This weekend is Canadian Thanksgiving, and everyone's talking about what they're thankful for. Saying what you're thankful for around the table creates connection. But here's what nobody mentions: rhyming off what you're grateful for doesn't give you the energy to actually enjoy it.

You can be grateful for your kids, your partner, your career, but if you're too exhausted to be present for dinner, what's the point? This Thanksgiving weekend, let's talk about the kind of gratitude that changes how you feel, not just what you think.

Gratitude journals help you sleep better and shift your mindset. But gratitude that creates energy? That's active.

The Energy Gratitude Practice: Notice what gives you energy and do more of it.

That morning walk that makes you feel alive? That's energy gratitude. The friend who leaves you feeling lighter? That's energy gratitude. For me, it's crunching and smelling the fall leaves - those colours reminding me how incredible nature is. Sometimes all we need to do is look and appreciate.

This Weekend's Practice: Track 3 things that genuinely energize you (not "should" energize you). Double down on those.

The Thanksgiving Application: Before the big meal, do one thing that fills your tank - a walk through those leaves, a dance party with your kids, sitting quietly with your coffee. Show up energized, not depleted.

Want all-day energy that's actually sustainable? Registration for my 30-Day Energy Reset closes Friday at 11:59pm

Reheated Thanksgiving plates make you feel exactly how you felt after the big meal - heavy and tired.

The Energy-Sustaining Approach:

Before the Meal: Don't fast all day and show up famished. Eat normally - your body needs steady fuel.

During the Meal: Start with protein and vegetables, add carbs second (yes, enjoy the stuffing). Pace yourself and stay hydrated.

If You Overindulge: Don't punish yourself the next day or skip meals. Just return to normal eating.

Monday's Game Changer: My Turkey & Cranberry Power Bowl transforms your leftovers with roasted Brussels sprouts, quinoa, and a cranberry vinaigrette. The gentle warming keeps turkey moist, and the combo gives you sustained energy.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: performative gratitude is exhausting.

When you force yourself to "be grateful" for things that are actually draining you, you're gaslighting your own nervous system. Your body knows you're overwhelmed, but your mind is saying "I should be thankful."

The Energy Shift: Gratitude works when it's honest, not obligatory.

Maybe you're grateful your kids are healthy, but also exhausted by the constant demands. Both can be true. Maybe you're thankful for your job, but it's still burning you out. Both can be true.

Real Gratitude: Notice what genuinely makes you feel good without the "should." That's where your energy lives.

This Thanksgiving Weekend: Give yourself permission to enjoy what you enjoy and skip what depletes you - even if it's "traditional."

Remember: Gratitude without energy is just a nice thought. But when you have the stamina to actually show up for the people and moments you value? That's when gratitude becomes powerful.

What are you doing this Thanksgiving weekend to protect your energy? Hit reply - I read every response.