Thanksgiving: Traditions and New Experiences

Lisa Marie Platske • December 4, 2017


 Wherever you are on your journey, embrace the traditions and new experiences your life gives you and remember the world needs you to shine your light.


Whenever I travel to Wisconsin over Thanksgiving to visit my husband’s family, we stay at the Inn at Timber Cove.


Jim and I have been going there one to two times a year for 15 years and the owners are like family.

Traditions and New Experiences - Upside Thinking


Their customer service, attention to detail, and hospitality makes it a first-class experience which is why they have 54 reviews on trip advisor and all of them are 5-star ratings (and why I’m considering offering women’s leadership retreat there in the near future).


Whenever we visit in November, I enjoy the same routine.


Being there serves as my annual planning retreat – and it’s a great place to reflect and take inventory on the past year’s successes and failures.


While there are closer airports to fly into, we arrive into Minneapolis, Minnesota and make the 3 ½ hour trek by car before getting into town.


We love the scenery and it gives us time to unwind on the drive.


Over the years, a lot has changed – and this year was no different.


Every morning I wake up and walk with their dogs.


The oldest, Bella, passed away in the Spring and so it was just me and their two golden retrievers, Jim and Dolly.


As we roam through the woods (they have over 20 acres of land), the dogs explore and I connect with the sounds and smells of nature, being present and basking in the gratitude of my life.


Walking in the woods brings a peace and serenity to my soul – the kind that feels like going home.


Going camping and being in nature was an experience my Mom gifted my sister and I growing up.


And, it’s why I became a lifetime Girl Scout, stronger for the lessons in resilience and perseverance I learned while backpacking, rock climbing, repelling, canoeing, and hiking.


After walking the dogs, I head back to the Inn to get ready for the day and have breakfast with Jim.


Brian and Tina, the owners of the bed and breakfast, prepare a hearty meal that lets you feel loved and well-cared for – and ready to start the day. (This is one of the things that hasn’t changed.)


On the first full day we’re in town, one of the local churches hosts a Christmas bazaar and craft show and I’ve gone to for the past 14 years.


Six months ago, the church closed and I had to find a new place to spend my morning.


Another change as life moves on….


Brian shared there was an event at different church so after breakfast I went to check out the craft show.


After spending 90 minutes there – and buying a few treasures for my clients, I went to a few more local stores that I always support when I’m in town, and typically always the Saturday before Thanksgiving.


There were more changes as the town looked a little different with old stores closing or going out of business and new stores coming in.


Since the town is a town of 8000, the downtown is small – and when a store moves out it is noticeable.


The rest of the week was filled with writing and planning activities – and a few client appointments.


On Tuesday afternoon, I decided to head out to the Memorial Medical Center (MMC) Thrift Shop to give myself a break from my work and because it’s a stop I always make.


In general, I like going to consignment shops and thrift shops especially ones where the monies go to a good cause.


Jim and I drop our stuff off at Capital Caring at home because 100% of the proceeds from the store benefit those who cannot afford hospice, specifically because we have loved ones who have benefitted from services like these.


And, the MMC is much the same.


As I wandered around the store, I found a Victoria Secret maroon skirt for $1 (score!), and 10 greeting cards for 10 cents each (woo-hoo!).


I place the items on the counter to check out and was engaged in dialogue with the cashier.


In the middle of our interaction, a woman entered the store, walked directly over to the counter, and abruptly interrupted us, waving a piece of paper in the cashier’s face.


Speaking loudly, she shared that she had a $20 voucher to use in the store and asked what she could buy.


The cashier behind the counter (let’s call her Dottie) was startled and it took her a few moments to respond.


After Dottie collected herself, read through the document and responded, the woman wanted to know if it was good for socks.


After she had her answers, she left the counter and began shopping.


Dottie shared she was embarrassed and apologized profusely for the interruption. (She was still a bit shaken up.)


The interaction had actually moved me to tears as I was there shopping for fun, and this woman was there out of need.


I shared with her, “There by the grace of God go I.” – and then she was moved to tears as well.


For a moment, the world stood still as we were both experiencing the same wash of gratitude to be on the serving side for this woman.


It was one of the greatest gifts of the trip.


I love those moments where courageous, vulnerable leadership is alive and well in the world.


Wherever you are on your journey, remember the world needs you to shine your light brightly.


We live in a world that is desperate for courageous, vulnerable leaders who want to make a positive difference on the planet.


Take a stand for something – because people get behind where your heart lies, not your knowledge.


The world truly needs you and your brilliance.


Action Item: Traditions and New Experiences - Lisa Marie Platske

The Upside Challenge of the week is to actively, consciously and boldly shine your light.


I invite you to actively look for situations where you can make a difference.


Comfort doesn’t change the world.


Vulnerability changes everything.

