For many, Thanksgiving day is all about eating and cooking, spending time with loved ones, and maybe participating in a turkey trot (followed by a binge-watching session with the family). But one tradition that may not get as much attention is beneficial to both your own well-being and that of others: giving thanks.
Reflecting on what we’re thankful for is a grounding, mindfulness practice that’s useful year-round, but turkey day has everyone, including our Well+Good Council members, expressing gratitude.
See what these 10 Well+Good Council members are thankful for this year.
1. McKel Hill, RDN, founder of Nutrition Stripped
“My health! What I’ve learned most being in the health and wellness industry is: 1. I’m not immune to having health issues or challenges, and 2. I have to take care of myself to feel really good, and that allows space for me to take care of others—whether it’s my clients, my relationships, or the Nutrition Stripped community.”
2. Latham Thomas, doula, author, and founder of Mama Glow
“I am grateful to spend time with family. I will be with my mother. We lost my granny in September, which was so hard on all of us. She was my rock and now she is watching over me from heaven. I just miss her so much. So I am going to spend time with my mom and honor my granny’s legacy by making some of the vegan dishes she would prepare for me.”
3. Robin Berzin, MD, functional medicine doctor and CEO of Parsley Health
“I’m thankful for traditions. In a fast-moving world, the tradition of coming together for a tried and true meal on Thanksgiving day is grounding and meaningful. If you don’t love the traditions you grew up with, make your own: Make them fun and something you and friends and family will want to do again and again.”
4. Jill Blakeway, DACM, acupuncturist, women’s health expert, and founder of the YinOva Center
“This year I’m grateful to HarperCollins for commissioning me to write a book about energy healing. Not only has this given me the opportunity to tell my own story as a healer, but I’ve also been able to explore the science behind healing, and I’ve traveled the world to learn new skills from some of the best healers and energy workers out there. It has been a journey full of mystery (and the occasional charlatan), and I can’t wait to share the story.”
5. Lila Darville, sex expert and relationship coach
“Giving birth this year has again reconnected me with how innately intelligent our bodies are. Also, the return of mom jeans and PJs that you can wear everywhere.”
6. Norma Kamali, fashion icon with a (healthy) wellness obsession
“I have so many things I am grateful for, especially living a creative life. Seven years ago this January, I was introduced to my soul mate. I wasn’t sure if this existed for me, but I say, ‘better late than never.'”
7. Joey Gonzalez, CEO of Barry’s Bootcamp
“Growing up gay, I always anticipated a life of sadness and loneliness. I never in a million years thought I’d end up married with a healthy and beautiful family, for which I am more grateful than anything on earth.”
8. Lily Kunin, healthy chef and founder of Clean Food Dirty City
“I’m so thankful for my friends and family this year and the time we will be able to spend together over the holidays; this feeling is especially precious since I’ve been on the West Coast, away from them, for several months. I’m also so thankful for my health and strong body. I’m making it a goal to break a sweat each day over the holidays. (Exercise seriously stabilizes my mood and energy during what can be a fun but challenging season.)”
9. Claire Wasserman, career expert and founder of Ladies Get Paid
“I’m grateful for all the women who have courageously spoken up about sexual harassment and assault. Despite the world sometimes feeling like it’s on fire, I think 2018 will be the Year of the Woman, and we are going to see some real changes when it comes to protecting and supporting women in the workplace.”
10. Alisa Vitti, women’s hormone expert and founder of FloLiving.com
“I’m grateful for my mother, who has supported me in all ways. I’m grateful for being a mom, which was something that wouldn’t have happened had I not gotten my hormones back in the flow. I’m grateful for cycle-syncing my life with my period so I can optimize self-care, creativity, and productivity with my neuro-hormonal patterns. I’m grateful for the #FLOsisterhood of women cycle-syncing their lives with me online.”
Here’s what Well+Good is most excited to eat this Thanksgiving and what you should and shouldn’t let your dog snack on.
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