The One Thing I'm Letting Go of This Thanksgiving

Hey family, Michael here…

The One Thing I'm Not Thinking About This Thanksgiving

This week, I'm easing up on the worry and overthinking, and just being present.

Thanksgiving is this week.

And I'll be honest with you:

→ I'm not worrying about the what-ifs at Christian’s school.
→ I'm not overthinking if we're doing a good job raising both our kids.
→ I'm not stressing about what's not done yet.

I'm just choosing to be present.

Don't get me wrong, those questions still come up. They probably always will.

But this week and possibly this holiday season?

I'm letting go of the anxiety around them.

Because here's what I've learned:

You can care deeply about your child's future AND be present in the moment.

You don't have to choose one or the other.

Here's What I'm Doing Instead

This Thursday, I'm going to:

→ Watch Christian and Amanda's faces light up when they see the table
→ Notice the small wins (staying at the table for 10 minutes counts)
→ Be grateful for the routines that ground us, even when they're hard
→ Say thank you to the people who show up for our family, therapists, teachers, family members who "get it"

That's it.

No worrying. No overthinking. No stressing about what's next.

Just this moment.

Why I'm Telling You This

Because I know what it's like to carry the weight of "what if" every single day.

→ What if the school is or isn't the right fit?
→ What if I'm not doing enough for my other child?
→ What if I'm missing something important?

Those questions are normal. They show you care.

But the constant worry? The overthinking? The stress about what's not done yet?

That doesn't serve you. Or your family.

So this week, I'm giving myself permission to let that go.

Not the care. Not the planning. Just the worry.

What About You?

I don't know what your Thanksgiving will look like.

Maybe it'll be chaotic. Maybe your child will struggle with the changes. Maybe you'll spend half the day managing meltdowns while relatives ask questions they don't understand.

That's okay.

And if you've been worrying about school, or wondering if you're doing enough, or stressing about all the things that aren't done yet—

That's okay too.

It'll still be there next week.

But this week?

Look for the moment worth holding onto.

→ Maybe it's the way your child's face relaxes when they're home.
→ Maybe it's a surprise smile.
→ Maybe it's just surviving the day.

Hold onto that.

And remember:

You can care deeply about the future without letting the worry consume you.

You're doing better than you think.

So this Thursday, before the turkey and the chaos and the relatives who mean well but don't quite get it,

Take a breath.

Look at your child.

And be grateful for right now.

The worries will be there when you're ready.
But right now? Right now is for gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving, family.

P.S. I was recently featured in The American Reporter talking about why planning for neurodivergent children should start with parents, not paperwork. [Read the full article here]. It's a good reminder, especially this week, that we can ease up on the pressure and focus on what matters most: being present with the people we love.

P.P.S. After the holidays, if you're ready to start 2025 with a clear plan, I'm booking free 15-minute coverage reviews for January. [Schedule yours here], but only when you're ready.

Verse of the Week:

"Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus."

— 1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NIV)

Disclaimer: This content is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for clinical, medical, financial, tax, or legal advice. Please consult licensed professionals who understand your individual situation.