as this heartwarming tale where the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to break bread and celebrate the harvest. But when we dig a little deeper, we realize that the story is a lot more complicated. The truth is, Thanksgiving is rooted in the history of colonization—a history of violence, displacement, and the forced erasure of Indigenous cultures. For Native communities, the holiday can be a painful reminder of the injustices that have been done to them—and continue to affect them today.

The first Thanksgiving, in 1621, was indeed a gathering between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, but it doesn’t take long to recognize that the events that followed weren’t exactly peaceful. European colonization led to the destruction of Indigenous lands, cultures, and communities. And, for many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a reminder of all that was lost.

So, as we gather around the table this year, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on this history. Let’s not just gloss over it or ignore it. Instead, let’s acknowledge the truth behind the holiday. By doing so, we can shift the conversation and take steps to create a more inclusive and empowering Thanksgiving for everyone.

Reframing Thanksgiving: How We Can Empower Ourselves and Each Other

Reframing Thanksgiving doesn’t mean tossing out everything we love about the holiday—it’s about giving it new meaning. By shifting the focus, we can create a celebration that’s not only about what we’re thankful for but also about empowering one another. Here’s how we can do it:

1. Reflect on the Real Meaning of Thanksgiving

This year, let’s make a conscious effort to look beyond the idealized version of Thanksgiving. Instead, let’s reflect on the complexities of the holiday and the history behind it. This doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy the day—we absolutely can! But taking time to educate ourselves and reflect on the struggles that Indigenous communities face is important. When we do this, we become more mindful of our role in creating a more just and equitable world.

I always find that learning from different perspectives helps me grow. So, this year, consider reading books by Indigenous authors, supporting Native-owned businesses, or attending events that highlight Native culture. By acknowledging the reality of the history, we can start to shift the narrative and make Thanksgiving more inclusive and thoughtful.

2. Practice Gratitude Every Day (Not Just on Thanksgiving)

Let’s be real—being thankful shouldn’t be something we only do once a year. When we practice gratitude every day, we start to see the world through a more positive lens. We begin to appreciate the small things, the everyday moments that make life special.

I started keeping a gratitude journal a few years ago, and it’s been a game-changer. Each day, I jot down three things I’m thankful for—whether it’s the way the sun hits my window in the morning or a thoughtful text from a friend. These little moments of gratitude have a huge impact on how I approach the day. The more we focus on what we have rather than what we lack, the more we realize just how much there is to be grateful for.

And hey, gratitude doesn’t have to be fancy. It’s about appreciating what’s in front of you, no matter how big or small. So, let’s make this Thanksgiving a day to reflect on how gratitude can transform our lives—not just for the day, but for the year ahead.

3. Embrace Collective Gratitude

Thanksgiving can also be a time to reflect on the importance of community. Sure, family is at the heart of Thanksgiving, but it’s also about recognizing how we’re all in this together. By embracing collective gratitude, we can empower each other and lift up those who need it most.

If you’re feeling disconnected or isolated this year, maybe it’s a good time to focus on how you can create deeper connections with others. It could be something as simple as offering a kind word or helping out a neighbor. Small acts of gratitude create a ripple effect, and before you know it, you’ve made someone else’s day a little brighter. And that, to me, is what Thanksgiving is all about.

The Strength of Indigenous Communities: Acknowledging and Supporting

One of the most powerful things we can do this Thanksgiving is to acknowledge and celebrate the strength of Indigenous communities. These communities have shown incredible resilience in the face of centuries of hardship. From fighting for their rights to preserving their cultures, Indigenous peoples continue to be leaders in advocating for social justice, environmental protection, and community empowerment.

Instead of focusing only on the past, let’s also take time to recognize the contributions and leadership of Indigenous people today. Whether it’s through supporting Indigenous-led environmental causes or shopping at Native-owned businesses, we can do our part to support their ongoing work.

Redefining Thanksgiving Traditions for Empowerment

You know, Thanksgiving is all about traditions, right? But there’s no rule that says we can’t create new ones that reflect our values. If you’re looking for ways to make the holiday feel more personal and empowering, here are a few ideas:

• Volunteer: Whether you’re helping serve a meal to those in need or donating to a charity, volunteering is a powerful way to give back.
• Set Intentions: Instead of focusing solely on what you’re thankful for, take a moment to set intentions for the year ahead. What do you want to manifest? What are your goals?
• Create a Gratitude Circle: Share what you’re thankful for with the people around you. This could be a fun tradition to start with family or friends and it can open up deeper conversations about what really matters.

Conclusion: Gratitude as a Pathway to Empowerment

Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be a day that only focuses on food and tradition—it can be a day of real reflection, growth, and empowerment. By reframing the holiday to include gratitude for the past, present, and future, we can make Thanksgiving a more meaningful celebration for everyone.

Gratitude is powerful. When we start living with intention, when we express thanks for the things that truly matter, we create a space for healing and connection. So this Thanksgiving, let’s do more than just feast—let’s feast on the gratitude we feel for ourselves, our loved ones, and our communities.

And remember, gratitude isn’t just for one day—it’s a practice that can transform our lives every single day. So, what are you thankful for this year? Share your thoughts with me, and let’s continue this journey of gratitude together.