Wow...amazing how I feel so relieved from just coloring those boxes in at the poll center in my neighborhood this morning! A misty kind of morning to fit well with the mystery of the anticipated outcome of our election process.
In the meantime, while all the hoo haaa was going on the last 21 months during the campaigning I was out there keeping the balance with my work and family life. In my mind, soul, heart and being I have come to learn that balance will always be key to my success in all areas of my life.
You see, I believe success starts from within and with that in mind I carried through this last year focusing on what I need to do to keep afloat in spirit and of course in my business. Last December we had curve balls flying from all directions. The year started with my family keeping a positive outlook. My husband kept telling me that we need not worry.
"Because good things happen to good people," he said. And he added, "And we're good people."
Let go of fear, worry, hypothetical situations and all that comes with the "what ifs" and just DO IT.
And we did.
- My business started slow the first half of the year but was steady.
- The last half a year has been grand and I am ending the year at a higher level than last year.
- My son finally got his VA approval for school and he is comfortably settled in to studying after a long two year process of once again establishing his residency here and getting ready to start school.
- My daughter is continuing at the same college after finally deciding that her dream is forensic science.
- My husband was settled in his new job two months after his company closed this past January nationwide...and he's happy.
- My dog Shadow is stable with her blood platelets at a normal level.
- Blogging on brought me half of my clients this year from my blog and my website (which by the way..is directly linked to ActiveRain for all I've learned to MAKE my website findable)
- My mom is going to be 81 years old come Januaryand 2008 at 80 years old was well spent! (still working, golfing, Las Vegas twice and more!)
- We made it through the second year of no smoking. So what if we put on an extra 10 pounds and can't get rid of it, right? January 13th will make two years after 30+ of smoking.
- I voted this morning and no matter what the outcome I will support our Mayor, our President and others that are chosen. Acceptance.
Don't you think that looking for all the positives around me helped?
Relief after the 'storm'.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
All rights reserved.
Sally, I love your attitude to embrace change, come to some level of acceptance with it, and seeing that with many things "this too shall pass." GREAT examples you used from this past year.
I am so glad this is all over as well. Now I wonder if our market will change.
ALOHA, Sally!
I'm sure you could have focused on the bad, but you chose not to. And just look at all the positive outcomes. You may have overlooked a blessing by dwelling on negatives. I heard a saying, probably from AR...It's not the cards that you are dealt, but how you play your hand!!
Sis - Between you and Mr. Woltal, the inspiration and attitude is fantastic. I'm collecting good energy with each and every post I read. Seems it's pretty much between the ears.
Sally, THANKS, I needed that!!! Easily forgotten, 'balance will always be key to my success in all areas of my life' sometimes it takes another person to remind us. Thanks again!
PS - Cute puppy! What flavor is she?
That's all very good! :) And I am happy for you.
I have made the mistake of letting my life get a little lopsided trying to keep other lives in balance. I am learning!
Sally - love the photo of your dog. Yes I believe in being positive brings positive things in your life. It sounds like you are on a great track!
I've had a pretty good year myself considering the situation so I can't complain...I'm sure you see by pushing forward you'll see better results later.
Sally,
Your blogs are alway so enjoyable to read and your attitude is great! Keep up the good work!
Sally, always looking at the positive -- that's the best way to go through life. My wife always says that I'm the eternal optimist and am always pretty happy. By the way, I share your first two and your last bullet points. Keep on smiling!
Sally Jo, I saw the pooch after the headline and had a second of worry- what an uplifting post. You deserve it, enjoy it, and...YAY.
Sally, congrats on a bright and cheery future! You're on a roll, like Warren Buffett would say, "find some wet snow and a long hill". You go girl!
Gary: Awww..you think along the same lines Gary :) I loved how it all turned out...by just the thought process :)
Tina: It will...sooner or later it will. In fact...shortly....just believe. :)
Yvette: Yum...love that....played my cards right (in my head :)
Lil Bro: You got it buddy! And from between the ears then the actions start. We can choose to react or act. :) One day we're going to meet.
Hey Sally, Glad to hear that everything is going well. Balance is always good...it's always frustrating when life is not in balance. Happens a lot lately. :)
Congrats on the 2 yrs not smoking! Awesome!
Scott: Shadow is my English Cocker Spaniel. She just got groomed last Wednesday. :)
Ruthman: Yup....it's when we neglect self that our lives become unbalanced ....good luck!
Sharon: Thanks....she is a doll :)
Sally, it sounds like to have ended up with having a great year. It is not always easy to stay balanced but it is the best way to live. A positive atitude will help make your life much blessed. Congratualtions of the two years of none smoking. I quit 28 years ago and I can tell you it is one of the best decisions you will have made.
Sally, you are always so inspirational to embrace the positive aspects of life....I forget you deal with problems like we all do. Congrats on all your achievements and best wishes for many more. :D
Sally - a charmed life for sure! 2009 is sure to be awesome for you as well!
