Listen Now
Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food or the company—it’s about how you feel when everyone comes together.
For some, it’s a warm and joyful time. For others, it’s a balancing act between connection and conflict.
The truth is, family and friends bring history to the table—not just shared memories, but unspoken dynamics and unresolved emotions.
If you’ve ever left a gathering feeling drained or overwhelmed, it’s not just about what was said—it’s about how those emotions live in you.
Emotions, especially in familiar settings, are shaped by five key factors:
• Duration: Some feelings fade quickly, like the momentary awkwardness of a conversation. Others, like frustration or sadness, can linger for days.
• Bodily changes: I want you to pay attention to what your body tells you. That tight chest, increased body temp or racing heart? It’s your emotions speaking.
• Re-experience: Family and friends can trigger past emotions. A single comment might bring up memories you thought were long gone.
• Action tendencies: Some emotions make you want to walk away; others might push you to speak up or hold your ground.
• Belief changes and long-term behavior: How you handle these moments darling can shift your perspective or even redefine how you approach future gatherings.
Practical Tips
Navigating Thanksgiving doesn’t mean avoiding your emotions—it means understanding them.
Start by naming what you’re feeling. Are you irritated? Grateful? Overwhelmed? Putting a name to your emotions helps you process them.
Next, set small boundaries for yourself. If a topic feels too heavy, it’s okay to step away. If a conversation feels meaningful, lean in.
Finally, give yourself permission to feel everything. Even the discomfort has something to teach you.
This Thanksgiving, remember: emotions don’t have to control you, but they can guide you.
By noticing, naming, and respecting what you feel, you’ll find it easier to navigate the challenges—and cherish the moments of true connection.
You've got the tools, now let's see what you'll do with it.
Best,
Venessa
p.s. I've got faith in you!
