A Reason, A Season, A Lifetime
I’ve always been a believer that people come into, and leave from our lives for a reason. Last year I posted a blog about the closing of a Chapter (click here to read). It really was a goodbye to my Group 46:10 family, a new season was starting.
By no means have any of my Group 46:10 family left my life. I’m quite grateful and blessed that I still get to see my boys often, and have an occasional lunch with my Group 46:10 kids. I learned so much from each of those people, and as I have said before, I know beyond the shadow of a doubt they impacted my life in ways I could never even describe. In January a new season started, and new reasons arose. New people came into my life, and some people I had to let go of. This is the natural order of life in my opinion. God brings different people into our lives at the times we need them. Sometimes those people are taken out of our lives, also for a reason.
I am very blessed, in that so many people have come into my life this year. While I already knew many of the people, some became more influential, some became closer friends, some became family. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I would just like to take a moment to mention some of these “new” people. Some who I work with, some who I have met through school. All who have truly touched my life this year.
First and foremost, Mark McIntyre. You were thrown into a funky situation this year when your team dynamic changed and I offered up my services to you. You didn’t blink an eye, you made me a member of your team without me officially being a member of your team. You fully trust my abilities and more than anything have become so much more than a friend. I’m grateful that beyond support my schooling, that you have faith in my abilities as a Transaction Manager, that you had complete faith that I could take over Short Sale Negotiations, that you and I are so on the same page, that you actually enjoy hearing what I learned in class, that you took the time to come to my family birthday dinner this year, that you let me vent, and let me cry and mostly for our heart hugs. I love you, and am SO beyond grateful for you in so many ways.
Mr. Bob O, I am so grateful that you keep me so busy. I’m grateful that you prefer to talk on the phone rather than text, that you became an Apple junkie like 24 hours, that you share what you learn in iPad classes, that you trust in my abilities, that we laugh together ALOT, and that you know and accept that your transactions are going to be trouble…and that you hopefully know they are trouble because someone, somewhere knows you can handle it, and provide the absolute best customer service to your clients.
Josh Gaymen, I adore you! I’m grateful that we have had the opportunity to get to know each other, and that we are so like-minded. I’m grateful that you see the value in what I do, I’m grateful for your spirit, and I’m grateful that you are an amazing Dad and that your family comes first. Don’t ever let that change.
Jaci Mitchell, I’m grateful that we complete each other. No really we do, since you started we have finished each other’s sentences. Your attitude is amazing and I love you more than I thought I could. Pam, I’m grateful that you came to our office. I’m grateful for your smile and for allowing me to be a giant pain in the bum as often as I can. 
(It’s a two-way street after all). Amanda, I’m so beyond grateful for your attitude. You are always smiling and you light up a room. Mike Menefee, I’m grateful you finally gave in. Oskar J, I’m grateful you gave in too, but I think I’m more grateful for the hugs you give me every time you are in the office. Ms. Uzi, I’m grateful that you and I are so like-minded and that we’re going to run for office together.
A few people I have met in school…. Ann, Krysten and Jerica, you truly inspire me to be a better person. Billie, I’m so happy to have you as a partner in a few classes. I love chatting with you. Cody, I’m grateful for you for so many reasons. We don’t talk a lot, but you remind me of what it’s like to be young, most importantly your vulnerability and your spirit warm my heart. You have such an amazing soul I can’t even put it into words.
I’m not trying to leave people out. These are just some of the people who have entered into my life this season and who have already left a mark on my heart. I’m truly grateful for every single person in my life. I’m grateful still to Kevin & Fred for teaching me the short sale business, for helping me to grow as a person, for continuing to support me and praying for me when I need it most, and for loving me. I have said it before, I would where I am today if I hadn’t met you boys. To all of my other friends, who mean so much to me, I hope you know who you are. I’m beyond grateful for each and every one of you. My sisters, I can’t even go there, I believe you know how much you mean to me, and that I would be nothing without you both. And to the people who have left, or have been removed from my life this year…thank you for having been in my life, and helping me to learn the lessons that I needed to learn at the time.
We often remember to be grateful for the “things”. Things can be replaced, people can’t. Don’t ever take them for granted. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!! Thank you for your support, thank you for reading my blog.
People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do.
