A (Virtual) Thanksgiving Pity Party

Missing being with those you love this Thanksgiving? Me too. There are millions of us across America who are staying home, sequestered and “safe.” Perhaps it’s because we are in the “at risk” age group or perhaps we don’t want to risk infecting a loved one who has underlying health conditions. Whatever the reason for your Thanksgiving isolation in 2020, I think we’d all agree: it stinks!

What do we do with the loneliness, sadness, even depression of having a very different kind of Thanksgiving this year? Here’s are my thoughts about surviving the day:

-Allow yourself to have a brief pity party. But not for long. Don’t spend the day there. But admit your sadness, shed a tear or two, or scream if it helps you feel better. (Try not to scare your neighbors)

-Look up. Thank God for the many ways He has protected and provided for you over the last year. Have there been hard times? Yes. 100%! But as the beautiful song by Laura Story goes “What if the blessings come through raindrops, what if Your healing comes through tears?” Take the time to write down the unexpected blessings you have experienced this past year. I guarantee, if you look hard enough, you’ll find them!

-Use technology to connect with loved ones. Share your reasons for thankfulness. Try to affirm something special in each family member. Tell them why you’re grateful for them. No, it’s not a substitute for a big hug from someone dear to you, but affirmation provides an emotional hug!

-Get outside. There’s something about being in nature that’s good for the soul. Notice the details and the beauty of the surrounding world. 

-Reach out to someone else who might be struggling. Receiving a text or a phone call saying “I’m thinking of you” or “thank you for the difference you made in my life by xxxxx” would mean the world to those who are alone.

-Get outside your comfort zone! Try something new! Consider joining me for a Virtual Thanksgiving Pity Party via Zoom at 7pm EST on Thanksgiving. Grab your favorite beverage and connect using the link below. There’s no charge. We won’t moan and groan. The only price of admission is that you have to be willing to share ONE thing you’re grateful for this Thanksgiving. Come make some new friends! You’ll realize that you aren’t alone and there are a lot of wonderful people out there.

Here’s the information:
Topic: Jody Noland’s Virtual Thanksgiving Pity Party

Time: Nov 26, 2020 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://zoom.us/j/97703882381

-Consider booking a private Leave Nothing Unsaid letter writing workshop with me! For $100, I’ll spend two hours with you, helping you (and others if you’d like) learn a simple but profoundly impactful way to write affirming letters to those you love. Create a lasting and incredibly meaningful gift for someone special from the comfort of your own home! Just email me at jody@leavenothingunsaid.com if you’re interested. I have time available all Thanksgiving weekend!

Friends, I know that 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. Yes, there are many things to grieve. But let’s make the most of this Thanksgiving Day and “encourage one another and build each other up!” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Hope to see you Thursday evening!