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I wanted to share how I spent my Thanksgiving Day and how incredibly blessed I feel given the life I have and how wealthy I am. 

I think what most people assume when they hear that someone is wealthy, they naturally associate it with money. 

But in my case, I've never been $wealthy$ in that way, yet I have tremendous abundance. 

Monetarily though, like most people, I've had my ups and downs and everything in between. Some of my longtime readers may remember that there was even a time in my life (2003) when I had to file bankruptcy because I was $31,000 in debt, and no matter what I did in working two jobs to catch up on my bills, I couldn't do it. And although that was a challenging period in my life, it was also a period when I came to the sobering realization that it was possible to be bankrupt and wealthy simultaneously. In my own life's journey, I needed to be literally stripped of everything to achieve a different perspective on just how wealthy I was. You'd be surprised how when you get to a point of feeling completely powerless and empty, you begin to notice all the abundance you've overlooked. 

And even though I would never wish to go through it again, I am tremendously grateful for that experience because it was a huge "awakening" for me. From that moment on, no matter what paths I've traveled, and continue to travel, I now know that my wealth goes with me.

I had a bountiful Thanksgiving Day this year. Early in the morning, I sent and received texts from friends, family, and coworkers, as we communicated to one another how grateful we are to be in each others lives. And throughout the day, I reread those texts; realizing how much love is in my life - both giving and receiving. 

After I ate an early lunch, I spent the afternoon walking through my favorite parks while listening to relaxing music on my smartphone and simply absorbing all the beauty around me.

The day, weather-wise, couldn't have been more flawless. The sun was bright, the sky was blue, and the air was crispy cold. 

This time of year in particular, always makes me acutely aware of certain things I often take for granted, such as my five senses - sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch.

This is the time of year when those senses are ecstatically happy to be alive. 

That day as I walked through the parks, I found myself periodically saying quietly aloud, "Thank you. Thank you from the center of my heart for allowing me to enjoy everything around me today. And thank you for my life. I feel as though I am the wealthiest person in the world."

Here are several photos I took with my phone...






I had a big bag of peanuts with me because I have a Thanksgiving Day tradition I do every year. 

I hand-fed my beloved squirrels a Thanksgiving Day dinner... 



Unless you live in a city, it's hard to comprehend just how people-friendly city squirrels can be. They are completely fearless and have no reservations about walking up to you and climbing onto your shoe...




As I walked home in the late afternoon, I realized that although I hadn't exactly done anything extraordinary that day to celebrate Thanksgiving, I had.

I remembered how blessed I am. 


I found this quote online and thought that it perfectly expressed my own understanding of what it means to be wealthy...


Have a terrific rest of your week, y'all!
And thank you for being in my life 💗


27 comments:

  1. You, dear Ron, have captured the essence of thankfulness! The beauty that surround you physically made you thankful in your heart. What could be better?

    Ps, love the squirrels.

    http://hootin--anni.blogspot.com

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  2. What a beautiful post, Ron! I love how you spent your day. I equate gratefulness with peace and your day was definitely filled with both. Those squirrels are so cute! And the photos are gorgeous. We had that weather last Wednesday before it got to you and I also went outside to enjoy it. My favorite photo is the one with the picnic tables. Those colors are stunning! It looks like you had the city to yourself, which makes it that more peaceful. Thanks for sharing how you spent your day. Hope your upcoming weekend is a good one. XO

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  3. Ron, this post brought tears to my eyes because you so perfectly expressed the true meaning of wealth! I have discovered from my own life that money comes and goes, but it does not equate WEALTH. Money is a funny thing because it's something that we all need to live on this planet, but it cannot be the driving force of fulfillment.

    Your photographs are stunning. The ones of the squirrels are so precious. How in the world did you get those closeup shots?

    Thank you for sharing so honestly. And I can tell that you're a happy human!

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  4. Hey there, Anni!

    You're so right. That's why for me as a city dweller, I need to take time to surround myself in nature because it seems to open my eyes (and heart) to beauty. Nature seems to ground me.