When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong -doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part of my life
Another Chapter Ending
Well, another year and another of chapter of my life is coming to an end.
After much thought and contemplation I chose to give my notice on Tuesday, and December 30th will be the last day of my job. I have to use the word “job” very lightly, because for the past 2 1/2 years it has been so much more than a job for me.
Almost three years ago, I met two very amazing young men who had a vision. They, and their vision changed my life. I hate to use the word “job” to describe this experience that I have had, because it has been just that, an experience. Sure, it paid the bills, but in reality it did so much more than that for me. For the first time in a very long time I felt like I was doing something important, helping two men start their business, and helping people out of some very hard situations in having to short sell their home. Then they became my family, they became my brothers. Then we grew, and my family grew. I have had the privilege to share a large percentage of my life for the past 2 1/2 years with the most amazing people. Kevin and Fred have had an indescribable impact on my life and the only thing I can say is that I love them more than I thought I could. But its not just Kevin and Fred, but the people who joined us throughout the years.
Brian was my baby brother, and watching him grow in his music career has made me beyond proud. Jamie, well, Jamie is my mini me, and I love her more and more every day. Stephanie had the opportunity to start her career in the field she loves and she surprises me daily. Andrew, though he has moved on to other things, is wise beyond his years and I miss our philosophical discussions. Every one on our sales team stepped out of their comfort zone and excelled, and I’m so proud. Keith and Angie, who became my brother and sister in-law. David was, is and always will be my sunshine. And though I have said it before, I will forever wish God made more people like him.
Then there are the other people in the Keller Williams Arizona Realty office, who although not on my team have had an amazing impact on my life. Steph, who has often been my sounding board. Kathie B. who I share a great spiritual bond with. Kathy C, who lights up my day as soon as I see her absolutely amazing smile. Bob S. who takes my breath away every time I see his beautiful blue eyes. Mac, who I have had some amazing conversations with, and who is one of the few people I am on the same level with spiritually and politically. Jessica, who is freakin amazing, and a blast to be with, and who I have so much in common with. Betty, who shares my love of baking. Bret, who chose to push through and make it in Real Estate. Eliot, who allows me to call him out on all his silliness and even appreciates it. Ted, who brings me back to the east coast every time he opens his mouth. Derrik, who gets me, and is one of the only people in the world who not only sees through me, but calls me out on my crap when few other people aren’t afraid to do that. Cameron, who has unknowingly taught me to let down my guard, who has quickly become one of my closest friends and who never fails to make me laugh. I could never every express to each and every one of you how much I absolutely LOVE and appreciate you. And everyone else in that office, who I have built amazing bonds with, which I will never let go of.
I am truly blessed. Blessed by the things that I have learned, by the people who have come into my life, and by the experiences I have had.
While I thought I would be there forever, and while it was one of the hardest things I have ever done in my adult life, I do know that it is just the end of another chapter, and that a new one is about to begin.
This is a bitter-sweet time, filled with sadness, anxiety, stress, excitement, joy and anticipation of what is next.
This book I call my life has been everything from scary to fun, happy to sad, tragic to comedic, and aside from the loss of my mother, I wouldn’t take any of it back. I am who I am because of, the experiences and the “mistakes”, the people who have come and gone, and each and every one of the chapters. As I turn the page on this on this one, I can only pray that I have had just a little impact on the lives of all of the people who have so deeply touched and impacted me.
You say it’s your birthday….It’s MY Birthday too!
I’m long overdue for a blog, so I figured today would be a great day to post one.
Today am turned 33 years old, nope, I’m not ashamed, I’m getting older and I’m completely okay with it. Sure I miss some of the old days, when some parts of life were a little easier, and of course I miss the times when my Mother was here. But I’m not one of those people who is ashamed of getting older, or freaking out about it. (Except, of course for the increased number of wrinkles, and gray hairs.)
I have come to realize how my life changes every year. Each year I learn new things, meet new and amazing people, strengthen relationships and grow. How can anyone complain about that?
33 kicked off on Thursday with lunch at Fogo De Chao in Austin, with Kevin & Fred, and it’s still going. Last night was absolutely amazing, with some great friends who love me unconditionally, something I am beyond grateful for. Tonight, I will celebrate with my sister and some friends, and top of the weekend with breakfast with my sisters and my dad. The year can only get better from here. I started school, and am loving it, and I see so much growth opportunity ahead of me. 33 is going to be GREAT!
