Happy Thanksgiving.
And good for You you.
stepped out of the Maybe kitchen.
you're hiding in the laundry Or room.
out on the back Standing steps.
there in your socks.
Wherever you are, sit down.
Let the door close behind you.
The timer can beep without you.
Just for six minutes.
Let your breath slow down.
In through your nose...
And out through your mouth.
Nice and long.
Hear the fire in the other room.
The low pop of the So.
logs.
How's it going in there?
The kitchen's Every hot.
burner The is on.
windows are fogged Somebody's up.
asking where the big spoon is.
Somebody else wants to know...
when we're eating.
And you're the one with all the answers.
The one holding every timer in your head.
No wonder you needed a break.
Notice how your body is holding it.
Maybe your feet ache.
Maybe your lower back is stiff.
From leaning over the counter all morning.
Maybe your face is flushed.
From the oven, or from the noise.
Maybe your jaw is tight.
From smiling while you count potatoes.
That's overwhelm.
Too many needs, all at once.
And just one of you.
It doesn't mean you're bad at this.
It means you're doing a lot.
And maybe there's more under it.
An old family tension at the table.
Or someone who isn't here this year.
Holidays stir up a lot.
It's okay if today feels mixed.
Happy and heavy, at the same time.
Let's slow the breath down together.
Breathe in...
let your belly fill up.
And out...
let your shoulders fall.
Again.
In...
And out...
longer this time.
Now, while you breathe...
let one small thing come to mind.
One thing you're grateful for.
Not the big speech at the table.
Something small.
Right now.
Maybe it's this chair.
Maybe it's the cool air outside.
Maybe it's the smell of the stuffing...
drifting under the door.
Maybe it's the sound of your niece...
laughing at something on TV.
Let that one thing sit with you.
Notice how it feels.
Now breathe in...
And breathe out...
and let one more come.
Maybe a person.
Someone who's in that house right now.
Or someone who called this morning.
Just picture their face.
Let yourself feel glad they exist.
That's what today is for, really.
Not the perfect table.
Just this.
Feeling glad.
Stay out here a little longer.
A few quiet breaths.
Breathe in...
And out...
Let the noise in the other room...
be far away for a moment.
Let the fire keep crackling.
Let your hands Nothing's rest.
going to fall apart...
in the time it takes to breathe.
And if something does boil over...
someone will turn down the burner.
You're not the only adult in the house.
Alright.
Let's head back in.
Roll your shoulders.
Stretch your back a little.
One more slow breath in...
And out.
Here's your next step.
When you walk back in...
pick one person.
And ask them for help with one task.
Mashing the potatoes.
Or setting the table.
Be specific.
Hand them the masher.
Say, could you take this for me?
Most people are waiting to be asked.
They'd love a job.
It beats standing around the kitchen island.
Then take a sip of something.
And look around at who came.
Happy Thanksgiving.
Go ask for that help now.