5 Powerful Questions Before Thanksgiving
18 November 2021 | Written by Xenia Ayiotis
Thanksgiving is a week away!
In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, I am going to be sending you some tips and tools to support you.
Thanksgiving is meant to be a day of connection with loved ones. For some folks there might be much anticipation but for many people there may be feelings of dread as the day approaches. It can be a time of loneliness, stress and disappointment.
The day comes with high expectations of a happy gathering enjoying a perfect celebration. Some of these ideals are difficult to live up to in the best of times and in times of a global pandemic, even more so.
Thanksgiving can be full of expectations of what we are supposed to feel and how we are supposed to be and what we are supposed to do. From hosting a perfect meal or behaving like the perfect guest. If this Thanksgiving is easy for you and there are no difficulties, celebrate this with joy! But for the folks who may be struggling as the day approaches, what do you do?
Either way, here are 5 powerful questions that can help you create positive and realistic intentions for Thanksgiving.
Question 1
What is important to you about Thanksgiving? What is your Thanksgiving intention?
Question 2
How do I want to feel at the end of the day?
Question 3
How do I need to adjust my attitude to support my intention?
Question 4
What action steps do I need to take?
Question 5
How can I support myself?
Below is an example to give you some ideas of how these questions work. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, you may want to take a break and do a short reflection about Thanksgiving and how you would like to show up.
1. What is important to me about Thanksgiving? My intention is to…
Example:
- It is important to me to acknowledge all the people and things I am grateful for.
- Be together in peace
- Enjoy the day and not sweat the small stuff
- Get through the day with grace
- Connect in a meaningful way
- Let go of expectations and perfection
2. How do I want to feel at the end of this event?
Example:
- Connected
- At peace
- Happy
- Relieved that I showed up as best I could
3. How do I need to adjust my attitude to support my intention?
Example:
- Let go of my need for perfection.
- Be more flexible
- Be present
- Listen
- Be less reactive
4. What actions do I need to take?
Example:
- Not micro-manage
- Delegate
- Let go of judgment
- Go with the flow
- Keep things simple
5. How can I support myself?
Example:
- Ask a friend or partner to remind me of my intention.
- I will take a deep breath when I feel triggered.
- I will get up from the table if I feel annoyed.
I’ve created a worksheet for you with these 5 questions.
I hope these questions help set the scene for a meaningful Thanksgiving. Next up, will be “How to eat with joy, grace and ease on Thanksgiving.”
Wishing you an easy week ahead!
Xen
✨ Did you find this worksheet useful? Do you struggle with food and eating in the holidays? Check out my How To Handle Eating In The Holidays Online Course.
✨ If food is controlling your life, I would be honored to support you to develop a positive relationship with food. Book a free mini-session.
✨ Are you interested in finding out more – join my next retreat A Taste of Mindful Eating on 12 December.
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