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Which Comes First, The Chicken or The Egg? Thankful or Happy?

By
Services for Real Estate Pros with RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired 104763

 

There’s an ActiveRain contest for November that started yesterday. I know I’m slow off the blocks with this one, but I thought I’d post, in one post, what I’m most thankful for.  Participation is always important to me, but there are times when I need to “march to my own drummer” and place points at the bottom of the list.

The top of my list begins with my family.  I have loving children, grandchildren and a new great grandchild who mean more to me than life itself.  There is nothing more near and dear to my heart than this group of family members who are now and have always been there for me.  I am always there for each of them when they need anything.  So, once again, what goes around comes around, even with family. My most enjoyable moments are seeing each one of them happy.

Next to family is health.  Without our health, we have NOTHING. I’ve been blessed with the good fortune to have dodged a deadly bullet, OBESITY.  On July 3, 2013, I had the VERTICAL SLEEVE GASTRECTOMY which is the latest and greatest of weight loss surgeries.  I was 310 pounds and am now 125 pounds of lean muscle.  I took me 2 years to lose that amount of weight, and I’ve maintained it. I take no medications and I’m considered a physically fit 70 year old female with a body of a 50 year old.

The next on my list is exercising. Maintaining good health means not only eating properly but exercising consistently.  My exercise of choice is weightlifting.  Women and weightlifting has become a very popular form of contouring and maintaining a very low percentage of body fat.  Mine is 19% and that number is within the range of an athlete’s body. It takes focus, dedication and a total commitment to maintain my rigorous exercise program. I’m thankful every day for the opportunity to participate. It certainly does beat DEATH.

The last major category on my “Thankful List” is My Business. I’ve been in the real estate business for 38 years, and I fully intend to continue to participate to assist other agents with their individual journeys to successful careers.  I’m continually learning on ActiveRain from many SEO experts here, beginning with, but not limited to, Katerina Gasset.  I learn something every day, and I attempt to share something every day.  Again, what goes around comes around. I’m thankful I have the capacity to learn and the opportunity to share

This “brief narrative” could go on for hours, but I’ll end with a quote that I truly love.

And thanks so much for taking the time to read this…. It’s a reflection of who I am and how I think…..I hope it didn’t bore you!  

Posted by

 

 

Barbara Todaro, Great Grandmother to Caleb, Santino, Aiden and Gianni       

Todaro Team - Retired

508-918-9148

               

             Copyright © 2009 - 2021 Barbara Todaro

                               All Rights Reserved



 

Comments(41)

Ron and Alexandra Seigel
Napa Consultants - Carpinteria, CA
Luxury Real Estate Branding, Marketing & Strategy

Barbara,

Love the quote, it is so true.  Thanks for such an inspiring post, it brought tears to my eyes.  A

Nov 16, 2016 06:39 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

thanks, Ron and Alexandra Seigel (A).... that's my favorite quote and I think about it often....

Nov 16, 2016 06:42 AM
Sally K. & David L. Hanson
EXP Realty 414-525-0563 - Brookfield, WI
WI Real Estate Agents - Luxury - Divorce

LOVE that quote....lots to be grateful for....not only at Thanksgiving but every day....and friendship is at the top of our list...with people just like you...wait ...I think...it IS you !

Nov 16, 2016 08:05 PM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Thank you so much Sally K. & David L. Hanson (Sally).... you and David are very special to me..... 

Nov 16, 2016 08:08 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

I need to do some work on my personal exercising category.

Have an outstanding week.

Nov 16, 2016 10:31 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Barbara Todaro ,

Love the post and especially your quote. Its do true..thanks for sharing your thankfulness...its an impressive list!

Nov 17, 2016 09:40 PM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

You are such an inspiration and you definitely have your priorities in place properly my friend!!!

Nov 17, 2016 09:52 PM
Joe Pryor
The Virtual Real Estate Team - Oklahoma City, OK
REALTOR® - Oklahoma Investment Properties

We have 5 core values we run our business by and also how we chose who we work with. Gratitude is our number one core value.

Nov 17, 2016 10:08 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

I cannot even imagine you being 300 pounds! You have a remarkable and very inspiring story.  LOVE the quote and your title!

Nov 17, 2016 10:15 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hi Barbara -- here's to those who march to different drummers here on ActiveRain and in life.   Strike up the band!

Nov 18, 2016 12:40 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

thanks so much, everyone, for your very kind comments....they're always appreciated.....

Nov 18, 2016 01:18 AM
Sussie Sutton
David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX
David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

WOW!  I love the quote! I needed to read that today. Thank you.

Nov 18, 2016 04:53 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Hi Sussie Sutton glad you liked it....

Nov 18, 2016 04:57 AM
Wayne Zuhl
Remax First Realty II - Cranford, NJ
The Last Name You'll Ever Need in Real Estate

This is a beautiful post, Barbara - you are a blessed woman indeed!

Nov 19, 2016 01:31 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Thank you, Wayne and Jean Marie Zuhl (Jean Marie)... I am, and I know It....and I never take it for granted!!!

Nov 19, 2016 02:36 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Barbara Todaro, I totally agree with the quote and it was actually used in one of my letters of the heart last year!  I'm so thrilled to read about your weight loss but, even more importantly is that you're maintaining with a regimented exercise program.  That is SUCH a huge accomplishment and certainly something to be proud of!

I love all of your list and agree - family is #1 in my book too!

Nov 19, 2016 05:19 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Thanks, Debe Maxwell I am maintaining while gaining lean muscle.... and family is always #1... 

Nov 19, 2016 05:28 AM
Debe Maxwell, CRS
Savvy + Company (704) 491-3310 - Charlotte, NC
The RIGHT CHARLOTTE REALTOR!

Yes, I would say 19% body would be a dream come true for anyone over the age of 25...ANYONE!!

Nov 19, 2016 05:36 AM
Barbara Todaro

thanks, Debe Maxwell I work very hard at that.... but I love what I do everyday...

Nov 20, 2016 06:44 AM
MichelleCherie Carr Crowe .Just Call. 408-252-8900
Get Results Team...Just Call (408) 252-8900! . DRE #00901962 . Licensed to Sell since 1985 . Altas Realty - San Jose, CA
Family Helping Families Buy & Sell Homes 40+ Years

I agree. Be thankful-feel happy. Feel happy-be thanksful.

P.S. Thanks for reading and commenting on my blog.

Nov 20, 2016 06:38 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

Michelle Carr-Crowe-Top 1% Diamond Certified Real Estate Team Sells Cupertino San Jose Homes-Just Call 408-252-8900 no need to thank me.... I enjoy reading your thoughts.... 

Nov 20, 2016 06:45 AM