What would a perfect day look like if you were truly living in your core values?

That was one of the questions we asked a remarkable group of young adults during our recent World Changers Jae Foundation Retreat at the Double J Ranch in Daniel, Wyoming.

One of our superstars, affectionately nicknamed Moose, didn’t hesitate.

“Thanksgiving Day.”

For Moose, a perfect day wasn’t about where he went or what he accomplished. It was about connection, peace and belonging. It was a room where everyone knew they belonged. People feasted together, talked, laughed and were fully present—being where their boots were.

Most importantly, everyone felt like family.

That’s a Thanksgiving Day moment and at the Jae Foundation, we want to create more of them.

For four days and three nights, young adults ages 18–24 from across the nation came together at the Double J Ranch to take a deep dive into self-leadership. Our World Changers represented communities and schools including Princeton, Weber State, the College of Southern Idaho, the College of Idaho, Arizona State, Eastern Washington and beyond.

Together, we explored a foundational belief: We can’t lead others well until we learn to lead ourselves.

Participants dove into the 5 P’s of Self-Leadership, examined their core values, explored their purpose and asked themselves meaningful questions about who they are and how they want to show up in the world.

Some of the most powerful moments came when retreat participants shared what they were discovering about themselves—and listened as others did the same. That is where connection became transformation.

Moose’s answer has stayed with us.

What if we approached more days as though they were Thanksgiving Day?

What if we intentionally created spaces where people knew they belonged?

What if we slowed down enough to listen, laugh, share a meal and be fully present with the people right in front of us?

What if we had the courage to identify our core values—and then actually live them?

This retreat reminded us that changing the world doesn’t always begin with something enormous. Sometimes it begins by taking the reins of our own lives, living with purpose and helping the person beside us know: You belong here.

Take the Thanksgiving Day Challenge…

This week, we invite our entire Jae Fam to create one Thanksgiving Day moment.

Invite someone to coffee. Share a meal. Put your phone away. Ask a meaningful question. Listen a little longer. Tell someone why they matter. Whatever it looks like, create a moment where another person walks away feeling encouraged, full of hope and connected.

Because when we intentionally live our values and help others feel like they belong, we don’t have to wait for Thanksgiving to experience one of our best days.

Be where your boots are. Create connection. Change the world.