This year, for Christmas I am reflecting on the year past, as I always do. I am looking at my successes, as well as my failures. After all, we learn from our mistakes, not from our successes. It is from those that we must adapt our way of doing things, so as not to follow a negative pattern. We must move forward and leave those mistakes behind.
This year has been a trying year, full of many ups and downs. This is one of those years that at one point I felt as if I was being 'tested' to see how much I could endure. Our family has faced terminal illness, long term marital breakup and struggling economic times (as so many other families have).
We have learned to adapt, adjust, have grown stronger and learned to stand taller. For every downside, there is an upside. For every negative there is a positive.
ATTITUDE IS EVERYTHING DURING THE DOWN TIMES!
We must remain focused on the bright light at the end of the tunnel, to get through trying times. We must look at the big picture and not get stuck on the little things that mean nothing.
Because, sometimes life gets in the way of living.
It is through the difficult times that we can find ourselves easily pulling away from each other. But, we must realize that during these times we need each other more than ever. Our families have been there for us, with us, and beside us through thick and thin and they always will be.
I am so blessed with a family where we can share our strength and be each other's support systems.
When one of us has lost our focus and fallen, at one time or another, we have learned to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and move ahead without looking back, with the help of the family.
We must remember to "Bloom Where You Are Planted."
So, for all of you on this holiday season, I wish you and your family all the best.
And remember, when the going gets tough, the tough get going.
"Merry Christmas to All and to All A Good Night"
This article is authored by Sandy Shores, Melbourne FL REALTOR.
South Brevard County, Florida Space Coast.
that for you
A very beautiful post! You have the right attitude to stare this financial crisis in the face and WIN!!!
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Thanks for sharing your perspective. I agree that we are all blessed to be in a position to help others get where they need to be!
Hi Caren, Thanks Caren for stopping by and have a beautiful holiday!
Hi Vickie, How are you? We are very blessed to be able to help others move forward. I wish you and yours a perfect Christmas.
Each day is a chance to reflect on God's love and the grace in our lives. The holiday season is always filled with the promise that God has not abandoned us. I pray you and Christmas season, and the coming New Year be filled with God's blessings, good health, and prosperity.
Hi Jim, Thank you for such a heartfelt blessing here at Christmastime. God bless you and your family at this magical time of year.
Merry Christmas and a truly Happy New Year, too! We do have to focus on the good things in our lives. It's what we do as Realtors. We have to stay focused and...in all my 30+ years in this business, the resounding phrase...'everyday I wake up, I'm unemployed'...keeps me going! Not in a negative way but, in a motivating way...a way that makes me realize how many choices I have...how many paths I can take...how my life is in my own hands! It's a great time of year for us..a time to begin a new year of adventure and change. So much has changed in our industry over my years! It's a wonderful time to be in this business. I can read between your lines and see that you will be more successful this year than ever...what insight you have, what compassion, what beauty...you're a real pro. Bless you..always, Robin
Wow Robin, I think that you are the one that should have written this article - maybe you should write one just like what you have just like the comment you have just written. It speaks volumes about who you are and the industry as a whole. Beautiful and so full of positive attitudes, insight and inspiration. It is you...my dear...that is the real pro! Have a wonderful holiday and looking forward to reading this post on your blog in the near future. I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! You are special!
Sandy, I think that's why I make it a habit to read your post everyday. If it isn't new, I read it anyway and still get a lot out of it. Thank-you again and from my family to yours, Merry Christmas!!!
Hi Paul, I feel blessed that you are my friend here on AR. I think your blog is exceptional. I find myself also reading it daily. I love your insight and viewpoints. You always share the greatest stories. Thanks for being you and thanks for being a part of my life!
Good morning Sandy! Once again you have written words of wisdom, words that lift us all up, and your words always are very thought provoking! You have a gift - Thank you so much for sharing it! I am so glad to have found you in this huge community! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day ( I know you will!)
Hi Miss Mary, I love hearing from you at this time of year and always. I am so blessed that you are in my life. I love reading your blog and feel so fortunate that you are here sharing mine with me. Have a wonderful holiday. You're the best!
Sandy, you do have a gift, thanks so much for sharing it so freely, you are an encourager!!!
Hi Steve, Thank you for the gracious compliment. I think that it's important to be honest and just be who we are. Maybe, sometimes we are in a position to reach out and touch someone else's life. Thank you for stopping by and have a Merry Christmas.
Sandy - I always enjoy your upbeat posts. May the New Year be so good to you and yours. Merry Christmas!
Hey Sandy....glad to see you are one of the down to earth people in this world. Most just don't have it in perspective. I love your quote, "bloom where you are planted". I'm glad to have you as a friend:) Have a merry & a safe!
Hi Fred, I love hearing that you from you. I think that you do an incredible job here on AR keeping consumer, lenders and realtors abreast of what is going on the lending world. I love reading your blog and I love your great sense of humor and your jokes. You are a truly special person. Thanks for being here and thanks for being you.
Hey Colleen, my Florida neighbor... so great to have you here and have you as my friend. I love your visits and I like to check in and see what's going on in your neck of the woods. What a great compliment - that I am one of the down to earth people in this world - I think it is so important to always remain true to yourself - I think that's so important. Thanks for your support here on my blog - I love hearing from you. When I sit at my desk in my home office I see my sign that says, Bloom Where You are Planted. I love it too. Take care, friend and have a wonderful Christmas.
Sandy,
What a great post! I know attitude is everything.... I am trying to bloom where I was planted.
Ann
Hi Ann, I agree that attitude is everything! Good job and stay focused. I hope that you are doing well!
Sandy,
I am doing pretty well considering the holidays and the weather here in Missouri...Just blink your eyes and it will change.
Ann
Hey Ann, Well, looking forward to a new year, a new beginning, and putting the tough year behind you. I'll be in touch!
Sandy,
Thank you. I wish the best year for you also...
Ann