Levent Özen’s Post

Family, Gratitude, and the Essence of Thanksgiving 🍂 Thanksgiving has always been a time for reflection, for counting our blessings, and most importantly, for coming together with the people who matter most—our families. In a world that often moves too fast, Thanksgiving offers us the chance to pause, share a meal, and create cherished memories with loved ones. It’s a reminder of the power of connection, love, and the importance of being present with one another. For me, Thanksgiving is about more than just tradition; it’s about embracing those moments of togetherness that strengthen family bonds and fill our hearts with gratitude. The warmth of a home filled with laughter, good food, and shared stories is something we carry with us long after the holiday ends. This year, why not add a new layer of excitement and joy to your Thanksgiving celebration? Start a new tradition with fireworks! 🎆 Just imagine gathering your family outdoors, under the stars, and lighting up the night with a spectacular fireworks display—a fun and meaningful way to bring even more light and celebration into the holiday. And if you don’t want the hassle of doing it yourself, leave the details to us—the pros! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show while we handle everything. You can focus on what really matters—quality time with your family. Ready to make your Thanksgiving unforgettable? Let’s create magical memories together! 🍁 #Thanksgiving2024 #FamilyTradition #Gratitude #FlickTheFireworks #NewHolidayTradition #CelebrateTogether

Thanksgiving is often a season for gratitude—but let’s not ignore the stress that can come with it. Balancing busy schedules, family obligations, and the pressure to show up in spaces that might not align with your peace can leave you feeling drained. Here’s a question: What if you didn’t feel obligated to attend gatherings that disrupt your well-being? What if Thanksgiving reflected your values, boundaries, and needs? Here are three ways to rethink Thanksgiving this year: 1️⃣ Protect Your Time: Just because you have the day off doesn’t mean you have to give it away. Be intentional about how you spend it. 2️⃣ Set Clear Boundaries: It’s okay to skip conversations—or entire gatherings—that disrupt your peace. No is a complete sentence. 3️⃣ Reimagine the Day: Host a Friendsgiving, volunteer, or simply enjoy some much-needed rest. Your time is yours to define. This season, let’s embrace the idea that choosing peace is a form of gratitude. You don’t have to endure stress or discomfort to honor tradition. 💡 How are you planning to protect your peace this Thanksgiving? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear! 👉🏾 For more tips, check out my latest blog: Thanksgiving Without the Stress: Choosing Peace - https://wix.to/OYxmbJZ

Thanksgiving is a holiday that holds great importance in many nations around the world. It is a time for people to come together with loved ones, reflect on all that they are grateful for, and share a delicious meal. This tradition has been practiced for centuries and continues to bring people together in a spirit of gratitude. Some nations have a strong and longstanding tradition of celebrating Thanksgiving, with the United States being the most well-known example. Other nations, such as Canada, also have their own unique Thanksgiving celebrations. These nations have embraced the true essence of Thanksgiving and have incorporated it into their cultural identity. However, there are also nations that have less of a focus on Thanksgiving. This could be due to a variety of reasons, such as cultural differences or lack of awareness about the holiday. In these nations, it is important to promote the spirit of Thanksgiving and encourage people to take time to express gratitude and celebrate with their loved ones. To promote the importance of Thanksgiving in all nations, it is essential to have a strategic direction. This could include organizing community events, sharing the history and significance of Thanksgiving, and encouraging acts of kindness and gratitude. It is also important to educate younger generations about the holiday and its values, so that they can continue the tradition in the future. Let us all take a moment to appreciate the true meaning of Thanksgiving and spread its message of gratitude and togetherness.

As we gather in the US this week to celebrate Thanksgiving, we grapple with significant questions and concerns about the economy, the strength of our democratic institutions, and the effects of long-term uncertainty. It may be hard to think about gratitude during this period, but think of it we must. Even as a micro-practice, it remains important. That said, what is top of mind is the imperative to gather: to commune; to break bread; and to engage in some form of ritual for our individual and collective health. When a community says that something is sacred, it becomes so. We develop rituals, or routines, that send powerful signals to each other about our values, beliefs, and identity. As Ter Kuile notes: “When we’re in the rhythm of the collective, we can be freed of our isolationist perspective. For a brief period of time, the lie of our separateness is exposed, and we remember that we are wholly connected to one another.” I invite all of us to find or create connection and meaning where and when we can. To allow time in our busy lives for spontaneous acts of joy and delight. To give thanks, but acknowledge where and what we grieve. And, as we gather, may we infuse these very acts with a sense of the sacred. Wishing you the joy of gathering during this holiday!

