Joy Bowen’s Post

🦃 This Thanksgiving, Let’s Truly See Each Other 🍂 Thanksgiving often focuses on the visible: 🟠 Tables overflowing with food. 🟠 Gratitude lists shared at dinner. 🟠 The familiar presence of loved ones. But this year, I’ve been reflecting on something less obvious yet just as essential: the art of truly seeing and being seen. David Brooks, in "How to Know a Person", reminds us: “Being deeply seen is as essential to the human spirit as food or water.” And yet, how often do we rush through life, reducing people to roles, labels, or fleeting impressions? We notice what’s on their plates—but miss what’s in their hearts. ----- What if this Thanksgiving was different? What if we shifted our gratitude from things to connections? Not just saying “thank you,” but offering the gift of genuine attention: ✨ Asking deeper questions. ✨ Truly listening. ✨ Helping others feel valued and understood. Here’s how we can start today (and every day): 1️⃣ Slow down -- Don’t just ask “How are you?”—instead try, “What’s something you’re proud of this year?” or “What’s been on your mind lately?” 2️⃣ Notice the small things -- A warm laugh, a quiet moment of reflection—acknowledge them with kindness. 3️⃣ Be generous with your attention -- Share your presence like you’d share food, to nourish the people around you. As Brooks says: “The ultimate gift you can give is to make someone feel valued, heard, and understood.” ----- This Thanksgiving, let’s serve up more than turkey. Let’s truly see each other. How will you make someone feel seen this holiday? Happy Thanksgiving! 🧡

Happy Thanksgiving! It’s hard to believe that it’s been over a year since I started Smash Your Thinking and shared my thoughts on this important holiday. (Choose Your Own Thanksgiving Adventure) This year, I want to give some quick tips and build on some of last year’s ideas about managing family and friend dynamics today—and into your foreseeable future. Quick Tips Here are some concrete ways to enhance your gratitude and patience with family and friends: 1. Shift Perspective Remember my advice from last year about not trying to change anyone’s opinions? Apply this to your interactions today. Instead of going down a road of frustration, force yourself to focus on listening more and highlighting what’s positive about each person. 2. Reset Expectations I’m reminded of the importance of letting go of many expectations we have of ourselves and others, and then embracing the present realities. People are rarely exactly the way you want them to be. Remember, you are rarely exactly the way they want you to be either. Let go of some expectations of them, and be aware that they have false expectations of you too. 3. Appreciate Don’t take out your notebook during the meal, of course, but do keep a mental gratitude ‘journal’ during the gathering. Notice small gestures of kindness. Appreciate what’s positive and life-giving. Focus on what’s right, and appreciate it. 4. Breathe It’s hard to be mentally stressed when you’re physically relaxed. Be intentional about remaining calm and present. Breathe—before, during, and after challenging conversations. It adds oxygen to your brain and helps you remember everyone usually has positive intentions. 5. Connect Ultimately, Thanksgiving is about connection. Drawing from last year’s blog, focus on creating a positive impact, making others feel good about themselves, and appreciating the unique perspectives around the table. There You Have It As we gather today, let’s remember that gratitude isn’t just about saying “thank you”—it’s about truly seeing and appreciating the people in our lives. Wishing you all a Thanksgiving filled with warmth, understanding, and genuine connection! https://lnkd.in/eTwjgnvM

Why do we treat Thanksgiving differently? Hear me out... Any other day of the year if we were stuffing our faces until over full like a ravaged dog, feeling deathly sick from eating too much, unbuttoning our pants in front of others to make space for our belly, etc. it wouldn't be socially acceptable behavior. It would be frowned upon. Why? Because it's gluttony. And gluttony is sin. We know instinctively it's wrong. It's wired into us from God. Why do we feel some form of freedom to do what we know isn't right on this particular day? One reason: Cultural norms. This is why you have to be prepared to stand alone in life sometimes. To go against the flow. You will find countless ways that culture creates opportunity and even praise for people who make small compromises. It gets celebrated. And those compromises grow into bigger things - sometimes even spiritual and physical death. 'Although they know God’s just sentence — that those who practice such things deserve to die — they not only do them, but even applaud others who practice them.' -Romans 1:32 Now don't get me wrong, I LOVE Thanksgiving and I eat some delicious food, and enjoy the goodness of God and celebrate His blessings to us. I'm not anti-Thanksgiving, nor am I a grumpy buzz-kill. Our family celebrates! Christians SHOULD celebrate and party. I simply want to call out that the cultural "water we swim in" often has us behaving in ways we are not mindful of the effects of. Usually leading us to compromise. So how should we approach Thanksgiving? How do we have a battle plan for the day that lets us enjoy it fully, while embracing self-control and restraint? How do we master Thanksgiving? Tomorrow on The Mission Briefing I'm going to unpack my suggested plan for how men can approach this day with joy, maintain balance, have fun, eat delicious food, and not compromise. Join us via the link in the comments.

