I love the Thanksgiving tradition that is celebrated in the United States. The idea of giving thanks for the blessings in our lives is an affirmation of life and living.
However, Thanksgiving, like holidays and special occasions can also be the source of grief for many people.
The holiday season can be tough for those of us who are involuntarily childless. When everyone is talking about family gatherings, gratitude, and connection, it often feels like there’s an unspoken gap—those children who aren’t here, those dreams we’ve had to let go of, and the complex emotions that come with it all. If this resonates with you, please know that you’re not alone. There’s space here to acknowledge these feelings and seek moments of comfort, even when the world feels heavy and overwhelming.
The Impact of World Events
This year’s US election has brought a lot of emotions to the surface, not only because of the candidates and the divisiveness that it has elicited, but because of what’s at stake—especially for women’s rights. The recent rollback of Roe vs. Wade is a chilling reminder of how easily rights can be taken away. For those of us without children, the debate can feel particularly complex—how do we reconcile a desperate longing for children with the absolute belief that no one should be forced to carry a pregnancy they don’t want?
There is no easy answer, but it’s okay to feel the tension. It’s okay to hold space for both grief over what we’ve lost and outrage over the erosion of our rights. It’s okay to feel conflicted, emotional, and exhausted by it all.
Navigating Grief, Joy, and Stress
Even amid these challenges, we can still carve out small moments of comfort and care. The Journey to Joy project is about making space for gentleness, not about ignoring grief or hardship. It’s about recognising that even in the heaviest times, we can still find glimpses of light—small things that bring us some sense of peace or comfort. While grief is a profound and personal experience, integrating gratitude practices can offer a pathway to improved well-being, providing emotional balance and fostering resilience.
I’ve created a brief meditation (see below) designed to help you ground yourself amidst the triggers and chaos. Take a few moments to pause, to be still, and to let the heaviness lift, even if only for a moment.
Permission To Pause
Many of us may feel like we're navigating a darkness that others don’t see—a sense of loss, longing, or simply the ache of what isn't there.
Yet, even in the darkest times, there can be glimmers of light—a moment of connection, a comforting memory, or just the warmth of knowing we're not alone in this journey.
This November, whether or not you’re celebrating Thanksgiving, I invite you to take a moment for yourself. Whether you’re grieving, reflecting, or simply trying to make sense of it all, give yourself permission to rest and reset.
Explore the meditation below, find small ways to bring comfort into your day, and know that your feelings—all of them—are valid.