Every year, Thanksgiving arrives right on schedule. And yet, somehow, it still manages to sneak up on us. One minute we’re knee-deep in everyday responsibilities; the next, we’re standing at the doorway of one of the most meaningful holidays of the year—arms full, mind full, heart full.
Thanksgiving is supposed to be the season where we exhale. A time for gratitude, gathering, and giving ourselves permission to slow down. But for many leaders—and truly, for many people in any role—this stretch of time can feel less like a pause and more like an emotional backpack stuffed with extra weight.
Because before anyone carves a turkey, leaders are usually trying to carve out space:
✨ tying up loose ends
✨ meeting deadlines
✨ preparing teams for the brief pause ahead
✨ and worrying about the work that will be waiting on the other side
Even when leaders walk out the door, their minds don’t always walk out with them. That mental load is real. And it doesn’t just belong to leaders—teams often carry it too. What should feel like a gentle slide into the holiday can feel more like a tense shuffle toward a finish line.
And then… the personal responsibilities layer themselves in:
hosting, cooking, traveling, caring for family, meeting expectations, and trying to hold everything—and everyone—together.
So if you find yourself heading into Thanksgiving feeling stretched, tired, or a little out of breath, please hear this:
There’s no shame in that.
In fact, it’s more common than most people admit.
We’re living in a time where many are carrying heavier loads with fewer hands to help. Add in family needs, caregiving, second jobs, and everyday life, and it’s no surprise that people are tired before the holiday even begins.
As a Leadership Recovery Strategist, I often remind leaders that pausing isn’t a luxury. It’s a form of emotional maintenance—necessary, restorative, and deeply human.
So if you’re walking into this holiday season feeling the weight, here’s a gentle place to begin:
1. Ask Yourself: “What outcome do I truly want from this holiday?”
Not the picture-perfect one. Not the Instagram version.
Just the honest one.
Do you want…
• a moment to breathe?
• time to reconnect with someone you love?
• space to hear yourself think?
• a small pocket of joy or quiet?
Your desire doesn’t have to be grand. It just has to be yours.
2. Give yourself permission to carve out time for what you need.
Even if you’re the one cooking.
Even if you’re the one hosting.
Even if you’re the one wrangling the kids while everyone else rests.
Small intentional choices matter.
Five minutes in the car before walking in.
A slow morning walk.
A quiet conversation with someone who fills you, not drains you.
A moment to sit and simply exist.
Choose something that nourishes you—and protect it fiercely.
3. Let go of the pressure for the moment to look a certain way.
Sometimes the best moments are the unplanned ones:
• A spontaneous walk around the block.
• A deep conversation with an elder who shares a piece of wisdom.
• Volunteering at a shelter and being reminded of the beauty of humanity.
• Feeding ducks at a lake and remembering how simple peace can feel.
Magic often shows up sideways, not head-on.
And that kind of magic nourishes the soul—it grounds us, expands us, and reminds us what being human is all about.
As You Wind Down for Thanksgiving…
Let your focus be simple:
• Know the outcome you desire.
• Create a little space for yourself.
• Stay open to the unexpected moments that light your heart up.
And above all, remember this:
Hitting the pause button isn’t selfish—it’s one of the greatest gifts you can offer yourself.
And sometimes, it’s the very thing that helps you return to your life, your leadership, and the people you serve with a clearer mind and a steadier heart.
Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with softness, connection, and a moment—however small—where you feel deeply at ease.
