Finding Joy This Thanksgiving
There's something magical about Thanksgiving – the kids, a fresh puzzle on the island, music, cocktails in hand, and the endless parade of cooking and overeating.
It’s a bit corny, but I love our tradition of sharing what we're thankful for during the meal. It creates reflection and deep gratitude together as a family. It is always a highlight for me.
The Expectation Trap
Each holiday, I catch myself expecting too much:
From the people around me
When reality doesn't match these expectations, it leaves a bitter taste that no amount of pumpkin pie can sweeten. The gap between what we expect and what happens is where disappointment lives. [this video perfectly reflects that!]
A Different Approach
Before setting the table this year, try setting your expectations.
For yourself (What do I truly need? What can I honestly handle?)
For others (What's realistic to hope for?)
Remember: while you can't control how others act, you absolutely can control your response. Thinking through your responses ahead of time will help manage reactions. A fail-safe reaction is not to react at all and let it go in the moment. Don't take the bait!
Your Pre-Thanksgiving Exercise
Let's try something that might help make this holiday more joyful:
Step 1: Create Your Want List
Write down everything you want from this Thanksgiving. Don't hold back – aim for at least 20 items. Here's a peek at my list:
A great puzzle (did you know it’s a form of meditation?)
Fun, deep (beyond small talk) conversations
Genuine laughter
No conflict
Real connection with family members
Have my extended family join
Hours of chaotic, messy, and peaceful cooking in the kitchen
That perfect moist turkey (and my special horseradish cream cheese mashed potatoes and my mom’s treasured pepperoni and sausage stuffing!)
Everyone pitching in and taking a role around their thing
Friday's reward: delicious turkey soup
Lazy days in PJs
Long walks
Guilt-free bad TV watching
Energizing afternoons of Paddle Tennis
Step 2: The Gratitude Flip
Now, look at your want list through a different lens:
Which of these things do you already have?
Which of these things are a given or likely to create?
The Magic of Perspective
When you separate your list into "already have" versus "hope to have," you might be surprised by how much you've already created.
Here's the beautiful paradox: Sometimes you wish for things out of a sense of lack, but when you take a closer look at your wants versus your reality, you discover you're already living many of your dreams.
The real magic happens when you deeply desire more of what you already have – that's true abundance. That's gratitude transforming your perspective.
Ahead of the Thanksgiving Day holiday, remember unexamined expectations might just set you up for disappointment instead of joy.
Try wanting what you already have – and wanting them even more deeply.
Let that grateful energy guide you toward creating more of what truly matters.
Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with abundance and joy.
P.S. I’m deeply grateful to every one of you who opens this email and responds to it with kind words that lift me up and make me better. My heart is full knowing I've created even a tiny bit of change or a new perspective.
Here's an ask: please share Sunday Sunshine with someone you know who would enjoy subscribing to it! I'd love to make an even more impact.
This puzzle took months and a full team effort! This year's holiday puzzle is from JIGGY called Merry Cactus.
