Wellspring™’s Post

As you prepare for the Big Meal this week, have you considered how to create a welcoming space for your autistic family members? For many autistic people, Thanksgiving can be overwhelming. From crowded dining rooms to noisy conversations and unfamiliar food smells, sensory overload is a real challenge. But with a little thoughtfulness, you can make the day more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. Here are some simple microaccommodations to consider: 🎵 Manage the Noise: Keep background music or TV volume low, especially during dinner. Consider offering a quieter space where someone can retreat if the hustle and bustle feels too intense. 🥘 Be Flexible with Food: Thanksgiving staples might not work for everyone. If someone has sensory sensitivities or strong food preferences, let them know it’s okay to bring their own preferred meal—or set aside plain options without extra seasoning. 💡 Watch the Lighting: Bright or flickering lights can be overstimulating. Opt for soft, steady lighting if possible. 🛋️ Provide a Sensory Break Zone: A cozy, quiet space for breaks can be a lifesaver. This could be a spare room or even just a designated corner with a comfy chair. 🗣️ Respect Communication Needs: Not everyone engages in long, group conversations. Allow space for non-verbal communication or one-on-one chats, and don’t take it personally if someone needs time alone. The holiday season is about connection and gratitude. By incorporating small adjustments, you can ensure that all your loved ones feel valued and included at the table. What other tips do you have for making Thanksgiving inclusive? Let’s share ideas and support each other this holiday season! #Thanksgiving #Inclusion #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #Family

🦃 As Thanksgiving approaches, many of us reflect on what we’re thankful for. But what if we took that a step further? I want to challenge you to practice gratitude every day, not just during the holiday season. It’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day rush, but taking just a few moments each day to appreciate what we have can improve our health in various ways. So, what are you thankful for today? Let’s start a conversation and spread some positivity! #Gratitude #Thanksgiving #DailyGratitude #MentalHealth #WellBeing #Positivity

Navigating Thanksgiving with Care: Tips for Supporting Family Members in Recovery 🦃🍁 Thanksgiving is all about connection, gratitude, and creating memories. For those in recovery, this holiday can come with unique challenges. Here’s how you can make your gathering inclusive and supportive: 🍹 Respect Boundaries: If someone says no to alcohol, honor their choice—no pressure, no questions. 🍊 Mocktail Magic: Elevate the experience with creative mocktail and non-alcoholic options! Think sparkling cranberry spritzers, festive spiced apple cider, or a refreshing ginger-lime fizz. 🤝 Prioritize Connection: Shift the focus from drinking to meaningful conversations, shared laughter, and moments of gratitude. 📚 Educate Yourself: Learn about recovery to better understand your loved one's journey and how you can be an ally. 💛 Create a Safe Space: Encourage them to step away or take breaks if they need to. Reassure them they’re supported, not judged. A thoughtful environment goes a long way in making everyone feel valued and comfortable. Let’s toast (with mocktails!) to a Thanksgiving filled with empathy, understanding, and love. What are your favorite ways to create inclusive celebrations? Drop your ideas below! 👇 #Thanksgiving #RecoverySupport #MentalHealthAwareness #Mentalhealth

Thanksgiving – what a great time for connecting!! We all have two competing needs that are critical to our wellbeing, whether we lean introvert or extrovert. Any idea what they are? 😊 Autonomy and connection are two sides of the same coin, and we vacillate between them on any given day. Autonomy is about independence and freedom – having an identify that distinguishes me as me. It’s about being our own person. Connection, on the other hand, is about personal familiarity, closeness and intimacy. As we ready for the Thanksgiving holiday – let’s embrace both sides of this coin and remind ourselves that you are a unique person and bring many gifts to that family and friends gathering. Then make a connection – maybe renew a connection. Invite someone you don’t know well to join your family dinner. Connect with someone struggling that needs a moment of belonging. Share the real you with them - magic will happen. On this Thanksgiving holiday remember - when we promote connection with others we nourish our overall wellbeing. 🦃 Do it for the health of it! #connection #realyou #Thanksgiving #wellbeing Kathy Scott

