Grateful Hearts & New Traditions

Hello Beautiful!

Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Many of us are gearing up for time with family/friends, good food, and maybe a little travel. The holiday stress is setting in! 😬

Earlier this week, I had the privilege of connecting with an amazing group of Black women at work. We laughed, shared stories, and even swapped holiday recipes. One of the ladies shared how her family insists she makes sweet potato biscuits (which she was nice enough to direct me to the recipe) every year, while another talked about her family tradition of Jamaican Black Cake. I had never heard of either, but the greedy spirit in me is ready to try both. It was such a beautiful moment of fellowship, a reminder of how comforting it is to be surrounded by the right people.

That’s the energy I want you to lean into this season. Find spaces where you feel safe, celebrated, and at ease. 💕

But let’s be honest with ourselves. Gathering for the holidays can amplify some mixed emotions, especially for those grieving a loss or dealing with heavy memories. The election has also caused some discomfort among families. If that’s you, I want you to know it’s okay to feel your feelings. It’s also okay to choose joy when and where you can.

Here are a few holiday tips to help you stay grounded and true to yourself:

🦃 Choose Peace Over Obligation

Feel free to skip gatherings or traditions that don’t feel good for you. Protect your peace - it’s priceless.

🦃 Create New Traditions

This could be the year you host a cozy Friendsgiving, volunteer in your community, or spend the day binge-watching your favorite shows. Do what fills your cup. ☕

🦃 Practice Gratitude in Small Ways

Give thanks for the little things: a warm meal, a good laugh, or the chance to rest. Gratitude has a way of shifting the mood.

🦃 Honor Your Needs

Take breaks when you need them. A quiet moment journaling📝 or a short walk can help you recharge.

🦃 Set Boundaries with Grace

Let folks know what’s off-limits for conversation this year. Your peace matters, and it’s okay to protect it.

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Let’s practice being "selfishly" intentional. Choose joy. Choose comfort. Choose you. Wishing you a holiday filled with love, good food, and plenty of "me-time."

​Ingrid​

P.S. My new work bestie encouraged the group to visit Divas Can Cook. The first thing I saw was pound cake, so I knew I was in the right place. Try out the recipes and let me know how it goes.