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey (though I’ll admit I have strong feelings about mashed potatoes). It’s become one of my favorite reminders of life’s best lessons—the kind that sneak up on you when you’re busy worrying about pie crusts and guest seating. Here’s what Thanksgiving has taught me over the years:  ✨Gratitude isn’t a one-day event—it’s a mindset.  It’s easy to focus on the good stuff when there’s a spread of food in front of you and laughter echoing through the room. But this day has shown me the power of carrying that gratitude into the chaos of the everyday. Gratitude shifts your perspective—it takes the “have to” and turns it into “get to.”  ✨The magic is in the people.  Whether it’s family, friends, coworkers, or that one random cousin who always shows up with the best stories, Thanksgiving is a reminder that connection matters most. It’s taught me to value the people who show up for me, even in life’s messiest moments (because let’s be honest, Thanksgiving prep is its own circus).  ✨Imperfection is part of the charm.  The burnt rolls, the mismatched plates, the awkward moments of silence before someone cracks a joke—these are the things we remember and laugh about later. Thanksgiving has reminded me that the best memories are rarely perfect, and life is richer when we embrace the imperfections.  So, as I reflect on the lessons this season offers, I’d love to hear: What has Thanksgiving taught YOU? Share your wisdom (or your best pie hacks) below—because we all need a little inspiration and connection this week. Here’s to full plates, full hearts, and a full appreciation for the moments and people that make life sweeter. #ThanksgivingThoughts #GratitudeInAction #LeadershipLessons

🍂 Feeling stressed about Thanksgiving entertaining? You’re not alone! Between planning meals, hosting guests, and trying to make everything perfect, the pressure can easily take away from the joy of the holiday. But here’s a reminder: Intentional living is about focusing on what truly matters – connection, gratitude, and the memories you create with loved ones. So let go of the need for perfection, simplify where you can, and be present in the moments that count. This Thanksgiving, prioritize what makes you feel fulfilled, not overwhelmed. You deserve to enjoy the day just as much as your guests! 🧡✨ For more tips on intentional living during the holidays, visit our website. For more visit our website- https://lnkd.in/eK3GBVPU 📩 info@intentionalhousehold.com #intentionalhousehold #intentionalliving #livewithintention

Preparing for Family & Thanksgiving 🦃✨ Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and it’s not just about the food, it’s about connection, gratitude, and love. 💛 But let’s be real, it can also bring stress, especially when preparing for family gatherings. 🌟 Here are 5 tips to help you prepare emotionally and mentally for Thanksgiving: ✅ Set realistic expectations: Every family has quirks. Embrace the imperfections and focus on the moments that matter. 🧡 ✅ Create a gratitude ritual: Before dinner, have everyone share something they’re thankful for. It sets a warm, positive tone. 🙏🏽 ✅ Set boundaries if needed: Protect your peace. It’s okay to step away or excuse yourself if things feel overwhelming. 🌿 ✅ Plan meaningful activities: Games, storytelling, or even a walk together can create lasting memories. 🎲📖 ✅ Practice self-care before and after: Take time to recharge, whether it’s through a morning walk, journaling, or quiet meditation. 🌞 Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what truly matters. Whether you’re celebrating with a big group, just a few loved ones, or even solo, make space for gratitude, joy, and peace. What’s your favorite part of preparing for Thanksgiving? Let’s share tips and ideas below! 🍂🦃✨ #ThanksgivingPrep #FamilyConnections #Gratitude #MentalWellness #HolidaySeason #LivingLifeWithLatoya