    Aren't the squirrels ADORABLE? I love, love, love them!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, Anni. Have an awesome rest of your week!
    X

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  5. Thank you, my friend. And yes me too, I equate gratefulness with peace as well! And I find that spending time in nature does that for me. It grounds me. Nature is healing in so many ways.

    OMG, the squirrels were ALL OVER THE PLACE that day! At one point I bet there were at least TEN all around me. And birds too!

    Happy to hear that you too had that weather because it really adds to the cozy feeling of the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays

    '"My favorite photo is the one with the picnic tables."

    I took that in photo in one of the parks on the Jefferson Hospital campus. The building you see in the background is part of the school, but there are also dormitories and study halls that surround the park. It's such a beautiful park.

    "It looks like you had the city to yourself, which makes it that more peaceful."

    Do you know what's strange? There were actually A LOT of people walking around the city that day but for some crazy reason, whenever I snapped a photo, there were no people. LOL!

    Much thanks for stopping by, my friend. Have a faaaaaaaabulous upcoming weekend!

    X

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  6. Good morning, Daniel!

    I freaking LOVE what you said....

    "I have discovered from my own life that money comes and goes, but it does not equate WEALTH. Money is a funny thing because it's something that we all need to live on this planet, but it cannot be the driving force of fulfillment."

    ....because that is sooooooooooo TRUE! And I discovered that back in 2003 when I went through bankruptcy. Like I shared, it was a very challenging time in life because it was right after I had moved back to Philadelphia, so it seemed that everything was falling apart in my life. But what I realized that my life wasn't falling apart, it was falling together and teaching me a very valuable lesson.

    Aren't the squirrels ADORABLE? I ADORE them! I wish I could have one as a pet. LOL! I took all those photos with my smartphone. And what was challenging was feeding the squirrels and trying to take their picture at the same time. I to move VERY fast. I took a TON of photos, but so many were blurring because of the movement. I was happy to get these few.

    Thanks so much for stopping by and for your sweet words. I would say that I'm not always "happy", but I do have a sense of "joy" about my life.

    Enjoy the rest of your week!

    X

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  8. Ron, as I always say, for all the years I've been reading your blog, you always (in some way) inspire me to see things differently. Both my girlfriend and I both read this post and wanted to say how much we enjoyed it. You should consider either writing a book or doing videos of things that you've learned throughout your life because I think people would greatly benefit from it.

    Your photographs are gorgeous! The ones of the squirrels made me smile and warmed my heart, you squirrel whisperer, you LOL!

    Glad you had such a wonderful Thanksgiving Day, dude! We did too. It was quiet, but very nice. And we ATE a lot!!!

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  9. Hiya Matt!

    Thanks very much for your kind words 🙏. I've learned in my life that even though the challenging times can be tough, l truly believe that they are there for a reason, they are not just random. Therefore, I try to find the lessons. And looking back on my life, I now see those times as gems of gold.

    Aren't the squirrels cute.... cute... cute? I LOVE them 🐿️

    Happy to hear that you and your girlfriend had great Thanksgiving. Sometimes the best ones are the quiet ones!

    Thanks for stopping by, Matt! Have a fabulous rest of your week!

    X

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  10. Ron, I once read a book (can't remember the name) that touched on the topic of what you just said about when your life falls apart, it's actually coming together by getting rid of what you don't need and making room for something new. Isn't that cool?

    I love what you said about happy versus a sense of "joy." Gotta remember that!

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  11. Ironic you mentioned that, Daniel, because I too either read a book or heard one of my meditation teachers say that YEARS ago, and it's something that has always stuck with me because it's such a great attitude to have when you're going through challenging times. And I have honestly found it to be 100% true.

