Addiction Prevention Coalition’s Post

Not everyone gathers around a crowded table on Thanksgiving. Some can’t make it home. Others don’t have a home to go to. It’s easy to get swept up in the warm, familiar scenes of family dinners and holiday traditions—but let’s not forget those who feel left out of that picture. Thanksgiving is about more than turkey and pie. It’s about gratitude, yes—but also connection. It’s about seeing people, really seeing them, and showing up for those who might need it most. So this year, let’s widen the circle: • Check in on someone you know who might be spending the holiday alone. • Volunteer or support organizations that provide meals and shelter. • Be a listening ear or a kind word to someone who’s carrying more than their share of weight. If you’re lucky enough to have a place to call home, be grateful. And if you don’t, know this: your worth isn’t defined by where you are but by who you are—and you are enough. To anyone feeling unseen this Thanksgiving: you matter. You are not forgotten. Let’s make sure everyone feels a little less alone this Thanksgiving. #MHN #ISTManagement #LinkedinConnections #LinkedinCommunity #appreciate #givethanks #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #Community #MentalHealth #Kindness IST Management

Thanksgiving is that day of the year when we come together to celebrate family traditions. The family will gather to witness someone carve the turkey, stuff themselves with dressing, cover their mashed potatoes with gravy, and consume many other home-cooked holiday favorites. It is a time to catch up on what is happening in everyone's lives - the highs, the lows, and the everyday stuff. A time for other traditions like a game of football in the backyard or on the TV (can the Lions pull out a win this year?), setting up the Holiday ornaments, or the 24-hour endless loop of "A Christmas Story." Make sure to help all of your family enjoy this wonderful holiday, even those with ones who you might not get along with.... it is a time to give thanks! It is also a time to think of those who are less fortunate. Take time to do something for those who are in need. Consider volunteering at a kitchen, visiting and contributing to a shelter, or spending time at a community activity that will support the less fortunate. There is nothing like saying thanks by putting a smile on the face of someone you don't know. #Thankful #HelpingHand #MICEO #EmployeeOwnership

🍁 As we gather around this holiday season, I reflect on how fortunate I am to be part of such an incredible community. This year, I wanted to share some meaningful tips inspired by Aneta Ardelian Kuzma that help us embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving: 🧡 Practice Gratitude: Reflect on the big and small blessings in life. Gratitude has a way of lifting spirits and bringing joy. 💬 Connect with Loved Ones: Create moments of warmth and connection through heartfelt conversations and shared experiences. 🙏 Give Back: Whether volunteering or supporting a cause, giving is a powerful way to show thanks. 🍽️ Mindful Eating: Savor every bite, being present for the simple joy of a shared meal. 📵 Limit Screen Time: Step away from screens to engage fully with the people and moments that matter. A big thank you to Aneta for inspiring these thoughtful reminders! Wishing you and your loved ones a Thanksgiving filled with connection, #joy, and #gratitude. 🍂 #family #blessings

Here are a few simple ways of practicing gratitude this Thanksgiving that will make a difference in Rhode Island and in your home.

As we come into this week of Thanksgiving, let us be reminded that it is a time to reflect on our blessings, extend kindness, and foster deeper connections with one another. I Thessalonians 5:14 tells us to “encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone." How can we do this? "Encourage the disheartened": The holidays can be challenging for those who are struggling emotionally, financially, or spiritually. Thanksgiving calls us to notice and uplift those who feel burdened, offering them a listening ear, words of hope, or acts of generosity. "Help the weak": Whether it’s through volunteering at a food pantry, inviting someone who has no family to join your Thanksgiving table, or simply being present for someone in need, this season invites us to practice compassion and selflessness.  "Be patient with everyone": Family gatherings and holiday preparations can sometimes test our patience. Respond with understanding, appreciating the unique qualities and challenges each person brings. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Be kind! 

To everyone spending Thanksgiving without family this year… This time of year can be beautiful, but it can also feel incredibly isolating. While many gather around full tables, some of us face empty chairs and quiet spaces. And that's okay. Whether you're distanced by miles, estranged, or simply alone this year—your worth and joy are not defined by who's sitting at your table. Instead of focusing on what's missing, here are a few ways to make this day meaningful: 1. Host a Friendsgiving with chosen family or friends who are nearby. 2. Volunteer: Bring joy to others by helping at shelters, food banks, or community centers. 3. Celebrate yourself: Take yourself out, cook your favorite meal, or reflect on your growth this year. 4. Connect virtually: Reach out to others who might be feeling the same way. Remember: Gratitude is about presence, not perfection. If you’re spending today alone and feeling unseen—know this: I see you. I’m rooting for you. And your presence matters. If this resonates, leave a comment or share how you're spending Thanksgiving. Let’s remind each other that we’re never truly alone. #family #familyengagement #healing #mentalhealthmatters

