I have to admit it; these past few months have been very trying. The house values are tumbling, foreclosures are rising, more and more people are losing their jobs -- the picture is bleak. I have let it get to me. I lost my drive, I stopped posting to my blogs, I stopped prospecting, I haven't taken floor duty, and more than once I thought about giving up my license.
My mind went "out of business." I was tired of hearing the ads stating "it's a great time to buy a home." Even though it is a great time to buy a home, there are a lot of people hurting and they can't buy a home. Those people probably hear the ads saying, "Hey, you are going to miss out on another great opportunity - too bad." And what about the people on the brink of foreclosure being told over and over again, "You had the American dream but now, not so much?"
Then something happened as I started to reflect on the New Year to come. I saw how much I was being affected by the gloomy forecasts when I have so much to be thankful for; I have two beautiful children, a wonderful family, good friends, and good health. And even more I have hope.
I know things are not going to get better over night. Unfortunately we are in this for the long haul. But I have the power to do so much more. And so do all of you.
Now is the time to get involved in something we are truly passionate about. Now is the time to LEARN - there are so many things to learn about. We can't sit by and just watch things happen. We have to understand the events, understand the history of the events and look for and learn about innovative ways to change the "determined course of action."
I have been truly shocked by the lack of knowledge my peers have about the events of the past couple months. And what surprises me more is the willingness of my peers (and sometimes me) to sit back, watch the events and complain instead of taking action. It seems we are all sitting back and waiting for the miracle cure. That is not how our country's founding fathers worked and neither should we.
We cannot afford to wait around and let the chips fall where they may. Take action, educate yourselves on what is truly happening in this country and take a stand.
So although I have been "out of the business" mentally my fresh start, my new outlook for the New Year is to take control of what I have control over. I will go beyond the routine and invest in myself and my future on both a personal and professional level.
I've received that "kick in the pants" and I look forward to a bright year full of opportunities.
May all of you have a happy, blessed and prosperous 2009.
Interested in buying or selling a home in northeast Lake County Florida, including Eustis, Mount Dora, Howey-in-the-Hills, Tavares and Sorrento contact JoEllen E. Stranger-Thorsen, REALTOR® for all your real estate needs. Visit my website.
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