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A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Story - Is This You?

Some traditions go on for years in my family. Watching the Charlie Brown Christmas story is one of them. Such a classic. Who cannot help but feel good inside when viewing this wonderful cartoon seen by millions and millions over the years.

Another tradition is our annual trek to cut down our tree - others may order on-line, buy fake trees, or grab one at one of the many Christmas tree lots. Not me. And I love doing this in California - last year it was 80 when we hit the tree farm (in shorts and sandals), and I remember not so fondly the year in Minnesota when it was 25 degrees BELOW zero.

But I am off track here.

As I was schlepping through the tree farm I noticed a number of small trees not unlike the Charlie Brown Christmas tree. It made me think...

Perhaps you are a new agent, or a new blogger,and feel like that tree. Insignificant compared to so many others, unsure of what your future is...where you career will go, how your blogging will be accepted. You feel you don't belong, and everyone else is so much better, more accomplished, more successful.

And perhaps someone will come along, notice you, and think you have the potential to be a winner. Maybe it will be your broker, some other top producer, a mentor, or the folks here at Active Rain. Others may not see your potential, may doubt your future, but YOU know, and someone else does too.

They take you under their wing, and help you. And perhaps things don't progress quite the way you expect, or as quickly. But then others start to notice, and they step in to help, to nurture, to share what they know, to encourage you.

And you find, over time, that you too, have now become a great agent or a highly regarded blogger, and everyone now sees what you, and those that believed in you, knew from the very beginning. You never gave up, did you?

Could this be you?

You must continue to believe in yourself, knowing that you, too, can achieve the goals you set for yourself, and be successful, whatever that means to you.

You must have faith, grow, learn, overcome obstacles, accept challenges, and persevere. And be open to others who can and will want to help you. Like that tree, some day you, too, will be like those you felt were so much better.

Kinda sappy, I suppose (oops, pun intended). But perhaps something to think about.

Posted by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate on 12/01/2007 07:47 PM

Comments (44)

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44 Comments on A Charlie Brown Christmas Tree Story - Is This You?

Jeff, I like sappy. We can all use a little tender loving care.

12/01/2007 07:49 PM

by Jennifer Steck- Denver Real Estate (Rocky Mountain Homescapes, Keller Williams, Denver Colorado)

Yeah, at times, I feel as though my blogs are more like blahgs

12/01/2007 07:52 PM

by Dave Woodson (Indigo Financial Group Inc.)

I kinda feel like the sparse tree, but am confident one day I will grow up to be big and vibrant!

12/01/2007 07:54 PM

by Melanie Ross, GRI Benicia Ca & Vallejo Ca Real Estate (Coldwell Banker Solano Pacific)

Good points, Jeff. Here in Florida we can't cut down our Christms trees. We get them shipped in from North Carolina, but we still enjoy walking through the parking lot where they've set up business and picking out a nice one. Happy Holidays from Florida!

12/01/2007 07:56 PM

by Elizabeth Ruvo - All Florida GMAC Real Estate (All Florida GMAC Real Estate)

Jeff D. ..... a good analogy in regards to the little tree with hardly any branches..... how about the train that said,, I think I can, I think I can,,, lol

Hey..... thanks for sharing the Charlie Brown Christmas..... I love this sappy stuff, no pun intended... lol I love Christmas and these shows. Just watched the Grinch a few days ago... loved the video clip... but it's not the same as watching it on TV.

So... what is your fear? lol

12/01/2007 08:02 PM

by Jeff Belonger -- The FHA Expert.com -- FHA Loans -- FHA mortgages -- Mortgages (Infinity Home Mortgage Company, Inc)

Jeff, one of the major components to success is to believe in yourself no matter what others may think.

As far as for the tree, it you don't mind I will continue to take mine out of a box ....... LOL.

12/01/2007 08:15 PM

by George Souto (McCue Mortgage Co.)

Jennifer - yep, I think you're right. Thank you for visiting.

