Joe Gagnon’s Post

YOUR holiday is what YOU make of it. As we prepare to get a social media feed filled with images of "aspirational" and "traditional" images of the holiday season, we remind ourselves of what we believe to be a couple of deeper truths. 1. Taking time to get to know each other better can be the deeper reward of time off. 2. Sometimes, the most valuable holiday experiences are not the big meal with the expected dishes -- but the ability to spend a little one-on-one time with someone with someone we don't usually get to spend enough time with. 3. Taking the time to listen in those conversations leads to real learning and connection. What question could you ask someone to start a conversation of deeper understanding and growth? Each week, our members share one thoughtful, curiosity-driven question—designed to turn disagreements into understanding and small talk into real connection. The best part? Every member worldwide asks the same question, creating a ripple of curiosity and kindness across the globe. Bring a question to Thanksgiving that fosters empathy, kindness, and curiosity. Turn the holiday table into a space for learning, laughter, and shared stories—not debates. Join us (https://lnkd.in/eukz_Vm2) and make this Thanksgiving the start of something beautiful—because curiosity is the best gift we can give each other. Happy upcoming Thanksgiving week, one and all!

🦃 Thanksgiving is still a pretty new concept for me, but I love the idea behind it—taking a moment to pause and feel grateful for the good things in life. It’s so easy to get caught up in work, stress, or just the day-to-day rush that we forget to notice the little things that make us happy. Recently, I started this simple habit: every night, I write down 5 good things from my day (I use a messaging app on my phone). They don’t have to be big—just moments that made me smile or feel good. Like a great working session where everything clicked, a 1:1 meeting that boosted my focus, a nice walk in the morning, a tasty lunch, or even finishing a good book. It’s been helping me teach my brain to enjoy the little things in life, even on the busiest, most stressful days. And honestly, it’s such a good way to end the day—it reminds me that there’s always something to be grateful for, no matter what. So, as Thanksgiving gets closer, I want to share this habit with you. Try it out—write down 5 good things from your day, even if they seem small. It’s amazing how much those small moments can add up when you take the time to notice them. Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving season! 💛

🍂 Thanksgiving can bring pressure to create the "perfect" holiday, whether through elaborate meals, family gatherings, or social media portrayals. The pursuit of perfection can lead to stress, anxiety, and feelings of inadequacy. Thanksgiving, like many holidays, is often associated with an idealized image of family unity, abundance, and gratitude. Whether through movies, advertisements, or social media, we're bombarded with portrayals of the "perfect" holiday meal, perfectly behaved children, perfectly matching décor, and happy, harmonious family interactions. These portrayals can create an unattainable standard that makes it hard to reconcile with our own experiences, which are often more complicated. 🍂 The pressure to create the “perfect” Thanksgiving holiday can be overwhelming, but it's important to recognize that the holiday season is about much more than idealized images of family, food, and celebration. By acknowledging the sources of this pressure, redefining our expectations, and practicing self-compassion, we can create a holiday experience that’s far more fulfilling—one that allows for imperfection, authenticity, and connection. Ultimately, Thanksgiving can be a time for gratitude, reflection, and shared moments of joy, no matter how they unfold. Let us know what your ideal Thanksgiving looks like or what that day means to you in the comments. #thanksgivingyourway #holidayexpectations #atimeforgratitude #atimeofreflection #soundadvicecounseling Camille M. Fausto I. M.

If you celebrated Thanksgiving this past weekend, you likely observed that most people tend to talk at you, not to you... draining your battery like a phone toasting in the sun. And if you read that and thought, "hmm, I didn't notice that..." well, you're likely one of those people -- sometimes known as "a talker." So with more holidays on the horizon, here's a quick, "How to not talk at someone, Turkey edition." 1. 🧐 Before a chat, think of 1 thing you want to learn from the other person or ask them about. 2.👂Actually listen to what they have to say. The only way this works is if there's something you genuinely want to learn or hear about from them. And if you don't actually care, at least toss in a few head nods and a clarifying question. 3.❓If while speaking, you realize the other person didn't ask you a question, you're likely talking at them and they're likely looking for a way out of the convo. Wrap up what you're saying and give a pause -- if they say something like, "that's great," you've been talking at them big time. TL:DR 1. Be curious about something 2. Actually listen 3. Be self-aware of rambling Anyone else make a similar observation during Thanksgiving?

Happy Thanksgiving Week! Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, a time that invites us to slow down, come together, and celebrate the people who make our lives meaningful. It’s not about the hustle or the feast - it’s about the warmth that fills the room when family and friends gather. For me, Thanksgiving is about creating traditions that connect us. One of my favorites is a game we’ve played for years: Guess how many kisses are in the jar. The rules are simple: the person who guesses closest without going over wins the jar of chocolates. It’s a sweet reminder (pun intended!) that the best memories are built around shared moments of fun and joy. This holiday is also a chance to reflect on the deeper meaning of togetherness. Charles Schulz, through A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving, beautifully captured the spirit of being thankful simply for the gift of being together. That’s the heart of it, isn’t it? No matter what the table looks like or how perfect (or imperfect) the meal is, it’s the people around it who make it special. Life is a series of pivots, and as the seasons change, so do our opportunities to create new memories. Whether you’re continuing cherished traditions or starting fresh ones this year, take a moment to be present. Lean into gratitude, savor the togetherness, and make space for the small joys that turn into lasting memories. What are your Thanksgiving traditions? I’d love to hear how you make this holiday meaningful. Let’s inspire each other to create new moments of joy and connection. Wishing you all a week filled with gratitude, love, and the warmth of family and friends. Let’s embrace the essence of this beautiful season - togetherness. Read more on the importance of family time and enjoying the holidays in today’s blog article: 👉 Discover the Importance of Family Time and Enjoying the Holidays: https://lnkd.in/eFsVvrWG Let’s make this Thanksgiving one to remember. 😊💚🎉

