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The Hidden Blessings in this Crisis

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Cornerstone Business Group Inc 0225086119

 

The Hidden Blessings in this Crisis

There are many reasons to be concerned with the Covid-19 crisis our country is going through, but there are a lot of reasons to have hope. While the talking heads in Washington are trying to work out the details for solutions, think on these things:

  •         There is a new appreciation for the simple things. When was the last time you thought about toilet paper prior to the crisis? How about those smelly hand sanitizers? Today, they are golden. Our lives are full of simple things that we are too busy to even notice. Notice them.
  •         The whole concept of essential employees has been turned upside-down. Or, maybe it has been turned right-side up. When you’re driving down the interstate and complaining about the truckers, remember they are bringing much needed supplies to caregivers, food, medicines, and a host of other items that are being shipped to help solve this crisis. What about those warehouse workers? They’re getting those much-needed products into those big trucks to they can help you. The power company lineman is getting your power back up, so your kids won’t be afraid. That plumber is unclogging your potty from all that surplus toilet paper. The electrician that showed up at 9:00 pm is getting your lights back on so you can see your way through the house. That teenager came into the grocery store to be there so you can get those much-needed groceries. And course, that Dr., nurse, hospital janitor, security staff are there risking their own safety to help those who are sick or think they are sick. They’re on the front lines and they are essential. So is every American who is contributing to the economy and the recovery.
  •         You were just given a gift of time. You can finally get around to that “to-do” list. You can read that book you’ve been thinking about for years. You take that online continuing ed course. You can invest time in prayer and meditation. You can call friends, family and co-workers to encourage them during this time. You can send notes to those you want to inspire. You can plan the rest of your year, set new goals for your business and/or find a new inspiration in your quiet time.
  •         You can reconnect with God. Seek His plan for life that you’ve missed while you’ve been so busy trying to live your life. Read your Bible, have quiet time where He can speak to you and look back on the times where He has touched your life, but you missed it.
  •         You can reconnect with your spouse, your partner, your kids and your pets. You can have family meals. How cool would it be to start a new family tradition of family meals? Turn off the electronics, play a board game or create a fun family activity. Have the kids perform a production they create. Applaud, post video to Facebook. Teach the dog a trick.
  •         You can go through your stuff. What do you have that you don’t need or want? You can start to gather items to give away to charity. Clean out those closets, shelves and storage areas. There are riches in there that others can benefit from. Bless them with it.
  •         You can start an exercise program. With or without equipment, you can exercise. You can do it in your house, in your yard or on the street if you keep your distance. Six feet, six feet, six feet. Trying to keep six feet between you and the next shopper in the grocery store is a great workout.
  •         Binge watch that series you’ve wanted to watch for years and never made time for. Maybe two, or three series.
  •         You can write a book. If you’ve ever said, “I wish I had time to put my ideas into a book.” Yea! You’ve got time. Put those great ideas on paper. Before you know it, you’ll be finished, the pandemic will be over, and you’re be the next great thing in print. Ta-da! Life change.

You get it. There is plenty to complain about and there are a lot of reasons to be concerned. Don’t. There are just as many reasons to be hopeful. Use your time to improve your life. It’s a gift that most people never receive. The pandemic will be over before you know it and you will be able to have an even greater life.

Comments(22)

Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Mike, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Mar 25, 2020 11:43 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Mike-- I like to take the Pollyanna approach at times and this is one of them. Not to diminish what is going on and the toll it's taken on many lives, we have to focus on what we can do as an individual. 

Mar 25, 2020 07:07 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Mar 28, 2020 06:46 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Mike - the opportunity to do - to reflect - to create   are with us each day and yet "time" is often the reason why many are not achieved or even explored.  This is one such opportunity to truly move forth with so many aspects of opportunity. 

Mar 29, 2020 06:13 AM
Sheila Anderson
Referral Group Incorporated - East Brunswick, NJ
The Real Estate Whisperer Who Listens 732-715-1133

Good morning Mike. You have made a great case for finding the beauty in the chaos.

Mar 29, 2020 07:24 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Complaining does little good. There are many silver linings in this time. It's a wonderful time for reflection and positive change. D

Mar 29, 2020 07:38 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Yes, there are many things to be grateful for, and many opportunities to improve our future. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Mar 29, 2020 07:53 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I start each day, thinking about at least three things I am grateful for or appreciate. This morning returning from my walk I realized it was my coffee maker, so easy to set up and have ready for when I get back. Yes, there is much we can do right now which we never have time for.

Mar 29, 2020 08:04 AM
Mimi Foster
Falcon Property Company - Colorado Springs, CO
Voted Colorado Springs Best Realtor

I love this post, Mike. I have been doing most of these things (we don't really watch TV much). I have been so discouraged to talk to people who haven't moved from the couch in weeks. What a waste of time. Thanks for sharing some great ideas!

