A Heartfelt Thanksgiving: Reflecting on Gratitude, Growth, and Community with Jessica in the Kitchen
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones! As the aroma of roasted vegetables and comforting spices fills the air, I find myself pausing to reflect on a truly incredible year. Here at Jessica in the Kitchen, Thanksgiving isn’t just another holiday; it’s by far our most celebrated food occasion, reader-wise! It brings me immense joy and satisfaction to connect with all of you, answer your culinary questions, and help you craft the perfect holiday feast, tailored to every dietary preference, allergy, and taste bud. From healthy sides like the delectable Gluten-Free Cornbread Stuffing featured in the image (a simple, flavorful vegan delight!) to impressive main courses, my ultimate passion is to make your celebrations memorable, delicious, and joyful.
This year, more than ever, my heart is overflowing with profound gratitude. This post serves as a short, yet deeply heartfelt expression of thanks for the numerous people, significant events, and profound circumstances that have shaped my journey and made this year so exceptionally meaningful. It’s been a period of immense personal and professional growth, and I am eager to share the sources of my deepest appreciation with you all.
Grateful for: My Cherished Loved Ones
It’s an undeniable truth that the quality and richness of our lives are profoundly influenced by the people we choose to surround ourselves with. This year, I was incredibly fortunate to be enveloped by, and exclusively by, a circle of family and friends who genuinely desire the very best for me in every aspect of life – be it my personal journey, my continuously growing business, my marriage, or simply my daily well-being. Having a supportive network that consistently lifts you up, both spiritually and mentally, has been an absolute game-changer for me. This dream team has stood by me through every challenge and triumph, offering unwavering encouragement and a reliable shoulder to lean on.
They’ve provided invaluable constructive criticism, offered astute guidance through countless complex situations, and, most importantly, kept laughter abundant and my spirits perpetually uplifted. To each and every one of you who has contributed to my journey this year, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kindness and support. A special shoutout goes to my amazing girls’ night crew: Tiki, Quida, and Kel. You ladies truly rock, bringing so much light, energy, and unbridled joy into my days – your presence is a constant source of happiness and inspiration. To my incredible Maid of Honor and best friend, Ashli, you are simply amazing, darling. Your tireless dedication and invaluable assistance with my business ventures are deeply appreciated and make such a significant difference.
To my wonderful parents, thank you for providing me with the world – for your endless wisdom and guidance, for your unconditional love that knows no bounds, and for consistently prioritizing my health and well-being above all else. Your foundation of unwavering support has been my bedrock. To my brother, Konrad, your subtle yet profoundly impactful guidance, often manifested through insightful book and personality test recommendations, has steered me in countless right directions – thank you for always helping me navigate life’s complexities with a clearer mind. And to my brother, Ben, for being the most honest taste tester one could ask for, and for always, always asking for more of my pumpkin bread, you embody a pure light of happiness and laughter in my life. Your genuine reactions and infectious joy bring so much warmth to my kitchen and my heart.
Grateful for: My Incredible Husband
While undoubtedly one of my dearest loved ones, my husband truly deserves a separate, heartfelt acknowledgment. He has been my steadfast partner, walking alongside me for so long, helping to guide my every step and offering unwavering encouragement. His support transcends mere companionship, encompassing everything from tackling mountains of dishes in the kitchen after a long recipe development day to gently reminding me to take breaks and ensuring I eat on time. His unwavering belief in me and his practical assistance mean the absolute world to me; they are the unseen forces that allow me to thrive.
I am profoundly grateful that we share such a deep spiritual connection, aligning on core values and beliefs that guide our lives. Our bond is further cemented by our wonderfully corny yet utterly hilarious sense of humor, which consistently brightens our days and fills our home with laughter. And, of course, our shared, passionate obsession with sci-fi adventures provides endless entertainment and connection. Thank you for staying up with me during late nights, offering a calming presence and quiet encouragement, and for consistently wanting nothing but the absolute best for my personal happiness and professional success. You are truly my anchor, my greatest cheer-leader, and my most cherished companion.
Grateful for: Profound Spiritual Guidance
This year has marked a truly significant period of mental and spiritual awakening for me. Allowing God to truly lead my path was initially a considerable challenge, requiring a leap of faith and the shedding of old habits and preconceptions. However, once I properly surrendered, and then, as the inspiring Gabrielle Bernstein often says, surrendered some more, it brought about the most profound and transformative difference in my life. I am by no means a spiritual guru, and I am eternally grateful to still be learning something new and insightful every single day. This ongoing journey has led me to engage in prayer in a far more meaningful and intentional way than ever before, to embrace meditation as a daily, centering practice, and to actively incorporate self-care into my routine as often as I possibly can.