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  12. Ahhhh...how did I know your post would include squirrels!! I've never been $wealthy$ in that way, yet I have tremendous abundance...this is such a wonderful statement. You have the most wonderful "attitude of gratitude." My Thanksgiving was spent at my mom's (87 years old) helping her and her husband put up Christmas lights on their house....because no one wants an 87 year old person outside on a ladder! The day was beautiful and our meal was delish. The only downer was I had to also spend it with my ungracious, bitter, resentful sister. She has a way of sucking the joy right out of a room. Because that part of the holiday was was so distasteful, I've decided I'm not going to be subjected to her toxicity anymore. Now....on to Christmas!!! X

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  13. Hey there Lisa!

    Yup...this post HAD to include squirrels because it's my Thanksgiving Day tradition, to feed them dinner. LOL!

    Thanks! I truly do have so much in my life to be grateful for. I feel incredibly blessed and wealthy.

    "The day was beautiful and our meal was delish. The only downer was I had to also spend it with my ungracious, bitter, resentful sister. She has a way of sucking the joy right out of a room. Because that part of the holiday was was so distasteful, I've decided I'm not going to be subjected to her toxicity anymore."


    BRAVO! And good for you for deciding to remove yourself from her toxicity, I applaud you! I don't talk much about them on my blog, but I have an older sister and brother who I feel the same way about. And that's why I no longer associate with them. TOXIC, through and through.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Yes, you're right...on to Christmas! In fact, I just put up my tiny Christmas tree and decorations this evening after dinner. Can you believe how quickly time flies?

    Have a great weekend! And Happy Belated Thanksgiving to you and your family!

    X

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  14. Oh, what a beautiful, inspiring post! You perfectly capture the sense of real gratitude and true wealth.

    In a world that seems to run on greed and excess, you show that a simple walk in the park can be a lovely and uplifting experience.

    I am amazed at how you take lessons from your tough times, instead of wallowing in self-pity.

    I thought of J.K. Rowling, who once said that "rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I built my life."

    Thanksgiving is a strange time on the year in that we are supposed to show our gratitude by stuffing ourselves with food until we burst and then running out to the malls to buy stuff we don't need with money we don't have.

    Insanity!

    You had what I consider the most perfect Thanksgiving Day. Just a quiet day giving thanks, connecting with friends and family and enjoying nature. One year I'm going to do the same thing.

    And while we're on the subject of giving thanks, I am thankful for this post and I am immeasurably thankful to have you in my life.

    Great post, buddy! Take care!

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  15. What a great outlook on life, Ron! Yes, we're all blessed beyond measure, whether we have two coins to rub together or not. And adopting an "attitude of gratitude" really is the best way of traveling through life.


    Monkey might contradict me, but I think your city squirrels are so precious! Look at those bright eyes and their tiny hands! I'm glad you found a tradition that shares with them because they surely know Old Man Winter is on his way. Ours have been busily scampering around, burying things for when the snows arrive -- and that drives one little Monkey to distraction!


    Happy weekend to come! xx

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  16. Hellooooo there, Rob!

    Thank you for your sweet, kind words.

    "I am amazed at how you take lessons from your tough times, instead of wallowing in self-pity."


    If there is one very important thing I've learned when it comes to my own life is that nothing happens randomly; even the tough times. For me, it's been the tough times that have taught me the most about what I am here to learn. Also, the tough times makes me appreciate and savor the simple things in life that I sometimes take for granted - like a walk in the park. Simple, yes, but so wealthy.

    "I thought of J.K. Rowling, who once said that "rock bottom became the solid foundation on which I built my life."


    LOVED that! And I think I recall either reading that or hearing her say it in an interview. And she's 100% right.

    "And while we're on the subject of giving thanks, I am thankful for this post and I am immeasurably thankful to have you in my life."


    Thank you! And DITTO, buddy! Much thanks for being in my life!

    Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend, and much thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  17. Hellooooooooo there, Debbie!

    "Yes, we're all blessed beyond measure, whether we have two coins to rub together or not. And adopting an "attitude of gratitude" really is the best way of traveling through life."

