Disconnect to Reconnect: Finding Presence This Thanksgiving

It’s a cliché for a reason: no one ever says on their deathbed, “I’m so glad I worked so much.”

Ah, Thanksgiving week. The smell of pumpkin pie wafting through the kitchen, the sound of laughter (or maybe sibling squabbles) echoing down the hallway, and… the constant ding of emails and text notifications pulling you away from it all.

Does that sound familiar?

If you’re like so many of my clients, you’re probably juggling two plates this week: one filled with mashed potatoes and gravy, and the other overflowing with work deadlines and digital distractions. It’s easy to justify one more email, one more call, or one more quick check of Slack. But let me ask you this: What are you missing in the process?

Work is important. No one’s denying that. But is it worth trading the moments that really matter? The moments where your dad tells that same story he’s told every Thanksgiving since 1997? Or the moments where your kids beg you to play charades, and you actually say yes? These are the memories that fill your soul—not the emails that fill your inbox.

Why We Work

At the core of it, we work so we can live. We don’t live to work. Yet, how often do we let our jobs bleed into every hour of the day, even on holidays? It’s so easy to tell ourselves, It’s just one email or I’ll hop on this call really quick, but those quick moments add up to hours. Hours that could’ve been spent laughing with your sister, snuggling with your dog, or simply relaxing with a warm cup of cider and no agenda.

Here’s the thing: unless you’re in a life-or-death career—like a first responder or surgeon—those emails and calls can wait. Truly. The company will still stand if you don’t check in for a day. The world won’t implode if you miss a phone call. And your team can manage without you while you’re carving the turkey or watching the parade.

But your family? Your friends? These moments? They can’t wait.

Set Boundaries This Holiday

So, how can you create space to disconnect and truly connect this Thanksgiving?

1. Set a Phone-Free Zone: Pick times or places where devices are off-limits. Maybe it’s during Thanksgiving dinner or while playing board games after the meal.

2. Communicate Boundaries: Let colleagues know ahead of time that you’ll be unavailable. Set an out-of-office reply for emails and silence work notifications.

3. Be Present on Purpose: It’s not enough to put the phone down—your mind has to follow. Instead of worrying about what you’re missing, focus on what’s in front of you. Listen deeply. Laugh fully. Soak in the messy, beautiful chaos of family life.

4. Take Time for Yourself: Reconnecting doesn’t just mean being with others—it also means taking care of you. Whether it’s a solo walk, journaling, or sneaking a slice of pie for breakfast, give yourself the space to breathe and recharge.

No Regrets

It’s a cliché for a reason: no one ever says on their deathbed, “I’m so glad I worked so much.” The regrets we carry are usually about the moments we missed—the relationships we didn’t nurture, the laughter we didn’t join, the hugs we didn’t take time to give.

This week, give yourself permission to step away. Be present. Laugh, love, eat, and savor every second. Work will be there when you get back. Your loved ones need you now.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. Let’s make it one to remember—for all the right reasons.

Written by the team at A Higher Way Of Living