It has taught me a vital and liberating lesson: to effectively serve others and contribute positively to the world, I must first prioritize myself. If I am feeling tired, depleted, or beaten down, my capacity to truly help others is severely diminished. This powerful realization has driven me to implement a rigorous and conscious practice of ensuring I receive proper sleep, nourishing nutrition, and consistent uplifting experiences. Investing in my own well-being isn’t selfish; it’s a fundamental prerequisite for genuine, sustained service and for bringing my most vibrant, compassionate, and effective self to my work and all my relationships.
Grateful for: My Fulfilling Career
WOW. Seriously, the journey from retiring from law just last year to fully embracing this career full-time has been nothing short of extraordinary and deeply fulfilling. I honestly never would have imagined I would be here now, experiencing such immense joy, passion, and professional fulfillment. The courageous decision to truly believe in myself, to trust my instincts, and to pursue my passion wholeheartedly was monumental. This profound belief has undoubtedly helped to catapult me in this ever-growing and incredibly rewarding direction. I eagerly anticipate what the rest of this journey holds, both for me personally and for the exciting future of Jessica in the Kitchen.
Every single day, I approach my work with a clear and purposeful question in mind: “What problem can I solve for my readers by posting this new recipe, or that insightful article, or even this quick Instagram update?” This problem-solving mindset is what truly drives me, making every effort meaningful. I absolutely LOVE what I do, every single day, even when it’s demanding, stressful, and challenging. That inherent passion is what consistently fuels me to keep going, all day, every day. I feel more prepared, more energized, and more excited than ever for what is to come for the remainder of the year and well beyond. This career is not just a job; it’s a calling, a creative outlet, and a constant source of inspiration, allowing me to share my love for delicious, healthy, and vegan cooking with a global community.
Grateful for: You, My Incredible Readers
Honestly, I’m getting teary-eyed as I write this particular section, feeling a rush of profound emotion. What an incredible and unexpected blessing it has been to somehow become a small, yet deeply meaningful, part of YOUR lives. Okay, now I’m genuinely emotional. Every single comment you leave, every piece of feedback you share, truly means something deeply personal and significant to me. It’s more than just engagement; it’s a genuine human connection that I cherish. Even more powerfully, when you tag me in your beautiful recipe creations on social media, or when you take the time to send me personal photos of your culinary successes to my email, it means SO much to me. These moments are profound reminders of the tangible and positive impact of my work, and they fill my heart with joy.
I am so incredibly grateful that I get the privilege to help make a positive difference in your lives, whether that impact is big or small. My aim is to help bring you closer to your family and loved ones through the shared joy of delicious, healthy, and accessible food, and to simplify your cooking journey through the recipes and tips shared on Jessica in the Kitchen. Believe me when I say that your engagement, your inspiring stories, and your unwavering support are precisely what keep me going every single day. Returning to the idea of solving a problem for you, I am genuinely happy and humbled that this is what I get to do with my life. This connection has deepened so much more this year than in any previous year, and I simply cannot wait to see what amazing experiences and shared moments are in store for us all moving forward! Thank you for being the most incredible community any food blogger could ask for.
A Special Thanksgiving Thank You: Exclusive Black Friday Offer!
As a small token of my immense appreciation for each and every one of you, and to celebrate this season of gratitude, I’m thrilled to announce my own little Black Friday sale! It’s my heartfelt way of saying thank you for being such a vital and cherished part of the Jessica in the Kitchen community and for your continuous support, enthusiasm, and loyalty.
You can head over to https://gumroad.com/l/jitkebook to get the Jessica in the Kitchen ebook at this special Thanksgiving and Black Friday price. Don’t miss out on adding more delicious, wholesome, and easy-to-make recipes to your collection to nourish yourself and your loved ones!
Share Your Gratitude: A Community Reflection
As we conclude this profound season of reflection and thankfulness, I’d absolutely love to hear from you. In the spirit of community and shared gratitude, what are you most grateful for this year? Please take a moment to share your thoughts, reflections, and blessings in the comments below – your stories inspire and uplift us all. Happy Thanksgiving, my dear friends, and I genuinely look forward to connecting with you on the flip side (I’ve always wanted to say that)!