Gratitude Is Useless Without This One Thing
Thanksgiving, Awareness, and That Whole Gratitude Thing
Let’s get this out of the way: 2025 has been a lot.
Between the fires, the state of the world, the daily news doom-scroll, and whatever fresh nonsense is happening on your 17 different group chats—it’s easy to feel like this year has been one giant, flaming stress burrito wrapped in loss.
So yeah, I could give you a bullet list of things I’m grateful for. I’ve got plenty—family, music, community, recovery, coffee. The usual.
And if you’ve made your list today? Amazing. Keep going.
But I want to offer something else.
Instead of a list, I’m choosing a five-minute pause.
Not for reflection in the “time to post a gratitude carousel” way, but in the “stop and actually be here” way.
Wherever you are—sitting in your car, standing over the stove, walking around the block—can you catch yourself and ask:
Am I even present right now?
Because without that awareness, even the most heartfelt gratitude can start to feel like a checkbox. And we miss the moment entirely.
This has been a year of upheaval for my family. We moved—again—just a few weeks ago. Our third temporary home since the fire. Hopefully this one will carry us through until we rebuild in Altadena.
And still, even with the chaos, I’m aware of just how much support we’ve had.
Let’s talk about privilege.
I’m a straight, white, able-bodied man in America with a career I love and a community that’s had my back in ways that many people never experience. That matters. It’s shaped my recovery and my opportunities. It means I’ve been handed things—access, trust, belief—that others often have to fight for. That’s not a guilt trip. It’s a fact. And it’s one I try to stay grounded in.
So today, if you’re feeling grateful, overwhelmed, lost, behind, tired—or all of the above—here’s the invitation:
Just notice it.
Build that muscle. The one that sees the light change. That registers your breath. That hears what’s really being said under the noise.
Because that’s what gives all this meaning—not just what we’re thankful for, but how aware we are of it while it’s happening.
Happy Thanksgiving (or just… Thursday),
Chris @ Honesty Pill Coaching
