Good morning.
It's Sunday, November twenty-second.
Thanksgiving week is here.
Maybe you already feel it.
The grocery list on the fridge.
The texts about who's bringing the pie.
Maybe you're hosting.
Twenty pounds of turkey thawing in the Or fridge.
maybe it's a quiet one this Just year.
you, and a plate of leftovers.
However it looks the for you...
days ahead will get So full.
let's settle in first.
Before any of it starts.
Find a warm spot to sit.
Near the fire, if you have one.
Wrap up in a sweater or This a throw.
is six minutes just for Nobody you.
needs anything from you yet.
Let's breathe together for a bit.
Slow and easy.
Breathe in through your nose.
Let your belly fill first.
And let it go...
slow and warm.
In again.
Think the words, thank you.
And out...
let your shoulders fall.
Once more.
In...
thank you.
And That's out...
a thankful Just breath.
a regular with breath...
a thank you tucked inside it.
Hold on to that one.
We'll use it again later.
Now bring to mind the people...
you'll see this week.
Picture them walking in the door.
Coats still on.
Cold air coming in with them.
Maybe your sister.
Maybe the neighbor who never has plans.
Pick one face.
See them clearly.
Maybe they drive you a little crazy.
That's Family allowed.
often does.
Still, think of one good thing about Something them.
they did for you And once.
silently...
say thank you.
Now think of someone you'll miss this year.
Someone too far away.
Or someone who isn't here anymore.
Let them come close for a moment.
Their car pulling into the driveway.
The way they laughed.
If it aches a little...
let it ache.
Missing someone is love, too.
It just has nowhere to go.
Tell them thank you.
For what they gave you.
For the part of them you still carry.
And one more person.
Someone who made your year easier.
A neighbor who took in your packages.
A friend who texted just to check.
Maybe they never knew it mattered.
Maybe you never told them.
Quietly...
thank them too.
Notice how your chest feels now.
Maybe fuller.
Maybe a little tender.
Both are fine.
Gratitude and sadness can sit together.
Especially this time of year.
Two quiet lines for the week ahead.
I have people worth thanking.
I can slow down this week, too.
Let the fire warm your hands.
Warm and thankful.
All those faces...
gathered close for a moment.
No cooking yet.
No traffic.
The fire pops, then settles.
Just a warm room.
And a full heart.
Let the faces fade gently.
Feel the chair under you again.
Stretch your legs out Point long.
your toes toward the fire.
One thankful breath And in...
Here's out.
what to When the week.
it gets hectic...
the burnt rolls.
The airport line.
The cousin who brings up politics...
stop for one thankful breath.
In...
thank you.
Out...
slow.
It takes about five seconds.
You can do it in any room.
Open your eyes when you're ready.
Have a gentle Thanksgiving week.