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The ABCs of Life: O

Reblogger Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside

As a long-time AR guidepost for many ActiveRain members, Carol Williams prepares her weekly offering -  Second Chance Saturday  for all of us to read certain posts we may have missed. In fact, she has provided that weekly service to us for over seven year. Thanks - Carol!

For a change - here's a post of her own for us to review. Carol offers many wonderful thoughts for us to think about as we go through our days. 

13/365

Original content by Carol Williams

"The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees opportunity in every difficulty."   – Winston Churchill

Dear Michelle,

As I sit down to write to you, I’m reminded of two words that have shaped my life and have the power to shape your life in extraordinary ways: optimism and opportunity. These words can unlock doors you never knew existed and carry you through even the stormiest of days.

Optimism is not about ignoring the difficulties in life but rather choosing to focus on the possibilities within every situation. It’s about believing that even when things seem bleak, there is a brighter day ahead. You have an incredible strength within you, Michelle, a light that can shine even in the darkest moments. When you face challenges, let optimism guide your heart. It’s like a compass, always pointing you toward hope and resilience.

Think about a sunflower. No matter how tough the conditions, it instinctively turns its face toward the sun, seeking light and growth. That’s what optimism does for us. It keeps us looking up and moving forward.

Here’s another favorite quote of mine: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt.

Remember, optimism isn’t just about hoping for the best; it’s about believing in your ability to create it.

Opportunities often appear disguised as hard work, change, or even setbacks. Life rarely hands them to us neatly wrapped with a bow on top. Instead, they require courage and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone. Keep your eyes and heart open to the possibilities that surround you every day. Sometimes, the smallest chance can lead to the biggest transformations.

I’ve come to realize that opportunities don’t always present themselves when we expect them, but they arrive when we’re ready for them. Sometimes decisions are forced on us and sometimes it is our turn to make the decisions.

My journey through life seems tragic and complicated but I don't believe it is any more complicated than anyone else. It's just different. It all put me on the path that I was destined to walk.  The Aunt & Uncle my brother and I went to live with after our parents died had a son who lived in Wenatchee. Without going into all the details that is what led me to Wenatchee.

At the time, I couldn’t have known the profound impact it would have, but that single choice led me to meet your Grandpa Max and the life that led us on.

But this story isn’t just about me. My decision to move to Wenatchee not only changed my life but also created a ripple effect that extended to those around me, especially your Grandpa Max, but also the rest of the family, the friends I've met, and my clients who I so proudly served.

In the later years of his life, when your Grandpa Max needed someone to care for him, I was there. I don't even want to think about what would have happened to him if I hadn't been there to take care of him.  I know he would have been cared for in one way or another but I'm convinced I was the one that was meant to do that.  I truly believe, the love and devotion we shared weren’t just a result of chance... they were the result of a choice that carried ripples far beyond what I could have imagined at the time.

Life is full of these moments—like throwing a pebble into a still pond. The ripples from each decision we make stretch out in ways we can’t always predict, touching lives and creating connections we never saw coming. The key is to trust the process, knowing that every choice, big or small, has the potential to shape our lives and the lives of those we love in meaningful and unexpected ways. That's why it is so important to do the best we can to do the right thing and make smart decisions.

So, prepare yourself by learning, growing, and being willing to take a chance when you think it is the right thing to do. Even if it doesn’t work out exactly as planned, every opportunity teaches you something valuable and could lead to other opportunities you never imagined.

As you navigate life, remember this truth: Optimism helps you recognize opportunities, and opportunities allow you to practice optimism. They go hand in hand, like two sides of the same coin.

Michelle, you are capable of so much. Keep your heart full of hope, your eyes open to possibility, and your hands & heart ready to grasp the opportunities that come your way. The journey ahead may not always be easy, but with optimism and a readiness to embrace opportunity, I know you’ll achieve remarkable things.

With all my love,
Grandma Carol

P.S. Here’s another thought to keep close to your heart: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." – Philippians 4:13.

Never forget that you are never alone in your journey.

Carol Williams

"Information is FREE.
Knowledge, Experience & Integrity Are Priceless."

- Carol Williams

Retired: Real Estate Broker/Owner, Property Manager 
Coaching, goal setting, and marketing consultant

Active: Golf & Travel Blogger
"Golf isn't a sport. It's a lifestyle."
SeniorWomenGolfers.com
TopTeamCarol@gmail.com
 

Whatever You're Doing, Make It Fun!




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Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375
Atlanta Homes ODAT Realty - Love our Great City - Love our Clients! Buckhead - Midtown - Westside - Atlanta, GA
Concierge Service for Our Atlanta Sellers & Buyers

Carol Williams - 
Heard you had been under the weather but now headed home for further recovery. That's good news!
All the best - Lynn

Jan 13, 2025 09:54 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Lynn,

I live the series Carol Williams is doing with her letters to Michelle. Each one is full of such wonderful advice. This one on optimism and opportunity is really important for Michell to understand. I've read it but thank you for re-bogging such a great post. 

Jan 14, 2025 04:41 AM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Great job sharing Carols post, as she does so many Rainers. Thank you for the great information. Have a fantastic week!

 

Bill Salvatore, Realtor

Arizona Elite Properties

#AZVHV / Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans

Jan 14, 2025 05:03 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Lynn B. Friedman CRS Atlanta, GA 404-617-6375 I have been following the series of letters Carol has been writing, and they contain a lot of wisdom that is only acquired through maturing in life. 

Jan 14, 2025 05:24 AM