The World As It Could Be

A Thanksgiving prayer of sorts.

The world as it could be.

That’s what creative agency 180, one of the agencies I work with, promises.

It’s part of their strategic process. They first look at a brand in the context of “the world as it is.”

And they then invite clients, strategists and creatives to dream about the world as it could be.

An ideal.

A brand on its best day.

The world has pretty much seen some of its darkest days over the last few weeks.

But since it’s Thanksgiving, I was inspired to think about the world as it could be.

Wind it back to 1621.

The first Thanksgiving.

A three-day harvest celebration attended by English Pilgrims and Wampanoag Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The Pilgrims, who had arrived in Plymouth the previous year, were thankful for a successful harvest after a most challenging year.

The Wampanoag, led by Chief Massasoit, joined in the celebration.

The world as it could be.

Two tribes coming together. The indigenous folks. And the guests — who had fled their homeland in search of religious freedom.

New friends sharing their traditions and recipes. And enjoying a feast.

People seeing each other as people.

The world as it could be.

The history from that point is tumultuous — to say the least.

But that first Thanksgiving. That was a moment. A moment to see the ideal.

The world as it could be.

As you approach Thanksgiving, maybe take a minute to reflect.

No binging. No podcasts. No thumb-safaris on TikTok, Insta or Txitter.

Just you and your thoughts.

Think: gratitude is the attitude.

But also think of the ideal.

Who are you at your best?

Who are your family members and friends at their best?

Who are we as humans at our best?

For as long as you can, try to think that.

Try to be that.

Try to see that.

The world as it could be.

Happy Thanksgiving.

And thank you for reading.

I’m truly grateful.

Image: The First Thanksgiving by Jean-Leon Gerome Ferris