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December Challenge…Never Miss an Opportunity

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Home Stager

December Challenge…Never Miss an Opportunity



When I was just out of college, working and living on my own, I continued to go to our Sunday family lunches. There were times I missed them. I had chores to do, errands to run, and of course, my “me” time. 

One weekend before Thanksgiving, I thought about skipping the trip since I’d be there again for Thanksgiving and would see everyone anyway.

 

However, I decided to stop by for lunch. Everyone was there, and we all chatted and caught up on the week. 


I am forever thankful that I did not miss that Sunday lunch because it would be the last time I’d see my uncle (my mother’s younger brother)

 

He died suddenly the week of Thanksgiving. Our family was devastated. I wasn’t sure we’d ever be able to celebrate Thanksgiving again. 

 

As time passed, I continued to reflect on time and life. There are so many opportunities we miss in life because we tell ourselves we’ll call them tomorrow or see them in a few weeks. 

 

Life happens. There will be times when circumstances cause us to miss that golden opportunity.  But think twice if your only reason is  “I can see them another day.” 

 

 

When you are with someone, be engaged. BE PRESENT in the conversation. 

 

This Christmas, once I know everyone has filled their plates, I’m going to focus on spending quality time catching up with everyone. I’m usually too busy playing hostess.

 

As Larry and I get older, I make it a point to grab my purse and say, “I’m ready” if Larry wants to go somewhere. If my family wants to meet for dinner, I’m there. 

 

Time is both our friend and our nemesis. We cannot control what has or will happen.  And, the present is only loosely under our control. Choose what you do with it.



Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the Now the primary focus of your life.

Eckhart Tolle






This is my fourth entry in Who Are You & Your ‘Aha’ Moment - Self-discovery and Personal Growth” hosted by Lew Corcoran and Patricia Feager.

Posted by

Kathy Streib
Retired Home Stager
and Interior Redesign

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Comments(18)

Show All Comments Sort:
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

In general I totally agree about taking advantage of opportunities to be with our loved ones. That being said, I do sometimes say no to getting together with someone, not because I think there will be plenty of time to see them again, but because I've just got too many other things going on. It's all about balance. What's the most important thing at the moment to get done? That might mean that sometimes we miss that last time together. I think if we live our life in the now and focus on people when we're with them, we've already had a good last time if that makes sense.

 

Dec 23, 2025 04:35 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you Carol!

Dec 23, 2025 01:40 PM
Carol Williams

That does make sense, Kat Palmiotti 
Good point! 

Dec 23, 2025 08:15 AM
Kathy Streib

Kat Palmiotti It's hard to find the balance, especially when you're young, and all you know is work, party, and house chores! LOL   

Dec 23, 2025 06:54 PM
Dee Toohey
Innovative Realty Solutions Group - Longwood, FL
Broker, ABR, AHWD, CIPS, FMS, ePro

The past is gone. The future isn't here. All we have is the present....right here, right now!  Thanks for sharing. 

Merry Christmas to you, Kathy Streib 

Dec 23, 2025 04:45 AM
Kathy Streib

Dee Toohey Merry Christmas to you!  Our perspective changes throughout the years.

Dec 23, 2025 06:55 PM
GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Glad you did get to see your uncle for that last time, Aha moment for sure. Thanks for sharing. Happy Festivus to all! Bill

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

#AZVHV / Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans

Dec 23, 2025 04:45 AM
Kathy Streib

GilbertRealtor BillSalvatore I think about that every Thanksgiving. 

Dec 23, 2025 06:55 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Kathy. It only takes one event that can't be redone to "smack" the "aha" button and change the way you think about things. And after that you feel even worse when an event reminds you, you have forgotten. It's called life. Enjoy your day.

Dec 23, 2025 04:46 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Real Estate Broker

Good morning, Kathy... as I get older and older, I understand this better and better:

"Time is both our friend and our nemesis. We cannot control what has or will happen.  And, the present is only loosely under our control. Choose what you do with it."

Dec 23, 2025 04:58 AM
Patricia Feager
Referral Specialist - DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Licensed to April 2027

Kathy Streib - I completely understand. These types of life lessons are very difficult to cope with when there was a choice and didn't follow through. I experienced these too and I am sure others have too.

This is a great wake-up call to everyone and an excellent reminder for the ActiveRain Monthly Challenge - December 2025. Thank you for your participation. 

Dec 23, 2025 05:00 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

That certainly is an aha moment that makes us realize we should always make time for those we love the most, even if we aren't feeling up to it.

Dec 23, 2025 05:34 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Kathy, It’s not always easy to recognize an opportunity while it’s right in front of us!

Dec 23, 2025 06:41 AM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Pasadena And Southern California 818.516.4393

Hello Kathy - everyday life continues to provide ah ha moments.  These Eckhart Tolle words of wisdom capture them well.  

Dec 23, 2025 07:04 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

I am glad you listened to your gut and turned up. Whenever I think of someone, I usually text or give them a call and say I was just thinking about you. 

Dec 23, 2025 07:11 AM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

My mom is soon to be 95 years old. I text her a couple days a week and call her each Saturday. I now always wonder if this will be the last Saturday. I know it is coming, but our lives are so busy...you simply do not know when the last time will be.

Dec 23, 2025 07:52 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Retired Broker, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Kathy,
I got a little choked up here thinking about all the people I've lost over the years. Just this morning I saw an obit for a friend I wish I'd kept in better touch with. 

Dec 23, 2025 08:20 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Kathy and I still have a very special Uncle (91) and aunt (86) and I make it a point to call them twice a month.  I lost three aunts over the last 2 years, one 100, one 99 and the other one 98

Dec 23, 2025 09:30 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Kathy, I agree, if you get the opportunity to share a meal with friends and/or family, don't miss it, and BE PRESENT.

Dec 23, 2025 10:08 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kathy I was reminded of how quickly life can end with the passing of my brother in-law about a month ago.

Dec 23, 2025 12:19 PM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

Your post proves that everything can change in a day. Make the time for the things in life that are important!

Family is everything to me, Kathy. Solid friendships are valued as well. Thank God for FaceTime to bridge the distance with our children and the grands because travelling as much as I'd like is not feasible!

 

Dec 23, 2025 07:22 PM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

Kathy Streib   A most important message. Family first, as they won't always be there and especially the more seasoned as anything can happen.

Dec 24, 2025 08:48 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Your story hit with a quiet truth that stays with you, Kathy Streib, and I’m grateful you shared it. It’s a needed reminder to slow down, show up, and hold the moments that won’t come again anytime soon. Thanks for giving us something real to carry into the season 🙂

Dec 24, 2025 12:17 PM