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Thankful Thursday January 2026

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 PA License - AB067198

It is so easy in the busyness of our lives to forget just how fortunate and lucky we are. Taking a moment to be mindful allows us to slow down and be thankful for all the things in our lives which contribute to our happiness.

Every day, I take 10 minutes to meditate, it allows me to lay aside the rushing thoughts, slow down and clear my head. As thoughts arise, I let them go, watching them move on, as these ten minutes are for me to be present, to be aware of my body and to be grateful. I generally do this in the morning as part of my morning routine, but I may add a second period in the afternoon to re-energize myself on a busy day.

I have also begun doing a Tai-Chi practice, which I a finding very enjoyable and in a way similar to the meditation time as I focus on the movements. What I like is that I can do this anywhere, you do not need a large space and although it feels very easy, you do notice some tired muscles later. It is also very low impact, which as we age is good for us.

I have probably been practicing mindfulness for several years now, from walking and noticing what is around me to this year adding mindful eating as I work to lose some of the weight I have gained since my return from my Camino and my radiation and hormone treatment for prostate cancer and then Covid. Too many warming heart dishes.

But in the midst of all this I am thankful for so much. Take time this coming week to put aside ten minutes and just think about what you can be thankful for in your own life. 

Posted by

Nick Vandekar
Nick is a Tredyffrin Easttown Residential and Commercial REALTOR selling The Main Line, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties.

Giving you the confidence to make
the right decisions.

225 W Uwchlan Ave
Downingtown , PA 19335
Office 484-237-2055
SellingTheMainLine.com
Mobile: (610) 203-4543 [call or text me]
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If you are buying or selling on or around
Tredyffrin Easttown or along the Main Line, 
I can help you, contact me.

Comments(22)

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Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Wow Nick and good for you to take time for all these things.  My wife tells me all the time I work to much but there is a long reason why i do.

 

Jan 29, 2026 08:25 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Will Hamm I find it helps me get more done and feel better, physically and mentally.

Jan 29, 2026 09:23 AM
Doug Dawes
Keller Williams Evolution - 447 Boston Street, Suite #5, Topsfield, MA - Topsfield, MA
Your Personal Realtor®

Good Morning Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 

You remind us of some things we should consider mandatory, such as reflection, calmness, exercise, and slowing down to enjoy those things the Good Lord has supplied us with.

I've been looking at Tai Chi myself because of the low impact and potency of the exercise. 

Jan 29, 2026 09:34 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

I'm so envious, Nick. I've tried the meditation route a number of times. It just doesn't work for me. But I do take time to think about what I'm grateful for.

Jan 29, 2026 09:39 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543  Years ago, I did Yoga every day - now I walk - I, and if I don't walk, I turn on music and dance for 20 minutes. It clears my head 

Jan 29, 2026 11:27 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Doug Dawes I like the tai chi I find it relaxing and helps you to focus and as you say light on the body.

Nina Hollander, Broker they call it practice for a reason, there are days where I have to keep bringing myself back to my breath as my mind wants to speed away with a bunch of thoughts. But as time has passed, I find it easier to be still.

Hannah Williams yoga can be a form of meditation, walking is good, you can have a walking meditation. And dancing is always fun for a good workout.

Jan 29, 2026 12:11 PM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Nick, sounds like you are making some very positive changes that will help long-term.  KUDOS.

Jan 29, 2026 02:02 PM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Nick, great reminder to prioritize what really matters: taking time to reflect, being calm, staying active, and enjoy life’s simple moments!

Jan 29, 2026 04:41 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Nick- your post is a reminder that even with all of the gizmos and gadgets, AI and what it is supposed to help us with, the ability to quiet our brains and be in the moment rests within us. 

Early morning walks help me, especially in the preserve where we walk. I notice the squirrels, and birds, deer and rabbits...and I have the chance to socialize with humans as well.  

There is a small group practicing Tai Chi that we see on Sundays at another park where we walk.

Jan 29, 2026 05:31 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I like hearing that you are going to begin being mindful of what you are eating and losing some weight!

Jan 30, 2026 04:35 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner many of these I have been doing for a while, and they help, but we can always look for ways to improve.

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 it can be so easy to take things for granted and miss the wonder and the delight.

Kathy Streib that sounds like a perfect way to enjoy life. Keep it up. With our snow still sitting in large piles it has been hard to socialize with anyone as so few people are out and about.

Brian England not sure how to take that my friend, it sounds like you think I needed to watch my weight, which I do, it has been a struggle to lose any as we age. But trying to keep focused and improve my health.

Jan 30, 2026 07:52 AM
Brian England

That was not what I was trying to say Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543, I was just happy that you are paying attention to your health, haha.  When I met you, I thought you looked healthy!

Jan 30, 2026 04:17 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Brian England I was just teasing you. I know I need to address my weight, for my health if nothing else.

Feb 01, 2026 10:39 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Jan 31, 2026 05:42 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Nick. Like Nina, meditation does not work for me. That said, it may be time to give it another chance. At least taking 10 minutes to clear the mind can't hurt. And, it is definitely time to practice better eating habits. Thanks for the reminder. Enjoy your day.

Feb 01, 2026 05:46 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

A timely and thoughtful reminder. Building simple practices like meditation, mindful movement, and awareness into daily routines can make a meaningful difference, especially during busy or challenging seasons of life. I appreciate how you highlight gratitude not as a grand gesture, but as a quiet, intentional habit that supports both physical and mental well being. A good encouragement for all of us to slow down and take stock.

Feb 01, 2026 10:04 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

In warmer weather I have used the walking as a way of collecting thoughts plus get some exercise.

With the cold weather I have been leaning at doing the exercises I see online for flexibility.

Good for you Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 

Feb 01, 2026 10:10 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Kathy Streib thank you so much, you know I always appreciate your boosts to my posts.

Wayne Martin meditation takes practice, there are days where my mind is all over the place, but coming back to the breath helps to quiet everything down.

Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518 thank you. I find these help me both mentally and health wise.

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 I cannot wait for the warmer weather to get back out walking again. Even our dog is feeling cabin fever with the very cold temps we have been having.

Feb 01, 2026 10:42 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Good Sunday afternoon, Nick. Take care, be safe and have an outstanding week.

Feb 01, 2026 12:31 PM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Roy Kelley thank you, I hope you are staying warm and enjoying a good book.

Feb 02, 2026 06:02 AM
Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ
Value Added Service, 602-620-2699 - Scottsdale, AZ
HomeSmart Elite Group, REALTOR®, EcoBroker, GREEN

Great post!  When a new year rolls around it's a great reminder to reset!  Sorry to hear of your health challenges.  Your routine sounds like a good one.  Good for you!

Feb 05, 2026 09:46 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Jan Green - Scottsdale, AZ it works for me.

Feb 05, 2026 09:48 AM