As Rachel Platten prepares for a dazzling performance at the 2024 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, she can’t help but reflect on how far she’s come. “A couple of years ago, I couldn’t imagine being out in public, let alone on a float in front of millions,” says the Grammy-nominated artist, who once battled crippling anxiety and chronic pain. Today, however, she stands as a symbol of resilience, strength, and gratitude, ready to share her journey of healing and growth with the world.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, the “Fight Song” singer opened up about her darkest days, particularly a Thanksgiving a few years ago when feelings of isolation and anxiety left her fearing the worst. “I remember feeling so scared that my chronic pain would act up, or that I wouldn’t make it through the night because of anxiety,” she shared. Yet this year, as she stands on a national stage, Platten is a beacon of hope and personal triumph.
Despite the challenges she’s faced, including postpartum depression and relentless anxiety, Platten credits therapy, journaling, and meditation as vital tools that helped her navigate the emotional storm. Her vulnerability has inspired many, and her upcoming album, I Am Rachel Platten, is a testament to the strength she has discovered within herself. Tracks like “Mercy” reveal the raw emotion behind her battle, with the song emerging almost as a plea for healing during a moment of deep pain.
This year, Platten’s Thanksgiving will be filled with joy and gratitude as she performs alongside stars like Jennifer Hudson and Idina Menzel. As she reflects on her progress, she’s reminded of the meaning behind her struggles, especially after receiving the Voice for Change award from the National Alliance of Mental Illness in October for her advocacy in mental health.
With her husband Kevin Lazan and their daughters joining her in New York for the parade, Platten is savoring the perspective shift: “It’s all about measuring where I was to where I am now,” she says, emphasizing the importance of celebrating personal growth. Thanksgiving, she believes, is the perfect time to embrace the beauty of that transformation.
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