Putting the 'thanks' back in Thanksgiving
This year, focus on the act of breaking bread more than what's on the table.
Dear Collapse Life readers — Today, we’re very pleased to bring you a special guest post by , a certified health and nutrition coach who advises on wellness for . In a world seemingly off-the-rails, her words are a worthy reminder to stay focused on things that truly matter. Thank you, Jennifer.
As Thanksgiving quickly approaches, preparations for feasting are well underway. I believe we can agree that most of us love Thanksgiving. A day to indulge in food. However, more than the food and the drinks that are abundantly flowing, we should consider the importance of the act of breaking bread with others and the many benefits of gratitude.
The typical health coach would be writing about “5 ways to stay on track for the holidays,” or “How to get back into the groove after a feast like Thanksgiving.” They would offer their advice on ways to avoid overindulging by bringing your own prepared food perfectly portioned out in your own containers, under the slogans of “willpower” and “self-control.” But those techniques really are just making you miserable because stuffing, rolls, and pumpkin pie are part of the feast.
If you’re looking for one of those posts, I recommend going elsewhere. A single day, even a week, isn’t going to undo all the healthy eating you’ve been doing and make you gain a whole bunch of fat. The body simply doesn't work that way. The guilt-ridden, you must suffer, beat yourself up because you “failed,” isn’t me or my approach as a coach. If one day throws you off your all-or-nothing grind and leads to beating yourself up and hating yourself because this is the cultural norm, well, these are struggles we need to address at a later time. If this is you, a day of indulgence might in fact do you some good.
Let’s instead focus on why breaking bread with others, connecting, and offering gratitude are the things we should celebrate this Thanksgiving.
Why Gratitude Matters
Gratitude doesn’t just influence us emotionally, spiritually, or mentally. Gratitude has the unique ability to change the way our brains work, acting on the actual firing and wiring of the nerves in our brains. It is this powerful. Gratitude impacts the hormones released within the brain and body and influences how we see the world and relate to those around us.
When we live in an attitude of gratitude, our nervous system is able to calm down and we are able to slow down in life. Take a deep breath and appreciate what we have. We can see things differently. Instead of rushing through life like it is an out-of-control freight train, gratitude slows the insanity down.
We begin to realize we have so much and don’t need what the world tells us we need to be happy. Hard work pursuing your purpose. Family, friends, relationships. Good food. A walk in the morning sun. Cuddling up in front of a fire with your partner and dreaming about what the future can be and what steps you can take to live these dreams. Gratitude lays the foundation for this deeper, purposeful life to be lived. At this time of thanksgiving, maybe think about beginning a practice of gratitude.
The Strength of Being Together
Human connection, the influence of others in our lives, might be one of the most powerful forces shaping how we live. If you want to change your life, change who and what influences you. Seek out those who are living the life you desire and surround yourself with them.
One of the deepest ways to connect with others is through sharing a meal, breaking bread. Breaking bread with others is a way to work through struggles, heal our own wounds, and take steps to heal division within relationships.
Sharing a meal allows us to talk, discuss what is happening in the world, our communities, our own lives. We share ideas. We laugh, cry, and have heated discussions. We are able to grow beyond ourselves. The wisdom of others is shared and passed on. Sharing a meal with others has the power to influence the direction our own lives go, our communities, and the world. Coming together allows us to unite and fight for something that is beyond what we can do as individuals.
How do we come together as small communities, a tribe, and provide for one another?
What gifts, talents do you bring to the table to help the tribe thrive?
Who around you has different gifts and talents needed for the tribe to thrive?
Who do you know who has these talents that you can bring in?
Do you have people around you that, if needed, could help you survive and thrive without the assistance of the outside world?
Some ideas to think about and talk about around your Thanksgiving table.
There's so much hate, evil, and intentional division in our world today. Let's go directly against this and celebrate our differences but also what brings us together, our shared humanity.
This year as you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, listen to hear and understand not just to respond. Be grateful for what you have. This includes something as simple as the ability to come together with others around a meal and discuss how to build a better future for ourselves and our children.
In gratitude and kindness
— Jennifer
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