I think it’s important on birthdays, to be little extra grateful. Grateful to have been thought of by God, and brought to life by your parents. Today I am grateful for SO many things. I am grateful to God for deciding to be bring my soul to earth, and provide me with the best Mother I could ask for, as well as sisters that I would give my life for. I am grateful that my Dad was brought into my life at the age of 5, and loved me through everything. I’m grateful for the friends I have made along the way, especially all those who were brought into my life in the last few years since my Mother died. I often say it, and I wonder if anyone truly knows how true it is, that had I never met Kevin and Fred, I’m not sure that I would be here. They opened my eyes to possibilities in life that I had given up on after my Mom died, that is how I know she had a hand in bringing them to me. There are way too many people to name, but I know they know who they are…they are the only ones I have ever said “I love you” to.
Most importantly I look up to the sky and thank my Mother for bringing me into this world. For giving me all the love she had to give, and some. For protecting me from the things I needed protecting from, and for exposing me to the things I needed to experience in order to grow as a person. I thank her for showing me what unconditional love looks like, and for teaching me how to respect people, and accept people. For risking her life multiple times, just to give me a better one. I love and miss you so much my beautiful Mother.
So yeah, I guess that’s about it. Stop looking at the number of your age, and look at what you have experienced, and accomplished in your life….and the things that you still have left to experience. Be grateful every day for the life you have, and the people in it, because you never know when it’s going to be taken from you.
With gratitude to everyone who has impacted my life in one way or another……and Happy Birthday to me!
Stop Worrying About Everyone Else and Worry about Yourself
I have to say that I am truly blessed to be surrounded and supported by some very amazing people. There are very few people in this world who are not afraid to call me out on my crap, this is the quality I think I cherish most in both Kevin & Fred (they’re my “bosses”, if you didn’t already know that).
Every week we have an accountability meeting, in which we discuss not only my job goals, but my personal and personal financial as well. I decided to take an item off my personal goals because I didn’t feel like I had time to really dedicate the time to doing it, even though I feel it is something that I need to do, and would benefit tremendously from.
Well, of course they both questioned me as to why I took it off, and I was asked if rather than stop doing it completely, wouldn’t it be more beneficial to at least do it part of the way. Of course I made my excuses as to why that wouldn’t work, and OF COURSE, they called me out on it. Said I don’t finish anything I start (for myself). This is SO true, I don’t. In fact I was thinking about it the other night, actually I think about it quite often. Aside from career goals, I have not completed many of the things I have set out to do over the course of my life. I beat myself up about that one constantly, and in my conversation with Kevin & Fred a lot of it became clear for me.
I have a habit of putting other people before myself, I always have been that way. Kevin opened my eyes by sharing with me something Rick Geha said at a class last week, basically stating that by not taking care of myself, how can I really take care of and give to others….. Wow, that’s deep stuff. Wait it gets so much better… He went on to say that if I want children, do I really want to teach them that other people’s needs are more important than their own, because despite what we tell our kids, they do as we do. No for me that was an EXTREMELY smart tactic, knowing how much I want children. (Those guys know me too well!) It also really made me think about my Mom, that’s the person she was, her whole entire life she always put other people before herself, even though she used to say “Stop worrying about everyone else, and worry about yourself.” I truly am I my mother’s daughter, which by the way I couldn’t be prouder of. But as much as I thought I had broken most of the bad cycles I grew up with, this is one that I had never considered.
So, needless to say the spiritual/self development goal that I had taken off my goal sheet is of course back on. I could never begin to describe how grateful I am to have Kevin and Fred in my life, who always force me to see another side of things, and get out of my own way. I’m blessed to have two people who want better things for me than I want for myself.
That being said, how many times have you given up on a goal or dream because someone else’s was more important? If that person really cares about you, do you think that is truly what they would want for you? Better yet, why do we so often see ourselves as less important that those around us? Chances are, they don’t think we are less important.
I believe it’s true that if we don’t take care of ourselves, we can’t truly give of ourselves to others. So who are we hurting and/or helping by treating ourselves poorly?
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