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| I am grateful for the man who pulled his truck over to give a local homeless woman money and warm food, then took the time to chat with her. I am grateful to the neighbors who regularly organize trash cleanup days. I am grateful to the woman who organized strangers to do a food bank volunteer day. I am grateful for neighbors who watch out for each other and rescue stray pets. And I am grateful to the passersby who smile and greet people they don’t know. Thank you, generous strangers! —Tracy N., San Jose, California I am a transplant recipient and I am so grateful for the transplant donor. I have had 24 wonderful years to see my children grow up and to become a grandmother. —Debra G., Pittsburgh I am thankful that, by God, I am even in existence. —Gary S., San Tan Valley, Arizona Our house burned down in the Woolsey Fire in 2018. We lived in a trailer on the property for three years while we rebuilt. We are so thankful to be living in our new home now — and grateful for this experience that taught us how to overcome an unexpected tragedy. —Patti, Malibu, California | | I am thankful to be in a nursing home. And I will be thankful if I can walk again, and that I still have legs to try. And I am thankful that I have a place to express my gratitude to so many people. - Linda N., Madison, Florida  | | I am always thankful for my family and friends, but this year I am thankful for the many people who are working to ensure a fair government. —Amy, Alberta, Canada I’m thankful that, years ago, in spite of being an abused spouse at a women’s shelter during the holidays, I was able to turn that corner in my life. I found the strength to go on to a master’s degree, work in human resources for a large school district and eventually for a county office. I’m grateful that challenges brought success and appreciation for Thanksgiving. —Carolyn K., Fort Lauderdale, Florida This earth and the magic of nature. —Karen C., United Kingdom I haven't done Thanksgiving in over 35 years, as it is an Indigenous Day of Mourning. We are blessed — but it came with bloodstained hands. —Lisa L., Laurens, New York I am thankful to be in a nursing home. And I will be thankful if I can walk again, and that I still have legs to try. And I am thankful that I have a place to express my gratitude to so many people. —Linda N., Madison, Florida *Letters have been edited for length and clarity. |
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| When we reported that more travelers are choosing to go it alone, you shared stories of your own intrepid travels (Why Solo Travel Is on the Rise, Oct. 22). On a three-month solo trip to Chile, my ability to be dead honest with myself shifted. During those three months, I was invited into people’s homes, met a relative of the Dalai Lama, participated in Indigenous ceremonies and shed years of guilt, pain, anger and sadness about previously being taken advantage of. I’ll never forget it. Thanks for the opportunity to share. —Toni S., NYC | | It is self-defining to trust yourself so much. - Gay B., Santa Rosa, California | | It was while traveling alone that I discovered what this beautiful planet has to offer, and met amazing people along the journey. Opening that window to the world was scary at first — and has been the most gratifying gift I’ve ever offered to myself. —Collette W., Bordeaux, France This year, at 79 years of age, I started my solo kayaking trip down the Danube River. I’m taking it in stages, as 2,000 miles is too much in one go! —Martin C., Ditchling, United Kingdom My father believed that I could travel alone to meet up with family and friends in various national and international spots. Because of him, I have taken many solo life-changing trips around the world, starting when I was very young. And I kept doing solo travels from then on, and still do. It is self-defining to trust yourself so much. —Gay B., Santa Rosa, California *Letters have been edited for length and clarity. |
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| We reported that some economists say governments should measure not only their national wealth but also their people’s self-reported levels of happiness (Measure Your Country’s Greatness, Oct. 23). So we asked you: On a scale from one to 10, how unhappy or happy are you — and why? Happiness level: 10. A lot of unhappiness nowadays is the result of the media, including advertisers, that show good-looking people with all sorts of material goods — thus setting unrealistic expectations for vast numbers of people. And when people fail to achieve those unrealistic expectations, they are unhappy. —Robert A., Sparta, New Jersey Happiness level: 8. Life is wonderful but difficult. There is much pleasure, and also much pain. —Bob G., Key Biscayne, Florida Happiness level: 3. Grieving over the death of my wife, the polarized state of our society and the lack of compassion for refugees and our homeless. —Harvey H., San Diego | | I don’t have a tremendous amount of money, but I can go out to eat with friends once a week and I can purchase the medicine I need, with a little left over to give to charity. - Helene O., Philadelphia | | Happiness level: 4. It’s not a world for the disabled. The requirements in life are too expensive compared to most people's incomes, and the golden rule has disappeared. —Michael M., East Providence, Rhode Island Happiness level: 9. I have close social groups that I connect with on a regular basis, and these connections give me a sense of belonging — that I matter. Though I’m widowed, I don’t feel lonely. That is not to say that I don’t miss the one person for whom I was the most important person in the world. —Ranae B., Granite Bay, California Happiness level: 8-9. I don’t have a tremendous amount of money, but I can go out to eat with friends once a week and I can purchase the medicine I need, with a little left over to give to charity. Thank you for asking! —Helene O., Philadelphia *Letters have been edited for length and clarity. |
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The holiday season has begun. What does that mean to you? | | |
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EPISODE 2 NOW STREAMING! Featuring style influencer Marika B (better known as Br00klynBetty)
& WOODstack IVY buyer Tianna Weatherspoon | | |
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