In the AR contest "What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger" I wanted to uncover the stories of people who found inner strength and learned to survive, even to thrive, under difficult circumstances. See Here.  

I find myself moved to tears as I reread some of these posts this morning. We can all become better professionals, parents, friends, sons, daughters, and community members by learning from these stories.

Bill Spear, J Philip Faranda and I spent many hours reviewing the posts in a round robin of deliberations, and so, finally, here are the contest winners:

#1 Gail Robinson Thriving in the Midst of Chaos "This is a 'no excuses' business. I made the decision not to give up some of the things that make my life meaningful and enjoyable, so that I can thrive and not just survive".

#2 Patricia Feager What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger - Really "What doesn't kill you does make you stronger because you are who you are because of the struggles and adversities you meet head on. Challenges are many, easy opportunities are rare, if ever. It takes courage to stay strong. I am not a quitter."

#3 Paula McDonald Surviving & Beyond...What a Ride "The night before surgery I was in my hospital bed inputting a listing.....As soon as I was able to sit up long enough in bed, I began writing my business plan...Through adversity I was forced to put things into motion that I was putting off."

There were many other posts that we came back to over and over. Presented here by the date of entry are some of the most outstanding. 

Karen Fiddler What Doesn't Kill Us Makes Us Stronger - Love Remains

Debbie Reynolds REO Evictions and Putting People on the Street

Holly Weatherwax My Own Brokerage

Mike Cooper Economic Collapse Doesn't Have to be the End

Anita Clark What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger

Erica Ramus What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger: Bounce Back

Andrea Swidler What Really Does Make Us Stronger?

Thank you to all the entrants. We were inspired by every single one!
 

 

 
 
 

This post was written by Leslie Ebersole of Baird & Warner Real Estate.
Use or reproduction of the material published on this site is expressly prohibited
without the express written permission of the author.

 

FOX VALLEY LIVING

 

My Email leslie.ebersole@bairdwarner.com

My Mobile (630)945-7935

 
Star Posted by Leslie Ebersole, REALTOR® Chicago's Western Suburbs on 10/12/2012 12:30 PM   Comments (67)   Coaching/Training in the ActiveRain Channel   ar contest  
Short URL: http://actvra.in/Lcx
Post is included in group: ActiveRain Contests

67 Comments on What Doesn't Kill You Makes You Stronger: Contest Winners

20 Most Recent Comments Displayed Show All

OCT
13
123,871 Points

In these days of real estate depression, inspiration is needed and appreciated. Great post... Thanks ;)
8:37am • #48
235,621 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Congratulations to all the winners and those who participated... the stories were so inspirational. Thank you! And, a big shout out to judges - great contest and thank you for all your time spent judging, I know it wasn't an easy task.
8:43am • #49
497,610 Points 13 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Leslie for organizing this contest.  Congrats to all the winners!
10:39am • #50
413,687 Points 88 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Debe: Sometimes hearing that it's possible to get through this can make all the difference to someone who is struggling. And you inspire me, too, every day.
12:17pm • #51
413,687 Points 88 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Richard: I agree. This is why I stick around AR.
12:20pm • #52
662,330 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

What wonderful posts!   I have only read a few, but they are truly inspiring!
12:24pm • #53
130,741 Points

Hi Leslie,

Congrats to the winners all who took part and all who judged, I bet it was hard work. There are some amazing stories in this contest. I’ve read a couple and will read them all eventually. It is so humbling when you read the hardships people endure, especially when yours (my own) pale in comparison!  
2:43pm • #54
103,565 Points

Leslie thanks for so Great Post, Greats Stories!!
2:52pm • #55
1,351,924 Points 42 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master
Leslie - Thank you for putting this together. I'm off to do some reading..
2:53pm • #56
137,065 Points Outside Blog
These were all great posts. Thank you for collecting them and putting them in one spot.
2:55pm • #57
591,834 Points 17 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master
Great contest and I read many too. I am sure it was tough but congrats to the winners.
5:05pm • #58

Leslie,

I am so thankful to you for putting together this contest and to the judges. Also, I am humbled to be chosen to be one of the winners with two amazing women. This could not have been an easy chore for the three of you to read through all the stories, the painful journeys that others have gone through either, and to make a decision.

I think what I've learned is that humans have the remarkable ability to get back up, when they've been knocked down. No one wants to be hurt. Nobody deserves to be faced with adversity and rarely do those who are challenged know how to get through a difficult situation. I would say, it's probably the hardest labor of love, coupled with a strong sense of urgency and desire to be set free of physical, emotional, and financial suffering.  

My thanks again to you and to the judges,including all those who participated in the contest. There were many unbelievable stories of hardship and how they got through the cards they were dealt with, were pretty amazing. We look at a person's profile and see their smile. We hear and congratulate each other on success stories of closing a deal, and we are inspired by beautiful photos, well written blog posts, but we don't know where the author has been to get to where they are today; nor do we know what they have recently been through or currently experiencing.

I have learned a lot about others, as a direct result of this contest. Also, I know this wasn't easy on you or the judges. It was time-consuming and tough to come up with your decision. I am humbled and honored to be counted among the winners and those who came in with honorable mentions. Plus, many of these heart-wrenching stories let me see another side to others in the RAIN that I didn't know before. I pray everyone who is going through an adverse situation gets through it all with strength and courage. ActiveRain is a great support system.

With a humble heart, I remain, thankful.
11:58pm • #59
OCT
14
812,701 Points 163 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Leslie, it was a fantastic contest, thank you. I know how much work they are. And to your judges too, thank you. I am honored to be in the honorable mention catagory with such amazing stories. Many of them brought me to tears.

 
4:02am • #60
167,607 Points 4 Featured Posts Outside Blog

I somehow missed out on the contest until now.   The entriesI've read are all wonderful and I'll get to all the others as soon as I can.   Just curious - how many entries were there in all.    I think there's a book in this that a lot of people would benefit from. 
10:51am • #61
2 Featured Posts Outside Blog

Great contest, very inspirational...congrats to all the winners!
11:45am • #62
796,355 Points 80 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Leslie, there are many who face tough challenges everyday and do not share...I thank them too for being here in the Rain and contributing to this great group of people. The judges choices were excellent and thank you for sharing.
4:52pm • #63
141,133 Points Attended Rain Camp

Dear Leslie,

These were all very inspiring stories. They made me feel like staying vigilant for difficulties in other people's lives. Maybe reaching out a hand to help once in a while will make things easier to bear and gain a friend for good times ahead.
7:13pm • #64
OCT
15

Congrats to all the winners and thanks to all for sharing their stories. the stories touched my heart and I tried to hold back the tears.

 

 
2:42pm • #65
413,687 Points 88 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Can someone help me figure out who #59 is? Paula, Pat, Gail? The comment must have been made without being logged in (a definite sign of a busy lady!)
4:23pm • #66
107,036 Points Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp

These were amazing stories and very well written.  I feel privledged to read them.  Life is hard and real estate sometimes is one rejection after another punctuated by euphoria.  It's great to know that we share these experiences and are not alone in the world.
8:02pm • #67

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