WHY do YOU think we should be OPTIMISTIC about 2009??

Jon,

Thanks for the reality check.  To your point:

"So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy." - Romans 9:16

Jason,

Well tell that to the people losing their jobs (35,000 at B of A just a few weeks ago), losing their homes in unprecedented numbers, consumer's (real estate professionals included) being taxed and having their taxes given to banks who are purchasing other banks and giving their executives promotions, bonuses and raises. 

It's good to be positive. I am positive about my situation because I know my success is directly linked into how hard I work and my faith that my savior has it all under control...good thing too, because if I was in charge, there would be a whole lot of smiting going on.

I wish you success in 2009,

I know everyone is saying why your optimism is not realistic, but even if these are small, minimal and seemingly unsignificant changes, they are baby steps to a better 2009 and 2019 and the years to come.  I say this again: Great post, great perspective, great energy! Thank you!

I too, think this is a great post, we have to look forward, and be positive.  Even if everything doesn't come together that easily, the first step is always the hardest.  Stay positive, stay focus and good thing WILL happen.

Thanks for the positive energy.  I'll use it.  But, let's not put blinders on to what's really happening and advise our clients as to what's really going on.

I share your optimism, but I'm not sure why!  We're surrounded by gloom on all fronts and I'm just seeing the sun under all those clouds.  I think we still have some pain ahead, but I'm trying to take care of my needs and grow my business, so I need to remain optimistic.

Thanks for the good vibes,

Kim

Jason,

Thank you for your uplifting words. I can tell that you are a very positive person.

I am very thabkful for all the great people that I have in my life including my husband of almost thirty-nine years, my two children and my three grandchildren.  We have all been blessed with good health.

2008 has been a pretty bad year financially, but after all, it's only money. If you lose money you can possibly get it back, if you lose your health, it is not so easy to get that back.

Here's wishing all of you Active Rainers a Healthy and a Prosperous New Year.

Hi Jason, Don't let the negatives pull you down.  I agree that there are many positive factors working toward making 2009 a great year for everyone.  And each of us is responsible for our own attitude.  We may not be able to control some of the major things happening in the world, but we can all control how we react to them.  I tend to think that being positive brings more positive things to you than looking at the downside.  Thanks for the nice post.

I agree with the positives and the counterpoints the other poster brought up.  On the whole, balance to the good.

Kathy, 

Keep that optimism in mind when the "Fairness Doctrine" act comes up for a vote again in the next congress.  It is anything but allowing freedom of speech. Then we'll see if we have to be looking over our shoulders.  Blogs with political opinions become targets of the legislation.

We just need to get the media to start focusing on the good things.  Maybe now that they can say the credit goes to someone else, they'll start.

Great positive thoughts!  I couldn't agree more with your predictions, and I hope you're right.