Gratitude in Hardship This Thanksgiving

On this Thanksgiving, I’m filled with gratitude—deep, humbling gratitude. This year, I’ve found myself at rock bottom. And while it’s not an easy place to be, I’ve been here many times before. I know it means there’s nowhere to go but up. My outdoor adventures have taught me that you can’t live at the top of the mountain—it’s unsustainable. The summits are fleeting moments of triumph, but the true work, the community, and the strength are found in the valleys and base camps. That’s where we regroup, find connection, and prepare to climb again. Today, I’m profoundly thankful for the lessons hidden in hardship, the depth that pain brings to relationships, and the people who hold me steady when life feels uncertain. The love and support I feel this holiday season are stronger than ever, and for that, I’m beyond grateful. As you celebrate today, I hope you reflect on the highs and the lows. Give thanks not only for the peaks but for the valleys—and for the people who walk with you through them. It’s in those moments, with those people, that you find the strength to rise again. Sending you love and gratitude this Thanksgiving. May your journey be full of connection and grace, no matter where you are on the path.