Still, Thanksgiving offers something beautiful: a chance to pause and focus on what really matters. Gratitude doesn’t just make us feel good; it’s actually good for us. Science says it boosts mood, improves sleep, and even strengthens the immune system. Not bad for something that doesn’t cost a dime.

So this year, instead of just surviving the holiday, let’s make it nourishing for your body, mind, and spirit.

Step One: Practice Gratitude on Purpose

Gratitude isn’t just saying “thanks” before the mashed potatoes hit the table. It’s taking a real moment to appreciate what’s in front of you.  Look around you at the people, the small wins, the messy-but-beautiful life you’re living.

Try this: before the day gets hectic, jot down three things you’re grateful for this year. They don’t have to be deep…maybe it’s your morning coffee. Gratitude doesn’t have to be profound to be powerful.

The more we notice what’s good, the less space stress and frustration have to take over. It’s mindful living.

Step Two: Eat with Joy (Not Regret)

Thanksgiving food is comfort, tradition, and nostalgia all rolled into one delicious carb-fest. And yes, you can absolutely enjoy it and stay kind to your body.

Slow down. Savor the flavors. Eat what you love, not just what’s there. Maybe go for a walk after dinner, not to “burn it off,” but to breathe, digest, and maybe escape dish duty (hey, no judgment).

Step Three: Connect (and Maybe Laugh About It)

We all know it; family gatherings can be… entertaining. There might be differing opinions, awkward pauses, or unsolicited advice. But connection is one of the healthiest things we can invest in.

Put your phone down for a while. Ask questions. Listen. Laugh. Even when things aren’t picture-perfect, choosing connection over perfection does wonders for your mental and emotional health.

And if all else fails? Remember, gratitude and humor go hand in hand. Sometimes the best way to get through a chaotic holiday is to find the funny in it.

This Thanksgiving…

Health isn’t just about what’s on your plate. It’s about what’s in your heart, your relationships, and your outlook on life.

Wishing you peace, joy, love… and maybe an extra slice of pumpkin pie.

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And if you’re married, your partner can make or break your healthy lifestyle! He or she can inspire you, offer encouragement, and provide accountability, OR discourage you and make your goals seem unachievable.

Here are some tips on how to get your family and friends to support your new lifestyle.

Find Your Biggest Fans

Healthy eating and fitness can be deeply personal; not everyone needs to know about it. All you really need are a few close supporters with whom you can share your progress.

Think back to the last time you made a change in your life. Who supported or motivated you?

Alternatively, is there someone in your life who is living a healthy lifestyle? Does he or she inspire you?

Share Your Reasons

As you change your lifestyle, don’t be surprised if you get some questions or criticism from friends and family members. If that happens, don’t be defensive or launch into a lecture on why healthy eating and exercise are good for you.

Have an honest conversation with them and explain why you’re adopting a healthier lifestyle. Saying something like “It makes me feel better, I have more energy or I sleep better” is more sincere (and convincing) than regurgitating scientific facts.

Share Your Struggles

Changing your lifestyle might trigger feelings of inadequacy and shame in the people around you. They could start feeling that you think that you’re better than they are – which isn’t true. The trick is not to allow emotionally charged situations with your loved ones to either shame or guilt you into quitting on yourself.

Just be honest and let them know that this is important to you. Share honestly about how hard it is to make the changes you’re making. This might make them feel less intimidated or jealous. Who knows, it might inspire them to make some lifestyle changes of their own.

Be the influencer, not the influenced.

Ask for Support

Let your significant other and the rest of the “chosen ones” know that you would appreciate their support. Be specific about what you need.

For instance:

• Ask them to be open-minded about your new eating, exercise, and sleeping habits.
• Ask them to accommodate your food choices by buying food or going to restaurants that are compatible with your new eating habits.
• Ask them to share a meal with you every once in a while.
• Ask them not to pressure you to “have just a taste” if you decline their offer.

Plan Ahead

Always plan ahead to avoid putting your friends and family in awkward situations. If you’re attending a social event, bring something that you can eat. If you’re going to a restaurant that isn’t exactly in line with your health needs, suggest a different restaurant or plan how you will modify the meal to fit your needs. Be positive and cooperative, and everything should be just fine.

Not everyone will agree with your healthy lifestyle or support you…but that’s completely okay. All you really need are a couple of genuine “fans” and a little practice on how to confidently explain to your friends and family why you choose to eat and live healthy.

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Everyone loves a good love story. Love stories bring back memories of falling in love and feelings of nostalgia. They remind us of the innocence and excitement of new love and what it feels like to be head over heels in love.

Love stories are also an important part of our legacies. This is why kids always want to know how their parents and grandparents met and fell in love. These love stories give them an important sense of belonging.

For these reasons, it is important to document your love story and the love stories of your family members. In this month of love, we would like to challenge you to take 30 minutes and write down and share your love stories. Sharing them with your spouse can make for an extra special and unique Valentine’s gift. Sharing these stories with your children and grandchildren adds to their sense of connection and deeper emotional health too!

Need some help? Here are some tips on how to write a great love story.

A great love story brings out the complexity of the characters and their emotions. It covers the highs of love as well as the mistakes, misunderstandings and changing circumstances that challenge love. It also explains how these challenges impacted the characters and their relationship and how they overcame them.

If you have a great love story to tell, don’t hesitate to try this. As far as valentine ideas go, there’s nothing like a good love story to make you fall in love with your spouse all over again.

Want more tips that improve family and marriage relationships? Check out our marriage articles at MadAbouMarriage.com

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