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"It's Not Happy People That Are Thankful.
It's Thankful People That Are Happy."


A few days ago I discovered the quote you see above and it really hit home because I believe it to be true. At least true for me.

One of the things I greatly value about my life's journey and all its highs and lows, twists and turns and detours, is what that journey so far has taught me.

That gratitude and happiness are interconnected.

Therefore, whenever I get sidetracked by things that are distracting me from noticing all the other things in my life that are good, I know it's time to shift my attention back to those good things. 

And strangely enough, I immediately feel a sense of peace and happiness.

Two years ago when I was in the hospital for two weeks because I suddenly took ill; feeling scared and vulnerable, not knowing how things would turn out, I had no other choice but to focus on the positive things in my life. And in doing so, I began to feel stronger. In fact, my entire attitude changed from being a victim to a victor of my reality.

There will be times in my life in which I will have no other choice than to choose gratitude.

Because when I am grateful, I am empowered.

And can't help but feel happy...


Wishing you ALL a Grateful and Happy Thanksgiving!
X

24 comments:

  1. Beautiful, and I don't mean the photos. Dear Ron, you have given me food for thought because today I was feeling sorry for myself. For what reason I know not. I just woke that way. But, thanks to you, I can sit back and feel grateful that I can move on - no matter what. I get mixed up with the differences in time, so whenever your Thanksgiving actually is, I wish you lots of happiness for the future.

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  2. Hello there Valerie!

    Thank you :)

    Earlier in the week, I wasn't quite sure what I wanted to express for my Thanksgiving post this year, but when I spotted that quote...it suddenly came to me. It immediately reminded of me of my illness two years ago and what I learned from the experience, which was GRATITUDE, so I thought it perfect for Thanksgiving Day.

    So glad it hear that it helped you, my friend. And I hope all is well and that you're feeling better.

    Wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving Day! And thanks so much for being such a loyal and good friend. I really appreciate that.

    X to you and Charlie

    P.S. Thanksgiving Day here in the US is tomorrow.

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  3. Hey there Candice!

    Thanks so much :)

    I learned many years ago about the power of my perception in how I choose to see things. Because you're right, it truly makes a difference in how I experience them.

    Focusing on the good things in my life that are already present, makes me feel grateful even in challenging times of uncertainty. Gratitude seems to manifest more things to be grateful for!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you and yours a VERY HAPPY THANKSGIVING DAY!

    X

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  4. Thank you for your kind and encouraging words, Matt :)

    When I look back over my life and all the "challenging" times, they seem to have been the times when I've grown and learned the most. I don't think anything in my life happens by accident, I think it happens for a REASON. And if I look at them from a different perspective, I see the lessons, which then help me through future challenges.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Wishing you and your girlfriend a Happy Thanksgiving!

    Cheers and X

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  5. Helloooooooo there Debbie!

    "gratitude is attitude"

    OMG...I LOVED that!!!! And I sooooooo agree....we have the responsibility of choosing to be happy and thankful, REGARDLESS of our circumstances.

    I too have a personality that is usually sunny and optimistic, which I feel so blessed because it gets me through those dark and scary times.

    And yes...."life is what we make of it, isn't it?" I believe that as well.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and adding your wisdom to this post, my friend. It's AWESOME!

    Wishing you, Domer, and Dallas a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

    X

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  6. Awww Ron, you are so right! I go to bed every night and thank the good Lord for my comfy bed and pillow. And now, a warm blanket. We have so much in this part of the world. I'm learning to ignore divisiveness and focus on unity, peace, and love. Happy Thanksgiving my dear friend! XO

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  7. Ron, this is sooo true! I've always believed "gratitude is an attitude" and, barring mental unbalances and such, we have the responsibility of choosing to be happy and thankful, regardless of our circumstances.

    I'm blessed to have the sort of personality that's usually sunny. Sometimes it's a challenge to write "dark" characters because of that, but there are plenty of examples all around of people who refuse to look on the bright side. And really, most times life is what we make of it, isn't it?

    Focusing on the positives does make us stronger, more able to cope when things don't go our way. Love how you took what could have been a dismal experience (the hospital) and turned it into an inner strength-builder!

    Happy thanksgiving to you, my friend!

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  8. I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE your comment!!!

    "I go to bed every night and thank the good Lord for my comfy bed and pillow. And now, a warm blanket."

    That's AWESOME! And isn't it something how when we take the time to reflect with gratitude on even the simple things we so often take for granted, we feel happy and content with exactly what we have?

    "We have so much in this part of the world. I'm learning to ignore divisiveness and focus on unity, peace, and love."

    YES!....and me as well! At this time in our history, for all the divisiveness of the politics and media, I actually feel more unity, peace and love.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insight and wisdom, my friend!

    Wishing you and your family a Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!~

    X

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  9. Ron, I LOVE this post!

    " In fact, my entire attitude changed from being a victim to a victor of my reality.There will be times in my life in which I will have no other choice than to choose gratitude."

    What a powerful statement! As I've said to you many times over the years, I learn so much from you. In sharing your life lessons, you inspire me to see things in a completely different light. So thank you, dude! You should right a self-help book.

    Have a great Thanksgiving!