The Quiet Ways Life Speaks

By Lisa Marie Platske • February 16, 2026
Life’s little synchronicities. Have you noticed them? Something happens that was too meaningful to be a coincidence. ~ Meeting that person. ~ Getting that call. ~ Having the impossible become possible?!? Perhaps you’re thinking about someone, and then they call. How does that happen?!? Or, you get a bill, and you've got no idea how you’re going to pay it. And then, poof! ... the exact amount of money you need just shows up. I’ve experienced countless events like these throughout my life. And while some people believe they are random, I understand in the depth of my being that these experiences are signs from the Holy Spirit to get my attention or answer a prayer. When you are in co-creation with all of Life, you get messages to confirm you’re on the right path. When I’m in ease and grace, greater wealth, opportunities, and relationships flow into my life. It’s magical. However, you have to be open to notice the signs in the first place. Every synchronicity carries wisdom for the journey. When you lean into the whispers of the Holy Spirit, life opens in ways you couldn’t script on your own. Stay open. Stay expectant. What you’ve been seeking may already be moving towards you in ways you can’t yet see. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to stay on the lookout for meaningful synchronicities throughout your days. Each time one happens, jot it down so you don’t forget. At the end of the week sit with your list and speak your gratitude aloud for every moment that aligned for you.

Don’t Wait for Permission to Do What Works

By Lisa Marie Platske • February 9, 2026
“You can’t quit your job to open a business. You don’t even know anything about business.” I get it. Taking a leap of faith doesn’t make sense. That’s why it’s called faith. So I took the leap of faith anyway. “That’s not the way we do that here.” I understand. And I created a new way of doing business that is more effective—and fun! “Why must you be such a troublemaker?” I don’t know what you mean. I get there are rules within the system—and I chose to create a new system. “That’s not possible.” Sure it is. I just did it. “You’re being reckless. You have responsibilities.” It depends on how you look at it. I see unlimited possibilities. These are real-life conversations I've had with folks in different seasons of my life. See, the rewards of courageous leadership are immense. Questioning 'what if...' to create 'what is' has been my journey. And it’s probably yours, too. You can’t live out your mission by playing by the rules of a broken world. Don’t let the “we’ve always done it this way” paradigm get in the way of making a positive difference on the planet. Remember, there’s always a way. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to stop letting “we’ve always done it this way” slow your impact. Take a process, workflow, or system that isn’t serving your mission and start redesigning it. Remember, there’s always a way to make a bigger difference and it starts with your decision to do things differently.

When Staying Liked Costs Your Soul

By Lisa Marie Platske • February 2, 2026
You have been hard-wired for greatness so stop trying so hard to be something other than who you are. I see it all the time. Folks who tie themselves into knots, seeking the approval of others. Oh, it's not conscious. Most leaders would tell you that they're comfortable being their own boss, in charge of their time. Behind closed doors, many of them have told me something different. And that's because conflict, being misunderstood, and being vilified are pretty crummy. Most folks want to be liked. They want to be valued and appreciated for the effort they've put in. Your greatest gift to the planet is to be fully, completely, and unapologetically who you are. Doing that may come with some pretty harsh consequences ... which is why most leaders are willing to sell out. The thing that isn't always self-evident about compromising your values and beliefs is that every night you're stuck with you. You have to look at yourself in the mirror. You are the only one who understands the choices you've made—right, wrong, or indifferent. When the day is done, the truth always meets you in the quiet. It asks whether you stood in integrity or traded pieces of yourself to keep the peace. Leadership requires decisions that don’t win applause. It often asks you to hold your ground when others want you to bend. Living aligned with who you are may cost you approval or relationships. Yet, it will never cost you your soul. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to name a decision you’ve been avoiding because it feels risky or uncomfortable. It could be ending a partnership that no longer serves your vision, raising the standards for a client, or closing a door that keeps you from your calling. Take one bold, aligned action this week that honors your integrity and the leader you were created to be.

The Joy of Living Your Divine Mission

By Lisa Marie Platske • January 26, 2026
"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." ~ Helen Keller Purpose. The dictionary definition is, " the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. " You were put on the planet for a reason ... a purpose. And, part of the joy of the journey is to be in the discovery and fulfillment of that divine purpose . Perhaps that's why Helen Keller said what she said. Too often, folks get sidetracked by fame and fortune, or comfort and easy. While they each have their allure, they will never bring you happiness. True happiness comes from meaning. Over the decades, there have been countless subjects and research projects on the topic of happiness. The results of all of them have pointed back to this truth. When I think about the leaders that I've had the privilege of working with, the ones that were the happiest weren't the ones that had situations that were easy. Actually, life came down pretty hard on some of them and they were in peril. While they came to me seeking answers about how to right the ship, the journey rarely involved signing a multi-million dollar deal that got them to happiness island. It was the ability to peel away each layer of their circumstances and see it through the lens of their divine mission and purpose. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to notice where your influence thrive. At times, we can lose sight of what truly matters. So today, observe the work, conversations, and moments where you naturally make a difference. Do more of those things, even in small ways. Your purpose is revealed in the places where your leadership produces impact and meaning.
More Posts

