2011 Lessons learned

2011 was not my favorite year to date, but I learned some valuable life lessons along the way. Thought I would share them with you:

 

• Always take care of your mental and physical health first. Without it, you cannot progress at all...
• speak loudly and clearly in a group. This will help establish you as a leader, and show you have the authority to speak on your subject matter.
• I need something, I cant find it. Case in point, I am trying a refinance right now, and had no clue where my 2009-2010 tax forms were, along with pay stubs, and just about everything else my broker asked for. It was awful.
• Do not forget to laugh. A couple of months ago, business was bad, I was broke, thinking of a sick parent, etc, when I realized my jaw hurt so bad I could barely sleep anymore. It was from clenching my teeth. I pulled out a few funny films, and was soon laughing again, releasing all of the pressure I let build up inside.
• Visit your doctor at least once a year, even if you feel fine. I wont go into details here, but both my wife and I are so very glad we did.
• Life is short, say 77 or 80 useful years.....so get out and enjoy some of it.
• Do not always believe blindly what you might see or hear.  It is always good to check your facts from at least three sources.
• learn something new every single day (Sundays Included) This will keep your mind sharp, and allow you more opportunity to engage others in conversation
• Try not to be prejudiced or judge others in any way. Those three fingers point right back to you.
• Do not text or use the phone for any reason while driving. I had a few close calls this year, and it made me realize that I cannot possibly be a safe driver while texting under any circumstances.
• Say I love you to the ones you really do love in your life. You never know when you will be stricken down, or lose a loved one....at any time.
• Remember "curb appeal" is not only good in selling a home, but in keeping your entire neighborhood from getting sloppy and messed up. The best instant gratification I got this year was cleaning, and keeping up my front yard.
• Try not to be afraid of things you cannot control. Earthquakes, windstorms, home invasion robbery are but just a few that pop into my head from time to time. I just learn that these are things I cannot control, even though I can minimize my exposure risks to these bad things.
• Try to do a random act of kindness as often as you can. You might be surprised at how good it makes you feel, and how much better the world would be if we all did it.
• Try to stay organized. I am the worst at this, and then when It brings your life into balance, refocuses attention on your wants and needs, and is an all around good thing to do.
• Lastly, make a conscious effort to greet everyone you see. A smile, or a hello on the elevator might just bring you unheard of surprise. It makes others feel good too.....this was my most valuable life asset in 2011.
• HAPPY NEW YEAR ALL! I REALLY WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST FOR 2012!

Dave Francis

General Manager

Shannon Escrow, Inc.