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  10. What a beautiful post, Ron! You express yourself so well. And I agree, it's all about how we look at things that makes the difference. And I too believe that in seeking the good in our lives and feeling grateful changes our attitude.

    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!

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  11. Outstanding post, Ron, and perfect for Thanksgiving! Your words touched my soul. With so much drama in the wold presently, I think it's time we all focus our thoughts and energy on the positive things in our lives and be grateful.

    Love the quotes. And your photos are so beautiful! The colors are gorgeous.

    Happy Thanksgiving! And I hope you're not working today. I know that tomorrow will be a big day for you. X

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  12. Thank you, Elaine :)

    "With so much drama in the wold presently, I think it's time we all focus our thoughts and energy on the positive things in our lives and be grateful."

    I sooooooooooooo agree with you. For the past several weeks I've been watching less and less news and trying to focus on more positive things. Around this time of the year, I am always reminded of my time in the hospital because it was "at this time" when I went through it. And whenever I recall the experience, I remember how grateful I felt for all the good in my life.

    No, I'm not working today, I'm off and have been really enjoying a wonderful day of relaxation. Later, I'm going to watch "The Wizard of Oz" - it's a tradition I do every Thanksgiving Day. And I'm also going to eat some PUMPKIN PIE - my favorite!

    Hope you're enjoying a Happy and Fabulous Thanksgiving Day! Thanks for stopping by, neighbor.

    X

    P.S. Can you believe how COLD it is today? OMG...I'm LOVING it!!!

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  13. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comFriday, November 24, 2017

    Yes - so true! Thanks for the inspiration.

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  14. You're so welcome, Fiona, and thanks so much for stopping by!

    Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving Day!
    X

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  15. I love how you turned your attitude around after your hospital stay, Ron. You and I have talked about that before, since we have it in common - how a health scare like that can function as a wakeup call. Hope you had a wonderful holiday, my friend - and enjoy many more to come!

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  16. Hiya Mark!

    "You and I have talked about that before, since we have it in common - how a health scare like that can function as a wakeup call."

    Yup.....it sure is! And isn't it something how when we look back on that scare, we see it as a gift.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Hope you had a wonderful holiday as well!

    Have a faaaaaaaaabulous week!

    X to you and Tara!

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  17. Pumpkin pie is my favorite, Ron. I also love sweet potato pie. We had both of them this year with our Thanksgiving dinner.

    Yes, I'm enjoying the colder weather as well. It finally feels like Autumn!

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  18. One of the many things I admire about you Ron, is your ability to always see the value in everything that comes your way. I remember two years ago when you were in the hospital and what you went through, yet you came out of that experience seeing the lessons you learned. So I completely understand how you saw it as something to be grateful for because in a bigger way it taught you gratitude.

    It's all in how we choose to see things, isn't it?

    Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Ron. And thank you for being here X

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  19. Hola Denise!

    Thanks so much for your sweet and kind words :) I think the biggest things I've learned throughout the journey of my life is that everything happens for a reason. And it's up to me to decide HOW I see it. I've also learned that the most challenging experiences of my life have been (and will continue to be) the ones with the most valuable lessons.

    Yes, you're right...it IS all in how we choose to see things!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Hope your Thanksgiving was faaaaabulous!

    X

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  20. Isn't pumpkin pie the BEST? I had some left over from Thanksgiving day, so I brought it to work and let everyone else enjoy it. Sweet potato pie is yummy too!

    It feels so good to finally be able to wear my warm down jacket, my scarf, and my gloves. I've been taking long walks at night after dinner and enjoying the cold weather. I freaking LOVE this time of the year!!

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  21. You're spot on correct! I don't know anyone who is ungrateful and happy. When a person can't see the good things in their life, they are doomed to be unhappy and miserable. I feel so sad for those people. We all have times when we feel down and defeated. And it's so easy to get distracted by all the negativity in the world today. But, the decision to be thankful is a choice. And that, along with sincere prayer, can change anyone's outlook on life. Well said, and I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

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  22. I'm a little late on this one, Ron, but I jut want to say I am very thankful that I know you. This post is so beautiful and so touching and so darn right!

    Thankful people really are happy! Shifting attention to the good things in life can get you through the tough times!

    Take care, buddy!

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  23. Hey there Lisa!

    I LOVE how you expressed this...

    "We all have times when we feel down and defeated. And it's so easy to get distracted by all the negativity in the world today. But, the decision to be thankful is a choice. And that, along with sincere prayer, can change anyone's outlook on life."

    I agree with you 100%! The decision to be thankful is a CHOICE in what we choose to LOOK at and SEE. Regardless of what's going on in the world and in our lives, when we choose to see the good in our lives, we can't help but feel grateful and be happy.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and adding your inspiration to this post. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday as well.

    X

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  24. Hey there Rob!

    No worries, buddy. Thanks so much for stopping by. And thank you for your kind words, same to you...I am thankful to know you. Can't wait to move to NYC so that we can hang out.

    "Shifting attention to the good things in life can get you through the tough times!"

    I agree. And it's what has gotten me through some challenging experiences.

    Hope you're having a grrrrreat week!

    Take care!
    X

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