Giving Thanks, Giving Back: The Joy of Shared Abundance

November invites us to slow down — to breathe a little deeper, move with more intention, and notice the quiet blessings that fill our days. At PeaceFull Living, our theme this month, Abundant Blessings, reminds us that true abundance is not found in what we have, but in what we share. It’s felt in connection, in compassion, and in the courage to turn even life’s hardest moments into love.

This season, our hearts are especially drawn to one family in our community whose story embodies that spirit — a story of love, loss, and the power of giving back.

The Hansen Family: Love That Endures

Carol and Allie Hansen, two of our founding GOLD Members, are known in our community for their warmth, grace, and generosity. But behind their steady kindness is a story that speaks to both heartbreak and extraordinary strength.

On September 25, 2024, Carol and Allie lost their beloved son and brother, Andy Hansen, after a long and courageous battle with addiction. Andy was vibrant, compassionate, and deeply loved — a young man whose smile could light up a room and whose heart reached out to others even in his own struggle. He was nearly 31 years old when he passed — an adult with hopes, relationships, and dreams, loved by many.

For much of his life, Andy worked hard to manage his relationship with alcohol — a struggle that began as early as high school, quietly woven into the background of his otherwise full and active life. To those who loved him, Andy seemed to be doing well: he had a good job, friends, and a warm, engaging presence that made others feel seen and cared for. His laughter filled family gatherings, his kindness drew people in, and there was little outward sign of the private battle he was fighting.

It wasn’t until the last six to nine months of his life that the depth of Andy’s struggle became visible to his family. Until then, they believed, as so many families do, that things were mostly under control — that he was okay. In reality, Andy carried a quiet pain that few could see, managing it on his own for years out of strength, pride, and perhaps a desire not to worry those he loved. His story is a poignant reminder that the face of addiction isn’t always obvious, and that even those who appear steady and joyful may be carrying burdens we cannot see.

The Hansen family’s openness in sharing Andy’s journey helps challenge stigma and widen compassion. Carol herself reflects, “I think I always had a bias that addiction happened to other people — to those in more challenging circumstances or to the fabulously wealthy. But our family looks like so many others.”

In the midst of profound grief, the Hansen family chose to honor Andy’s  life by helping others find the stability, support, and second chances he so deeply believed in — transforming their pain into a powerful act of love.

The Oxford House Scholarship Fund: Hope in Action

To carry Andrew’s legacy forward, the Hansens created the Oxford House Scholarship Fund — a program that covers the first month of rent for individuals ready to take the brave step from recovery into rebuilding their lives.

The Oxford House offers a safe and supportive environment for people in early recovery — a place where they can find structure, connection, and community as they transition into independent living. For many, that first month of rent can feel like an impossible hurdle. The Hansen family’s scholarship lifts that weight, offering not just financial help but a message of hope:

You are not alone. You are seen. You are supported.

Through this gift, the Hansens have turned pain into purpose — extending Andy’s light to others who are finding their way forward. Their generosity reminds us that abundance is not something we hold onto; it’s something we release into the world.

The Joy of Shared Abundance

At PeaceFull Living, we believe gratitude deepens when it’s shared. That’s why, in honor of the Hansen family and Andy’s legacy, we’re dedicating this month’s giving to the Oxford House Scholarship Fund.

For every Black Friday PeaceFull Essentials Video Library Pass sold, $10 will be donated to the fund — directly supporting individuals taking their first steps toward healing and renewal.

This is more than a donation; it’s a reflection of who we are as a community — one that moves, breathes, and grows together. Every class taken, every mindful breath, every act of kindness creates a ripple of peace that reaches far beyond our walls.

A Moment of Reflection

Take a quiet moment now.

Close your eyes.

Inhale deeply.

Think of one person who has blessed your life — someone whose love, kindness, or courage has helped shape your path.

Bring the feeling of gratitude for this special person in your heart. Let the feeling expand, warming your whole heart. Now imagine the feeling of gratitude flowing outward — touching those around you, and those you may never meet.

This is abundance. This is peace. This is the power of giving thanks — and giving back.

In honoring the Hansens’ journey and Andrew’s memory, we are reminded that love endures, even through loss. It transforms, expands, and finds new ways to serve. This November, may we all open our hearts to that truth — finding joy in every shared blessing and purpose in every act of giving.

Abundance grows when it’s shared — and together, we are truly abundant.

---

About The Author

Photo by Lara Mark Photography

Roberta Hughes is a Nationally Certified Pilates Teacher, facial reflexology specialist, and a meditation and yoga instructor. She is the founder of PeaceFull Living—a wellness space devoted to helping people slow down, tune in, and become intentional about self care. With a personalized approach, Roberta empowers her clients to prioritize their well-being through mindful movement and healing practices that include Pilates, facial reflexology, and yoga.

Roberta is passionate about helping individuals build sustainable wellness habits, whether through in-person sessions or by creating a nurturing home practice using the PeaceFull Essentials video library. This on-demand resource is designed to fit into even the busiest of lifestyles, offering accessible tools to support physical health, emotional balance, and inner calm.

Roberta offers complimentary consultations to help new students clarify their goals and select the best path forward. If you're ready to reconnect with yourself and create space for wellness in your life, visit the PeaceFull Living website to get started.