It’s a fun little unofficial holiday that encourages people to enjoy a fresh, crisp red apple and appreciate both its taste and health benefits. The day is also a nice nod to the saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away.”
Some ways to celebrate:
🍎 Try a new variety of red apple — like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady. 🍏 Make a dish featuring red apples, like apple pie, caramel apples, or an apple salad. 📸 Share the joy — post your apple creations or orchard visits online. 🍎 Learn apple history — from its symbolism in folklore to its role in American agriculture.
Understanding Intersectionality: Acknowledge that LGBTQ women experience discrimination not just based on their sexual orientation but also due to their gender identity and other aspects of their identity. This nuanced understanding is crucial for effective advocacy and support.
Inclusive Representation: It’s essential for LGBTQ organizations to include diverse voices in leadership roles. Representation matters, as it ensures that the needs of all LGBTQ women, especially those from marginalized communities, are heard and addressed.
Community Building: Creating safe spaces where LGBTQ women can connect, share experiences, and support one another fosters empowerment. These spaces can be physical (like community centers) or virtual (online forums).
Access to Resources: Ensuring access to health care, legal support, and educational resources tailored to the needs of LGBTQ women is vital. This includes addressing specific health concerns and providing mental health support.
Advocacy and Activism: Encouraging LGBTQ women to engage in activism helps amplify their voices. This can involve participating in marches, writing, or engaging in policy discussions that affect their rights and well-being.
Education and Awareness: Raising awareness about the issues faced by LGBTQ women through workshops, discussions, and training can help combat stigma and promote understanding in broader society.
Intersectional Policy Making: Advocating for policies that consider the diverse experiences of LGBTQ women ensures that their needs are met. This includes working on anti-discrimination laws, healthcare access, and social services.
Empowering LGBTQ women requires a multifaceted approach that considers their unique challenges and strengths. What’s your perspective on the intersectional issues faced by LGBTQ women?
Grief is normal and comes in waves, especially when holidays highlight absence. Give yourself permission to feel sadness, anger, or even guilt without judgment. Journaling or talking with a trusted friend or counselor can help process emotions.
2. Adjust Expectations
It’s okay if you don’t feel “festive” or “cheerful.” Scale down obligations: attend only what feels manageable. Create new holiday traditions or rituals that honor your loved one.
3. Honor Loved Ones
Light a candle or display a photo in remembrance. Share stories or memories with family or friends. Prepare a favorite dish of the person you lost or do something symbolic that keeps their memory alive.
4. Create Safe Space for Yourself
Schedule quiet time for reflection or meditation. Take breaks during gatherings to avoid emotional overwhelm. Allow yourself to say “no” to events or conversations that feel too heavy.
5. Seek Support
Lean on supportive friends or family members who understand your grief. Consider support groups, therapists, or counselors who specialize in loss. Online communities or local grief centers can provide connection if you’re alone.
6. Self-Care & Coping Tools
Practice grounding exercises: deep breathing, stretching, or mindfulness. Engage in comforting activities: music, reading, walks, or creative expression. Limit triggers if needed: TV, social media, or excessive holiday pressure.
7. Balance Between Remembrance and Living
It’s healthy to honor the memory of loved ones while also allowing moments of joy. Celebrate the present in small ways—like a warm cup of tea, a walk, or connecting with friends. Remember: grief doesn’t have a timeline, and it’s okay to feel joy and sadness simultaneously.
Give your full attention when someone shares their dreams or plans. Respond with genuine interest: “That’s an amazing idea — tell me more.” Avoid immediately pointing out risks or flaws; focus on possibilities first.
2. Share Resources and Connections
If you know of opportunities, mentors, or tools that could help, pass them along. Introduce people to others in your network who can guide or collaborate with them.
3. Celebrate Wins — Big or Small
Recognize milestones like finishing a project, landing an interview, or even just taking a first step. Celebration builds momentum and makes people feel their progress matters.
4. Offer Constructive Support, Not Control
Give feedback that’s solution-focused, not discouraging. Avoid trying to “re-write” someone’s dream to fit your own vision for them.
