Take a breath. It’s almost Thanksgiving.

If you're anything like me, the days leading up to Thanksgiving can feel… a little intense.
The grocery list, the travel plans, the cooking, everyone’s big feelings.
And that's all before anyone even arrives.

And layered inside all of that is the hope that your teenager will show up, be kind, participate, and not go full door-slam, headphone-in, don't-talk-to-me mode.

So if you're already feeling your shoulders creeping up toward your ears, try this simple three-step reset that helps you stay calm, even when things feel chaotic.

Here’s how it works:

1️⃣ Notice

Catch yourself the moment you feel it: the tight chest, shallow breathing, fast talking, or that "here we go" thought.

2️⃣ Validate

Instead of powering through, pause and tell yourself the truth, even if it’s just quietly to yourself:

"It makes sense I feel overwhelmed. There’s a lot going on and I want everyone to have a good time and get along."

You're not being dramatic.
You're being human.

3️⃣ Nurture

Put your feet on the floor.
Take a slow, deep breath.

Tell yourself:

"I've got this. I don't have to fix everything."

When you're calm, you say things you actually mean, not things you'll regret.

I used this a few years ago when my parents stayed for Thanksgiving and I asked my son to give up his bed so they could have his room.

He rolled his eyes and said, "Why do I always have to give up my room?"

My first thought?
"You're acting like an entitled, spoiled brat."

But instead of saying it, I noticed my jaw clench, took a breath, and said,
"I know it's annoying. It's one night."

He grumbled, but he did it, and we didn't ruin Thanksgiving over a bed.

Now, you might be thinking, "I don't have time to do this."
But it takes 30 seconds, and those 30 seconds can save you from snapping at everyone later.

Will this magically make Thanksgiving perfect? No.

But it will help you reset faster so when things get messy, you know what to do.

I call it NVN (Notice, Validate, Nurture) and it works every time I remember to use it.

Because you deserve to enjoy Thanksgiving, not just survive it.

🧡 Jeanine