Taking a Moment (or a Day) to Pause: A Thanksgiving Reflection

Some seasons ask us to speed up.
Others ask us to slow down.

And then there’s this season—one that gently nudges us to pause, breathe, and notice the goodness right in front of us. This kind of goodness makes your eyes fill up with tears for the joy of life and loved ones around you. 

As we move toward Thanksgiving, I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of taking just a few moments, maybe a few hours, or even an entire day, to reflect on what we’re truly grateful for. Not the big, flashy things (though those are great too), but the quiet, steady blessings that shape us each and every day..

Because when we stop—even briefly—we notice things we were rushing past.

Like early morning sunlight.
Like the sound of someone’s laugh.
Like the strength in our own bodies.
And… like the chaos of having an 8-week-old puppy running around the house.

Yes, we did it.
We officially lost our minds and brought home a tiny fluff ball who has no interest in sleeping, personal boundaries, or respecting a clean floor. And yet… I’m so grateful. Grateful for new energy, new joy, and the reminder that life is meant to be lived, not controlled.

This season of reflection always brings me back to why I started all of this—JRAPPFIT, nutrition coaching, bone health advocacy, and helping people care for themselves in real, sustainable ways.

It all began with my family.
Watching loved ones navigate complicated health conversations, seeing what happens when small habits compound over time, and witnessing firsthand how nutrition, strength, and lifestyle have the power to build—or break—our long-term wellbeing.

Bone health, especially, has always been personal for me. Congenital hip dysplasia, tons of surgeries, deformed hips, osteo-arthritis- no doubt I pushed through for years, and now I am grateful to have this year and years ahead, I hope, to slow down in a different way.  

Also, when you see people you love struggle with weakness, instability, or unpredictable health, everything inside you shifts. You start to understand that strong bones aren’t just about calcium or posture—they’re about independence, confidence, and a body that supports the life you want to live.

And so, as I take my own moments of gratitude this year, here’s what I’m reflecting on:

I’m grateful for my family, who unknowingly sparked the mission I’m on today.
I’m grateful for movement, and that we get to train our bodies to stay capable and resilient.
I’m grateful for the clients and community who trust me—you are the heartbeat of this work.
I’m grateful for health, even when it feels like a moving target.
And yes, I’m grateful for this wild little puppy, who is reminding me every hour that joy is worth the mess it comes with.

So this week, I invite you to pause—even just for a few breaths.
Take a moment, an hour, or a whole day if you’re able.
Reflect on what’s softening you, strengthening you, surprising you, and shaping you.

Because gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s a daily practice that roots us, restores us, and reminds us that even in the chaos, there is so much good.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
Here’s to slowing down, soaking it in, and savoring the season. 🧡🦃✨