Welcome to the Thanksgiving Edition of Cuddle Sanctuary’s (mostly) weekly blog! For some, the holidays offer a welcome break from routine and a chance to hang out with people that they love. For others, it’s a time to remember and mourn people who are no longer here. For still others it can be roller coaster of family drama or just plain loneliness. Besides a feast of things to eat, Thanksgiving can offer a buffet of things to feel.

Let’s do this together.

No matter where you sit – whether it’s at a lavish table for 20 or a solitary dinner for one, I invite you to join me in a gratitude exercise. It’s simple, really. Just take a pause to think about something you’re grateful for. If you’re on a plane heading somewhere or have a piece of paper handy, consider writing a list. You can hold the grateful thought in your mind as a solo experience or tell someone else what it is. Some families go around the dinner table with each person sharing one thing.

Here’s a something I’m grateful for.

A few years ago I experienced chronic back pain. I had to give up yoga and spent a lot of time with packs of ice. These days, my back feels much, much, much better. I not only get to enjoy stretching in yoga again, I can do the relaxing exercise where I lay on my back, breathe and twist my torso. For a time I thought that stretch was lost of me forever. I’m grateful to be able to twist!

Here’s another thing I’m grateful for that includes a theatrical surprise.

Last weekend I was stressed about December holiday plans. I was torn between doing what I thought my mom wanted me to do and what I wanted to do for myself. To add to the drama, I had already purchased a flight and felt trapped into a plan that didn’t work for me. My friend Brett talked me down and gave me some good suggestions. The result is that I have a new flight that works much better for me and I still get to see my mom and family over the holidays.

Yesterday, I was discussing the new dates with my mom on the phone and she mentioned that she’s going to see Hamilton the same weekend I’ll be in town and has an extra ticket. Hamilton!!! I’ve been wanting to see that show forever!!! So I’m grateful for Brett’s good counsel, the prosperity to be able to change flights, my mom’s flexibility with my changing plans, the courage to do what’s best for me in the face of guilt and for god’s sake – HAMILTON!

Another thing!

On December 1st, Cuddle Sanctuary is celebrating our 4th birthday! I wouldn’t have made it this far without my team – Fei Wyatt and Louis Carvalho. I’m grateful for them.

Want to take a turn?

Share in the comments below something you’re grateful for. (Even if you’re reading this outside of holiday time, go for it!)