"But the holidays come with a good measure of stress as well as joyful celebration. Sometimes it’s our rigid adherence to “the way things should be,” while other times we let our expectations get the best of us and are disappointed when things don’t “go according to plan.” I suggest instead of focusing on our preparation and expectations we turn our attention to gratitude and how thankful we are to have the love of our family and friends no matter where or how we celebrate this Thanksgiving holiday." Read more at Drsherryboles.substack.com.

American Thanksgiving is in just a few days. Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, but it can be challenging when family tensions arise. Even if everyone isn’t on the same page, you can still create a peaceful and joyful holiday! 🍂 Embrace flexibility, set healthy boundaries, and focus on moments of gratitude with those who are there. Whether it's a cozy gathering or new traditions, you have the power to shape your Thanksgiving experience. 💛 If you missed my blog article that I shared before Canadian Thanksgiving, you can read more here on how you can prepare for a happy Thanksgiving, even when things aren’t perfect: https://lnkd.in/e8Ry9AhX #ThanksgivingTips #FamilyBoundaries #Gratitude #MagnifyYourMagnificence

Thanksgiving Is Over - But Its Message Doesn’t Have to Be By now, the dishes and glasses are done (or mostly done), the leftovers are tucked into the fridge, and another Thanksgiving has come and gone. Yesterday, as I exchanged Thanksgiving greetings with so many friends and connections here, it made me think: Why does Thanksgiving have to end? Not the holiday itself, of course. We can’t sit down to turkey and pie every day. But what about the spirit of Thanksgiving - the gratitude, the kindness, the hope, the connection? These aren’t one-day-only ideas. If we pause to think about what Thanksgiving really represents, it’s a moment to: - Be thankful for what we have. - Appreciate the people who make our lives richer. - Extend kindness and understanding to others. - Find hope in the face of challenges. There’s no expiration date on any of that. What if we carried the best parts of Thanksgiving into today? And next week? And next year? What if we made gratitude a habit, not just a holiday? For me, yesterday was a chance to reconnect with family and friends. But it was also a reminder to slow down, reflect, and focus on what truly matters. That’s a lesson worth taking into 2025 - and beyond. What about you? - What stood out most about this Thanksgiving for you? - Is there something you’re taking from it that you want to hold onto? - How can we all carry this day’s message forward? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Let’s not let the spirit of Thanksgiving fade with the day - it’s too powerful to leave behind.

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

American Thanksgiving is in just a few days. Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, but it can be challenging when family tensions arise. Even if everyone isn’t on the same page, you can still create a peaceful and joyful holiday! 🍂 Embrace flexibility, set healthy boundaries, and focus on moments of gratitude with those who are there. Whether it's a cozy gathering or new traditions, you have the power to shape your Thanksgiving experience. 💛 If you missed my blog article that I shared before Canadian Thanksgiving, you can read more here on how you can prepare for a happy Thanksgiving, even when things aren’t perfect: https://lnkd.in/eaNGQ8Yd #ThanksgivingTips #FamilyBoundaries #Gratitude #MagnifyYourMagnificence

🦃🍂 Thanksgiving is a perfect reminder to practice intentional gratitude – not just for the big moments, but for the small ones too. Whether it’s a quiet conversation with a loved one or simply taking a breath to enjoy the season, living with intention during the holidays brings more meaning and joy to the celebrations. As you gather with family and friends, remember that it’s the quality of time, not the quantity, that leaves a lasting impact. Wishing you a warm and purposeful Thanksgiving from all of us at The Intentional Household! 🌻✨ #HappyThanksgiving #intentionalhousehold #intentionalliving #livewithintention