Mar 29, 2020 08:06 AM
Thomas J. Nelson, REALTOR ® e-Pro CRS RCS-D Vets
Big Block Realty 858.232.8722 - La Jolla, CA
CEO of Vision Drive Realty - Coastal San Diego

YES! Some great points:

  • the truckers, remember they are bringing much needed supplies to caregivers, food, medicines, and a host of other items that are being shipped to help solve this crisis. 
  • You were just given a gift of time. You can finally get around to that “to-do” list. (and all that you listed).
  •  You get it. There is plenty to complain about and there are a lot of reasons to be concerned. Don’t. There are just as many reasons to be hopeful. Use your time to improve your life. It’s a gift that most people never receive. The pandemic will be over before you know it and you will be able to have an even greater life. 
Mar 29, 2020 08:12 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Mike Cooper, GRI -  it really is important to be grateful for we have and how we all depend on each other.

Mar 29, 2020 11:24 AM
Tammy Lankford,
Lane Realty Eatonton, GA Lake Sinclair, Milledgeville, 706-485-9668 - Eatonton, GA
Broker GA Lake Sinclair/Eatonton/Milledgeville

silver linings.  We should always look for those kinds of blessings.  And I've LONG appreciated heros... my hurse daughter, my paramedic son in law, my law enforcement husband, coming from that life... I always appreciated people who serve us and are often forgotten.

Mar 29, 2020 08:38 PM
Gene Mundt, IL/WI Mortgage Originator - FHA/VA/Conv/Jumbo/Portfolio/Refi
NMLS #216987, IL Lic. 031.0006220, WI Licensed. APMC NMLS #175656 - New Lenox, IL
708.921.6331 - 40+ yrs experience

You're absolutely right, Mike Cooper, GRI ... I think it was summed up as "Count your Blessings" ...

Wonderful reminder to do just that ...

Gene

Mar 30, 2020 09:20 AM
Marte Cliff
Marte Cliff Copywriting - Priest River, ID
Your real estate writer

I love your attitude Mike. You are so right - there is much that people can do while "stuck" at home. My life hasn't changed much, because I work from home and only go to town every week or so for groceries.

Agents who want to continue working on their business have  much they can do as well - and that's the focus of my weekly newsletter for the next few weeks.

Thanks for mentioning the power linemen in those you are thankful for. My younger son is one of those souls who brave the elements to bring "power to the people" when things go wrong. Did you know that when a storm knocks out the power, those men work 40 hours before they get 6 hours off to rest? Then they go back to 18 hour days until everyone is energized.

Count your blessings. We all have much to be thankful for.

Mar 31, 2020 08:54 PM
Mary Hutchison, SRES, ABR
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate-Kansas City Homes - Kansas City, MO
Experienced Agent in Kansas City Metro area

I am enjoying checking in on past clients as I know they aren't busy!  And they do appreciate hearing from me, especially the ones that are self employed. I hear 'thanks for checking in on me' and I've even sent a few restaurant gift cards to them as well.

Apr 01, 2020 11:18 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Mike,
Like you, I am a silver linings person.  Besides binge watching TV, there are so many online learning opportunities... many of which are FREE. 

Apr 01, 2020 12:34 PM
Georgie Hunter R(S) 58089
Hawai'i Life Real Estate Brokers - Haiku, HI
Maui Real Estate sales and lifestyle info

These are all benefits to us who stay home.  The planet is enjoying a huge benefit from this as well, with cleaner skies!

Apr 01, 2020 04:20 PM
Margaret Goss
@Properties - Winnetka, IL
Chicago's North Shore & Winnetka Real Estate

I think we may end up looking back at this time somewhat fondly. Not the crisis itself or the loss of jobs. But the (forced) time to reflect.

Apr 02, 2020 07:25 AM
Francine Viola
Coldwell Banker Evergreen Olympic Realty, Olympia WA - Olympia, WA
REALTOR®, In Tune with your Real Estate Needs

I agree and I'm in your camp!  The good things that have come out of this for me are dusting off my home gym equipment and working out every day (I haven't worked out in years, which I'm horrified to admit) and I'm focusing on my creative writing, which also I'm horrified as I put that on the back burner for so many years.  Sometimes it takes someone or something to force us to get back to what is good for us.

Apr 02, 2020 10:41 AM
Diana Dahlberg
1 Month Realty - Pleasant Prairie, WI
Real Estate in Kenosha, WI since 1994 262-308-3563

Reading your blog today was a breath of fresh air!  I agree 100%!  My favorite take ...

You were just given a gift of time. You can finally get around to that “to-do” list. 

I am so thankful for this gift of time.

Apr 02, 2020 02:25 PM