Happy Thanksgiving!
This Thursday is Thanksgiving here in the United States, and I have to share that it is my favorite holiday. I love everything about it – the tradition, the weather, the opportunity to slow down, the lack of fuss, and of course the sweet potatoes – I love sweet potatoes.
But what I love most about Thanksgiving is the meaning of it, the purpose. I think that Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday that everyone can celebrate, even if it is not a national holiday for you.
One of the reasons I love Thanksgiving is the purpose and meaning of it. Thanksgiving in the U.S. traces its roots back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The Pilgrims endured a brutal first winter, and were celebrating their first successful harvest, thanks in part to the Wampanoag Indians, who taught them farming techniques and helped them survive.
Then Abraham Lincoln made it an official holiday during the Civil War, declaring the last Thursday of November a national day of thanks. He hoped it would unite a divided country, which, let’s be honest, was a bold move at the time and something the US, and many other countries, could use right now.
And for me there has never been a Thanksgiving when I have felt a bigger need to be more grateful. As many of you know, I live in Asheville, North Carolina, an area ravaged by Hurricane Helene. The tragedy brought loss of life, loss of homes, and loss of businesses, livelihoods, and our economy. But it also brought out the best of humanity. The kindness of neighbors, the generosity of strangers, and the outpouring of love and support was beyond anything I had ever seen.
9 Things I Am Happy and Grateful For This Year
My Clients
This has been another great year for me, and my clients have been amazing. They have challenged me, pushed me, and created opportunities for me to take my business to new levels.
My Clients
This has been another great year for me, and my clients have been amazing. They have challenged me, pushed me, and created opportunities for me to take my business to new levels.
My Community
While Asheville and Western North Carolina may be devastated, I have never been more certain I live in the most wonderful place with the most authentic and generous people. Tragedies test people, and my community passed with flying colors.
My Family
Just like every family we have our challenges, but I am so lucky to have a family that is supportive, healthy, happy, and there for one another. I am also incredibly blessed to be happily married for twenty years to a guy I am crazy about.
My Followers
This year I discovered more people who randomly would email me or text me and let me know something I wrote or a video I shot meant something to them. More often than not, their random comments inspired me and motivated me, and kept me producing content because I felt I was making a difference.
My Health
Last year I hit a milestone birthday, but I didn’t come into it in the best shape. So I committed January 1 to turn things around, and although I am not excelling in every area, I think I am turning back the clock.
My Failures
This year wasn’t without its bumps, but I’m learning to see my failures as stepping stones. They’ve taught me resilience, highlighted areas where I need growth, and, surprisingly, often pointed me in new and better directions. I’ve come to appreciate these moments as opportunities to refine my vision and, most importantly, to keep moving forward.
My Opportunities
2024 brought opportunities I could have never anticipated. Some appeared as open doors, others were disguised as challenges that pushed me out of my comfort zone. Whether it was new partnerships, exciting projects, or simply the chance to show up for my family and community in meaningful ways, I’ve been grateful for every one of them. They’ve reminded me that opportunity often lies just beyond where fear or doubt reside.
My Future
If this year has taught me anything, it’s that the future is unwritten and filled with possibility. As I look ahead, I feel a renewed sense of purpose to build, to grow, and to serve. I’m excited to take the lessons I’ve learned and channel them into something greater. While I don’t know all that’s in store, I do know this: gratitude and hope will guide me every step of the way.
So, if you live here in the U.S, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving!
