SURVIVING & BEYOND....WHAT A RIDE!

SURVIVING & BEYOND....WHAT A RIDE!

Those of you who have followed me for the past two years most likely know my story.  Well, you really only know part of that story as I have never written about the rest of the story as the saying goes.  I share it with you today.

The day was very much like many of my other days, filled with real estate appointments, working on my business, networking, family and a little personal time.  I didn't have time to get sick.  The lung tumor however that was lurking deep inside however, was ready to rear its ugly head.

When you get that news, the world sort of goes fuzzy as does your brain and you literally go into auto pilot mode.  Everything seemed to be a blur as I went from doctor to doctor at MD Anderson.  Dozens of tests, scans, needles, consultations and then finally the surgery.

Despite all that was going on with me medically, my real estate business was going along very well.  My laptop and phone went with me everywhere and I returned phone calls and emails in between appointments and tests.  My clients were wonderful, patient and very kind throughout the ordeal.

The night before the surgery I was in my hospital bed inputting a listing.  Now that is the epitome of positive thinking right?  When I look back at this I have to laugh as the doctors were not too keen on my chances of survival.  Truly however, it was the fact that I was doing something that pointed toward the future that gave me somewhat of a peace of mind.

Obviously I made it through the surgery and beyond!  It was a tough road going through the recovery as being sliced open from front to back is quite painful.  Although the recovery was arduous, it gave me a lot of time to think, pray and reflect.  And of course I was blogging away which kept my connection with my Active Rain friends who were and are very supportive!

One of the vows that I had made to myself if I made it through all of this was to finally begin my own Brokerage.  After years of not really finding my place with a real estate team or with a commercial broker, it was time to do it on my own.  I have always sort of been that hybrid agent doing both commercial and residential real estate and no one really knew what to do with me.

As soon as I was able to sit up long enough in bed, I began writing my business plan, deciding on a name for my company and getting everything ready to launch it.  I continued to take care of the transactions that I had going and received very little support or help from the commercial firm that I was currently with.  All the more fuel for convincing me that this was the right time to make a move.

Also, one other little blip that was going on was a divorce.  It seemed as if all areas of my life were getting something cut out of it not just my physical body.  Again, my survival instinct kicked in and pushed me forward.  Failure at this point in the game was simply NOT an option.

Fast forward to today....my company is thriving.  I have now three amazing agents (one of whom I will announce very soon who came to me via Active Rain),  and a fantastic assistant.  The commercial real estate is going like gangbusters and the residential side is very strong.  I am working on the largest commercial deal of my life which is in title and set to close in November.  Blessings abound.

So truly what didn't kill me has indeed strengthened me in so many ways.  Through adversity I was forced to put things into to motion that I was putting off.  I encourage you to look at what it is that you really want to do and as they say JUST DO IT!  Time is precious and none of us knows what is around the next corner.

No matter what, never give up and stay positive!  Go for those dreams and make them happen.  Now is YOUR time!  Thank you for allowing me to share the rest of my story!

This post is an entry in the Active Rain Challenge: What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger.