A Survivor's Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a time of reflection—a chance to pause and count our blessings. For many, it’s a day of joy, love, and connection. But for survivors of domestic violence, the holidays can bring mixed emotions. They may stir up painful memories or highlight the absence of people or places we’ve left behind to create safer lives.
As survivors, we’ve come to understand that gratitude doesn’t erase the pain of the past—it transforms it. Genuine gratitude embraces the duality of healing: honoring where we’ve been while celebrating the strength that’s carried us through.
A Trauma-Centered Approach to Gratitude
Healing from trauma is not linear, and it’s not easy. But we’ve learned that gratitude can coexist with even the most challenging parts of our journeys. A trauma-centered approach to appreciation allows us to acknowledge pain, give ourselves grace, and find beauty in small victories.
This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for:
The courage to reclaim our lives. Walking away from abuse is one of the hardest things we can do, but it shows the incredible strength we carry within us.
The people who show up for us—whether friends, family, counselors, or even strangers—their support makes all the difference.
The chance to rebuild. Each day allows us to create lives filled with safety, love, and peace—lives that feel fully our own.
Gratitude, in this sense, isn’t about ignoring trauma. It’s about reframing it. It’s about finding the light in the darkness and the hope in the healing.
The Complex Emotions of the Holidays
For survivors, the holidays can be challenging. We might feel guilt for being away from family, sorrow for what we’ve lost, or even joy for the freedom we’ve gained. All those emotions are valid.
If you’re a survivor reading this, please know:
It’s okay to grieve what was.
It’s okay to celebrate what is.
It’s okay to feel both at the same time.
Gratitude doesn’t require perfection. It’s not about forcing happiness or denying our struggles. It’s about recognizing our progress and the strength we carry within us, even on the most challenging days.
A Message of Hope and Solidarity
Today, we hold space for all survivors—for those who are still finding their way out of harm’s way, for those who are building new lives, for those who are struggling, and for those who are thriving.
If you’re in the middle of your journey, we want you to know you’re not alone. There’s help, there’s hope, and there’s life beyond abuse. Take each step at your own pace, and don’t forget to celebrate the little wins.
This Thanksgiving, let’s honor our collective strength, reflect on our resilience, and hold space for healing. Together, we can transform trauma into something powerful: a future built on safety, love, and gratitude.
