Nothing to Feel Thankful For

Donna Nichols • November 21, 2022
An elderly woman is leaning on a window sill looking out the window.

So, it’s Thanksgiving and you don’t feel very thankful, what’s wrong with you? Could be nothing; did you suffer a loss of some kind? Was there a traumatic event, such as a hurricane? Did you lose your job or have some bad health news? Any one of these things can make you feel less than thankful and like not celebrating the holiday. But you have family coming over and need to get over these feelings. How do I overcome feeling sadness, loneliness, or depression?


First, you should consult a doctor, your condition may be related to PTSD and there are medications and treatments for PTSD. Accept that these are your feelings and you just can’t help it. Hopefully these feelings will be gone by Christmas, if not, remember the steps you take to get through Thanksgiving and apply them to the Christmas and New Year holidays as well.


→       Don’t fake it. Do not “pretend” to be happy, this will only make you feel worse. Go into the day with your feelings the way they are and try the best you can to deal with them.


→       Try to avoid all confrontational situations. Whether it’s proving you are right about something or a relative who just gets under your skin, think about how you will handle the situation ahead of time.


→       Should you find yourself alone on Thanksgiving, make a plan about how you will spend the day ahead of time. Research what places will be open and maybe a little window shopping is just what the doctor ordered. If you prefer to be with others, ask a friend if you can join them, or maybe volunteer dishing out meals to others.


→       Treat yourself with compassion and understanding; everyone goes through rough patches at times and there is nothing wrong with you for feeling this way. Not feeling thankful on Thanksgiving does not make you a bad person, so accept your feelings for what they are this year and go easy on yourself.


→       End your long day with something to look forward to. You made it through a most difficult day and you should reward yourself. Cozy up with a good book and a cup of cocoa, take a long walk outside (weather permitting), go for a drive, or take a nice, warm bath. Whatever you choose to do, make sure it’s something rewarding.



We tend to think that we need to feel thankful and enjoy the holiday to have a wonderful day and if we don’t feel this way, we will have a terrible day. Most of us usually always have just an okay day with all kinds of ups and downs throughout the day. Don’t assume your day will be terrible because you aren’t thankful; find a way to realize it will be an okay day and get comfortable with that idea. There will be some pleasant moments and a few highlights no matter how you choose to spend your Thanksgiving.


We at Assisted Living Made Simple want to wish you all a happy and peaceful Thanksgiving holiday.

The Heart of Guidance: The Role of a Senior Advisor in Elder Care

By Donna Nichols • September 5, 2025
In a world that often moves too fast, senior advisors offer something rare and essential: time, understanding, and a steady hand. Unlike their counterparts in the business world, senior advisors in elder care aren’t focused on profit margins—they’re focused on people. Who They Are Senior advisors in this space are often seasoned professionals, caregivers, or community advocates who help older adults and their families navigate complex decisions. They may work in senior living communities, nonprofit organizations, healthcare systems, or independently. What They Do • Guide families through transitions: Whether it's choosing assisted living or downsizing a home, senior advisors help make sense of it all. • Advocate for dignity and autonomy: They ensure that older adults’ voices are heard and respected in every decision. • Connect to resources: From transportation and wellness programs to Alzheimer’s and grief support, they know where to turn. • Offer emotional support: Sometimes, the most valuable thing they offer is a listening ear and a calming presence. Why It Matters A senior advisor isn’t just a resource—they’re a lifeline. They help families breathe easier, empower older adults to make informed choices, and bring compassion into moments that can feel overwhelming. If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds like me,” you’re not alone. Many of us play this role informally, answering questions, calming nerves, and connecting dots. Whether you’re a professional advisor or a trusted neighbor, your presence makes a difference.  If you or someone you love is facing a big decision and could use a calm, caring guide—we’re here. No pressure, no jargon, just real people ready to help. Call us today on 386-847-2322 to start the conversation. Sometimes, the first step is simply knowing you’re not alone.

Grandparents Day: A Celebration of Heart, Humor & Heritage

By Donna Nichols • September 4, 2025
September brings a quiet kind of magic—the golden light, the hint of fall in the air, and a moment to honor the everyday heroes who’ve shaped our lives with love, laughter, and legendary stories: our grandparents. Whether you’re a grandparent yourself, a grateful grandchild, or someone who’s been “adopted” by a wise elder in your life, Grandparents Day is a chance to pause and celebrate the beautiful bridge between generations. What Makes Grandparents So Grand? • They’re walking history books—with tales of jukeboxes, moon landings, and the original recipe for Sunday gravy. • They’re master cheerleaders, showing up with hugs, cookies, and the kind of encouragement that sticks for life. • They’re wisdom whisperers, offering advice that somehow makes more sense with each passing year. And let’s be honest: they’ve also got the best one-liners, the quirkiest traditions, and the uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the room. A Legacy of Love Grandparents teach us that love doesn’t have to be loud to be lasting. It’s in the quiet gestures: the handwritten birthday card, the saved newspaper clipping, the way they remember your favorite snack or ask about that thing you mentioned weeks ago. They remind us that resilience is built over time—through hard work, humor, and a whole lot of heart. Their stories carry lessons we didn’t know we needed until we suddenly find ourselves living them. And for those who’ve lost a grandparent, this day can be bittersweet. But it’s also a chance to honor their memory—by sharing their stories, cooking their favorite dish, or simply whispering a thank-you into the September breeze. Celebrate with Us: A Little Fun for the Big Day This Grandparents Day, we invite you to:  • Share a memory: What’s one moment with a grandparent that still makes you smile? • Send a shoutout: Post a photo or quote from your favorite grandparent on social media and tag us.

Honoring Our Elders: National Senior Citizens Day

By Donna Nichols • August 14, 2025
On August 21, we pause to celebrate the heartbeat of our communities—our senior citizens. This day isn’t just about marking a date on the calendar. It’s about recognizing the wisdom, resilience, and warmth that older adults bring to every conversation, every gathering, and every generation. Wisdom That Lights the Way From stories of first jobs and family traditions to lessons learned through love and loss, seniors carry a lifetime of insight. Their experiences are more than memories—they’re guideposts for those still finding their way. Today, we honor those stories and the voices behind them. Connection That Matters Whether it’s a neighborly wave, a shared recipe, or a quiet moment on the porch, seniors remind us that connection doesn’t need fanfare—it just needs heart. National Senior Citizens Day is a chance to say, “We see you. We value you. We’re better because of you.” Ways to Celebrate Host a storytelling circle or memory-sharing event Share a favorite photo and the story behind it Create a “Senior Spotlight” wall with quotes and wisdom Invite younger generations to learn a skill from a senior (gardening, baking, crafting) Spend time—listen, laugh, and learn A Day of Gratitude Let’s make August 21 a day of genuine appreciation. Whether you’re a senior yourself or someone lucky enough to know and love one, take a moment to reflect on the richness they bring to our lives. Their legacy is living, breathing, and beautifully unfolding every day.  This is a day to be celebrated every day! Senior citizens bring so much fulfillment to our lives, and we need to embrace the moments we spend with them, for they are precious.