The much-awaited holiday season is set to kickstart with Thanksgiving. A time to have a hearty meal with family and feel gratitude for the blessings in life and the abundance of nature’s harvest, the ancient festival of Thanksgiving dates centuries back. Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, this year it’s celebrated on 28 November. Thanksgiving is all about gratitude and celebration of unity and abundance. While it started out as a harvest festival and to express gratitude to nature for abundance, it has evolved into a modern-day festival rooted in gratitude for family, health, and achievements. Here are some Thanksgiving traditions you can start: - Share gratitude: Reflect on the year and share what you're thankful for with family and friends. - Have a traditional meal: Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without a traditional Thanksgiving meal. - Have a Friendsgiving: Thanksgiving is usually celebrated with family, but it's also important to give thanks with friends. Happy Thanksgiving Week #Grateful #givethanksalways #thankfulnovember #holidayseason #friendsgiving #thanksgivingweek #sharinggratitude #celebratingunity #celebratingabundance #traditions #gratefulforblessings

Thanksgiving Survival Guide: Do's & Don'ts Ready to keep the holiday drama-free and full of gratitude? Whether you're hosting or visiting, these simple tips will help you navigate family time like a pro: ✅ Do: Lend a hand, stay positive, and respect everyone’s preferences. ❌ Don't: Bring up politics, overindulge, or forget to say “thank you”! See our Thanksgiving Do's & Don'ts checklist to ensure a smooth and joyful gathering. Let’s make this year’s holiday one to remember (for all the right reasons)! #ThanksgivingTips #FamilyTime #Gratitude #HolidaySurvivalGuide

Today is "Thanksgiving Day"..😊 But why do we need a Thanksgiving Day??Let's find out: Thanksgiving Day serves several important purposes, both culturally and personally, which make it a valuable tradition: 1. Gratitude and Reflection Thanksgiving reminds us to pause and reflect on the blessings and good things in our lives. In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook the positives, and this day encourages practicing gratitude, which is known to improve mental well-being. 2. Strengthening Bonds It brings families and friends together, fostering a sense of community and connection. Shared meals and conversations create memories and strengthen relationships. 3. Cultural and Historical Significance Thanksgiving honors a long-standing tradition in the U.S., originating from harvest celebrations shared between Native Americans and Pilgrims. It's a way to remember and respect history while creating a sense of national unity. 4. Promoting Kindness and Generosity The holiday encourages acts of giving and sharing, often inspiring charitable actions like volunteering, donating food, or helping those in need. 5. Rest and Rejuvenation In a fast-paced world, Thanksgiving provides a chance to step away from work and responsibilities to enjoy quality time, reflect, and recharge. 6. Culinary Celebration Thanksgiving is also a celebration of food and harvest. Preparing and sharing meals is a way to appreciate nature's abundance and enjoy culinary traditions. Why It Matters Today?? In an age of Digital Distractions, increasing stress, and societal divides, Thanksgiving Day is more relevant than ever. It encourages gratitude, togetherness, and generosity—values that contribute to both personal fulfillment and social harmony. Personally, I feel, everyday we should be Thankful to the Universe for the blessings it provides us, and also to those who are alwys there for us, through thick and thin. I am thankful to my LINKEDIN family today and alwys for giving us this platform for growth, support and development in so many different fields. 🙏. What do you feel ? #HAPPYTHANKSGIVING to you all.🧡 #suparnamukherjee #thanksgiving #happythanksgivingday #gratitude #thankful #grateful

As the holidays approach, Friendsgiving can be a beautiful way to pause and share gratitude in community. In a season that can feel rushed or even isolating, gathering with friends reminds us of the gift of community.  So if you find yourself away from family this Thanksgiving, consider calling up some friends for a night in community.  ✨Reach out to friends who could use a little extra community this season. An invitation can be the perfect reminder that they’re valued and belong. ✨Set the mood with cozy lighting, autumn decor, or even a gratitude wall where everyone can share what they’re thankful for. ✨Bake a favorite fall Thanksgiving dish and encourage your friends to bring a side dish they love. ✨Wrap up the night with a prayer or a reflection on gratitude, bringing everyone together and leaving a lasting sense of hope and joy. What are some of your favorite ways to celebrate Thanksgiving with friends?  #Friendsgiving #YCP #Thanksgiving #YoungCatholicProfessionals #reflection