I’ve been thinking a lot about thankfulness — not the cute Pinterest version, not the once-a-year “go around the table and say what you’re grateful for” tradition. I mean the real thing. The kind that hits you in the chest and makes you sit still for a second because you actually felt it.
Honestly? I feel like we’re losing sight of it.
Maybe it’s because we’re constantly flooded with heavy news, negativity, and everyone else’s opinions. Maybe it’s because life is loud — work, kids, responsibilities, stress, expectations… all of it. We stay so busy that the simple, quiet moments of appreciation barely stand a chance. They get shut out by the next task, the next message, the next crisis, the next thing demanding our attention. (Tell me I’m not alone here!)
And yes — we’re smack in the middle of the “season of thankfulness.” It’s a wonderful season. Sincerely, I love this time of year!
Many of you sat around with family and friends yesterday. Ate amazing food. Maybe had a day off. Maybe watched football or napped or did a little online Black Friday shopping (does anyone still go out?). And in my scenario, I wait for my uncle stand up before the dinner and ask: “Okay, what’s everyone thankful for?”
Picture that moment.
Did you say your answer, or at least think it? Was it the togetherness of the day? Your family? Your job? An answered prayer?
All are amazing answers. But here’s the question that I really want to know:
Did you actually feel it… or did you just say it?
Did the blessing sink in? Did it settle?
Did you take in the energy of that gratitude moment?
Or – did you list something safe and obvious, move on to the pumpkin pie, and get right back to chatting, scrolling, cooking, hosting, or surviving?
This isn’t a knock down to any of us. This is the reality check that I know I sometimes need. To remember to be fully “in” it.
So let’s try it again. What was the last thing you felt truly thankful for — down to your core?
Like… the kind that makes your eyes well up a little or makes you exhale slowly?
Health?
Life?
Peace?
A moment of joy you didn’t expect?
A person who showed up for you?
A laugh you needed more than you realized?
A little piece of hope that crept in when you weren’t looking?
These kind of things probably happen every single day. But they’re so small -so normal- so naturally a part of our routines that we don’t even notice them. And I don’t want us — any of us — to miss them.
So today, I’m not asking you to list something you’re grateful for.
I’m asking you to remember something you genuinely felt grateful for.
The kind you didn’t force.
The kind you didn’t say out loud to sound polite.
The real kind.
If you feel like sharing, I’d love to hear it.
But even if you keep it close, I hope today brings you one of those little moments — the kind that makes you pause, breathe, and think:
“Okay… yeah. This right here? I’m thankful for this.”