5. Model Ambition Yourself
When you chase your own goals openly, you inspire others to believe they can too. Share your journey — including setbacks — to normalize persistence.
6. Protect Space for Growth
Create spaces (friend groups, community circles, work teams) where brainstorming and big ideas are safe from ridicule.
Stay Active: Even short walks, stretching, yoga, or home workouts boost circulation, mood, and immunity. Hydrate: Cold weather can make you forget to drink water. Herbal teas, warm water with lemon, or broths are great options. Nutritious Foods: Focus on whole foods, seasonal fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and warming soups or stews. Boost Immunity: Include vitamin C-rich foods (citrus, peppers), vitamin D (sunlight or supplements), and probiotics (yogurt, fermented foods). Sleep Well: Shorter daylight can disrupt sleep cycles—maintain consistent sleep and wake times.
2. Mental & Emotional Wellness
Manage Seasonal Blues: Practice mindfulness, meditation, or journaling to combat winter gloom. Set Intentions, Not Pressure: Focus on small, achievable goals to maintain a sense of purpose. Stay Connected: Cold weather can lead to isolation—schedule calls or small gatherings with loved ones. Creative Outlets: Reading, art, music, or writing can boost mood and reduce stress.
3. Self-Care & Comfort
Warmth & Comfort: Cozy blankets, warm baths, or heated socks can calm the nervous system. Pampering Rituals: Moisturize skin, do face masks, or treat yourself to home spa sessions. Limit Stress: Identify holiday or winter stressors and set boundaries to protect your energy.
4. Outdoor & Vitamin D
Get Sunlight: Even a 10–15 minute walk outside can improve mood and vitamin D levels. Fresh Air: Step outside daily for fresh air—it helps energy and mental clarity. Nature Connection: Parks, trees, or winter scenery can boost mental wellness.
5. Immune & Hygiene Practices
Hand Hygiene: Wash hands regularly to prevent cold and flu. Masks & Caution in Crowds: If needed, protect yourself in crowded indoor spaces. Flu & COVID Vaccines: Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations.
6. Mindset & Joy
Gratitude Practice: Even a few things daily can lift spirits in the darker months. Seasonal Joys: Light candles, enjoy warm drinks, listen to uplifting music, or read inspiring books. Slow Down: Winter is a natural season of rest—embrace slower rhythms without guilt.
Quick Daily Winter Wellness Routine:
Drink a warm beverage first thing in the morning. 10–20 minutes of sunlight or outdoor movement. Nourishing breakfast with protein and fruit. Short mindfulness or journaling session mid-day. Evening self-care: bath, moisturizing, and reflection. Aim for 7–9 hours of sleep.
It’s not selfish; it’s self-respect. When you’re grateful for yourself, you stop measuring your worth only by what others say or by what you achieve, and you start valuing who you are right now.
Here’s a gentle path to practicing it:
1. Recognize your own wins — even small ones
Did you show up today despite feeling tired? That counts. Did you keep your cool in a tough conversation? That counts. Gratitude grows when you acknowledge these moments.
2. Thank your body and mind
Every day, silently thank your body for carrying you and your mind for learning, solving, and adapting.
3. Celebrate your progress, not perfection
Instead of “I’m not there yet,” try “Look how far I’ve come.”
4. Speak to yourself like a friend
Ask, “If my best friend were in my shoes, what would I thank them for?” Then say it to yourself.
5. Create a “self-gratitude” list
Write 5 things you’re thankful for about yourself — personality traits, skills, habits, or even quirks you love.
Here’s a simple self-gratitude affirmation:
“I honor who I am. I am thankful for my growth, my strength, and my unique light.”
As soon as you wake up, say out loud or write: “I am thankful for…” and list 3–5 things. It could be your health, your family, your talents, or even something as small as the comfort of your bed.
2. Release the negative intentionally
When a heavy thought comes, imagine yourself putting it in a balloon and letting it drift away. You can even say, “This no longer serves me — I release it.”
