[mlrussell]

Thanks Jessi! Great message and reminder for this time of year.

——————————
Mary Russell
Asst. Director of Education and Art Programs
University of Wisconsin Madison
Madison WI
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 11-17-2022 12:15
From: Jessi Eaton
Subject: Thanksgiving gratitude

Only seven days for those of us in the States until my favorite holiday of the year: Thanksgiving! You can’t go wrong with a day focused on delicious food and where naps aren’t just tolerated, but encouraged. (I recognize, though, that Thanksgiving in the US has its roots in colonialism and genocide, and that it’s my privilege to be able to enjoy it as a beloved time with family, in addition to it being a reminder of the contemptible history of the day.)

Pro tip: I almost always host my family for the holiday, and even though I love to cook and bake, two years ago I decided that it was time to call in the cavalry and order Thankgiving dinner from a local deli. BEST. DECISION. EVER. Last year, we all met at a local buffet for dinner, and then went back to our house for football, games and general shenanigans. Again: BEST. DECISION. EVER. So if you are stressing about being the hostess with the mostest…take back your day and order in! 

Obviously the key to a successful Thanksgiving isn’t just the mashed potatoes but to be mindful and grateful for all that we have. Often we focus on the “what” we have, and not always the “who”. This Thanksgiving (or November), I challenge you to reach out to a woman in your life for whom you are thankful. You don’t have to send a fancy flowery message–just reach out with an email or a card to say thanks for being a part of your journey. It will make you feel good, it will make them feel GREAT, and maybe it will spawn a habit for you of reaching out when it’s not November.

——————————
Jessi Eaton
Manager of Student Life, Purdue Global
Purdue University Global
Duluth MN
jessica.eaton@purdueglobal.edu
Clear eyes | Full heart | Can’t lose
——————————