Gratitude Through Challenges: A Thanksgiving Reflection

Finding Light in the Midst of Life’s Struggles

Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate gratitude. But for many of us—especially those living with chronic illnesses—this season can feel bittersweet. While others gather to give thanks for health, success, and ease, it’s easy to feel the weight of challenges we face daily.

As someone living with sickle cell anemia, I know firsthand how hard it can be to focus on gratitude when your body and mind are battling against you. But over time, I’ve learned that Thanksgiving isn’t about pretending life is perfect—it’s about finding light in the cracks, celebrating small victories, and appreciating the people and moments that make life beautiful, even in its imperfections.

Gratitude looks different when you’re managing a chronic illness. For me, it’s about the small, everyday moments that remind me I’m still here, still fighting, and still capable of joy.

I give thanks to God for giving me the strength to continue moving forward, even on my hardest days. I give thanks to my ancestors—those who came before me, like my Aunt Patricia and my cousins, Mark and Anetra. They were pillars of strength in my life, paving the way for me and teaching me what resilience truly looks like.

I give thanks to my brother and my sisters. I absolutely love and adore them, and I cherish our little community. We’ve built a bond that keeps me grounded and supported, no matter what. I give thanks to my nieces and nephews, who I think about daily. Their little faces give me the strength to fight and push through because I want to be a part of their lives for a very long time.

These moments of gratitude remind me that even when life feels overwhelming, there are still so many reasons to celebrate.

Thanksgiving celebrations can also bring unique challenges for those of us managing health conditions. Long gatherings, rich foods, and the pressure to “show up” can take a toll. Here’s how I approach the holiday:

1. Listening to My Body: I pace myself throughout the day, taking breaks when needed and staying mindful of how my body feels.

2. Setting Boundaries: If I need to leave early or sit out certain activities, I remind myself that it’s okay. Taking care of myself is the ultimate act of gratitude.

3. Choosing Joy: I focus on the aspects of Thanksgiving that bring me the most happiness, whether that’s reconnecting with loved ones, sharing a meal, or simply reflecting on what I’m thankful for.

Thanksgiving is an amazing time for my family. We gather around the table for a big prayer before enjoying a huge dinner, complete with a kid’s table for laughter and fun, and a space for adults to talk and fellowship. This year, I’m especially grateful because my mom and dad are in town, and I get to spend Thanksgiving with them. These moments of connection mean everything to me.

A Thanksgiving Practice: The Gratitude List

Every Thanksgiving, I take a moment to reflect on what I’m grateful for, no matter how small. This year, my gratitude list includes:

1. God, for giving me strength and guidance.

2. My ancestors, whose resilience and legacy I carry forward.

3. My parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews, whose love and laughter keep me going.

4. The opportunity to share my journey through Wholeness Within Reach.

5. The simple joys of life: a good meal, a warm hug, and the promise of another day.

I encourage you to take a moment this Thanksgiving to write down your own gratitude list. What are the things—big or small—that bring light to your life?

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a reminder to pause and reconnect with what truly matters. For me, it’s about embracing the journey, even when it’s messy. It’s about honoring the challenges I’ve faced while celebrating the resilience and strength that have carried me through.

To my fellow warriors, remember this: gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of life—it’s about finding the beauty within them. This Thanksgiving, let’s choose to see the light, however small it may seem.

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, let’s hold space for both gratitude and grace. Let’s honor our struggles while celebrating the blessings that sustain us. And most importantly, let’s remind ourselves that even in the hardest seasons, there is always something to be thankful for.

Subtitle: Finding Light in the Midst of Life’s Struggles

Introduction:

Thanksgiving is a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate gratitude. But for many of us—especially those living with chronic illnesses—this season can feel bittersweet. While others gather to give thanks for health, success, and ease, it’s easy to feel the weight of challenges we face daily.

As someone living with sickle cell anemia, I know firsthand how hard it can be to focus on gratitude when your body and mind are battling against you. But over time, I’ve learned that Thanksgiving isn’t about pretending life is perfect—it’s about finding light in the cracks, celebrating small victories, and appreciating the people and moments that make life beautiful, even in its imperfections.

Finding Gratitude in Unexpected Places:

Gratitude looks different when you’re managing a chronic illness. For me, it’s about the small, everyday moments that remind me I’m still here, still fighting, and still capable of joy.

I give thanks to God for giving me the strength to continue moving forward, even on my hardest days. I give thanks to my ancestors—those who came before me, like my Aunt Patricia and my cousins, Mark and Anetra. They were pillars of strength in my life, paving the way for me and teaching me what resilience truly looks like.

I give thanks to my brother and my sisters. I absolutely love and adore them, and I cherish our little community. We’ve built a bond that keeps me grounded and supported, no matter what. I give thanks to my nieces and nephews, who I think about daily. Their little faces give me the strength to fight and push through because I want to be a part of their lives for a very long time.

These moments of gratitude remind me that even when life feels overwhelming, there are still so many reasons to celebrate.

Balancing Thanksgiving with Chronic Illness:

Thanksgiving celebrations can also bring unique challenges for those of us managing health conditions. Long gatherings, rich foods, and the pressure to “show up” can take a toll. Here’s how I approach the holiday:

1. Listening to My Body: I pace myself throughout the day, taking breaks when needed and staying mindful of how my body feels.

2. Setting Boundaries: If I need to leave early or sit out certain activities, I remind myself that it’s okay. Taking care of myself is the ultimate act of gratitude.

3. Choosing Joy: I focus on the aspects of Thanksgiving that bring me the most happiness, whether that’s reconnecting with loved ones, sharing a meal, or simply reflecting on what I’m thankful for.

Thanksgiving is an amazing time for my family. We gather around the table for a big prayer before enjoying a huge dinner, complete with a kid’s table for laughter and fun, and a space for adults to talk and fellowship. This year, I’m especially grateful because my mom and dad are in town, and I get to spend Thanksgiving with them. These moments of connection mean everything to me.

A Thanksgiving Practice: The Gratitude List

Every Thanksgiving, I take a moment to reflect on what I’m grateful for, no matter how small. This year, my gratitude list includes:

1. God, for giving me strength and guidance.

2. My ancestors, whose resilience and legacy I carry forward.

3. My parents, siblings, nieces, and nephews, whose love and laughter keep me going.

4. The opportunity to share my journey through Wholeness Within Reach.

5. The simple joys of life: a good meal, a warm hug, and the promise of another day.

I encourage you to take a moment this Thanksgiving to write down your own gratitude list. What are the things—big or small—that bring light to your life?

Thanksgiving as a Time for Reflection and Connection:

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday—it’s a reminder to pause and reconnect with what truly matters. For me, it’s about embracing the journey, even when it’s messy. It’s about honoring the challenges I’ve faced while celebrating the resilience and strength that have carried me through.

To my fellow warriors, remember this: gratitude isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of life—it’s about finding the beauty within them. This Thanksgiving, let’s choose to see the light, however small it may seem.

Conclusion:

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, let’s hold space for both gratitude and grace. Let’s honor our struggles while celebrating the blessings that sustain us. And most importantly, let’s remind ourselves that even in the hardest seasons, there is always something to be thankful for.