Thanksgiving Eve has always felt like a natural pause — a moment to step out of the noise, breathe for a minute, and take stock of the people and experiences that shaped the year. Before the holiday rush begins, I like to sit with a few questions that help me look back with clarity and look forward with better intention.
These questions aren’t fancy. They aren’t complicated. But they do open the door to honest reflection, and I’m sharing them here in case you want to use them as well.
What surprised you this year — in the best possible way?
Some of the most meaningful gifts aren’t planned. Maybe it was a new opportunity, a challenge that turned into progress, or a connection you didn’t see coming. Noticing those surprises reminds us that momentum often begins quietly.
Who offered guidance when it mattered?
Mentors come in many forms — a colleague who nudged you in the right direction, someone who shared a perspective that shifted your thinking, or a professional who helped you see the next step more clearly. Taking a moment to appreciate that guidance is a reminder that progress is rarely a solo effort.
What books opened doors for you?
The right book at the right time can change everything. Some spark ideas. Others challenge assumptions or build new skills. Looking back at what you read this year often reveals more growth than you realized.
Which relationships supported your work and your well-being?
Partnerships, friendships, creative collaborators, generous colleagues — these are the people who make the journey sustainable. They offer grounding, encouragement, honesty, and perspective. Gratitude for them is always well-placed.
What moments still stay with you?
Certain memories become touchstones: a conversation, a small win, a realization, a moment of clarity. They remind us why we do the work we do and what matters most beyond the metrics.
What lessons came from the challenges?
The difficult moments aren’t pleasant, but they are often the ones that strengthen skill, resilience, or direction. Recognizing those lessons doesn’t soften the challenge — it simply honors the growth that came from it.
What did you let go this year?
Letting go is a form of progress. Whether it was outdated expectations, work that no longer aligned, or commitments that drained more than they contributed, clearing space is as important as filling it.
What are you choosing to carry into the new year?
Gratitude isn’t just a look backward — it’s a guide to what we want more of. Whether it’s clarity, peace, purpose, curiosity, or connection, the way we reflect shapes the way we move forward.
As Thanksgiving arrives, I’m reminded that gratitude isn’t a tradition that lasts for a day. It’s a practice that strengthens focus, steadiness, and the ability to recognize what truly matters in the midst of a busy world.
Wishing you a warm and meaningful holiday, and a clear path into the year ahead.