3. Focus on what’s abundant, not what’s missing
Gratitude shifts your mind from scarcity to abundance. Instead of, “I wish I had…,” turn it into, “I’m grateful I already have…”
4. Protect your space
Limit time around people, media, or situations that feed negativity. Your mental peace is priceless.
5. End the day in gratitude
Before bed, whisper a quiet “thank you” for the day — even if it was messy, you still lived, learned, and grew.
Here’s a short affirmation you can repeat daily:
“I am thankful for all I have. I release what does not serve me. I choose peace, joy, and love.”
Before getting out of bed, name three things you’re thankful for — even small ones like the smell of coffee or the sound of rain. At night, reflect on the best moment of your day, no matter how ordinary.
2. Savor the small things
Sip your tea slowly. Listen to the laughter of a loved one. Notice the way sunlight hits your wall in the morning. These tiny moments add up to a beautiful life.
3. Express it outwardly
Tell people what they mean to you — not just in big moments, but in everyday conversations. A simple “I appreciate you” can be powerful.
4. Give back
Helping others is one of the most life-affirming ways to show gratitude for your own blessings. Volunteer, share knowledge, or simply lend a hand to someone who needs it.
5. Keep a gratitude record
A journal, voice notes, or even a photo album of moments you’re grateful for keeps you grounded and lets you look back on life’s beauty.
6. Choose presence over rush
Instead of hurrying to the next thing, take in where you are right now — the people, the environment, the feeling.
Let’s end this month of thanksgiving with appreciation! And why it’s so important to have !
What It Is
National Gratitude Month is celebrated every November as a reminder to intentionally focus on appreciation — for people, experiences, opportunities, and even challenges that help us grow. While gratitude can be practiced year-round, this month encourages making it a conscious daily habit.
Why It Matters
Gratitude is more than a polite “thank you” — it’s a mindset that can:
Improve mental well-being – lowers stress, anxiety, and depression Strengthen relationships – people feel valued and seen Increase resilience – focusing on blessings helps you navigate hard times Boost physical health – linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and stronger immunity
Ways to Practice Gratitude During the Month
Daily Gratitude Journal – Write down 3–5 things you’re thankful for each day. Gratitude Letters – Send a heartfelt note to someone who’s impacted your life. Mindful Moments – Pause during your day to appreciate simple things (sunlight, a smile, a good meal). Family Gratitude Jar – Have everyone add notes of appreciation throughout the month and read them together. Acts of Kindness – Express your thanks through service or generosity to others.
Connection to Thanksgiving
It’s no coincidence that National Gratitude Month is in November — it aligns with Thanksgiving’s spirit of thankfulness. But the month-long observance challenges us to carry that mindset beyond just one day at the dinner table.
Now I’m not going to lie to you , my husband will do most of the cooking , and I will take care of the sweets ! But together we will create a beautiful dinner for our family ! 💕
Main Course
Roast Turkey – Often seasoned with a flavorful brine or butter rub, sometimes injected with Cajun spices. Baked Ham – Glazed with brown sugar, honey, and pineapple rings. Fried or Smothered Chicken – For the ones who always need a taste of Sunday dinner.
Sides
Cornbread Dressing – Rich, savory, and usually made with chicken stock, celery, onions, and sage.
Collard Greens – Slow-simmered with smoked turkey or ham hocks, full of flavor.
Macaroni & Cheese – Creamy, baked, and topped with a golden crust of cheese.
Candied Yams – Sweet potatoes baked with butter, cinnamon, brown sugar, and a touch of nutmeg.
Green Beans – Sometimes cooked with smoked meat or sautéed with onions and garlic.
Potato Salad – Cold, creamy, with just the right amount of mustard tang.
Cornbread or Yeast Rolls – Perfect for sopping up gravy and juices.
Desserts
Sweet Potato Pie – A Thanksgiving must-have in the Black community.
Pound Cake – Dense, buttery, and made from scratch.
Peach Cobbler – Warm, spiced peaches under a golden crust, served with ice cream.
Banana Pudding – Layers of pudding, vanilla wafers, and bananas, often topped with whipped cream or meringue.
