June Challenge: Ask Not What AR Support Can Do for You

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 - Thankfully, ActiveRain has been the catalyst for effective communication and the proof has been evident by long-standing members (active agents or retirees) who have mutual respect and continue to interact professionally with one another. 

I appreciation that you have played a significant role in the success of ActiveRain.

Nina Hollander, Broker - Thank you.

Faith gives me the strength to handle the obstacles that come my way - that's how I learned to pivot. 

Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518 - I am thankful I've gotten to know you via ActiveRain. I do believe if we focus on Peace-Patience-Pivot greater peace opens the door to gain knowledge through faith. 

"The Lord will protect you from all harm. He will protect your life. The Lord will protect your coming and going both now and forever. (Psalm 12:1-8).

Timeless scriptures.... remind everyone that our attitudes and how we treat one another are what truly build a lasting foundation. Gwen, you are an inspiration to the the AR community. My earliest lessons in life began as a child playing on the see-saw. When I shared the playground equipment with others I trusted, I developed stronger ties to the kids in the playground. Each time I touched the ground, I felt a grounded. Yet when I got to soar on the board to the top, I felt freedom that enhanced my courage to know letting go, gave me an uplift. 

May you and your grandchildren serving our country be blessed. 

Wayne Martin - You wouldn't believe how many people I work with today were born and raised in Chicago. We the people, who grew up in an era where similar values, disciple, and family expectations were raised, in any city in the USA are the lucky ones!

I am so grateful for the phone call you placed to me. On that day, I realized how similar we were raised. Our conversation mapped out the city we were both familiar with since childhood! Although we attended different schools, what we learned about courtesy, respecting authorities, and pursuing good goals by constantly improving led to academic success! 

Our paths were no doubt different, but the foundation of our growth was the same. I think that's the beauty about ActiveRain. Rainers come into and out of our lives when we need them the most and out when time is up. And if we're really, really, really lucky - they come back to us here on AR or vicariously through spiritual rememberance of their time on earth.

ActiveRain not only builds friendship and/or networking opportunities, it touches our soul!

Patricia Feager - you certainly have a way with words and I agree with your conclusions. It makes me sad to see Chicago in its current state. It also is a petri dish of those things that need to change and soon. Something to ponder, as Michael Jacobs would say.  . 

Wayne Martin - Chicago has been in crises for much too long. This realization came to me like a lightening bolt that struck twice. As you may have surmised, I love to write. It started when I was a child sitting at the kitchen table while my mother made dinner. I was alone with my own thoughts with pencil and paper; she with pots, pans, and other kitchen utensils to make meals. 

During Covid time, I contacted the Newberry Library in Chicago. For as far back as I remembered, it was the place to go for Chicago history, including the schools, churches, buildings, and mostly the immigrant stories. For years I enjoyed reading their website. During the lockdowns, they offered Zoom sessions. I was thrilled, because I could never attend in person.

I was excited because they offered a presentation about Chicago History. I signed up and couldn't wait! But....I was never so angry and upset, until that day arrived Everything I heard about my neighborhood was false. They never mentioned the immigrants that settled in the communities. Instead, they said my neighborhood and it's surroundings were founded by the Hispanic Community. In other words, my ancestry and all the people who made Chicago great since my grandparents immigrated in the late 1800's was erased - vanished - without a trace of evidence stored at the library. 

I contacted them, and told them how I felt about their mistakes and was shunned and told that I was wrong. I never heard. back from them. Then, another time, I watched a documentary. The camera passed through my old neighborhood and I could still read the the names of the immigrant stores, faded but still visble - yet once again, where I grew up was all about the other culture and not the ones who established the schools, churches, or the people who lived there. 

Kat Palmiotti - those ripple effects are meant to keep us in touched with reality: In everything, do not do to another what you would not want done to you. Matthew 7:22. 

A good attitude towards others becomes an attitude of hope that can lead to true compassion, understanding, sound friendship, and effective social etiquette. 

Life is ever changing. Members of ActiveRain or any organization, particularly professional groups need to believe in the Mission and the objectives set forth by the original members that are carried on through the ages. 

Your comment was very important. Thank you.

Brian England - "Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs," applies to all types of organizations, like ActiveRain:

Physiological Needs
Safety
Love and Belonging
Esteem
Self-Actualization

We can all do better when it comes to improvements. That's what I love most about this Jnue 2026 Challenge hosted by Debe Maxwell, CRS and Lew Corcoran.

I concur with you "Those are definitely things that you can do to make ActiveRain a better place."

Roy Kelley - youe commitment to ActiveRain keeps us grounded and united.

Thank you. 

George Souto - When people don't feel a benefit or wanted on a site, they withdraw or leave and never come back. This site was never designed to foster negativity. The success of AR has been because when there is change, people pivot. When people get together on Zoom, Meet-Ups," or social interactions on this website, there is collaboration, effective communication, and skills learned that are needed to succeed in business. 

I remain thankful for our Leadership and to ActiveRain Member Support when it comes to Technology, problem solving, and making smart decisions. 

Patricia Feager... I don't even know what to say except thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your words mean more to me than you know.