Jeff

12/01/2007 08:21 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Dave - LOL. I think many of us feel that way at times. And I know some of mine are not nearly as good as I would like them to be. Don't give up!! Each one will make you better.

Jeff

12/01/2007 08:23 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Nice post, Jeff. A few people believed in me when I didn't have too much confidence in myself.

12/01/2007 08:27 PM

by Brian Schulman - Your Lancaster County, PA Real Estate Professional (Coldwell Banker Select Professionals)

Melanie - you will do just fine. Keep pluggin' away. The more you do the better you will get. And thanks for reading and commenting.

Jeff

12/01/2007 08:27 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

I really enjoyed this post. It's the holidays so it's OK to be sappy. In fact, I used that word on my WP blog today. I learned a favorite client just died, so I got sappy with my tribute. It's been a sad day, and this post made me feel good. We're all Charlie Brown trees at one time or another. Thanks, Jeff.

12/01/2007 08:31 PM

by Elaine Reese, REALTOR® in central Ohio (Real Living HER, Worthington Ohio)

Thanks, Elizabeth. Love the pic. Happy Holidays to you, too!!

Jeff

12/01/2007 08:32 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Sappy...perhaps but very good advice Jeff. Keep on Blogging and have a great Christmas.

12/01/2007 08:33 PM

by Monika McGillicuddy~REALTOR®~ N.H. Real Estate Broker & Trainer (Prudential Verani Realty/Hampstead)

Jeff - Thanks a bunch. I love that show - never get tired of it. As to my fear? Well, I have a thing about spiders, and am not fond of heights. :)

Jeff

12/01/2007 08:33 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

George - LOL. You have your fun and I will have mine. :) Glad you came by to visit - thank you for your valuable comment.

Jeff

12/01/2007 08:34 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

I love it watch it every year. For more years than I want to count. LOL

12/01/2007 08:37 PM

by Missy Caulk Ann Arbor Real Estate (Keller Williams Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Jeff, that's a great Santa disguise..I didn't recognize you!

'Tis better to be sappy than crappy"..

12/01/2007 08:41 PM

by Madeline Island Realty - Eric Kodner Sells Madeline Island

I love Charlie Brown and I love that you used this analogy.

12/01/2007 08:41 PM

by Linda Scanlan ~Selling All of North Texas (Hall Team Homes)

Sappy is in -- Charlie Brown is always in -- and Believing in yourself is IN! So go and enjoy the holiday and know that you are sappy and in! Sappy Holidays! and Merry Christmas Santa Jeff.

12/01/2007 09:04 PM

by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)

Brian - that's a great testimonial. And now you KNOW how good you are, right?

Jeff

12/01/2007 10:07 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Elaine - I am so sorry to hear about your friend. My thoughts are with you. I'm so glad this was helpful. I love this cartoon and have for years, and pleased it made others feel good too.

Jeff

12/01/2007 10:09 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Monika - so nice to hear from you. Thank you for your comments. Hope you and Jay have the best of holidays!

Jeff

12/01/2007 10:10 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Missy - me too. And I enjoy it as much each year as the year before. HAppy Holidays!

Jeff

12/01/2007 10:58 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Eric - LOL. Thanks for the great sentiment!

Jeff

12/01/2007 10:59 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Linda - hey, thanks. I am a huge Charlie Brown fan. GLad you enjoyed this.

Jeff

12/01/2007 11:15 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Thanks, Joan. I think it is that time of year, too! Have a great holiday season yourself. And be sappy!

Jeff

12/01/2007 11:16 PM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Jeff, always loved those Charlie Brown Christmas's. Thanks for the memories...and what a nice Christmas wish for everyone.

12/01/2007 11:20 PM

by Sacramento Real Estate and Luxury Homes, Assoc. Real Estate Broker,Gena Riede (Remax Gold, Assoc Broker)

I never gave up Jeff! Now look at me ...I'm all grown up!

