The Season of Thanksgiving - Part 1

November 18, 2025•4 min read

The Season of Thanksgiving - Part 1

Recognizing the Gifts Around Us

As we enter the Season of Thanksgiving, we are reminded that gratitude is more than a moment on the calendar—it’s a mindset, a way of living, and a foundation for strong schools and strong communities. This time of year encourages us to pause, reflect, and recognize the many gifts that surround us every single day.

In education, the list of things to be thankful for is long and meaningful. We are thankful for students who show up eager to learn and grow. We are thankful for staff who pour their hearts into teaching, supporting, and inspiring. We are thankful for families who partner with us, for community members who show unwavering support, and for a school environment where belonging and care matter deeply.

But Thanksgiving is not simply about feeling thankful—it’s about noticing what is good. When we intentionally look for the positive, our perspective changes. Stress softens. Relationships deepen. Our work becomes a little brighter and our challenges a little lighter.

In Part 1 of this series, I encourage all of us—students, staff, and families—to take a moment this week to reflect on and name specific things we appreciate:

A teacher who made your day a little better
A student who showed kindness to a classmate
A colleague who stepped in to help
A parent who offered words of encouragement
A community member who showed support
A small moment of joy in your school or classroom

Writing down what we are thankful for turns gratitude from a feeling into a habit. And habits shape culture.

As we continue through this season, may we recognize the abundance around us and take the first step in strengthening our culture of gratitude—by simply naming and appreciating the good.

Part 2 will focus on how we take the gratitude we feel and turn it into meaningful action that lifts others up.

Closing Thought

If you would like me or someone from our RLR Team, to speak or work with you, your school, or your school district in 2026, please contact us at www.randyrussell.org. We're currently scheduling into 2026 and 2027.

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Who's In Your Inner Circle?
RLR Leadership Consulting and The CORE Project

Think about the people closest to you. The ones you share ideas with, lean on for support, and let influence your decisions. That group—yourinner circle—shapes how you see yourself, the choices you make, and even the risks you’re willing to take.

Sometimes, those relationships give you energy and push you forward. Other times, they hold you back. That’s whyRLR Leadership ConsultingandThe CORE Projecthave teamed up to createYour Inner Circle—an opportunity to pause, reflect, and intentionally shape the connections that matter most.

In this experience, you’ll:

Identify who truly belongs in your circle
Learn how to set healthy boundaries when needed
Build trust that actually lasts
Choose connections that make you stronger

Because the truth is, leadership isn’t just about strategy or skills—it’s about people. And the people closest to you can either empower your growth or limit your potential.

We’d love for you to join us. As a special opportunity, use code Randy15 for a discounted price—but hurry, this offer won’t last long.
https://thecorepro.com/coregroups/p/your-inner-circle-curriculum

Your circle matters. Choose it wisely.

If you would like me, or someone from our RLR Team, to speak or work with your school and/or school district, please contact us at www.randyrussell.org.