PHOTO BY: @STORY.OF.LAM
The idea and intention of Thanksgiving — of radical gratitude — is as brilliant and bold a proposition as we know.
To purposefully step away from the everyday to sit in gratitude, to ponder one’s blessings, to offer sincere thanks for what’s good and right; to ask not for more, but to honor the here-and-now and the what-is: this is healing, this is restorative. This can bring us back to ourselves, as well as to those distanced by time and life.
And, sure, mashed potatoes are restorative, too.
This Thanksgiving, amidst a world still (and always) in turmoil, every one of us has much to be thankful for. In financial straits and health challenges, in family drama and social upheaval, while dealing with all manner of difficulties and constraints: yes, there’s room for gratitude, larger and deeper than we might at first recognize.
It’s the recognition of blessing that brings grace to complex lives and offers benediction in the complication. That’s the sweet spot right there (it’s not actually the pie!).
Not at all surprisingly, Gathre HQ is staffed by real people experiencing the joys and sorrows of real life, just like everyone else. As an exercise in clarity and mission, we asked each team member to share a bit of what’s bringing them peace and reflection this holiday.
We hope you’ll do the same for yourself — bring peace to your own soul through the humble acknowledgement of what’s good. It’s what we’re really gathered ‘round the table for.
Jess: Family, God + forgiveness
Makenzie: My health, my family + a job that allows me to be a present mom
Maddie: My family
Kes: An incredibly loving husband, kind people + (always) dogs
Murphy: Quality time with family + friends, positive life changes + having two jobs I love (Gathre + being a mom)
Hadley: Date nights with my husband, Saturday mornings with my girls + the loveliest colleagues on planet Earth
Sarah: A safe + loving home that I get to raise my babies in
Caroline: A husband + little babe who remind me to keep smiling + to not sweat the small stuff
Cassie: Kindness + pie
Marilee: The crew I get to do life with, a body, Jesus, a stunning planet, the chance to be around humans this year, music + the most incredible team + work that has changed my life
Chelsie: Family + miracles
Sammie: Family, friends + food
Courtney: My family — they mean the world to me
Allyson: Friends who are like family, since we live so far away from our immediate families
Chuy: Family, friends + good food
Jess: People + memories
Makenzie: Tree ornaments + playing cards
Maddie: Snuggles!
Kes: Polaroid photos of family memories
Murphy: Happy memories, positive people + as many Gathre products as my home can hold
Hadley: Comfortable shoes, original art + stamps in my passport
Sarah: Moments that make me cry happy tears
Caroline: Loved ones near + far (thanks to Facetime)
Cassie: Home videos + photos
Marilee: Smile lines, hope, memories to savor when I’m old + gray + food made with love
Chelsie: Decorated cards to send to family across the world
Sammie: Memories + laughter (and making them both last)
Courtney: Things that make me feel cozy: blankets, sweaters, candles, yummy food, mugs, anything hygge
Allyson: Gathering together with our loved ones to play games and have yummy food
Chuy: I gather everyone near me + feed them; food is my love language
