Be Here, Be Now: A Thanksgiving Reflection
How self-awareness helps us savor the moments that matter most.
Thanksgiving and the Gift of Self-Awareness
Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite times of the year. No matter how challenging life has been, this holiday has a way of grounding me. It reminds me to pause and reflect, to take stock of what I have, and to find gratitude—even in the hardest seasons.
Self-awareness is one of the key traits in the MORE Framework under Mindfulness and personal mastery. It’s not just about knowing yourself; it’s about recognizing how your focus, presence, and actions—or lack thereof—impact the people and moments that matter most. This week, self-awareness invites us to consider an important question: How aware are we of when we’re truly present with others? And when we’re not, what can we do to improve?
A Personal Reflection on Family and Presence
This Thanksgiving feels particularly special to me. For the first time since Kate and Connor left for college, all five* of us will be together again as a family. Having everyone back under one roof makes me realize just how much these moments mean. Time moves so quickly, and life pulls us all in different directions—but Thanksgiving reminds me to slow down and fully embrace the joy of being with the people I love most.
I’ve always carried a deep appreciation for Thanksgiving. I lost my grandfather at a young age. It happened suddenly—a heart attack—and just like that, he was gone. That loss, at 12, taught me how fragile life is and how fleeting our moments together can be. Thanksgiving became more than a holiday for me—it became a reminder to savor the now.
The Challenge of Being Present in a Distracted World
In today’s fast-paced, always-connected world, it’s harder than ever to be present. We’re pulled in so many directions, distracted by the constant noise of notifications, emails, and numerous different feeds. But this week, I want to offer a simple mantra: Eyes up. Phone down.
Let’s look up more than we look down. Let’s put the phone aside—not to abandon it entirely, but to create space for real connection. Snap the quick photo, answer the occasional text—but then return to the room, to the people, to the moments that matter most.
Presence starts with small choices, like simply lifting our eyes and focusing on what’s right in front of us.
Practicing Presence: A Self-Awareness Challenge
Self-awareness isn’t about perfection; it’s about intention. It’s about noticing when we’ve drifted and gently bringing ourselves back to the present. It’s about being mindful of how we’re engaging with others and reflecting on how we can be more intentional about truly showing up.
This Thanksgiving, let’s practice presence—not just as a gift to those around us, but as a gift to ourselves. Start small. What’s one habit you can develop to better recognize, being more self aware, when you’re not present? Maybe it’s noticing when you reach for your phone during a conversation or catching yourself when your mind starts to wander. With self awareness comes the power to shift—and the opportunity to be more fully present.
Be Here, Be Now
Take a moment this week to reflect on how you can savor the moments that matter most. For me, it’s the sound of laughter at the dinner table, the warmth of a hug, and the joy of simply being together again as a family of five. Presence is a choice, and this holiday, I hope you’ll join me in making it.
Eyes up. Phone down. Be here, be now.
About Jeremy
Jeremy Victor is a father, coach, and senior executive in the digital health industry. He writes about leadership, emotional intelligence, and the modernization of work in the AI-first, always-on economy. His mission: help people—and the systems they work in—Become More. Join Jeremy online at his Substack: Business at the Speed of AI, LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok, OneMORE Minute.