Just a few weeks ago I blogged on How Active Rain Changed My Life. And it has. And it still is changing my life - perhaps more than any other organization or group of which I am part. 

I come here to relax, learn and share - in that order. Some postings I take personally and respond in kind. Oh, I do try and hold my tongue when it will only spew frustration. I do, after all, realize that I am not in the minority in Actively Raining for relaxation. And, our client base is reading.

The last couple of days have not been so relaxing for me here on AR. I have, however, learned something more about my industry and myself. Mostly that we don't all get along all the time. So, in an effort to calm the lion within my own soul I wanted to be, at least for a moment, peaceful. 

There are times in my job, actually the vast majority of time, when I am accomplishing the mission of funding legitimate real estate transactions for people who deserve it and working with people who understand the liabilities and exposure we lenders face. Then there are times when it is very difficult to return a call, answer an email or arrive at a face-to-face with a smile on mine. That is usually a good time to spend just 10 minutes in the Active Rain.

Sometimes during my extremely busy day I come to AR just to see the latest posting by Bryant Tutas and a quippy comment from TLW .... roar. I so love reading the posts from Christine Forgione and Brian Brady who has become one of my best blog buddies. Then there is my lovely supporter from two doors north Leigh Brown and her red pen (from a posting which inspired this post).

I have quoted more AR blogs in my meetings than I have ever quoted any "sales guru" or "motivational mahatma". What is said here applies to my industry; an industry of which I am proud to be a part. Even with our disagreements and opposing viewpoints we are a family. Just as in families there are members who never speak and never agree we, here on AR, have those moments. And, just as in families which have brothers and sisters who are constantly "in each other's face" we here on AR follow suit.

Without a stone a scalpel is not sharpened. Without a scalpel the evil is not removed.

I don't want everyone to get along. That would not mean that everyone was right - that would mean that everyone was stagnant. Guess what happens when you drink stagnant water. That's right, a whole lot of poop.

So here, in a sentence (or several) are my peaceful thoughts and blessing for readers and bloggers who participate on Active Rain:

Buyers - you may have the most stress of us all. Bless you! May I always do my part to make your acquisition peaceful and beneficial.

Agents - I so much respect and understand the job you do. Bless you! My most favorite people in the world are in the business of marketing, showing and bringing people to their new home.

Mortgage Brokers - I have been one for years. I know more about your job than 95% of the readers of AR. Bless you!

Lenders - I am one. Oh the weight you carry on your shoulders and from your office into your sweating, heart racing, night dreams. Bless you!

Home Stagers - What a wonder you can work with an empty shell. Bless you! You color our world!

Appraisers - I know the pressure you feel from some. Few of us completely understand what it is you do. Bless you! Of all of us you are the one who gets the dirtiest, wettest and coldest! Except for ...

Inspectors - I know you must do it for the love of the job. The pay is just adequate and the work involves mold, insulation and ladders. Bless you! You should double your price. 

All Others - Your heroics may be unsung but there are many integral players in our industry. Bless you all! Everyone who does their job makes these wheels turn and without you the buyer, the most important player of all, would just be a shopper ... a dreamer ... and an empty soul.