Coach T’s Thanksgiving List: How Gratitude Fuels Health and Happiness Beyond the Table
Dec 04, 2025Thanksgiving is one of my favorite times of the year — a chance to pause, reflect, and truly appreciate all the blessings that make life feel full. In a world that’s always pushing us toward “what’s next,” gratitude grounds us in the right now. This year, my heart is overflowing with thankfulness! I’m thankful for my family, my friends, my work, my ability to move my body, and another beautiful year of watching my husband thrive. I’m also deeply grateful for the recent Italy retreat that allowed me to slow down, reconnect with my mind, body, and spirit, and guide others to do the same. And, of course, for travel — the gift that keeps expanding my perspective and my appreciation for this incredible life.
While Thanksgiving reminds us to count our blessings, practicing gratitude shouldn’t just happen once a year. Science shows that expressing gratitude has profound health benefits. A study from the American Psychological Association found that gratitude is linked to improved mood, stronger immunity, and even better heart health. Another study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that grateful individuals experience lower levels of stress and inflammation — meaning that gratitude doesn’t just make you happier, it can actually make you healthier!
Family and friendships are the foundation of emotional well-being. According to Harvard’s 80-year “Study of Adult Development,” strong social relationships are the single biggest predictor of long-term happiness and health. I’m endlessly grateful for the people who make life brighter — those who cheer me on, challenge me, and show up no matter what. Community is one of the most powerful forms of support we can have, and being surrounded by love reminds me daily that wellness isn’t just physical — it’s deeply relational.
I’m also thankful for the work I get to do — helping others move better, feel stronger, and find joy in their fitness journeys. Movement is medicine. Physical activity not only boosts endorphins (our natural mood elevators), but research from the Journal of Health Psychology shows that even 30 minutes of moderate exercise can improve mental clarity and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Whether it’s a heavy lift, a mindful stretch, or a quiet walk, I’m grateful every day for the ability to move and for a body that carries me through it all!
This year brought one of my most meaningful experiences yet — leading a wellness retreat in Italy. For a week, I was able to guide others through workouts, mindfulness sessions, and meaningful conversations — all while reconnecting with my own purpose. Travel has a way of opening your heart and quieting your mind. Studies show that people who travel regularly report higher levels of life satisfaction and creativity. It’s a reminder that stepping out of routine can be one of the best ways to come home to yourself.
As we head into Thanksgiving, my biggest takeaway is this: gratitude is a daily practice, not a seasonal feeling. The more we acknowledge what’s good—our health, our people, our purpose—the more we attract abundance in every area of life. This year, I’m choosing to slow down, say thank you often, and remember how strong and blessed I am to be exactly where I am.
Xo,
Coach Tatiana
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