The Fullness of Thanksgiving

Dear Not So Secret Diary,

Thanksgiving is a holiday that centers around family and connection. It’s a season to tell people what they mean to you and how much they mean to you. And really, what better way to connect than over a delicious meal? From turkey and dressing to mac and cheese, greens, and more, it’s a time that naturally creates good conversation, cozy vibes, and let’s be honest — plenty of great content for socials. As the holiday slowly approaches, I wanted to take a closer look at what it truly means to be thankful and grateful, and explore all the fullness this holiday brings.

The first fullness I want to dive into is thankfulness. Thankfulness is often seen as a response of appreciation — and that’s the word I want to highlight: response. I want to preface this by saying you should say thank you anytime someone does something kind for you. However, I’ve learned that true thankfulness goes much deeper than a polite response; it’s a heart posture. During this time of year, our hearts are full of warmth, love, and adoration. We usually share that with our loved ones. A thankfulness tradition I am excited to start is something I’m calling “Kisses of Kindness.” The idea is simple: the people closest to me would receive a handwritten letter filled with love and a few Hershey’s Kisses. Something small, maybe even a little corny, but definitely effective at spreading love. Because that’s what thankfulness does, it moves through us. It softens our edges, reminds us to notice others, and invites us to express appreciation not just with words, but with intentional acts of love.

The second fullness is gratefulness. Just like thankfulness is a heart posture, I believe gratefulness is a mindset. Gratefulness is recognizing the good things in life, both big and small. During this season, we tend to be grateful for things that can’t be wrapped or bought: time, people, health, and peace. Because I live in the South, one of the first things I’m always grateful for is the weather change. If you know, you know (that first cool breeze after months of heat feels like renewal). Right after that, I’m grateful for the wide spectrum of emotions I get to experience. Feeling deeply, for me, is a superpower. One I would never want to give up. A gratefulness tradition I am going to start is volunteering. However I am going to volunteer at schools. I want to be there for the next generation.

You need both thankfulness and gratefulness to truly find joy in life. Together, they shape your perspective and fill it with a warm glow. The kind that makes the holidays seem more magical than they really are. That same glow will warm you when every store you enter feels dull and cold. It will push you to smile at strangers, hold the door open, or take a deep breath before responding to someone. Thanksgiving isn’t just about the family we gather with, but also about the community we touch. Even the smallest gestures: eye contact, a kind word, a moment of presence, can be an offering of love.

Even though we’re still at the beginning of the month, it’s never too soon to embrace the holiday spirit. It’s also not too soon to think about how we can carry these feelings long after the season ends. That’s the heart of No Turning Back November. We’re not doing this for just one month; we’re laying the foundation for something lasting. Something rooted in love, gratitude, and growth. So as we move through this season, let’s find gratitude in the smallest things, thankfulness in the simple moments, and peace in knowing that even when life isn’t perfect, our hearts can still be full.

Love Always,

Capree'