One of the things I've always admired about you is that you see the best in people and encourage them to become even better. This challenge is a perfect example of that. You planted a seed that inspired all of us to stop looking at what we can receive from ActiveRain and start thinking about what we can give back. That's a gift.

If I've made any positive difference here over the years, it's because I've been surrounded by people like you who lead with kindness, integrity and generosity. ActiveRain has always been about relationships, and you've been one of the people quietly nurturing those relationships for years.

Thank you for your friendship, your encouragement and for believing in me. I'm grateful to be walking this journey alongside you... and I have a feeling your challenge will continue to inspire people long after June is over. ❤️

Debe Maxwell, CRS - I can't think of anyone else who has more heart and soul than you. Your presence on ActiveRain continues to change lives and has brought more people together than you realize! What I appreciate the most, is that your values don't change - you just keep getting better by influencing others to do the right thing. 

Whenever you post a blog, speak in person, or you are on Zoom, people are drawn to you. I am convinced your heart becomes alive and others sense your loving commitment to this AR Platform. Not only do you love fur babies - you love people! 

Without using a whip or pointing a finger, you command respect that creates a spontaneous and positive reaction. I have enjoyed learning from you when you weren't trying to teach or preach. Because of you, and so many other intellectuals on AR, I have been given the opportunity for personal growth and development that is almost limitless! 

It is so nice to have you around on ActiveRain. Your support goes a long way in making a difference. Like yourself, there are many others around AR to help us and encourage us to live our best life by sharing examples of how to get along with others in business and in our personal lives. 

Advocacy helps strengthen the AR Community. Snarky and harmful innuendoes written between the lines keeps people at bay. It's all about teamwork, which I learned from one of your older blog posts how valuable being part of a sports team helped shape you into taking leadership roles!

My hope is more members will implement some of their amazing ideas for change by remembering this AR Challenge - "Ask Not What AR Support Can Do For You, but Show Us What You Can Do for AR!"

Many thanks to you and Lew Corcoran for this June Challenge. Also, Debe, thank you for your heartfelt comment. I may have planted seeds, but you have helped this site to grow beyong expectations!

Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 - Thank you! I hope things are going well for you and your business too!

Hannah Williams - There are many wonderful spirits here on ActiveRain. You are always helpful! I always thought that if we lived in the same community, our lives as neighbors would never be dull or gray. 

You are a blessing!

What a journey you’ve had, Patricia Feager, and I love how openly you shared it. Your mix of grit, faith, and humor paints such a real picture of what this community can spark in a person, and I’m grateful you brought that energy into the conversation today. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you back in the mix when life gives you the space for it.

Lew Corcoran - the flip side of being active on ActiveRain is to be calm by doing the right thing. The day I joined ActiveRain, I just knew my life as a business owner would get better. And it did!!!

I soon became friends outside of my local sphere of influence. Outside of where I live in Texas, or lived in Illinois, or in Maine, I learned about cultural diversity beyond TX borders!!!

ActiveRain taught me to play on my strengths and to stay away from people that stab me in the back because they hold me back. My life goal is to get to Heaven and pay no attention to naysayers. I also learned the TX heat can get hot but H-E-L-L is forever hot - scorching hot! 

Faith, service, and community builds bridges. Subsequently it strengthens relationships and keeps us grounded on moral behavior. 

I look forward to getting back as a duo when time permits.

Liz and Bill Spear 

Bill - When people are cut from the same cloth, they pursue righteousness. That's something I've always known about you without knowing you directly. 

Your comment gave me pause to say thank you. 

Laura Cerrano - When it comes to doing the right thing, it's all for one and one for all. ActiveRain is a great place to learn and meet great people like yourself. 

Dorie Dillard Austin TX - People like you bring out the best in us. We've been virutal AR friends for a long time and never did I have any regrets. 

Cheers to your good health and positive attitude. May you be blessed.

 Jacki Tait, CLHMS - Being "Better not Bitter," is a wonderful attribute to have for being successful and happy. That's really good advice from you!

Reading scripture is a great way to make a positive impact on others, whether that includes daily business or personal decisions. Seeking peace doesn't have to be that complicated if we accpet the gift of peace through faith.

Thank you, Jacki! 

Patricia Feager  So good to hear from you! I have been thinking of you so much! 

I agree if we were in the same town we could certainly have some good times! Who knows one of these days I may get to Texas!

Debra Leisek - I'm so glad for your friendship in the RAIN! Who knows what the future holds! It would be nice - that's for sure!!!

Debra Leisek - I always enjoy hearing from you! Your photos and words from Alaska are never cold - always warm and comforting!!! Your presence on AR is always inspiring and warmly received. 

To successfuly sell real estate for as many years in Alaska as you have, where it is home to grizzly bears, moose, and wolverines makes you the bravest woman on AR I know!!! 

What makes you special is your caring nature, authenticity, and sincere curiousity about others. I'm too old to take a giant leap of faith and move to Alaska, but if I could, I would love to be your neighbor. 

Your gentle spirit is greatly appreciated. You always leave me "feeling better" too! 

Thank you!