Welcome back to Consider Yourself Hugged! Click below to watch, or Click here to listen to Episode 187.
*Disclaimer:
The information in this show is not intended to be therapy or to address your individual situation. It is information based on experiences, opinions, and research. If you need further help, please reach out to one of the resources at the end of the show notes, or others in your area.
Hi everyone! In this episode, Michelle and I are keeping it short and sweet as we dive into some of our favorite Thanksgiving memories, talk about our plans for this year, and reflect on the importance of connection during the holidays.
When it comes to Thanksgiving plans, I talk about how Tim and I navigate our big, blended family. This year, we’re having a small get-together with my daughter Lindsey and her boyfriend on Tuesday night, then heading to my in-laws’ house on Thursday for a big gathering—24 or 25 people! I’m also hosting a fun Thanxmas with a few girlfriends, including Michelle, on Saturday.
Michelle’s keeping things simple this year, celebrating at home with her husband, David, and their son, Drew. They’ve made things easier by ordering turkey and ham from Edley’s Barbecue, which gives them more time to focus on being together rather than spending all day in the kitchen.
We also reflect on past Thanksgivings that hold special meaning. Michelle recalls a childhood Thanksgiving at her aunt’s house where her entire extended family—around 50 people—gathered for a chaotic but wonderful meal. She treasures the family photo they took that day, and the memory reminds her how special it is to spend time with loved ones, even amidst the craziness.
For me, one Thanksgiving that stands out is when we decided to break tradition and spend the holiday at a timeshare near Disney. It was the first year I didn’t host, and everyone pitched in to help. From mixing hash brown casserole in the bathroom sink to thawing the turkey in the jacuzzi, it was chaotic, hilarious, and absolutely unforgettable. That experience taught me the value of letting others share in the work—and the fun!
We also talk about how the holidays can be tough for some people and encourage everyone to reach out to friends or neighbors who might be spending the season alone. Whether you’re inviting someone to join you or accepting an invitation yourself, it’s a reminder that the holidays are about connection, not perfection.
So grab a cup of coffee or tea, settle in, and join us for a heartwarming chat about Thanksgiving memories, traditions, and the beauty of being with the people who matter most.
Promised Michelle & Tami Thanksgiving pics: You decide who's who 😂
As I've always asked in the past, please pass the show link along to your friends and subscribe, download, and review wherever you are listening. If you’re a woman and you haven’t joined our private FB group A Place for Women, please do that now! It’ll be your source of encouragement. I'd love for you to follow my Tami West Seminars Facebook page as well. If you'd like to know more about my Mental Health First Aid Courses, contact me at 615-497-7714 or tamiwest@tamiwest.com.
And until after Thanksgiving, Consider Yourself Hugged 😘🤗
Mental Health Resources:
Michelle Kixmiller, MSN, MAE, RN, APN, PMHNP-BC
Michelle Kixmiller is a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Licensed Educator. She works with children and adults with mental health needs including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, and obsessive compulsive disorder. Michelle served as a public school teacher and science department chair for over a decade when a family tragedy pulled her in a different direction. The death of her younger brother after a multiple year battle with depression and alcoholism led her to pursue a career in the mental health field. She went back to school to become a registered nurse graduating and gaining experience as a critical care nurse at a level 1 regional burn center prior to completing a graduate degree to become a mental health nurse practitioner. Her vision is holistic care through teamwork to create a more peaceful school environment for students and staff alike. No one should have to struggle alone. Michelle currently works full time for a non-profit community mental health center at an outpatient clinic and works PRN for an inpatient crisis stabilization unit. When not at work she loves spending time with family, traveling, watching movies (not scary ones), running (slowly), and Crossfit. Contact Michelle at Silver Lining Psychiatric Solutions, 615-378-7713 or mkixmill@gmail.com.
Tami West, PhD
Stress and Mental Health Expert Dr. Tami West uses her entertaining and compelling style to shine a new light on how to transform your life and discover solutions to life’s challenges.
Tami has worked in a variety of industries including healthcare, school nutrition, corporate sales, and 10 years as a public-school teacher. In 2013 she received her PhD in Human Development, studying the connections among stress, emotions, and identity.
Dr. West has spoken in 48 states across the US, as well as the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. In any given year, Tami speaks to groups with audiences consisting of anywhere from 100 to 3,000 people.
Dr. West is the author of several successful publications including three books: The Stress Club, Life Without the Monsters and Thrive. When she's not speaking or writing, you might find her with her traveling with her husband and family, reading historical fiction, or watching Big Bang Theory.
Tami connects with audiences through real experience, cutting edge research, and transparent stories – all sprinkled with humor! She will make you laugh, cry, and shine a refreshingly new light on life's challenges.
Television Interviews
Contact Tami at tamiwest@tamiwest.com or follow her at Tami West Seminars.
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