    You are spot on, my friend! And I find that focusing on all the things I have in my life to be grateful (and thankful) for, moves me through the times in my life when things a challenging. Gratitude seems to open my heart and keeps me joyful, by changing my perception during the challenging times.

    "Monkey might contradict me, but I think your city squirrels are so precious! Look at those bright eyes and their tiny hands!"


    HA! Aren't they the cutest little things? I adore them! And it's funny because they remember me, so as soon as I get close to them, they scurry over and get close because they know I'm the man with all the peanuts. LOL!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Wishing you and Monkey an AWESOME weekend!

    X

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  18. Ron, this post was so beautiful! I read it twice. I swear, you could write a book on your life and lessons you've learned. I love everything you said here, but this really touched me: "I came to the sobering realization that it was possible to be bankrupt and wealthy simultaneously." Wow....that is so powerful AND sobering. That really hit me hard, in a good way.

    I am so happy to know that you had a such a wonderful Thanksgiving Day. And the photos you took of your precious little squirrel friends are adorable. I love the first squirrel with the peanut in his/her mouth. I love the expression on its face. It's priceless!

    Oh, how I miss the fall season, living here in Florida. I miss it so much! So thank you for allowing me to experience it through your camera lens.

    Have a wonderful weekend, Ron. And thank you for being in my life too! xo

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  19. Hola Denise!

    I remember going through that rough period in my life in 2003, which initially felt like nightmare that I would wake up from. But eventually I began to see the reason WHY I needed to go through it and what I learned. As I said, I would NEVER wish to go through that again, but at the same time, I look back at it with such a feeling of fondness. I learned that it was possible to be bankrupt and wealthy at the same time because I completely overlooked all the awesome things in my life that were blessings.

    Isn't that squirrel such a cutie? I love the expression on its face too. I am so happy I was able to get these shots because they were moving around me so fast. I was feeding them and at the same time, taking their picture!

    "Oh, how I miss the fall season, living here in Florida. I miss it so much! So thank you for allowing me to experience it through your camera lens."

    I so know what you mean because although I loved living in Florida, I never realized how much I missed this time of year, and the change of seasons overall.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Have a faaaaaaaabulous weekend!

    X

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  20. Ron, I shared this post with a close friend of mine who is going through a very rough time in her life right now because I think she would really benefit from your positive outlook. Such a beautiful post! Such wisdom! I really admire and respect your ability to stand back and look at things, and know what it is they are teaching you. Like you, I don't believe anything that happens to us is random, it all happens as it should and for a reason. And it happens to all of us. I all depends on where you choose to focus your attention. We can either bitch and moan about something, or look for the rewards within the challenges we all face at one time or another.

    Glorious photographs! Such beautiful colors. And the squirrels are precious!

    Thanks for sharing your day with us. Bless you!

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  21. Hey there, Clair!

    Much thanks for your kind words. And I hope all is well with your friend.

    I really love what you said about how rough times happen to all of us, it just depends on where we choose to focus our attention and find the rewards. That is SO true! My most memorable and powerful lessons have come from going through shit. I've never been one to allow tough times to keep me down. Oh, I get scared and angry for sure. However, I don't allow myself to stay there. I express my feelings and then move on to discovering what I am to learn. My life has had MANY ups and downs. But it's the "downs" that have always given me strength and wisdom. They are my greatest teachers!

    I ADORE squirrels! They are my spirit animal. LOL!

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by and sharing on this post topic, my friend. Thank you!

    Have a terrific weekend!

    X

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  22. What a wonderful holiday you enjoyed, Ron, and in many ways I am sure it was more rewarding then the one spent by others. The photos were magnificent and showed the beauty of late fall with the waning of the foliage. It is a time to be grateful and appreciative of the things we take for granted too often, my friend, so thanks for this lovely reminder.

    You and your squirrel friend shared some wonderful moments and yes I do know about how fearless they can be in city environs, but though we live in a city they are less friendly in Nashua than in Philly. Here we have some rabbits who are less fearful.

