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How do we really define success? A few thoughts and I welcome your comments.

By
Real Estate Agent with Coldwell Banker

I was recently talking to Cathy LaClear, which is Matt Laclear's wife. I really enjoy talking to her because she is just so down to Earth, has great faith, and is a genuine person. Matt is an awesome guy. He and Hank can motivate you, help you, and really make you a better, more productive person. His attitude just shines. As we talked we were chatting about people that had fought illnesses and came out victorious. Anyone that has fought a terminal illness and has gotten through it, or has it totally maintained, or pretty well maintained, will tell you that their outlook on life is like a renewed lease. Seriously.

We talked about an individual that just went through all their cancer fight, and won. I love to here this type of will and conviction for love of life. The human factor is something that we can take for granted, but it is the greatest gift one can ever have, outside of our children.

So I thought, do I define success as being fit? Do I define success as being happy? Do I define success as money or power? Do I define success as what I can, and want to do for your fellow man.  I have been so broke in my life, and at the same time I was happy. My greatest achievement in life is my little man Spencer.

I don't define success as being a heavy hitter in Real Estate, and I sure am just as frightened as the next person in this market of unpredictability.

The amazing part: you talk to Matt LaClear and he will tell you when he knew he had someone looking over for him. This guy's wife is a pillar of strength as well.

In a business where gimmicks and promises are sold on a daily basis it is nice to know that I made that call one day to Matt and it changed my life. Matt and Hank do not have time for whiners, but they have time to make a difference in you. I have had every kind of coach, gimmick, idea, and more sold to me. Guess what? No hype, I talked to Matt for over an hour many times, and his wife just to say hello. This guy wants to make a difference.

If you ever want to have the same great feeling I have had email him at matt@saleschemistry.com  or call him on his cell phone at 517-483-3187.

So how do I define success and happiness? I have a sense of gratitude that I really believe God has angels watching over me. I am probably smart enough and dumb enough to make rocket fuel in my garage and level the neighborhood figuring out how to ignite it. I firmly believe that there is no such thing as the same type of person. I have a Search and Rescue dog named Lars. This guy is smart; I get razzed all the time because I have a bumper sticker that says my German Shepherd is smarter than your honor student. When we first started training we learned real fast that when we are alive everyone has a different scent, but when we are not alive it is the same. I love my dog so much that I kiss him on the nose, after I kiss Spencer.It took me awhile but I believe my finest hour is upon me, it is going to happen and I will look back and still be the same kind of guy that drinks a cold cup of coffee.The fact that I have my great forever friend Jo Smith that knows me probably better than I know myself, and has helped me through hard times. The same with Joan, Carole, Julie and more. I have friends that for the most part I may never meet that are better friends than ones that have been in my life for years.  The fact that I can walk over to my son which is 13 recently, and kiss him, and tell him I love him. That's success, and happiness. I love that little look he gets on his face where he thinks it is wrong for his dad to tell him that he loves him, and wipes his face off like it is dog germs. A minute goes by and I get that "I love you too dad" What more could I ask for than a healthy child that allows me to focus on the important things in life? Other people.I often hear people say "At least they are not suffering anymore" I still wonder why people had to suffer to begin with. The World, my friends, is a lot smaller place than we think. In the blink of an eye what we cherish the most can be gone. Success to me is looking in the mirror at end of the day and saying "Thank You God for another day" Something just clicked the other day after a doctor appointment and I can honestly say that success to me is at least doing what you want to, or can do, or should do, not sitting back and saying I can't do that, or that would be nice if I could do that! DO IT!

I said it before , but I will say it again because I believe it so much:"Life is not measured by how many breathes you take, but rather by what takes your breath away"

Focus, be driven, count your blessings, and please, don't beat your self up. It is a downward spiral that is so hard to get out of. How do I know; I have been there, and it is not pretty.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Comments (4)

Jo-Anne Smith
Oakville, ON

Tom,

I believe this is the most beautiful and inspiring, from-the-heart post of yours I have ever read. The part about Spencer and his little look he gives you and then a few minutes later says "I love you too, Dad' brought a little tear of happiness to my eye.

I'm so glad you have Spencer in your life...really glad. My sons bring me the greatest joy too...even though they live far away now, a call from one of them and I can hear the smile on their face and feel the love coming across the telephone and it makes my day.

Now I get to go over and feature this post in the Inspiration group...

((-:

Jo 

Feb 23, 2008 06:15 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Jo

You are my forever friend

Tom Braatz

Feb 23, 2008 06:53 AM
Tom Braatz Waukesha County Real Estate 262-377-1459
Coldwell Banker - Oconomowoc, WI
Waukesha County Realtor Real Estate agent. SOLD!

Jo

I wanted to mention that the comment you made about Spencer happens to be the pinnacle of my day. If people get out of hand, things get hard, or I get out of hand, I know I can always close my eyes and reflect on when I could pick up my little guy and never set him down. There was not another feeling like it on Earth.

I can never thank you enough for your thoughts and ear. One day we can sit on that park bench and talk about how pretty the flowers are.

You are always in my thoughts.

"LIke a Hurricane" I had to listen to that the other night.

Your forever friend

Tombo

Feb 23, 2008 07:42 AM
Carol Lee
Dilbeck Real Estate - Oak Park, CA
Realtor - Agoura, Oak Park, Westlake CA Homes

Tom, what a great post.  I will consider myself a success when I know I have raised my two sons to be good, caring  men.  Money and friends can come and go, and  my honda with 95,000 miles on it may not last another year, butyour kids are your kids forever.

I remember reading somewhere to live your life like you want your obituary to read.  When I think of my own obiturary, I don't care what it says about my success as a realtor, but rather the love I have for those that are dear to me.  And no one is dearer to me than my sons.  Who try to ignore me when I tell them I love them (they are 16 and 18), but I tell them anyway.  One day I may not be here to say it.

Feb 24, 2008 06:05 PM