The Peel — Gratitude Edition

Finding Gratitude in the Middle of Everything

When you are in the middle of back to back shifts, unpredictable days, and the steady pressure of learning your role on the unit, it can feel strange to slow down and think about gratitude. But these are the moments when it often matters the most. Gratitude helps you notice the small things that keep you going: the coworker who jumps in without being asked, the charge nurse who checks in on you during a busy assignment, the patient who tells you that your care made them feel safe. These moments pull you out of the constant pace of the unit and remind you that you are not moving through this season alone.

Gratitude also shows up in the quiet details that are easy to overlook. The calm you feel after finishing a challenging task you were once nervous to try. A warm meal waiting for you after a long shift. The first real breath you take when you step outside after a hectic day. The quick laugh you share with a coworker in the middle of the rush. These moments do not change the demands of the job, but they change how you carry them. They remind you that even in high pressure seasons, there are small pockets of steadiness, support, and care that shape your experience.

Grapefruit Health: Purpose in Practice

This time of year also brings a desire for more flexibility and balance. Grapefruit Health offers the chance to build experience without sacrificing that balance. You get to serve patients in a meaningful way, strengthen your communication skills, and keep your schedule manageable. If you have been thinking about joining, consider this a reminder that purpose and practicality can coexist. We would be glad to have you.

Holiday Savings for Nurses 🎁

Not sponsored. Just real perks for the work you do.

The holidays bring some of the best deals of the year, and plenty of them are created with nurses in mind. Beyond the usual scrubs and shoes, there are discounts on travel, tech, wellness products, clothing, and little treats that make life feel easier during a busy season. Many brands build their Black Friday offers around self care and rest, which most nurses do not get enough of!

You can still use ID.me to verify your status, but if you want a curated list of this years Black Friday and Small Business Saturday picks for nurses, this roundup walks through everything from luggage and sneakers to coffee makers and compression socks:

Gratitude as a Leadership Habit 👏

In clinical environments, your mindset shapes more than just your own day. It affects the people around you too. Showing gratitude on a shift is not about being overly positive. It is about recognizing effort, supporting your team, and building a culture where people feel valued. A sincere thank you to a CNA, a quick acknowledgement of something a coworker did well, or a moment to appreciate a preceptor who took extra time to teach can shift the tone of an entire unit.

As you continue in your training, these small habits become part of your professional identity. Gratitude and purpose naturally position you as someone who communicates clearly, respects the people they work with, and understands the impact of teamwork. Those qualities matter as much as clinical knowledge. They make you someone colleagues want to work with, and patients want to trust.

Gratitude Journaling 📔

Gratitude journaling is one of those small practices that can change the way you move through a busy season. When your days are packed, it is easy to overlook the quiet things that keep you steady. Taking a moment to write them down helps you slow your mind, reconnect with what matters, and remember that even on hard days, there are pieces of your life that bring comfort, purpose, and warmth. It is not about pretending everything is easy. It is about giving yourself space to feel supported, grounded, and reminded of why you keep showing up.

If today has felt long or overwhelming, this is a simple way to bring a little clarity back into your evening. Take a few minutes to reflect:

1. One thing about this season that brings me comfort:

2. One person who made my day feel lighter:

3. One strength I showed that I want to honor:

4. One moment today that reminded me why my work matters:

5. One intention I want to carry forward tomorrow:

Thanksgiving Favorites: Our Top 10 🧑‍🍳

This season is full of small comforts, and food is one of the easiest ways to bring that warmth into your day! Whether you are headed to a Friendsgiving, joining family, or making something cozy for yourself, these are the dishes that make us feel like home:

1. Classic herb stuffing with soft bread, celery, and onion

2. Creamy garlic mashed potatoes with fresh chives

3. Green bean casserole with a golden crispy topping

4. Roasted turkey breast brushed with herbs and butter

5. Sweet potato casserole with a warm pecan crumble

6. Honey glazed carrots with a hint of thyme

7. Fresh cranberry orange relish that brightens the whole plate

8. Warm skillet cornbread straight from the oven

9. Savory gravy made from the drippings you wait all year for

10. Roasted brussels sprouts with garlic, salt, and a little char

No matter which ones you choose, these dishes have a way of gathering people together, slowing the pace of the day, and making the season feel a little warmer. Sometimes a good meal is its own kind of gratitude.

Freshly Squeezed Jokes 🍊

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One Last Thing 💡

As you step into this Thanksgiving week, I hope you find a few quiet moments to breathe, slow down, and notice what has been carrying you. Gratitude does not need grand gestures. It grows in the small things: a warm meal, a familiar face, a good laugh, or the simple relief of reaching the end of a long day. You have put so much heart into this season, and you deserve a few days that feel soft, steady, and comforting.

We hope this week brings you warmth, good food, and the reminder that you are moving through your journey with strength and purpose. Enjoy the break, and we will see you after the holiday!

—
The Grapefruit Health Team