Hey -

As we step into Thanksgiving, I hope you find little pockets of gratitude that steady you.

The quiet moments.

The familiar smells.

The people you love.

The ways God has been faithful, even in the small things.

I’ve been thinking about this season and how quickly the pressure shows up.

Black Friday.

Sales.

Emails.

Expectations to buy because it feels like everyone else is buying.

For years, I walked right into that pressure.

I remember going out on Black Friday with no intention at all.

I didn’t need anything.

I didn’t even have the money for it.

But I went because it felt normal.

I’d come home with bags that didn’t fill any real need… just the need to feel caught up.

That habit didn’t serve me.

Especially during the years when money was tight after my eviction.

It only added stress at a time when I needed peace.

If you’re feeling stretched this year, I want you to hear this gently:

You don’t have to shop this weekend.

You don’t owe anyone gifts you can’t afford.

You don’t have to prove anything through what you buy.

Patience over pressure.

Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him.”

What a different rhythm that is from the push of this season.

Stillness.

Waiting.

Trusting that you don’t have to rush into decisions or spending that doesn’t align with where you are.

If you don’t have the resources to shop right now, that’s not something to hide or feel ashamed of.

It’s an invitation.

A moment to pause instead of spend.

A chance to let contentment grow in you.

Maybe this year, Black Friday becomes something different.

Not a day of buying, but a day of noticing.

Not a push to accumulate, but a step toward becoming the woman you want to be.

More grounded.

More intentional.

More settled in what God has already given you.

Wherever this finds you, I’m grateful you’re here.

And I’m praying this week brings you a sense of calm, clarity, and enoughness.

Happy Thanksgiving,

Makeda