Redefining Gratitude: A Thanksgiving Reflection For Those Facing Invisible Struggles

Thanksgiving—a day we're told to pause, give thanks, and celebrate. But let's be honest: for those with rare, chronic, or invisible struggles, this day can feel well…complicated. When navigating the complexities of invisible battles, "gratitude" doesn't always come easy. The table can feel heavy with unspoken truths, invisible struggles, and the weight of trying to fit into a holiday mold that wasn't built with our stories in mind.

And sometimes, it's not just the pressure to feel grateful—it's the pressure to feel grateful because things "could be worse."

When Forced Gratitude Hurts

I've been there. 

There was a time when, every Thanksgiving, someone would remind me how "lucky" I was because my situation "wasn't as bad as someone else's." Comments like, "At least you can still [do this]," or "At least it's not [that]," felt like a slap disguised as support.

 Instead of feeling comforted, I felt small. I felt like my struggles weren't enough to deserve acknowledgment. Like my pain had to be measured and compared before I had the right to feel it. Gratitude, in those moments, felt more like a chore than a choice.

 But here's what I've learned: your challenges are valid. Your pain doesn't need a comparison to be real. And gratitude doesn't mean silencing your struggles—it means finding the strength to honor your journey's hard parts and beauty.

 

Let's Flip Thanksgiving on Its Head

What if we stopped forcing ourselves into the cookie-cutter "thankful for" list and started celebrating gratitude RARE. style? What if we made it raw, real, and reflective of the roads we've walked?

 Here's how:

 1. Celebrate What You've Survived

Gratitude isn't just about the shiny wins but the battles fought and the scars earned. Whether it's surviving a brutal flare, advocating for yourself in a system that doesn't always listen, or simply showing up when it felt impossible—you did that. Today, we're not just thankful for your resilience; we're in awe of it.

💡 Empowerment Prompt: Take a moment to write down one thing you've overcome this year, no matter how small. That's your victory—and it's worth celebrating.

2. Thank Your Body for Showing Up

It's easy to feel frustrated by bodies that don't cooperate. But today, let's thank them for what they can do. Maybe your body allowed you to hug someone you love, enjoy a favorite meal, or simply breathe through another day. Progress, no matter how slow, is still progress.

💡 Empowerment Prompt: Find one thing your body did for you this week. Write it down. Speak it out loud. Let it be enough.

3. Redefine 'Family' 

For some, the holiday table is filled with love and understanding. For others, it's…not. And that's okay. Family isn't just about blood—it's about those who see, support, and celebrate you. The Herd is your family, too; we're here to remind you that you belong.

💡 Empowerment Prompt: Reach out to someone who has been your "family" this year. A quick message, a shared memory, or even a meme—connection is everything. 

4. Honor the Power of Rest

Let's be honest: holidays can be overwhelming. And if your body or mind is telling you to pause, listen. Rest is revolutionary, especially for those constantly told to push through. This Thanksgiving, let's be thankful for the quiet moments too. Let's remember that self-care is not selfish; it's necessary.

💡 Empowerment Prompt: Give yourself permission to rest today. Even 10 minutes to breathe, stretch, or sit in silence is a gift worth giving yourself.

Gratitude Isn't Perfect—But Neither Are We

Thanksgiving doesn't have to look like a Norman Rockwell painting for it to matter. Maybe your table is full, or maybe it's quiet. Perhaps you're thriving, or you're just surviving. Here's the truth: gratitude isn't about being perfect. It's about showing up in whatever way you can and finding moments of connection—whether with yourself, your community, or the world around you.

And sometimes, gratitude starts with simply being seen.

The Herd is Here for You

If Thanksgiving feels overwhelming or isolating, remember, you're not alone. Lean on your community. The Herd is full of people who "get it"—your triumphs, your struggles, and your desire to feel seen. We're here for you.

 🦓 Ways to Connect:

• Join the conversation on social media using #FindYourRARE.
• Share your reflections in the comments below—we'd love to hear what you're celebrating today, big or small.
• Explore stories and insights from fellow zebras and let their story serve as your survival guide.

 

A Seat at the Table for Every Zebra 

Gratitude isn't about ignoring the complexities of life—it's about holding space for all of it. So today, we're thankful for you—for your courage, resilience, and willingness to make the invisible visible through sharing your story and showing up. You're part of a movement that's redefining how the world sees rare diseases, invisible illnesses, and mental health struggles. And for that, we'll always be grateful.

🖤From our RARE. table to yours, Happy Thanksgiving, Herd. Here's to creating our own rules on gratitude and this RARE. life together—today and every day.
 

Be heard🦓 drop a comment

What's one thing you're celebrating today? Share it below, big or small, and let's continue to have the hard conversations of a beautifully RARE. life. 🦓🖤 And don't forget to share your own strategies for redefining gratitude. Your insights could inspire others.