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Maybe you need an "attitude adjustment!"

By
Real Estate Agent with Pine Knoll Shores Realty 252-422-9000 NC 166249

Maybe you need an "attitude adjustment!"

I did. I have always thought of myself as a positive person with a totally optimistic attitude.  I think I'm expert at making lemonade from lemons and snow cream from snow.  I'm one of those glass half full people. HONEST!!

A recent string of frustrating events in my life turned me into a "whiny baby".  Suddenly I was throwing a "pity party" every day.  I ignored my gratitude journal and made sure everybody around me knew what unfair things were going on in my life.  The new level of activity in our office with showings, listings and closings became more fodder for complaints instead of the source of rejoicing it should be. 

At home my husband's surgery meant that I had to take over his duties along with mine and be a caregiver to boot.  He was impossibly needy!  This entire surgery was the result of his own immaturity.  Imagine hang gliding at 73!  Why should my life be put on hold for him?  Well, OK, I have always loved the fact that he's an adventuresome, exciting man who never lets age become an obstacle.  Forget the fact that he's nursed me through at least three times as many surgeries and illnesses as I have him and so what if he normally manages the house including the meal planning and cooking in order for me to be a successful REALTOR.  He's a pain in my---.

My friends and co-workers were no better.  They didn't even seem to want to take time to support me.  I don't think they even cared how hard my life was.  They seemed to think I should be thrilled to have all those buyers, sellers, new listings and closings. even thought I didn't have time to properly manage them.  What is wrong them?  My best friend was even late for a planned event with me one day.  Boy did I complain about that.  (How was I supposed to know she'd had a medical emergency?)           

Oh, and my family!  Talk about ingrates!  Amy often replied with sarcasm and sometimes "forgot" to return my calls.  Meredith (otherwise known as Pollyanna) even had the nerve to suggest that I be grateful for the increased business and Ted's recovery.  About now, I imagine my entire circle of collegues, family and friends were just about ready to give up on me. 


STOP!


Then a few days ago I read:

I AM TAKING 100% RESPONSIBILITY FOR MY LIFE by Cynda Rader (Keller Williams).

Cynda reminded me of who I really want to be.  I pulled out my dusty gratitude journal and began to write.  I had some catching up to do.  I didn't even bother to list the beautiful island where I live, my health, the beach...Those things could fill the journal all by themselves.  I listed: My wonderful husband, our health, my thriving (again) business, my active rain friends, second chances, my local friends, daughters who are strong enough to tell me when I'm being an ass negative, lemons and snow.  And now I have a new item to list in my gratitude journal.  Cynda Rader.  Thanks Cynda.


Comments (9)

Kathy Denworth
BHHS Keys Real Estate - Islamorada, FL
Realtor in the Florida Keys, Islamorada, Key Largo

Marian, it appears you have those three little ones to be grateful for. Another thing to remember is the fact that at 73, hubby is still around to drive you nuts.

Jan 23, 2011 02:40 AM
Gerry Michaels
Glasswork Media Arts - Gettysburg, PA
GettysburgGerry Social Meida

Marian, what a well written piece, and a nice commentary on the book, oh and BTW I have missed you here in the rain, welcome back and here take my umbrella...

Jan 23, 2011 02:43 AM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

One of the more overlooked benefits of ActiveRain membership is the balance we get when reading about the problems of others and being just plan glad that it isn't happening to you. 

 

Jan 23, 2011 02:44 AM
Amy Hahn
Pine Knoll Shores Realty - Morehead City, NC
Realtor/Broker - Crystal Coast, NC

I am a little confused...Me, Sarcastic?  Glad you have snapped out of this funk you've been in...Life is Good!

Jan 23, 2011 04:19 AM
Marian Goetzinger
Pine Knoll Shores Realty 252-422-9000 - Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Crystal Coast Real Estate NC

Kathy, you are so right.  I live in a largely retirement community and I'm one of the rare citizens who actually have my children and grandchildren nearby. What a blessing!  Definitely right at the top of my gratitude list every day.

Jan 23, 2011 06:01 AM
Marian Goetzinger
Pine Knoll Shores Realty 252-422-9000 - Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Crystal Coast Real Estate NC

Gerry, see, that's what I'm talking about.  My active Rain friends.  Always here for me and even willing to share umbrellas.  How blessed I am.

Jan 23, 2011 06:02 AM
Marian Goetzinger
Pine Knoll Shores Realty 252-422-9000 - Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Crystal Coast Real Estate NC

Lenn, You're right.  Misery truly does love company and we can always find somebody who has it rougher than we do.  I remember a writing that says "I complained because I had no shoes until I met a man with no feet."  So true.

Jan 23, 2011 06:03 AM
Marian Goetzinger
Pine Knoll Shores Realty 252-422-9000 - Pine Knoll Shores, NC
Crystal Coast Real Estate NC

Amy, I probably had you confused with someone else?  LIFE IS GOOD!

Jan 23, 2011 06:04 AM
Suesan Jenifer Therriault
JTHIS-Professional Home Inspection Team - Blakeslee, PA
"Inspecting every purchase as if it were my own".

Sometimes we need to back away from ourselves just to remember who we are and what’s really important. I think our friends and family here on AR afford us that. You’re post puts things in perspective. I walked away with the reassurance that although life can get hard, Life Is Good and we should always be thankful for what we have.

Jan 24, 2011 12:49 AM