Do you know the true story of the first Thanksgiving? Most people think of Thanksgiving as a “feel good” holiday, but its history is mired in division and challenge. The very existence and endurance of this long standing tradition is proof positive that people can come together even in divided times.

As the story goes, a day of Thanksgiving was set aside in 1621, about a year after the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth Harbor, Massachusetts. After a successful harvest, the Pilgrims pledged thanks for a safe voyage and survival in a strange, new land. While they had experienced great loss, the Pilgrims had regained strength and learned to provide for themselves. The Wampanoag Indians joined the Pilgrims in their festival of celebration and gratitude. The time was filled with feasts, prayers, dances, shooting matches, wrestling, and other games. (more…)

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and appreciate all that we have. While it’s nice to have a holiday to remind us to be grateful, there’s no reason to focus our gratitude on just one day. Do you routinely take the time to be grateful for all of the good things in your life? What about your high sensitivity?

As highly sensitive people, we’re greatly influenced by our environment and deeply take in everything around us. This means that we have rich, intense lives, as well as the ability to fully experience life’s best moments! On the flip side, our nature can also make us uniquely challenged by daily stress. Since most people experience stress nearly every day and only occasional joy, it can be hard to appreciate high sensitivity. (more…)