Why is Thanksgiving the best holiday? It's not the turkey. Not the football. Not even the pumpkin pie. (Although these are great) It's the time I get to spend with my family. Working in sales, my phone usually never stops. Emails flood in. Slack pinging endlessly. But from Wednesday afternoon through Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, something magical happens: The business world goes quiet. No emails. No urgent requests. No deals demanding attention. Just pure, uninterrupted time with family. Even on "vacation," work followed me everywhere. But Thanksgiving was different. In my household, we have a tradition. We always do a fun activity. Now my kids are grown, and those quiet moments mean even more. Thanksgiving taught me something powerful: Sometimes the greatest gift isn't what we gain. It's what we let go. The never-ending notifications. The "always-on" attitude. The constant hustle. For four days, we remember what matters most: Being grateful. Being present. Being human. What's your favorite part of Thanksgiving? Drop it below 👇

A Different Kind of Thanksgiving Holidays have a way of stirring up a lot of emotions. For some, they’re a time of joy, family gatherings, and cherished traditions. But for others, this season might look very different—maybe you’re navigating a life transition, experiencing a loss, or realizing that your usual traditions no longer fit your current reality. I’ve been there. I know how heavy it can feel when the holidays don’t match what you imagined or hoped for. But here’s a gentle reminder: it’s okay to honor the season in a way that feels right for where you are right now. Maybe that means simplifying. Maybe it means creating new traditions that reflect this chapter of your life. Or maybe it’s as simple as giving yourself permission to spend the day quietly, free of expectations or pressure. And if this Thanksgiving feels harder than most, don’t be afraid to ask for extra support—whether it’s reaching out to a friend, joining a community, or simply being honest with yourself about what you need. It’s okay to let go of the pressure to make everything perfect and instead create a holiday that feels manageable and true to you, even if it looks nothing like what you’ve done before. Gratitude can be hard to find during challenging times, but even in these moments, it can offer small glimpses of light: a kind word, a moment of stillness, or simply the courage to keep moving forward. Wherever you are on your journey, know that growth and joy can bloom again—even in the most unexpected seasons. This Thanksgiving, let’s hold space for all the feelings and for one another. Because even in times of transition, the promise of connection, compassion and hope for better days ahead can light the way. 🕯 #ThanksgivingReflections #GratitudeJourney #HolidayTransitions #TheGrowingSoul #MidlifeResilience #CreatingNewTraditions #SeasonOfChange

If you aren't planning your Thanksgiving roll-out already, then you are behind. Your competitors (other families) have identified their blockers and aligned each member of the team by now. Thanksgiving in my house is all about leveraging technology and brands to create the ideal consumer experience. Every family member at the table experiences a custom B2C flow based on their individual profile. I do extensive research and build user personas of everyone attending. If you're still stuck on the micro, you're missing the macro of the meal. I'm combining the gratitude of the holiday with proven, industry-leading strategies to form a plan that I call my Thanksgiving 'Grategy'. What are your Thanksgiving objectives?

🎄 The Countdown Is On: 39 Sleeps Until Christmas! 🎄 The most wonderful time of the year is just around the corner – only 39 sleeps until Christmas! As we prepare for the holidays, let’s take a moment to reflect on the magic of the season. ✨ What makes this countdown so special? For some, it’s the joy of decorating the tree or baking holiday treats. For others, it’s finding the perfect gifts for loved ones or revisiting cherished traditions. But for all of us, it’s about creating moments of connection, love, and gratitude. 🎁 Here are a few ways to make the most of the Christmas countdown: Start early on your holiday gift list to avoid the last-minute rush. Plan special activities like movie nights, cookie baking, or decorating with your family. Reflect on the true meaning of the season – a time for giving, togetherness, and hope. The holidays are about so much more than the hustle and bustle – they’re about making memories that will warm your heart for years to come. 🎯 What’s your favorite part of the Christmas countdown? Comment “COUNTDOWN” below and share how you’re celebrating the days leading up to December 25th.  Let’s inspire one another to make this season magical! Here’s to a joyful, meaningful holiday season filled with love and light. 🎄✨ #HolidayCheer #ChristmasCountdown #FestiveSeason #HolidayTraditions #39SleepsToChristmas

🍂 Feeling stressed about Thanksgiving entertaining? You’re not alone! Between planning meals, hosting guests, and trying to make everything perfect, the pressure can easily take away from the joy of the holiday. But here’s a reminder: Intentional living is about focusing on what truly matters – connection, gratitude, and the memories you create with loved ones. So let go of the need for perfection, simplify where you can, and be present in the moments that count. This Thanksgiving, prioritize what makes you feel fulfilled, not overwhelmed. You deserve to enjoy the day just as much as your guests! 🧡✨ For more tips on intentional living during the holidays, visit our website. For more visit our website- https://lnkd.in/eK3GBVPU 📩 [email protected] #intentionalhousehold #intentionalliving #livewithintention