Yes, it’s gonna get personal up in here. Are you new to the blog? Behind all of the pretty interiors is a fleshy woundable human thankful for followers who read her with tenderness. With less than a week until Thanksgiving, I hope you’ll be gathering with humans and creatures who love you. I hope it will be easy to count blessings. If you’ll be away from home, I wish you traveling mercies and safety. And if this season finds you lonely or less than hopeful? Well, then, I’ll welcome you into a space where you feel seen and held. I’ll remind you to choose self-kindness over punishment and shame. You need not fake it til you make it if that feels exhausting. It never works for me personally. But can we search our hearts for a teeny yes to welcome reality/God/Love/Truth/healing arising? For me, offering my teeny yes begins to clear the obstacles to gratitude.
![Hello Lovely Christmas joy at my front door with holiday wreath and me and sis dressed in festive wear. #hellolovelystudio #christmasdecor #christmaswreath #christmasdoor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/holiday-decor-hello-lovely-studio-michele-jo-red-boots-elves-front-door.jpg)
Untangling Gratitude & Honoring Uncertainty
This is all from a spirit of unknowing so I’m not sure my stream of consciousness will float you closer to gratitude.
Rough seas of inner conflict and trauma are powerful.
![Atlanta Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse Christmas placesetting by Liz Williams Interiors with a lovely snow globe at each plate.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/AHL_Home-for-the-Holidays_Breakfast-Room-by-Liz-Williams_PC-David-Christensen-1SH.jpg)
But I’m opening my heart and typing from a pure place.
I can only share from the messy middle of this November morning, not from mountaintop glory at some finish line.
![Rebecca Gardner tablescape in Veranda (Chia Chong). #holidaytablescape](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/rebecca-gardner-hoiday-tablescape-veranda-chia-chong.jpg)
Right where I am, I feel thankful while teetering somewhere between utter hopelessness and a ray of hope.
![Hope quote from Mystic and contemplative Cynthia Bourgeault. #hopequotes #contemplativechristianity #contemplativequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hope-quote-cynthia-bourgeault-hello-lovely-studio-mysterious-plenitude.jpg)
Good heavens, it’s ironic and all rather hopeless that I would choose to write about thanksgiving on a scattered sort of day!
On any given day, my sense of optimism about my purpose, my future, my relationships, and my growth feels fluid.
It fluctuates like blood sugar and the stock market.
![Holiday humor and Home alone quirky Christmas quote about the McCallister mortgage. #holidayhumor #funnychristmas #holidayquotes #homealonemovie](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/funny-home-alone-holiday-quote-humor-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
I’ll stand at the kitchen sink and watch the sun rise, sensing all will be well, with a confidence that everything including suffering belongs.
![Gorgeous winter wreath on a teal door - roses, pinecones and eucalyptus combine for a striking Scandinavian style Christmas vibe - Truloveblooms on etsy.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/scandinavian-holiday-christmas-decor-wreath-with-pinecones-roses-eucalyptus-truloveblooms.jpg)
But another moment, I might consume too much media or guacamole.
![Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity #gratitudequotes #thanksgiving](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp-7.jpg)
I’ll work too many hours, lose sleep, or battle another GI infection.
![Spectacular white home decorated with elegant exterior Christmas decorations by Boxwoods Atlanta for the Home for the Holidays Showhouse 2016.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/ahl-home-for-the-holidays-2016-french-country-christmas-porch-decor.jpg)
It will be difficult to not see doom and scarcity.
![Inspirational Ann Voskamp faith quote relevant for Christmas on Hello Lovely Studio. #annvoskamp #faithquotes #christmasquotes #christianity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/12/faith-quote-hello-lovely-studio-ann-voskamp.jpg)
For example, lately I’m feeling less than grateful for tools of modern communication.
![Atlanta Home for Holidays Christmas tree with red ornaments, ribbons, and festive gifts with wood sled - AHL.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/atlanta-home-for-holidays-2019-christmas-tree-red-sled-gifts-bows-dhcphoto-Design-chris_holt_atl.jpeg)
Ten years ago I despised talking on the phone because it felt too impersonal without eye contact and nonverbals.
![Pet love quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #doglovequote #catlovequote #petquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/PET-LOVE-QUOTE-hello-lovely-studio-your-pet-knows.jpg)
At least there were tones and cues missing from texting though.
