Be the Light: Cultivating Positivity This Thanksgiving

Who Are You Going to Be This Thanksgiving?

The holidays are here, and for many of us, it feels like they have arrived in a whirlwind. Thanksgiving, with its traditions of gathering and gratitude, can be a beautiful opportunity to connect with loved ones—but it can also bring its fair share of challenges.

This year, we find ourselves navigating a world filled with tension. A heated election season has just passed, the news is filled with negativity, and societal pressures to create the “perfect” holiday are everywhere. For many, the holidays also carry the weight of grief, whether from the loss of a loved one or the absence of someone who used to share this special time with us. Add in a variety of personalities, old family dynamics, and perhaps a little too much holiday cheer in the form of alcohol, and it can quickly become overwhelming—especially for highly sensitive people or empaths.

If you find yourself feeling anxious, tense, or even dreading the holiday season, remember this: You get to choose who you will be.

You Can’t Control the Environment, But You Can Control Your Energy

The truth is, we can’t control the world around us. We can’t change other people’s opinions, their behavior, or the collective energy in the room. But we can choose how we show up and how we respond to the energy around us.

You don’t have to engage in every debate. You don’t have to be the fixer. You don’t have to carry the emotional weight of those around you. Instead, choose love. Be a light in the middle of the chaos.

• Be present with those who uplift you.
• Engage in meaningful conversations that inspire connection rather than division.
• Set boundaries when necessary. Your peace is worth protecting.

Remember, it’s not your job to be right or to convince anyone of anything. It’s okay to let conversations flow without inserting yourself into every disagreement. Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is simply observe without reacting.

Practical Ways to Stay Grounded

If you anticipate a challenging environment this Thanksgiving, take time to create a plan for how you’ll navigate the day with grace and mindfulness.

• Start your day with intention.
  Take a few moments in the morning to set positive affirmations. Remind yourself of the energy you want to bring into the day: I am calm. I am grounded. I am love.
• Journal your thoughts.
  Write down any anxieties, expectations, or emotional triggers you’re carrying. Acknowledging them on paper can help release their hold on you.
• Take breaks when needed.
  If the energy in the room becomes too much, step outside for fresh air, take a short walk, or find a quiet corner to breathe and reset.
• Practice mindful observation.
  Instead of reacting, observe. Notice the dynamics around you without judgment. Recognize that everyone is doing the best they can with where they are on their journey.
• Express gratitude.
  During everything, find moments of gratitude. Even if things aren’t perfect, there is always something to be thankful for—a smile, a kind word, a shared memory. Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting your energy.

Be the Light

This Thanksgiving, let your presence be a gift. Choose to be the calm in the storm, the light in the room, and the love that radiates outward. By staying grounded and centered in your own energy, you not only protect your peace—you also become a source of positivity for those around you.

In a world that often feels chaotic and divided, your light matters. It can be the very thing that brings warmth and connection to those who need it most.

Who are you going to be this Thanksgiving?
Choose love. Choose peace. Choose kindness.