Every November, the world hands us the same laminated homework assignment:

“Be grateful. Make a list. Write down three blessings.”
(As if the Universe is grading us. Please.)

And while there’s nothing wrong with gratitude, it can feel a little…
meh.
Predictable.
Like someone saying, “I made my famous salad!” and you know it’s just lettuce and trauma.

So, this year I want to offer something deeper, more truthful, and frankly, more interesting (to me anyway):

Let yourself be inspired by the song from WICKED: “Changed for Good.”

If you don’t know it: it’s a gorgeous duet from Wicked where two women—
beautifully imperfect, emotionally honest, occasionally exasperating—
acknowledge how profoundly they’ve shaped one another.

Not because everything was harmonious.
Not because Hallmark would approve of their communication skills.
Not because they floated (and flew) through life like spiritual Disney princesses.

No.
Because they were real.
They bumped into each other’s edges.
They cracked each other open.
They softened, stretched, and evolved.

It’s not a gratitude song.
It’s an oh damn, we actually changed each other song.

This Thanksgiving, instead of asking yourself what you’re grateful for
(we get it—you love your dog, your partner, and the sweet potatoes),
try asking a more interesting question:

Who has changed me?
Who has shaped the woman (or man) you’ve become—
through the tenderness and the tension?
Who has left a soul-imprint on you… for good?

Maybe it’s your friend who always runs late but always shows up.
Maybe it’s your partner who sees you when you forget to see yourself.
Maybe it’s the relative who exhausts you—but also cracks your heart open in surprising ways.
Maybe it’s someone no longer at the table, but always in your bones.

You don’t have to announce it with a toast.
(Please don’t stand up mid-meal and dramatically proclaim enlightenment. Unless you really want to.)
Just let yourself feel it.
Recognize the sacred messiness of these humans who helped sculpt you.

This is gratitude’s wiser, sexier aunt.
Less Hallmark, more holy.
Less list-making, more soul-noticing.
Less “What am I thankful for?” and more “Who helped make me… me?”

Honestly?
It feels like what Thanksgiving was supposed to be all along.

And do remember that Thanksgiving is a “no carb left behind day,” so enjoy every delicious bite!!

Blessings,

Arielle   

p.s. Watch the video of Changed for Good here (and run, don’t walk to see Wicked For Good in theatres now).