The Authentic Significance of Thanksgiving: Appreciation, Well-being, and Community Engagement Thanksgiving transcends a mere holiday for communal dining; it serves as an occasion to contemplate the significance of thankfulness, well-being, and interpersonal relationships. In the contemporary, rapid-paced environment, we frequently neglect to pause and value the fundamental pleasures of existence. Thanksgiving reminds us of the essential components that enhance our general well-being. Health Benefits of Gratitude Expressing appreciation impacts mental and physical well-being. Studies indicate that cultivating thankfulness can: 1) Alleviate stress and anxiety. 2) Enhance sleep quality 3) Augment emotional resilience 4) Enhance immune functionality 5) Recognizing our gratitude triggers the production of dopamine and serotonin in our brains. These chemicals enhance mood and foster a sense of well-being. Enhancing Social Bonds Thanksgiving underscores the significance of social connections. Assembling with family and friends fortifies ties, fosters a sense of belonging, and facilitates reconnection with loved ones. Robust and social relations have demonstrated the capacity to: 1) Enhance mental well-being by alleviating emotions of isolation. 2) Foster longevity, as beneficial connections are associated with increased life expectancy. 3) Offer emotional assistance during difficult periods. 4) Partaking in a meal and articulating thanks fosters these connections and reinforces the notion that we are never solitary. A Holistic Approach to Wellness Thanksgiving represents a comprehensive well-being approach, encompassing emotional, physical, and social health. Engaging in appreciation, cultivating social connections, and consuming nutritious food are significant methods of caring for our bodies and minds. This Thanksgiving, let us reflect on the genuine essence of the holiday: to express gratitude for our health, value our loved ones, and cultivate a profound sense of connectedness. By doing so, we are not merely commemorating a day but also fostering enduring habits that enhance our general well-being. What are your expressions of gratitude for this year? Let us collectively commemorate the season of thankfulness! Autumn Thanksgiving #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #HealthAndWellness #SocialConnection #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #FamilyTime #HolisticHealth #HealthyLiving #CanadianThanksgiving #ThanksgivingCanada #GratitudeCanada #Thanksgiving2024 #CanadaThanksgiving #ThanksgivingWeekend #CanadianTraditions #CelebrateThanksgivingCanada

"It's Christmas! The holiday season often brings a mix of joy and busyness, but it’s important to remember to reach out and ask, “Are you okay?” These simple moments of connection can mean more than we realise. So, as we gather with family or friends, let’s show a bit of care and remind ourselves that support is just a message or call away. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together. Let’s spread kindness, reach out, and remind each other that we’re here if someone needs a chat. After all, Christmas is all about those simple acts of care. Wishing you a joyful Christmas Eve! #thrivingleaders #globalcommunity #membership #support #safety #inspired #energised #transformation #educatorssupport #teachersupport #teachermembers #mindset #notalone #wellbeing #wellbeingforleaders #teacherwellbeing #thrivingmatters #mentalhealth #workplacehealth #schoolmatters"

✨ Friendsgiving: Everything you wish Thanksgiving could be ✨ Don’t hate me for what I’m about to say, because it doesn’t apply to all people. Friendsgiving > Thanksgiving I can already imagine your shocked faces, so let me explain! If you enjoy spending time with your family on Thanksgiving, this post is NOT about you! Unfortunately, however, Thanksgiving is a less than ideal holiday for a large number of people. Maybe you don’t enjoy spending time with toxic family members. Maybe you’re alone for the holidays, thousands of miles from your close friends and family. Maybe your Thanksgiving guests expect you to prepare the entire meal on your own. Maybe you’re an introvert who is drained after an entire day surrounded by people you don’t see very often. If any of the scenarios above sound familiar, this post is for YOU. Friendsgiving is the perfect celebration to offset some of the stress that accompanies traditional Thanksgiving plans. It’s your chance to plan a meal surrounded by people you genuinely want to be with. Plan a night to get together with your closest friends and eat something that brings you absolute delight. Go traditional and chip in for a Thanksgiving feast or treat yourselves and visit the fanciest restaurant in town. The best holiday traditions are the ones you make your own, and that’s exactly what Friendsgiving is! #JoySceizina #friendsgiving #holidays2024