    Before I forget, Ron, I know that you really like the movie, Stepmom, I have a DVD and if you would like it, I will send it to you. Please just email me at my blog address to let me know, thanks.

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  23. Hey there D!

    Thank you! I had such an awesome Thanksgiving Day, and yet it's not like I did anything special, it was more about really noticing the things in my live that make me wealthy and feeling grateful for them. And it was a reminder to me that I don't have to do that only on Thanksgiving Day, but something that I can do everyday by being grateful.

    " and yes I do know about how fearless they can be in city environs, but though we live in a city they are less friendly in Nashua than in Philly. Here we have some rabbits who are less fearful."


    OMG, I love rabbits too, so I wish I had more rabbits around me like you do! I can't even remember the last time I saw a rabbit.

    And I thank you SO MUCH for your offer to send me the DVD of "Stepmom", but I actually have it on a website that I can stream whenever I want. But thanks again!

    Happy Monday, and thanks for stopping by!

    X

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  24. Ron, these photographs are FABULOUS! I have to ask where you took that shot of the bridge with the autumn leaves. Where is that in Philly, I would love to know.

    Hubby and I had a nice quiet get-together with a few friends on Thanksgiving. I made the turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, etc., and everyone else brought deserts. We had SO MUCH leftovers that we were eating them for almost a week afterwards. Sounds like you had the perfect holiday. You're so right, Thanksgiving should be something we do all the time - give thanks for all the wealth in our lives.

    Lovely post, Ron! You da' man! ox

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  25. Greetings, Elaine!

    Mucho thank you, my friend! I took that photo in a small park down at the Cherry Street Pier along the Delaware. That's the Benjamin Franklin Bridge that goes from Philly to Camden, NJ. It's such a great area. I go down there a lot.

    Your Thanksgiving Day sound AWESOME! We I was a kid, we always had Thanksgiving at our house and my mother would make all the things you mentioned, and then the rest of the family would bring the deserts. We too had leftovers for DAYS!

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Hope you're enjoying this spectacular autumn weather we're finally having. I am LOVING it!

    X

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  26. Wonderful day for you, filled with many blessings! Good health, food, friends, and furry little creatures who must have been thankful for those peanuts! Like you, and many others, we've had ups and downs with money. And when you can recognize how things other than money provide that feeling of abundance, you really can feel rich. That said... of course, I wouldn't turn down the cash from a winning lottery ticket... ya know! ;)
    Thanksgiving for us was very nice. We were invited to eat with friends and my girlfriend's father was there. I took a picture of him at the table before we ate. He was very happy. Unfortunately, he took sick maybe a week later and just passed the other day at 91. We were thankful to have gotten to see him.
    Have a good weekend, Ron!
    Love all the pics, but those squirrel ones... just delightful!

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  27. Hey there, Mary!

    Yes, you summed it up perfectly..."Wonderful day for you, filled with many blessings! Good health, food, friends, and furry little creatures who must have been thankful for those peanuts!" it was such a great way to spend Thanksgiving Day! It was a reminder of just how blessed I am!

    " Like you, and many others, we've had ups and downs with money. And when you can recognize how things other than money provide that feeling of abundance, you really can feel rich. That said... of course, I wouldn't turn down the cash from a winning lottery ticket... ya know! ;)"

    HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Made me laugh! But you're also so right in saying that when we recognize how thing other than money provide a feeling of abundance, we can can really FEEL rich. Money comes and goes, however, abundance does not.

    "We were invited to eat with friends and my girlfriend's father was there. I took a picture of him at the table before we ate. He was very happy. Unfortunately, he took sick maybe a week later and just passed the other day at 91. We were thankful to have gotten to see him."


    I am sorry to hear about your girlfriend's father, but I am so glad you had a special day with him. Hope you're girlfriend is doing okay because losing a parent can be very hard. I know when I lost my mother in 2012, it took me years to fully grieve and begin healing.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, neighbor! Have a fantabulous weekend!
    X

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