Long Sleeves or Short…..

One of the television channels I enjoy watching from time to time is PBS, especially the truly Special performances that are broadcast when it’s fund-raising time. The talent showcased is always breathtaking, and many of today’s most famous performers were featured for the first time on PBS.

Early in the Christmas Season, there was a concert scheduled by The (Canadian) Tenors. Debuting a selection of the pieces on the latest CD release, it was a wonderful program.  In reply to an out-of-town enquiry – “What would Dad like for Christmas?” – my reply was prompt. The CD titled “Lead With Your Heart”.

The lyrics and music sent tingles up my arms, and it’s played regularly. On this Sunday morning in early Spring, newspaper reports from the needy side of living are troubling. Recent accounts, and there are more than anyone will ever know, of mothers who – at their wits end – have prostituted themselves, and in some countries their girl children,  to put food on the table. There are many circumstances worldwide where the numbers of “haves” significantly outnumber the “have-nots”. And the disparity is growing.

It’s true that wearing one’s heart on one’s sleeve can be energizing, debilitating and/or too idealistic. While we cannot save the world, and generosity can begin in our own community, a change in one’s lifestyle can be altered with a single gust of unfortunate wind.  A “have” can become a have-not” in the blink of an eye!

I believe that we should each do our best for others, as I do in my profession as a REALTOR®.  Performing random acts of kindness also is a feel-good treat!  The alternatives are profound.

“Lead with your heart” whether you wear long sleeves or short!

“In Spring a Young Man’s Fancy turns to….(oops)”

The lure of “I want….” often leads us to perusing advertising features for homes, furnishings, boats, RV’s and cars. If our trusty vehicle doesn’t shine as brilliantly as others when parked next to a fleet of newer models, or if there are features we think are too desirable to ignore, consumers may be seen on Sundays driving around the dealership lots!

Then comes the test drive – if you’re enticed that far; and subsequently the calculations to run numbers. As a REALTOR®, the process of selling or buying is similar – and it’s important to do more than a drive by!

Most crucial is the decision to upgrade your status from a suspect to a prospect!

The process of making any lifestyle change is the same for all major investments.

I believe that added-value to the client is when the salesperson you are working with actually comments that “this may not be the best choice at this time” – keeping their focus on the benefit to the client rather than the transaction.

Keeping a clear head and making your decisions objective rather than subjective is essential. The “I wants” should be justified with common sense;  which some folks have more of than others!

For myself, my Honda Pilot runs like a top and perfectly suits my profession! It may not have a double-digit number after the 20_ _  , and not all of the bells and whistles either. The vehicle, like me, is trustworthy and reliable!

If what you have works and you don’t actually need what you’re yearning for, take the time to consider the options with careful consideration. In Spring, don’t let your fancy lead you to “oops!”.

Reshuffling The Deck...

Last week, feeling stymied and somewhat stale in my creative thinking, I sought the inspiration of a colleague whose expertise and counsel extends far beyond the realms of the real estate profession.

The everyday lives and lifestyle people have, see and feel all around them – whether desirable or not, are undeniably thought provoking. There are readily available analogies illustrating the significance of prioritizing tasks, making time for oneself to purely enjoy, and study concepts to improve mental imagery and visualize our goals.

Sometimes it’s a “one step forward, two steps back” feeling that we saddle ourselves with, the “how-to” is a repetitive series of trying, recognizing the required improvements, trying again -  and continuing to refine the process till all the bugs are out.  Sometimes others see us differently than we see ourselves, so for me another viewpoint was long overdue.

The man is a commendable listener, not only hearing the words but truly understanding the quandaries. My three usual choices of “yes”, “no”, and “maybe” were relegated to the floor - and replaced with “what if”, “could it be”, and “omigosh!” as my brain lit up. We’re all familiar with the expression “if you don’t ask, you won’t get” – so when you’re down and troubled ask for the gift of time from someone you respect and admire. It’s a big deal when you reshuffle the deck!