Thanksgiving and Recovery Thanksgiving is a time of gratitude, connection, and reflection, but it can also present challenges for individuals in recovery from substance use. The holiday’s emphasis on celebrations, often accompanied by alcohol or high-stress family dynamics, can feel overwhelming. Yet, with support and mindfulness, creating a holiday experience that nurtures recovery and gratitude is possible. For individuals in recovery, Thanksgiving can be an opportunity to embrace sober living while staying rooted in the season's values. Gratitude, a cornerstone of many recovery journeys, can be cultivated through journaling, meditation, or simply acknowledging the support systems that make recovery possible. If you’re hosting someone in recovery this Thanksgiving, consider creating an inclusive and supportive environment. Offering non-alcoholic beverage options, reframing traditions around connection instead of substances, and respecting personal boundaries can go a long way. Even small gestures of understanding can make a difference. For those in recovery, planning can help navigate the day. This might include attending a recovery meeting, bringing a trusted friend or accountability partner, or setting boundaries around potentially triggering situations. Remember, stepping away or declining invitations is okay to protect your well-being. No is a complete sentence (Thank you Laura Parrott Perry). Above all, Thanksgiving reminds us to focus on what matters most: love, connection, and mutual support. By approaching the holiday with empathy and awareness, we can make it a space for everyone to feel included, appreciated, and empowered—especially those on their recovery journey. This Thanksgiving, let’s celebrate the power of resilience, the strength of community, and the gift of second chances. Together, we can make the holiday a season of healing and hope. 🧡 #Thanksgiving #RecoverySupport #Gratitude #CommunityCare

Holiday Cheer Starts with Small Acts of Kindness The holiday season is a wonderful time to reflect, give, and connect with those around us. Sometimes, it’s the simplest gestures that make the biggest impact. You don’t need a fancy gift to make someone feel special—your energy, kindness, and presence can be the greatest gifts of all. Here are 4 simple ways to spread positivity and joy this season: 1. Share a Smile and a Kind Word A genuine smile or compliment can brighten someone’s day more than you realize. Whether it’s a coworker, neighbor, or stranger, take a moment to acknowledge them with kindness. 2. Be Present and Bring Positive Energy Your excitement and good energy are contagious. Show up with positivity, and you’ll uplift those around you—at work, in your community, or even at home. 3. Celebrate the Small Wins Acknowledge your own efforts and celebrate others’ successes, no matter how small. A simple “great job” or “I appreciate you” can create a sense of belonging and motivation. 4. Give the Gift of Time Whether it’s helping a coworker, spending time with a neighbor, or volunteering, showing you care through your time can mean so much more than material gifts. Let’s uplift ourselves and each other this holiday season. Celebrate the moments, the people, and the connections that matter most. Wishing everyone a joyful and love-filled holiday season! Let’s make it one to remember. #HappyHolidays #KindnessMatters #HolidayCheer #PositiveEnergy #CelebrateOthers #WorkplaceCulture #SpreadJoy #BePresent #UpliftEachOther #CommunityLove

🎄🌍 Embracing the Holiday Season Together 🌍🎄 The holiday season is here—a time to gather with family and friends, celebrate traditions, and share meaningful moments. While this season brings joy and connection, it can also be stressful as we juggle celebrations, commitments, and year-end goals. As we focus on giving to others, let’s also prioritize caring for ourselves. Self-care isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity, especially during this busy time of year. Take a moment to pause, breathe, and do something that recharges your spirit. Whether you're celebrating with loved ones or navigating this season solo, remember to approach it with kindness—for others and for yourself. Wishing you peace, joy, and moments of calm in the midst of the festivities. #HappyHolidays #GlobalConnections #SelfCareMatters #Togetherness #HolidayStress #Leadership #SeasonOfGiving #HolidayWellness