Good Vibes Only: Gratitude and Community

Written By Cherice Taylor

November. Wow, it’s November. One minute it's Halloween, the next you're staring down your kid’s semester deadlines and the sheer logistics of Thanksgiving dinner. The good news is, through all the rushing and planning, this season has a natural undertow of gratitude and community that pulls us all toward what really matters.

I totally get the Thanksgiving hosting dilemma. I’m with you! I’ve got that sign on my fridge, too: "I Have a Kitchen Because It Came With the House." I can cook fine, but I love being with family way more than I love cooking for them. Honestly, being invited somewhere else is a secret victory. But hey, if cooking brings everyone together, I’ll heat up the oven and my husband works his magic on the grill!

I actually asked an AI for a holiday topic because I wanted to lean into that Thanksgiving spirit. It suggested “Building Character: Teaching Gratitude, Empathy, and Giving Back,” saying it helps us focus on those crucial non-academic life skills.

November is the perfect time to get your kids to look up, look around, and think outside of themselves. How can your family spread some good cheer? It doesn’t have to be a big production.

  • Make it Personal: A simple, handwritten thank-you note to a teacher, a counselor, or even staff member who’s been kind.

  • Give a Little: Grab a gift card for a family in need, or volunteer for an hour at a local food drive or school event.

  • Keep it Simple: Sometimes just a genuine, no-strings-attached "thank you" or a smile can make someone’s whole day.

As parents and guardians, we’re all modeling behaviors—some of them are awesome, and some... well, they could use a little polish. But this season, let’s model peace, joy, and a whole lot of gratitude.

I hope your Thanksgiving is full of family, friends, and low-stress fun!

"No one has ever become poor by giving." - Anne Frank

"Thanksgiving is a good day to recommit our energies to giving thanks and just giving." - Amy Grant

Cherice Taylor

Cherice Taylor, M.A. Education Administration, is a Part-Time Career Advisor for Germanna Community College. She is the 2022-2023 Past President of the Rotary Club of Stafford and a Charter Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Psi Psi Omega Chapter. She is a relationship builder, poet and a former educator with over 10 years experience at the preschool through high school levels. Cherice earned her Bachelor's degree from UCLA and her Masters in Education Administration from California State University- Dominguez Hills. She is married to LCDR Eric Taylor (retired) and a mother of four sons. A positive attitude and the belief that sharing pearls of wisdom along with the Golden Rule allows for everyone to improve and reach their personal goals. This is demonstrated in the podcast show that she hosts, Time Matters Podcast! Cherice believes that if we all do better, then we all do better, and that is why Cherice is involved in the community.

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