Culture

How to Have a Joyful Thanksgiving

Nov 22, 2021 By Will Hurd
Updated: Dec 27, 2023
Will hurd with family inside the car on Thanksgiving
2 MIN READ
My nieces explaining Bubble Guppies to me. Still not entirely clear.

As we approach this Thanksgiving, many people feel that they don’t have that much to be thankful for because of this uniquely challenging time.

We have all had to endure hardships due to the pandemic, and we have all gotten frustrated by the rhetoric, actions and inaction from all corners of the political spectrum. This has caused a majority of Americans to think our country is on the wrong track.

This Thanksgiving let’s purposely spread goodwill.

The way we get the country on the right track is, as individuals, to model the behavior we want to see from our fellow countrymen and politicians. So, this Thanksgiving let’s purposely spread goodwill.

Every morning while my brother is getting his twin five-year-old girls ready for the day, he tells them they have to say, “Hi” to two new people at school that day. This holiday season, I’m issuing the “Thank You” challenge! I dare you to say, “thank you” to two people a day.

  • Instead of getting frustrated with the lines at the restaurant or the store, say thank you to the person that is overworked and trying to pick up the slack from the lack of people in the workforce.
  • Rather than getting annoyed during your commute to and from work and not letting that person merge into your lane from the on-ramp, why don’t you give the right of way with a smile and a wave.
  • When your sibling says something crazy during the football game or at dinner, tell them that while you may disagree, you love them anyway.

Regardless of our political leanings, we are all fathers, mothers, sons, daughters; Americans doing our best to put food on the table, a roof over our loved ones’ heads, and making sure the people we love are healthy and happy. The vast majority of us are coming from a genuine desire to improve the lives of our families and our communities. There are few actual villains, just people who disagree about how to be heroes.

Regardless of our political leanings, we are all fathers, mothers, sons, daughters

So if you see someone in need of a hand, lend them your time and effort without expecting anything back. Giving unconditionally and just being nice is the best way to spread joy this holiday season. There is enormous power in just being decent. One small gesture can bring light into another person’s life (or yours for that matter). Join me in making Thanksgiving 2021 a time when we commit to individually spreading joy for the good of our community and country. It’s as easy as saying, “Thank you.”

Happy Thanksgiving and thank you for reading 🙂

Will Hurd Thanksgiving serving food to the military

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Will draws on his unique experiences in back alleys of dangerous places, boardrooms of international businesses, and the halls of Congress to lay out a detailed plan to “reboot America,” offering a fresh start to a country mired in political divides and internal strife.

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Will Hurd tells a great story about his life and his experiences in the CIA, private business, and as a Congressman.

The book also serves as a playbook for like minded Republicans that want to transform the party from the extremes of Trump back to a solutions based party that actually gets things done.

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This is one of the best books I have ever read. Part personal story, part political analysis, but mainly just common sense thinking and analysis of solutions to problems.

Will Hurd is an amazing writer and person and I expect to see him do great things in the future.

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This was a great read. As someone who tends to identify as an Independent or moderate, I thought Mr. Hurd made some great points and offered thoughtful solutions.

I hope he considers a run for political office again, I'd vote for him in a heartbeat.

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A life long Republican I had lost hope that I would ever vote Republican again after the extremist views have taken over the party over the last 6 years.

This book covered all my values & concerns in a nuanced way that the majority of politicians today seem incapable of doing.

Hurd has the biography and the charisma and the God-given political chops to put the Republican Party — and the rest of the country — on notice.
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America has become an exceptional nation not because of what we have taken but because of what we have given.

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About Will

Will Hurd has spent the past 20 years on the front lines of the most pressing fights facing our nation, in the Middle East, Congress, and the highest levels of business and tech.

Will has spent his life fighting for our country, and he will take those decades of experience with him as he fights for all us.

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I dream of an America where we have the smartest kids in the world. Every child in the U.S., regardless of location or age, should have access to a safe, world-class education.

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The choice we face

In every decision we make, we stand at a crossroads. The path of division and quick fixes is well-trodden, but it’s time we consider a different route – one paved with unity and foresight.

Imagine an America where common sense prevails, where policies are crafted with the people’s best interests at heart, and our collective strengths are the foundation of national progress.

This is more than a possibility. It’s a choice we can make right now. By coming together, we have the power to foster a nation that champions innovation, inclusivity, and integrity.

What do we agree on?

91%
Believe it’s important to protect free speech
86%
Believe college education is important for success
79%
Support the development of alternative energy sources
86%
Believe it is essential to maintain Social Security
89%
Support background checks for all gun buyers
71%
Believe that LGBTQ+ individuals should have equal rights
82%
Say it is important for the country to do more regarding race inequality
72%
Are unhappy with the current US economy
70%
Believe the federal government doesn't share enough information
94%
Are concerned about pollution of drinking water
71%
Believe the nation's infrastructure is in need of major repairs
85%
Believe that access to affordable housing is a problem
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What’s a modern republican look like?

We’re a nation full of people with these values. If this describes you, you might be a modern Republican.

Respectful and Polite

Strong old school manners. You respect others, and say "please" and "thank you"

Fair

You give someone a fair shot

Empathic

You're ready to put yourself in the shoes of someone else.

Informed

No matter street smarts or book smarts, you understand an education is important

Family Values

You put your family above everything and do everything you can to succeed

Responsible

You take responsibility for your actions and believe in personal responsibility

Kind

You help others and you're always quick to smile

Persevering

You don't let a little hardship get in your way

Compassionate

You know that we're better together and you are ready to help
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