12/02/2007 12:07 AM

by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)

Gena - Thank you for the compliment. It was fun to write and a nice thought, too.

Jeff

12/02/2007 12:24 AM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Sally - and see how far you have come? You are amazing! Can't wait to meet you in person now that we have chatted a couple of times.

Jeff

12/02/2007 12:25 AM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

You ARE coming in January ....RIGHT???!!!!

12/02/2007 12:39 AM

by Celeste "SALLY" Cheeseman (RA), HAWAII Real Estate & HAWAII Relocation (Century 21 Liberty Homes -Mililani, Hawaii)

That was one of my favorites when I was a kid. OK, I still haven't grown up and I still enjoy it.

12/02/2007 03:52 AM

by Randy L. Prothero - Hawaii REALTOR® (Century 21 Liberty Homes)

Jeff - this was great! Your comparison and analogy here was classic!

I have to tell you, I grew up watching that cartoon every year at Xmas time. Now, it's our family tradition to watch it every year with the kids on Xmas eve. Since our video tape is a bit thrashed after being watched for so many years, this year, we can just come to your Blog! LOL! Thanks my friend, Happy Holidays.

12/02/2007 10:16 AM

by Brad Andersohn ~ Community Builder (ActiveRain)

Jeff- What a sweet blog for the Holidays.. You are th eonly person I know who cuts theri own tree... must be all those years living in the land of ice and snow..

12/02/2007 02:42 PM

by Manhattan Beach CA/ e-PRO..... Kaye Thomas... (Real Estate West)

"Maybe it just needs a little love...."

Yep, I'm a sappy one!

12/02/2007 07:53 PM

by Kelly Sibilsky ~ Lake Zurich RE/MAX Real Estate Agent (RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest)

Sally - well, I am planning on it but still need to make the final decision...and make my reservations!

Jeff

12/03/2007 09:10 AM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Randy - I haven't grown up either, and I still watch it with my grown-up daughters on occasion. And The Great Pumpkin is another "don't miss."

Jeff

12/03/2007 09:11 AM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Brad - hey, thanks. I have been watching it since it first came out. Not sure when that was but it was a LONG time cos my kids were young. :) My feelings about it never change. It's a classic, like the Grinch!

Jeff

12/03/2007 09:14 AM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Kaye - yes, that's true. We certainly have an abundance of pine trees in New England. But there were a tone of people out at Noble's tree farm Fallbrook where we went.

Jeff

12/03/2007 09:15 AM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

LOL, Kelly. And that's what makes you the person that you are. Thanks!

Jeff

12/03/2007 09:19 AM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Jeff...As soon as I saw it on the other evening I began calling all my children to make sure the grandkids were watching. I even called my 72 year old sister to make sure she was. Guess that makes me a senior sap.

We appreciate your advice and encouragement.

Thanks,

Kathleen

12/03/2007 08:39 PM

by Kathleen "Kate" Elim, LAKE ANNA, VA Real Estate (RE/MAX Lake & Country)

You know how that little tree kinda' bends with that first ornament - until it gets the love and attention it needs?? That's how it can feel when you are new to AR - but then you get the encouragement you need and you learn and learn and you grow - and pretty soon you are a beautiful tree too!

Thanks. Sometimes I feel the weight on the branches and the AR words of encouragement help renew the sap!

12/04/2007 05:17 AM

by Eleanor Thorne, Cary Mortgage Loans (Meridian Residential)

Kathleen - You're so funny...bet they were glad you called. I have missed it a few time over the years. Sap is in at this time of year, and for some, all year! Glad you found this helpful.

Jeff

12/04/2007 08:29 AM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)

Eleanor - that was really nice to hear. I suspect it echoes the feelings of many newer bloggers here. But I really think it's true, and the help and encouragement is so obvious here. Too bad so many never really get started and give up. We're glad you are here!

Jeff

12/04/2007 08:31 AM

by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate (RE/MAX Associates)