Bethenny Frankel Reflects on Spending the Holidays “Alone and Having No Rent Money”

This holiday season, Bethenny Frankel is living her best life. She's celebrating with her daughter, Bryn, and boyfriend Paul Bernon by her side. But The Real Housewives of New York City alum and Skinnygirl mogul is more than aware that she didn't always have it so great. She reflected on those ups and downs in an Instagram post featuring her and her daughter in onesies standing in the middle of a Christmas-themed room staring at a decorated tree.

"It wasn’t that long ago that I couldn’t afford to take a taxi from my apartment uptown to downtown. I would go to the ATM to get $40 and an 'insufficient funds' slip would pop out. I bounced checks, which would then affect other checks I’d written and I would panic over those fees. Then, I would beg the person on the phone for mercy. This was also when I lived alone in my studio apartment, and I had no family or partner," she said. "That said, I’ve always been fortunate to have a roof over my head and a place to sleep—something many people cannot say, which makes this time of year happy for some and so sad and scary for so many others. I try to do my part and to give back to help others and make some meaning of the success and platform I’ve been given. I try to teach my daughter about compassion and generosity and I really want her to understand how fortunate she is and how much of a struggle life can be for others."

Since then the former RHONY 'Wife has certainly changed her entire life. She's built an empire that includes her work as a philanthropist, became a recognizable force on the small screen, and is, of course, a proud mom.

She continued in the post: "When traveling to disaster-struck areas, the most compelling memory is that, no matter how destitute and horrific the situation, the ones surrounded by their families and loved ones have a hope, faith, and happiness that is way stronger than the world’s wealthiest person who feels alone."

Bethenny, who confirmed her exit from RHONY this past summer, concluded the message by noting that life isn't about material things in the end. "To be able to create meaningful and rare experiences and memories for myself and Bryn gives meaning to having worked so hard for so many years," she said. "Having spent holidays alone and having no rent money and bouncing checks makes me appreciate what I have now — but truly makes me realize that the most important thing in life is LOVE. Giving to others and sharing with the people you love is literally priceless."

Her boyfriend, Paul, was all about her heartwarming message, leaving a heart emoji in the comments section.