Gratitude, Appreciation And The Power Of Slowing Down As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s a time to pause and reflect on what we’ve accomplished and the people and moments that have shaped us. This season reminds us of the importance of gratitude. It’s more than saying “thank you.” Gratitude is about truly recognizing the journey — challenges, victories and everything in between. It’s a mindset. When we embrace gratitude and presence, we honor where we’ve been and create space for meaningful connections and joy in the moments ahead. Thanksgiving offers us the chance to slow down and be present. Whether we’re connecting with friends and family or taking a quiet moment for ourselves, this time of year carries a unique opportunity to celebrate what matters most. I encourage you to reflect on what you’ve achieved this year. As we wind down Q4 and head into the holiday season, we can use the reflection of Thanksgiving to finish the year strong. Gratitude can inspire us to bring our best selves to the final stretch, embracing the opportunities that remain and preparing for what’s to come. Wishing you a meaningful and memorable Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday. 🍂 It's a moment to pause and reflect on what truly...matters. It's easy to get lost in the hustle and bustle. To forget the simple joys that life offers. But Thanksgiving gives us a chance to remember. There's one idea that resonates deeply with me, especially during this season: Gratitude. 🙏 Gratitude is the silent hero in our stories. It shapes our perspective and drives our creativity. In many ways, it's the foundation of our work in the creative industry. Here are a few proverbs that remind me of the essence of Thanksgiving: • Gratitude turns what we have into enough. • The thankful receiver bears a plentiful harvest. This holiday, as we gather around tables, let's embrace gratitude. 🦃 Let's appreciate the ideas that make our lives richer, the connections that make us stronger, and the challenges that make us better. A happy and safe Thanksgiving to all. May your day be filled with warmth, laughter, and inspiration! 🎉 #Thanksgiving #Gratitude

A Thanksgiving Reflection: As the aroma of freshly baked pies fills the air and our calendars remind us to pause, Thanksgiving arrives with its timeless invitation: to reflect, reconnect, and rejoice. In the whirlwind of our lives, navigating professional challenges, chasing personal goals, or simply finding balance this day encourages us to focus on the one thing that costs nothing yet means everything: gratitude. Gratitude for the people who make our lives brighter, the opportunities that stretch us to grow, and even the challenges that teach us resilience. Gratitude for the small victories that go unnoticed, the colleagues who become friends, and the families we build inside and outside of the office. This season let’s commit to making gratitude more than a fleeting moment. Let it be an action, a daily practice. A handwritten note of appreciation, a kind word shared with a stranger, or simply saying "thank you" with genuine intention. So today, I raise my metaphorical glass to all of you the dreamers, the doers, the thinkers, and the believers. May your Thanksgiving be filled with laughter, love, and an abundance of pie (because, really, isn’t pie the ultimate unifier?). Here’s to finding joy in the journey, hope in the future, and gratitude in the present. Happy Thanksgiving!

🍂🦃 Thanksgiving Solo? You’re Not Alone! 🦃🍂 For some, Thanksgiving can feel like just another day without family or friends to share it with—but it doesn’t have to be lonely! Here are some fun and meaningful ways to make the holiday special for YOU: ✨ Cook Your Favorites: Who says you need a big crowd to enjoy Thanksgiving classics? Whip up a mini feast with your favorite dishes (or try something new!) and savor every bite. 🎥 Movie Marathon: Cozy up with a lineup of feel-good or festive movies. Pro tip: Add hot cocoa, a warm blanket, and your favorite snacks for extra comfort! 📚 Start a Gratitude Journal: Reflect on the good in your life—big or small. Writing it down can help brighten your mood and remind you of what matters most. 🤝 Volunteer: Spread love by giving back! Many organizations need help during the holiday season. Helping others is a surefire way to fill your heart with joy. 📞 Virtual Gatherings: Hop on a video call with friends or family who are far away. A little laughter and connection go a long way. 🎨 Get Creative: Spend time doing what you love—whether that’s painting, crafting, baking, going on a nature walk, or writing. Let the day be about YOU and what makes you happy! Don’t let the winter blues take hold—this is your chance to celebrate yourself, your resilience, and your journey. From all of us at Edge Green Cleaning, we’re thankful for YOU. 💛 #ThanksgivingYourWay #YouAreNotAlone #HolidaySelfCare #SpreadKindness #ThankfulHeart #EdgeGreenCleaning #WeCareAboutOurClients #MentalHealthMatters #BeKind #FallInOhio #FallWeather