I just saw “Bright Star,” a film about the the last months of the life of poet John Keats.  Though later acclaimed to be one of the world’s greatest romantic poets, in his time critics were either lukewarm or downright hostile to his poetry; no own would buy his books.  Judging himself by the poor sales, he thought himself a failure.

He was tormented by his love for a woman of means and the limitations of his poverty that precluded marrying her. He died young (of tuberculosis), alone and impoverished.  

As Keats’ life illustrates, living your passion is by no means any guarantee that you will gain financially.  For many people the best they can hope to gain from their pursuits is “psychic income” and the chance to make a difference in the lives of other people.

But there are those fortunate few whose passions and purpose reap large financial income, too — a  surplus of what they truly need.  For some, the surplus proves to be their downfall - for themselves, their families and their quarreling heirs.  For others, it is an opportunity for philanthropy, giving away a share of their surplus.  

 With Thanksgiving fast approaching, it is time to be thankful for your family, friends, freedom, good health, and the ability to turn your surplus into a “plus” for those who are in need, including those whose psychic income may be far ahead of their fiscal income.