![Shawn Henderson designed holiday interior with citrus on tree in a New York farmhouse in Veranda (Francesco Lagnese). #holidaydecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/shawn-henderson-christmas-tree-citrus-farmhouse-new-york-veranda-francesco-lagnese.png)
AI is also a concern and with us daily now.
![Personal growth quote about strength and building on Hello Lovely Studio. #personalgrowthquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/unnahar-quote-building-a-house-quote-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
Do you use Google or social media?
![Beautiful citrus garland on holiday fireplace (Andrew Howard) with chairs (fabric is Heather Chadduck) in Veranda magazine (Helen Norman). #christmasgarland #christmasfireplace](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/andrew-howard-citrus-garland-magnolia-dining-room-fabric-heather-chadduck-textiles-veranda-helen-norman-photo.jpg)
AI generates responses for our searches.
![Inspiring New Year quote to promote hope, peace, love, and encouragement in the days ahead - Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #newyearquotes #encouragementquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/001-inspirational-new-years-quotes-hello-lovely-studio-rilke.jpg)
What concerns me is the blurring of “real enough” with real.
![Suzanne Rheinstein designed holiday decor in space with Chinese wallpaper in Veranda (Lisa Romerein).](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/suzanne-rheinstein-LA-christmas-holiday-decor-veranda-chinese-wallpaper-lisa-romerein.png)
Hasn’t it been hard enough to discern since the dawn of the internet?
![Van Gogh inspirational quote about love. #quotes #vangogh](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-truly-artistic-van-gogh.jpg)
When “real enough” becomes not just tolerable but normative and exalted, how are the highest parts of our humanity preserved and nurtured?
![Elegant understated holiday decorated entry and staircase in Veranda (Max Kim-Bee). #holidaygarland](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/elegant-uderstated-holiday-christmas-entry-garland-stairs-veranda-max-kim-bee.jpg)
I guess we can’t begin to answer that until we name what it means to be free, joyful, and imperfect yet fully human.
![Elvis Presley inspirational quote. #quotes #elvis](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/inspirational-quote-hello-lovely-studio-elvis-presley-things-go-bad.jpg)
What does it mean to be mentally well, energetically balanced, or spiritually whole these days?
![Beautiful French country holiday decorations in a Connecticut farmhouse - Veranda (Max Kim-Bee). #frenchcountryholidaydecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/connecticut-living-room-french-country-holiday-christmas-garlands-limes-pinecones-veranda-max-kim-bee.jpg)
And what does modern human life look like for a person who claims to feel…wait for it…SATISFIED?
![Funny quote and life humor on Hello Lovely Studio. #funnyquotes #humorquote #sillyquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/funny-humor-quote-hello-lovely-studio-synonym-rolls-.jpg)
(At this point in the post, some of you are whispering: read the book of Romans again, child or maybe switch to decaf, girlfriend or have you talked to the doc about anti-anxiety meds, hon?)
And the thing is, we all have blind spots and we’re always filtering experiences through a very subjective lens and unhealed wounds.
![Funny Christmas quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #christmashumor #holidayquote #funnyquotes #humorquotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/funny-christmas-humor-quote-hello-lovely-studio-noel.jpg)
That’s why it is so vulnerable to share reflections as they stream messy and wild.
Maybe you have responses and wisdom about this idea of satisfaction. Why is it so elusive?
![Encouragement quote from Michele of Hello Lovely Studio. #encouragementquotes #hopequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hope-quote-something-wonderful-michele-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
I certainly feel compelled to explore longing and satisfaction more deeply on this journey.
![Cozy country cabin patio with lanterns, candlelight, sectional, and rustic winter vibes - CountryGirlatHeart. #cozywinter #cozychristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/countrygirlatheart-winter-patio-cozy-lanterns-christmas-country.jpg)
Why is it challenging to feel satisfied with the presence of rich blessing and the reminders grief brings about the preciousness of joy?
![Ann Voskamp faith, Christianity, hope, and inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #inspirationalquote #faithquote #hopequote #annvoskamp #christianity](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/christmas-quotes-on-hello-lovely-studio-faith-as-long-as-you-still-are-hope-quote-ann-voskamp.jpg)
How does satisfaction bloom into thanksgiving, connection, and hope?
