A Note of Thanksgiving
No wonder Thanksgiving remains one of the most beloved holidays on our calendar.
It pulls together the people dearest to us and gives us a built-in pause— an intentional moment to breathe, look around, and truly feel grateful.
There’s real power in that connection. Gathering around a table, hugging family and friends, sharing stories, passing down traditions, adding your own something special to the meal, cheering for a favorite team…
Every one of these simple actions is powerful — and profoundly healthy for us.
Human connection isn’t just “nice to have.” It’s vital.
Chris Kresser, functional medicine practitioner, often cites research showing that strong social connection is one of the strongest predictors of lifespan — even more so than factors like BMI, exercise, air pollution, blood pressure, and yes … even smoking 15 cigarettes a day
Most of us don’t think about Thanksgiving as a health intervention, but that pure joy and togetherness?
It’s a dose of natural medicine.
When we feel positively connected, the hormone oxytocin rises, bringing calm, trust, warmth, and a sense of safety.
Endorphins increase too, nudging our mood upward and counteracting stress hormones.
And this cocktail of connection doesn’t just feel good — it strengthens our immune system and protects our long-term health.
We’ve always known this day was special.
We may not have known it also acts as a kind of inoculation for healthy living.
So as you celebrate today — and give thanks for the blessings in your life — think about how you might weave this kind of connection into your life more regularly. Not just once a year.
A recurring question at the end of many Thanksgiving dinners is:
“Why don’t we do this more often?”
What if … you did?
As we move toward a new year, imagine creating your own version of “Thanksgiving” every month (or every other month).
Not a full turkey dinner — just intentional togetherness.
A rotating “Friendsgiving” with different circles. A casual soup night. A morning walk with a friend. A simple gathering with purpose and warmth.
Nothing fancy. Just planned. And meaningful.
As I close, I want to say how truly grateful I am for each of you —your support, your messages, your willingness to try new things in service of your health.
I hope this year’s newsletters have offered a spark of inspiration, a nudge, a new idea, or simply a moment of connection.
Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best:
“I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new.”
Wishing you moments today that feel grounding, joyful, and deeply nourishing - body and soul.