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24m 43s

A Thanksgiving Anchor Episode | Blake | ...

THE GIRL NAMED BLAKE
About this episode

The day before Thanksgiving, we hit pause together for a short "FaceTime-style" heart-to-heart. Whether you're bracing for tricky family dynamics or you're the holiday superfan, this mini-episode gives you a simple, grace-filled plan to enter the day grounded, intentional, and at peace—without pretending or performing.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5–6


What We Talk About

  • Two honest camps we tend to fall into for Thanksgiving (dreaded & pressured vs. excited & overamped) — and how intention bridges both.

  • The 2023 burnout story that led to boundaries, fewer yeses, and clearer expectations.

  • A 5–10 minute grounding ritual you can do today (journal-optional) to shape tomorrow.

  • Why your presence > performance — and how to carry peace into complicated rooms.

  • Gratitude as an anchor, not a performance — practical ways to spot "small gifts."

  • Navigating family roles, old wounds, and people-pleasing without losing your growth.

  • "Touch grass" breaks and mini-Sabbaths that reset your nervous system mid-chaos.


Scripture Anchors

  • Proverbs 3:5–6 — Trust > understanding; acknowledge > control.

  • 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 — "Rejoice… pray… give thanks… for this is God's will."

  • Philippians 4:6–7 — Prayer + thanksgiving → peace that guards your heart.

  • Colossians 3:15 — "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts… and be thankful."


The 5–10 Minute "Pre-Game" (Do this today)

  1. Name it honestly. Write how you actually feel about tomorrow (the good, the hard, the mixed). No bypassing.

  2. Three clarifying questions:

    • What do I want to carry into tomorrow?

    • What do I need to leave behind?

    • What kind of presence do I want to bring? (peace, presence, wholeness, gentleness, curiosity, simplicity)

  3. Gratitude that isn't performative. List 3–5 specifics:

    • Where has God sustained me lately?

    • What tiny gift have I been overlooking?

    • Where can I choose wonder over worry today?

  4. Pray it in. "Jesus, I acknowledge You here. Set my pace. Guard my tone. Keep me rooted."

"Be still, and know that I am God." — Psalm 46:10


Day-Of Rhythm (Quick Guide)

  • Before you step in: step outside, touch grass, breathe, pray a verse (Prov. 3:5–6).

  • Alarms as mini-Sabbaths: try 11:45 / 2:30 / 6:00 — step out, breathe, reset.

  • Protect your growth: You can show up as who you are now, not who you used to be or who they expect.

  • Boundaries are love: You're not responsible for others' perceptions; you are responsible for your presence.


Gentle Prompts for the Table (or your journal)

  • Where did I see a small mercy today?

  • What pressure can I lower by 20% without harming the moment?

  • If peace walked into this room, what would it sound like from me?


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