Thanksgiving challenge

For some of us, Thanksgiving is a time for gathering with family, eating more than we should, and falling asleep in a recliner in front of a football game. For some of us, Thanksgiving is a time of stress, knowing we’ll be sharing space with people we love but with whom we disagree passionately. For some of us, Thanksgiving is a lonely time, spent apart from dear ones. For some of us, Thanksgiving is a work day, full of meeting others’ needs.

Whatever your Thanksgiving looks like, I invite you to read through the list below and join me in a challenge that expresses gratitude for all that we are and all that we have through self-care, connection, service, and resistance.

• Take a nap.

• Read an article, watch a video, or listen to a podcast from a Native American point of view.

• Tell someone three specific reasons you are grateful for him/her/them.

• Challenge a fear-mongering or prejudiced statement.

• Fully embrace your pledge not to listen to Christmas music before Advent – or play your list of favorite holiday tunes on an endless, joy-inducing loop. (I’ll be doing the latter.)

• Eat something delicious.

• Engage in an act of community service or make a donation to a service organization.

• Jump in a leaf pile.

• Stay out of the shopping fray on Thanksgiving Day.

• Have a conversation with someone who knows and loves the whole of you – and about whom you feel the same.

• Help with the cooking, the dishes, or the trash.

• Move your body, whether by participating in a Turkey Trot or simply by walking around the block.

• Thank God for your life, your call, and your people.