![Holiday decorations and garland in a pantry with design by @blessedlittlebungalow for Atlanta Holiday House 2022. #holidaykitchen #elegantholidaydecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/dhcphoto-atlanta-holiday-house-2022-pantry-blessedlittlebungalow.jpg)
How does culture and systems plant seeds of dissatisfaction at subtle levels which then bloom into greater disunity?
![Chinese Proverb hope quote on Hello Lovely Studio. #hopequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/hope-quote-chinese-proverb-hello-lovely-studio.jpg)
What makes a friendship, a romance, a marriage, a vocation, a life’s journey sufficiently satisfying?
![Mini snowman with mittens and blue sweater - @nadiine.o. #snowman](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/nadiine.o-mini-snowman-winter-snow-christmas-cozy.jpg)
Are these questions a good ice breaker around the 2023 Thanksgiving table?
![Uplifting inspirational quote on Hello Lovely Studio from @mattcama: Not to spoil the end for you... #quotes #inspirationalquote #strugglequotes #encouragement #healing #hopequotes](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/inspirational-quote-uplifting-quote-on-hello-lovely-studio-by-Matt-Cama-not-to-spoil-the-end.jpg)
Hahahahaha. I probably won’t test that for you.
![Farmhouse Christmas decor with galvanized large bell hung from ribbon on green vintage door - Hello Lovely Studio. #christmasdecor #christmasbell #farmhousechristmas #vintagechristmas #frontdoordecor](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/holiday-decor-hello-lovely-studio-green-vintage-door-large-galvanized-bell-trove.jpg)
But I think pondering the answers in our hearts may lead us closer to wisdom from the body and soul about what it means to: live with integrity, recover from stress, and become sources of healing.
![Magnificent Christmas decor on exterior of the 2016 Atlanta Home for the Holidays Showhouse with exterior decor by Lisa Mende and Boxwoods Atlanta.](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/atlanta-home-for-the-holidays-2016-exterior-christmas-decor-lisa-mendes-boxwoodsatlanta.jpeg)
How might I grow in maturity to embrace a more humble spirit of unknowing?
What changes can I make to experience deeper satisfaction from the ordinary as my appetite for drama diminishes?
How can I withdraw my energies in meaningful ways from harmful territory and ignorance?
What will quell my reactivity so I may draw from a wider spectrum of responses?
![Christmas cozy tablescape - @liekes_world. #romanticchristmas #rusticchristmas](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/liekes_world-christmas-tablescape.png)
How can I accept myself more fully so my needs for approval and even strength may shrink?
![Ken Fulk holiday decorated mountain retreat (Yellowstone in Montana) in Elle Decor. #kenfulk #mountainchic #rusticholiday](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/ken-fulk-montana-christmas-home-kitchen-2.jpg)
If you’re still with me, thank you. It can be lonely in this strange business. Bless you. And bless these mysterious energies flowing between open hearts offering their YES. Untangling gratitude? Honoring uncertainty? Holding all of the paradox arriving on the spiritual journey?
It’s the honorable work of a lifetime…let’s keep propping each other up.
Gift Guides for Black Friday Sales
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
![Hello Lovely Sweet Stocking Stuff ideas for Christmas stockings. #stockingstuffers](https://www.hellolovelystudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/hello-lovely-sweet-stocking-stuff-banner.jpg)
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Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
Thanks for shopping RIGHT HERE to keep decor inspiration flowing on Hello Lovely!
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You are away of sunlight every time I read your emails!
Author
Thank you for reading and saying that – I’m grateful to have you here. Happy almost Thanksgiving to you and yours. 🙂
Michele, I am so thankful for you! And your beautiful wisdom and vulnerability. Thank you for sharing from your heart.
I hope that you have an amazing Thanksgiving and that you are surrounded by love.
xo Elizabeth
Author
Thanks for honoring me by reading this, Elizabeth. You’re such an amazing peer to call friend in this crazy sphere. Thank you for the wishes and I hope your holidays will be gentle and bright with meaning. May you be blessed this week as you prepare for Thanksgiving. xox
Michele-
Happy Thanksgiving!
Nan of TN
Author
Happy Thanksgiving, friend. Enjoy the blessings! 🙂