November is not just for giving thanks. It’s for raising awareness. Finding more meaning in Thanksgiving.

By Michelle Walch

What is the meaning of Thanksgiving? It means more than food. Looking at the November National Days calendar, I noticed a fair amount of wellness, kindness, and mental health days. Makes sense, the holidays are stressful. Many suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I included the days that promote well-being. So if you are experiencing feelings, you are seen.

National Stress Awareness Day – 1st Wednesday in November

Some stress is good for you. It is a way for the body to protect itself from harm and respond to changes. Too much stress, however, is detrimental to our well-being. What stressors affect you? Health? Financial reasons? Family? Abuse? Identifying the troubles in our life is a good first step. Some actions you can take to reduce or remove worry:

– Form coping methods
– Exercise
– Eat a balanced diet

National Day of Mourning – 4th Thursday

This day is to honor Indigenous resistance . This day has been held annually in Plymouth, Massachusetts since 1970. A solemn occasion organized by the United American Indians of New England, attendees work to dismantle the myth of Thanksgiving depicting the Pilgrims and Native Peoples celebrating together. Instead, it commemorates Indigenous resilience against genocide, land theft, and the annihilation of Native heritage.

The 2024 event will focus on indigenous injustice and genocide around the world, with emphasis on the Palestinian struggle against Israel.

National World Kindness Day – Nov 13

Random Acts of Kindness is a real thing. Even one nice action to three people a day can make a difference. Personally, I like to thank anyone in customer service I encounter, even if it is “just their job.” Those on the retail front-lines, from gas station attendant to food service workers, deserve a compliment even if it is their routine job. These people take a lot of abuse. You don’t have to be a dick. Just show you appreciate that they are doing what they are doing by giving a complement.

National Social Media Kindness Day – Nov 13

Yes, it is possible to be authentically kind on the internet. There is a day dedicated to it. We know bullying has been around forever, and now has another outlet. Teens are sadly vulnerable to this. Counter online negativity by being positive and empathetic. It’s not that hard. Help foster a digital culture that is a welcoming, understanding safe space.

Blasé Day – Nov 25

Why on earth would there be a day dedicated to being blasé? Maybe we need a break from overindulgence and trying to impress everyone, and everyone trying to impress others. Curb your enthusiasm. On this day it is okay to say meh.

You’re Welcomegiving Day – Day after Thanksgiving

It is natural that this day is after Thanksgiving. Reminding us that it is just as important to acknowledge the appreciation of the recipient.

National Day of Listening – Day after Thanksgiving

Actively listening to stories and experiences of friends and family members strengthens our relationships. Meaningful interchange helps us understand each other. Hearing narratives deepens our connections and may explain things you often wondered about. The history you are told can be a revelation. Gives more meaning to Thanksgiving.

Tips on how to be authentically engaged:

Be fully present
Good eye contact
Use of non-verbal cues
Ask open-ended questions
Don’t judge
Rephrase what the speaker says
Eliminate distractions

National Personal Space Day – Nov 30

Recognizing that we need to ask someone if it is OK to touch them is respectful. Never assume that you can just pat someone on the back or give them a hug. However, even if your motives are friendly, touching without asking can be invasive and triggering for some. Unsolicited touching could negatively impact someone who is  immunocompromised. Personal Space day was in fact founded as a result of someone whose mother had cancer among other health issues. She wanted to raise awareness by establishing this day.

Lastly, expressing your personal boundaries can come across as impolite, but you can advocate for your comfort zone in a way that won’t burden the bearer.

What is the meaning of Thanksgiving in 2024? Thankful we can give voice to unspoken needs

In conclusion, I think it is fitting that these mental health and social awareness days are observed in November. It is the month of Thanksgiving which in and of itself has complicated and conflicted connotations. Politeness in society often undermines difficulties, ignores trauma, and dismisses personal and collective pain. Adjusting and rethinking our approach to social interactions leads to healing. That’s not political correctness. That’s human decency.

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Tags: mental health, wellness, kindness, thanksgiving, day of mourning, indigenous resistance