Change is a constant in our lives—just like the shifting seasons. Nothing stays the same forever. Change helps us grow, learn, and move forward in life.

Change often requires us to step outside of our comfort zone. That’s where growth really happens. Staying in the same place, doing the same thing over and over rarely leads to progress. Whether we’re talking about personal goals, family relationships, or career goals, growth takes intention—and it takes a little (a lot) of courage too.

November and December are the perfect months to reflect on the year. What went well? What didn’t? What did we learn? How can we improve? It’s a season not only for gratitude, but also for growth and planning.

Thanksgiving, in particular, reminds us to slow down and appreciate what we have. Even when things haven’t gone as planned, there’s always something to be thankful for. My mom had a tradition every Thanksgiving: before we could eat, we would go around the table and say what we were thankful for. It reminded us that the little things are often the most meaningful and important. I will never forget the gratitude and joy in mom’s eye as we each spoke.

Of course, Thanksgiving also brings to mind turkey—and with that, food safety!

Turkey Safety Tips:

• Frozen turkey: Keep it frozen until you’re ready to thaw it. The USDA recommends thawing it in the refrigerator—not on the kitchen counter. For every 4 to 5 pounds, give it 24 hours to thaw in the fridge. That means a 15-pound turkey needs at least three full days to thaw. Keep it on the bottom shelf in its original wrapping and place it in a container so juices don’t drip onto other foods.
• Fresh turkey: The best time to buy a fresh turkey is the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. Always check the. sell-by date before purchasing.
• Don’t wash the turkey: It actually spreads bacteria around your sink and counters. Skip the rinse and focus on safe cooking instead.
• Use a thermometer: The only way to know if your turkey is fully cooked is by using a food thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the meat, not touching the bone. It should read 165-degree Fahrenheit. Even if the meat is a little pink, it’s safe at that temperature.
• Handle leftovers safely: Put all leftovers in the fridge within two hours. Cut the turkey into smaller pieces and store it in shallow containers to help it cool faster. Your fridge should be at or below 40 degree Fahrenheit.

While the food is important, Thanksgiving is about more than food. It’s about gratitude, connection, and embracing the changes ahead. As we gather around the table this year, let’s really try to intentionally be present!

Moving forward, let’s remember to have those meaningful conversations throughout the year, even the tough ones that you have been putting off. Let’s stop engaging in gossip and start leading with honesty, integrity, and kindness. Let’s move into this new season with a heart full of gratitude—and a mindset open to change. Reflect, reset, and move forward—into a new season of being the best version of yourself.

Sources:

Thanksgiving Food Safety Series

Turkey Basics – Safe Thawing