The Quiet Ways Life Speaks

By Lisa Marie Platske • February 16, 2026
Life’s little synchronicities. Have you noticed them? Something happens that was too meaningful to be a coincidence. ~ Meeting that person. ~ Getting that call. ~ Having the impossible become possible?!? Perhaps you’re thinking about someone, and then they call. How does that happen?!? Or, you get a bill, and you've got no idea how you’re going to pay it. And then, poof! ... the exact amount of money you need just shows up. I’ve experienced countless events like these throughout my life. And while some people believe they are random, I understand in the depth of my being that these experiences are signs from the Holy Spirit to get my attention or answer a prayer. When you are in co-creation with all of Life, you get messages to confirm you’re on the right path. When I’m in ease and grace, greater wealth, opportunities, and relationships flow into my life. It’s magical. However, you have to be open to notice the signs in the first place. Every synchronicity carries wisdom for the journey. When you lean into the whispers of the Holy Spirit, life opens in ways you couldn’t script on your own. Stay open. Stay expectant. What you’ve been seeking may already be moving towards you in ways you can’t yet see. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to stay on the lookout for meaningful synchronicities throughout your days. Each time one happens, jot it down so you don’t forget. At the end of the week sit with your list and speak your gratitude aloud for every moment that aligned for you.

Don’t Wait for Permission to Do What Works

By Lisa Marie Platske • February 9, 2026
“You can’t quit your job to open a business. You don’t even know anything about business.” I get it. Taking a leap of faith doesn’t make sense. That’s why it’s called faith. So I took the leap of faith anyway. “That’s not the way we do that here.” I understand. And I created a new way of doing business that is more effective—and fun! “Why must you be such a troublemaker?” I don’t know what you mean. I get there are rules within the system—and I chose to create a new system. “That’s not possible.” Sure it is. I just did it. “You’re being reckless. You have responsibilities.” It depends on how you look at it. I see unlimited possibilities. These are real-life conversations I've had with folks in different seasons of my life. See, the rewards of courageous leadership are immense. Questioning 'what if...' to create 'what is' has been my journey. And it’s probably yours, too. You can’t live out your mission by playing by the rules of a broken world. Don’t let the “we’ve always done it this way” paradigm get in the way of making a positive difference on the planet. Remember, there’s always a way. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to stop letting “we’ve always done it this way” slow your impact. Take a process, workflow, or system that isn’t serving your mission and start redesigning it. Remember, there’s always a way to make a bigger difference and it starts with your decision to do things differently.

When Staying Liked Costs Your Soul

By Lisa Marie Platske • February 2, 2026
You have been hard-wired for greatness so stop trying so hard to be something other than who you are. I see it all the time. Folks who tie themselves into knots, seeking the approval of others. Oh, it's not conscious. Most leaders would tell you that they're comfortable being their own boss, in charge of their time. Behind closed doors, many of them have told me something different. And that's because conflict, being misunderstood, and being vilified are pretty crummy. Most folks want to be liked. They want to be valued and appreciated for the effort they've put in. Your greatest gift to the planet is to be fully, completely, and unapologetically who you are. Doing that may come with some pretty harsh consequences ... which is why most leaders are willing to sell out. The thing that isn't always self-evident about compromising your values and beliefs is that every night you're stuck with you. You have to look at yourself in the mirror. You are the only one who understands the choices you've made—right, wrong, or indifferent. When the day is done, the truth always meets you in the quiet. It asks whether you stood in integrity or traded pieces of yourself to keep the peace. Leadership requires decisions that don’t win applause. It often asks you to hold your ground when others want you to bend. Living aligned with who you are may cost you approval or relationships. Yet, it will never cost you your soul. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to name a decision you’ve been avoiding because it feels risky or uncomfortable. It could be ending a partnership that no longer serves your vision, raising the standards for a client, or closing a door that keeps you from your calling. Take one bold, aligned action this week that honors your integrity and the leader you were created to be.

The Joy of Living Your Divine Mission

By Lisa Marie Platske • January 26, 2026
"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose." ~ Helen Keller Purpose. The dictionary definition is, " the reason for which something is done or created or for which something exists. " You were put on the planet for a reason ... a purpose. And, part of the joy of the journey is to be in the discovery and fulfillment of that divine purpose . Perhaps that's why Helen Keller said what she said. Too often, folks get sidetracked by fame and fortune, or comfort and easy. While they each have their allure, they will never bring you happiness. True happiness comes from meaning. Over the decades, there have been countless subjects and research projects on the topic of happiness. The results of all of them have pointed back to this truth. When I think about the leaders that I've had the privilege of working with, the ones that were the happiest weren't the ones that had situations that were easy. Actually, life came down pretty hard on some of them and they were in peril. While they came to me seeking answers about how to right the ship, the journey rarely involved signing a multi-million dollar deal that got them to happiness island. It was the ability to peel away each layer of their circumstances and see it through the lens of their divine mission and purpose. ACTION: The Upside Challenge for the week is to notice where your influence thrive. At times, we can lose sight of what truly matters. So today, observe the work, conversations, and moments where you naturally make a difference. Do more of those things, even in small ways. Your purpose is revealed in the places where your leadership produces impact and meaning.
More Posts