Recently, I came across an article published by the University of Arizona, that really got my attention. It opened with this thought-provoking quote: “For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is not synonymous with blessings and praise. Rather, the day is a reminder of a dark history that is rarely told in its entirety.” Bam! The next thought that came into my head “We really don’t talk about this enough – let’s change that!”
So what does this change about my own personal Thanksgiving? Everything and nothing. The myth of what Thanksgiving is about was long ago dispelled in my mind. We stole and slaughtered the millions of inhabitants who came before us and took their land. That’s just the truth. This Thanksgiving, as with many of mine in the recent past, will be all about gratitude – gratitude for my amazing, loving, caring family and friends; gratitude for the Mrs. Green’s World team and the incredible, loyal and ever-growing tribe of people who care as deeply about this great planet and its inhabitants as we do; and, lastly, gratitude that ALL of my needs are met and I mean all – food, shelter, clothing, clean water, freedom from persecution, and surrounded by love. In that respect, nothing has changed.
The everything part is that I will take time this Thanksgiving to figure out how I will show up in the world to make a bigger difference for the millions of people who suffer from lack of all the things I described above and yes, there are millions.
I will recommit with my passion and my enthusiasm and my commitment to contribute to creating a world that works for everyone.
With intention, I will level up my courage to speak about more uncomfortable parts of our history, the ones we often try to forget.
I will take time to talk about and remember the real story of Thanksgiving and to send love, light and healing thoughts to all of our Native Brothers and Sisters.
With intention, I will do my part to make this world a better place.
With intention, I will do anything I can to help build bridges to heal.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey by saying YES to making this a more holistic, intentional, meaningful Thanksgiving season!
From about the age of five, Gina has been on the path of being a disruptor for good. A dreamer at heart, Gina is madly and passionately in love with this great planet of ours and is tireless in her efforts to preserve it.