The day before Thanksgiving, we hit pause together for a short "FaceTime-style" heart-to-heart. Whether you're bracing for tricky family dynamics or you're the holiday superfan, this mini-episode gives you a simple, grace-filled plan to enter the day grounded, intentional, and at peace—without pretending or performing.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5–6

What We Talk About

• Two honest camps we tend to fall into for Thanksgiving (dreaded & pressured vs. excited & overamped) — and how intention bridges both.

• The 2023 burnout story that led to boundaries, fewer yeses, and clearer expectations.

• A 5–10 minute grounding ritual you can do today (journal-optional) to shape tomorrow.

• Why your presence > performance — and how to carry peace into complicated rooms.

• Gratitude as an anchor, not a performance — practical ways to spot "small gifts."

• Navigating family roles, old wounds, and people-pleasing without losing your growth.

• "Touch grass" breaks and mini-Sabbaths that reset your nervous system mid-chaos.

Scripture Anchors

• Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust > understanding; acknowledge > control.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — "Rejoice… pray… give thanks… for this is God's will."

• Philippians 4:6–7 — Prayer + thanksgiving → peace that guards your heart.

• Colossians 3:15 — "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and be thankful."

The 5–10 Minute "Pre-Game" (Do this today)

1. Name it honestly. Write how you actually feel about tomorrow (the good, the hard, the mixed). No bypassing.

2. Three clarifying questions:

   • What do I want to carry into tomorrow?

   • What do I need to leave behind?

   • What kind of presence do I want to bring? (peace, presence, wholeness, gentleness, curiosity, simplicity)

3. Gratitude that isn't performative. List 3–5 specifics:

   • Where has God sustained me lately?

   • What tiny gift have I been overlooking?

   • Where can I choose wonder over worry today?

4. Pray it in. "Jesus, I acknowledge You here. Set my pace. Guard my tone. Keep me rooted."

"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10

Day-Of Rhythm (Quick Guide)

• Before you step in: step outside, touch grass, breathe, pray a verse (Prov. 3:5–6).

• Alarms as mini-Sabbaths: try 11:45 / 2:30 / 6:00 — step out, breathe, reset.

• Protect your growth: You can show up as who you are now, not who you used to be or who they expect.

• Boundaries are love: You're not responsible for others' perceptions; you are responsible for your presence.

Gentle Prompts for the Table (or your journal)

• Where did I see a small mercy today?

• What pressure can I lower by 20% without harming the moment?

• If peace walked into this room, what would it sound like from me?

Sponsor Messages PreBorn

An ultrasound can double the chance a mom chooses life. This year alone, more than 38,000 babies were rescued through PreBorn's work, with moms supported through counseling and tangible help for up to two years after birth. $28 sponsors one ultrasound. Be the first voice of hope: PreBorn.com/Speakeasy

CrowdHealth

Open enrollment got you stressed? CrowdHealth is an alternative: pay a monthly advocacy fee for bill negotiation, affordable labs/prescriptions, and a trusted network of low-cost, high-quality doctors. If something big happens, you pay the first $500; the crowd helps with the rest. Start for $99 for your first 3 months with code speakeasy at joincrowdhealth.com. Disclaimer: CrowdHealth is not insurance.