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Appreciation....

By
Real Estate Attorney

Every morning I get out of bed, grab my cup of coffee and head outside to take Chloe, my two year old miniature schnauzer, for a walk.  I used to look at this as a chore, something that I had to deal with, put up with, because it had to get done and no one else was going to do it.  I'd get out the door and start egging her on to get 'her job' done so we could get back home to tackle other chores, deal with family or start working.  The main goal was to get this done quickly.

Recently, however, I have really been enjoying this morning alone time.... and have come to appreciate this 'thinking' time.  I look at it, as well as other areas of life, differently than I have in the past... appreciating everything I have now and appreciating everything that has passed through my life. 

I tend to think alot during this time, mostly about the past, the present and the future... although... songs tend to pop into my head pretty often as well.  Those are the times I tend to get strange looks from passer bys as I sway to the beat in my head.

I think about the past.  The people and places that have come into my life.  The moments that have helped to create the person I am.  The memories make me smile and help to bring a calm inside of me knowing that they were real... knowing that they helped to bring me where I am now... knowing that as long as they stay inside of me, they will never be lost.... never be forgotten.  As John Lennon said, 'In my life, I've loved them all'.

I think about the present... the now.  I look at the sky, the trees, the road under my feet, the houses... I close my eyes (briefly... don't want to walk into poles!) and I breath in the air, taking in the smell of morning as I put my face up towards the sun... or rain... and feel them on my skin.  And I listen to the sounds... the distant highway with so many people going places to do things, the birds chirping, the trees rustling in the wind.  I think to myself, "what a wonderful world".

I think about the future.  What does it have in store? I think about how through appreciation of the past and of the now.... the  future is wide open.  Through belief of what I can accomplish and belief in the world around me, I will get to where my desires and dreams are.  I appreciate... and I believe...

And then Chloe does her job....

Comments(10)

Andrew Mooers | 207.532.6573
MOOERS REALTY - Houlton, ME
Northern Maine Real Estate-Aroostook County Broker

I came in to see the dog. And read the post. These little guys are way way too smart and very good dogs. Had one and would buy, adopt another.

Aug 01, 2010 03:24 AM
Mary Kay Hopkins
Mary Kay Hopkins, LLC e-PRO, GRI, CRS, CRB - Lake Charles, LA
e-PRO,GRI,CRS

Martin, what a reflective and relaxing post. Besides being glad to not be rushed, I wonder what Chloe is thinking/singing?

Aug 01, 2010 03:25 AM
Michael Ford
Coldwell Banker Heritage Homes - Marion, AR
Matching Families with Homes

Martin great post.  I have that same time with my 14 year old long hair dashhound and it is one of my favorite times of the day.

Aug 01, 2010 03:26 AM
Virginia Vanini, GRI,AHWD
Carey and Guarrera Real Estate - Shelton, CT

Martin, 

This is an absolutely beautiful post and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your incredible attitude! And the adorable picture. :)  "In the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. "

Aug 01, 2010 03:28 AM
M A
Boston, MA

Andrew - She is a great dog!

Mary - Thanks.  She is thinking... "is this food?  is this food?  is this food?  is this food?"

Michael - Thanks.  It is definitely one of my favorite times of day.

Virginia - Thanks.  Great quote!  I hope you don't mind that I stole it for FB.  :-)

Aug 01, 2010 07:38 AM
Cindy Jones
Integrity Real Estate Group - Woodbridge, VA
Pentagon, Fort Belvoir & Quantico Real Estate News

Martin-hopefully you pick up after Chloe when she is done :-)  Unfortunately I don't have the advantage of a dog to get me out and going in the morning.  Recently the stress of real estate means I find myself burying my head under the covers and wondering if it wouldn't be better just to stay in bed.

Aug 02, 2010 01:59 AM
Mesa, Arizona Real Estate Mesa Arizona Realtor
Homes Arizona Real Estate LLC - Mesa, AZ
AzLadyInRed

So Martin, you sound as if you're a bit reflective these days? It's been forever since I've seen you around. Maybe you're like I am, and have gotten out of the habit of writing every day, but I'm certainly glad you are back and stopping by to share. ;-)

Aug 02, 2010 04:14 AM
M A
Boston, MA

Cindy - ALWAYS pick up!!!  And there have been so many mornings, especially recently, that I'd love to stay buried under the covers.  Chloe will have none of that!

Teri - Very reflective.  Hoping to stay a bit more active in the rain... it helps my soul to write and comment.  :-)

Aug 02, 2010 04:35 AM
Steve and Jan Bachman
RE/MAX Gateway, Reston, Herndon, Ashburn, Sterling, Fairfax - Herndon, VA
Realtors - Northern Virginia

You are an interesting writer Martin. I subscribed. Dogs are the remedy and anesthesia for most of what ails me. Penny learns what it means to be a good dog.

Aug 02, 2010 10:28 AM
Ginger S
Wilkinson & Associates, Wilmington NC - Wilmington, NC
Wilmington NC Real Estate & Relocation~

Martin, Its great to se you & your adorable Chloe on the Rain! Love your post~What joy having a furry friend brings us, huh!

Aug 03, 2010 03:14 PM