A Different Kind of Thanks: Gratitude for Our Bodies and Their Strength

Thanksgiving is a complicated holiday for me. While the traditions of gathering and sharing meals are beautiful, the historical roots of the holiday remind me of injustices we shouldn't ignore. Still, I’ve chosen to reclaim the day as a moment to pause, reflect, and give thanks—not for the feast on the table, but for something we often overlook: our bodies.

Our bodies are incredible. They carry us through sleepless nights, early mornings, and everything in between. They hold our joy, our pain, and our strength. They heal, adapt, and protect us, even when we don’t treat them as kindly as we should. Yet, we often focus on what they aren’t—too big, too small, not strong enough, not fast enough—instead of appreciating all that they are.

As a fitness coach, I see this every day. People come to me wanting to change their bodies, but what if we shifted the narrative? What if, instead of punishing our bodies for what they lack, we thanked them for what they do? When we move—whether it’s through boxing, lifting weights, or simply going for a walk—it’s not just exercise; it’s an act of gratitude. It’s a celebration of what our bodies are capable of.

Gratitude doesn’t mean pushing ourselves to exhaustion. It also means listening when our bodies say, “I need rest.” It’s about recognizing that recovery is just as important as effort. Rest is not weakness; it’s respect.

So this Thanksgiving, I’m choosing to honor my body—not for how it looks, but for how it lives. I’m grateful for the strength that gets me through hard days, the resilience that helps me bounce back, and the ability to move, grow, and adapt.

I invite you to join me. Take a moment to thank your body—not for its appearance, but for all it allows you to do. Maybe that’s lifting weights, hugging loved ones, or simply breathing deeply. Whatever it is, let’s celebrate it.

This Thanksgiving, my gratitude isn’t about the food or the festivities. It’s for the strength, resilience, and beauty of our bodies—our partners in this journey of life. Let’s honor them, not just tomorrow, but every day.

Written by: Kathy Mora