Thanksgiving Reset: Navigating Tough Emotions and Finding Strength

I want you to use this time to reset, reflect and work through the tough emotions of loss, anger, and confusion in a healthy way. When changes happen, it can be difficult to move forward. Consider these four strategies to manage your tough feelings and emotions over the Thanksgiving break. I want you to acknowledge and validate your emotions. Name your emotions. Whether it's anger, sadness, frustration, or confusion, know that these feelings are valid, especially when there's a lack of closure or understanding attached.

You will see a copy of the Feelings wheel and highlight seven core emotions of happy, sad, disgusted, angry, fearful, Bad, and Surprised. Based on that wheel, I want you to consider the top three emotions you're feeling about this and how does it feel to sit with those emotions? The second strategy I want you to reframe Thanksgiving as a time to reset, pause and reflect. Think about how can I use this time to focus on the positives in my life while also honoring the difficult feelings I'm experiencing?

We can do this by using a gratitude journal. I want you to list three things you're thankful for on a daily basis, preferably at the end of the day. Then list two things you miss or feel conflicted about and compare those and reflect on them. Third, consider self compassion practices when you're struggling. How do you talk to yourself? Would you speak the same way to a friend? In order to consider self compassion, you have to give yourself grace. Talk to yourself with the same kindness you'd offer a friend in the same situation.

It's okay to take off that Superman or Superwoman cape. Use affirmations on a daily basis such as it's okay to feel hurt and confused. Right now, I'm allowed to grieve what I don't understand. Lastly, I want you to think about your personal board of directors. So these will be at least three people you trust. I want you to plan to connect with them during or after the break to talk through your feelings and gain their perspective. When you choose your personal board of directors, I want you to choose someone who is worthy to hear your story.

And when I say that they understand the importance of confidence, they understand the importance of friendship and that sense of vulnerability. Because right now we are fearful, but we have to be courageous at the same time. Through this experience, I want you to consider what have I learned about myself during this time and how can I use this understanding to move forward? Share this information with others, including colleagues, friends or who may benefit from working through tough feelings. And as always, be courageous.

Have compassion, build connections, and also always be kind to yourself.