Neal: You're so right....I took heed by watching you ...did you know that?
Thanks Michael!
Brian: I remember talking with you at the beginning of the year and yup....we've done well with our positive attitudes...don't ya think?
There were always be 'outside forces' swirling around us. Whether or not (and how) we perceive them is entirely up to us. Great to hear how well this year worked out for you. And Shadow is a very lucky puppy to be surrounded by so much positive energy!
Your statement "I voted this morning and no matter what the outcome I will support our Mayor, our President and others that are chosen. Acceptance." is so powerful. If only everyone felt that way!
Woo Hoo! You summarized your year and brought forth the positive and despite any fears or doubts you had, you overcame those and left us totally inspired with your totally positive approach. You have much to be grateful for and as you continue this quest to over come any new doubts,fears or obstacles, remember you and Gary did this with all your inner strength centered to the positive. No one could be more proud of you than I. Well done and you now have strengthened and enhanced your inner tools to be able seek whatever future goals you might dream. Positively Wonderful!
Congratulations on a wonderful year and a wonderful outlook on life as well. Shadow is a cutie. Who wouldn't be happy with such a sweet puppy to come home to? (and the rest of your family sounds nice as well!) :)
Sally, Your reaction to all those curve balls was to stay positive, I'm not surprised that all good things followed! And I'm thrilled to hear it, you deserve it.
Sally... it does start from within.... and glad that you last part of the year is very good. My first quarter was very slow... my 2nd and 3rd quarters where better than all of last year and my 4th quarter sucks... but in any any case, curve balls or not, I am just glad that this election was over. I was just so tired of the slanderous commercials that engulfed my tv daily...
Sally- as I've told you before....I am proud of you :)
Sally, "Celeste" Cheeseman (husband's name, k got it - inside joke)
This year was better than last eh? Do you attribute this to an increasee in homeownership in Hawaii? In other words, do you feel more people are moving to Hawaii to live and work there?
You are definetely an inspiration as to what's possible and i'm sure Active Rain has been a great part of that. Congratulations on all your success and thank you for motivating the rest of us to achieve your kind of success.
btw: on a side note, congratulations on your personal success to stop smoking and i'ts great to hear that your dog is doing better :)
Sincerely,
Active Castellum
What a nice way to summarize the year!
Sounds like things are going great and you are positive as usual!!!
your friend in Charlottesville!
Laurie: And the 'relief' was the voting...and then I waited. Poochie's fine...thanks. :)_
Darla: No matter what curve balls life hands us...the result will always rely on 'how we handle it'. :)
Steph: You have always managed to pull out from under all that is put in front of you....I have no doubt about your continued success.
Celeste - I'd have to say yes to that. You've had an incredible year so far. Keep those positive juices flowing.
Vickie: I'm sure it has benefit me...just gotta shed that 10 pounds :) Other than that...life is good.
Ann: I'm just like the next person....I'm not numb to those curve balls...just go through the feelings and move on. Otherwise, too much energy expended...to much time wasted.
Linda: It is definitely time to start planning!
John: those unforeseen situations are a part of life....I choose to not waste too much time and energy...shadow is a lovable doggie....but VERY teritorial!
Monika: They can find something else to nag about now :) I'll hang with the positive folk :)
William: I hug you!!! I surely will and of course dream of that day when I get over there to meet you. I hear the next NAR is in San Diego :) :)
Kelly: Thank you very much...it's the support we have for each other here is what makes this a successful place :)
Carole: Thanks Carole...and your success is through all your positive energy as well!
Jeff: We all have our good and mediocre months don't we? I too am happy it's over....the bashing will have to stop....until they find something else :)
Kathy: I know....this was more for ending the year by voting...it was a relief :)
Castle: I attribute it to my blogging and internet presence. The home ownership has decreased but prices are somewhat stable. We have also seen a bit of increase in foreclosures and the short sales look like they'll be coming to an end.....changing laws and such.
Thanks!
Charles: There has to be a silver lining....in order to start the new year on a good note :)
Jessica: If I didn't continue on after so many changes this year....I would be stagnant. Nothing in this world is constant....except change :)
I saw the election results from Louisiana last night. I am in New Orleans today and heading to Florida tomorrow.
Sally - You are a true inspiration to everyone who reads your posts. We all need to adapt to the changes that place in our lives and not let the negative things stand in our way. Your abiity to focus on the positive is clearly what put you on the path to such an outstanding year of success.
your posts are always enjoyable to read. you were a breath of fresh air this morning. thank you for your words and encouragement. life is good all the time, it is all in the way we view it.
Randy: Have fun Randy!
Donna: Thanks a bunch Donna! I'm sure your path is just as positive!
Benita: Wonderful! It's with inspirational and motivational posts that keep this platform alive!
Sally, I love, love, love this post. Ditto for me. At the beginning of the year I felt a little anxious but then rolled my eyes at myself thinking, you are so blessed and have such a wonderful life. So real estate is a little bumpy? Been there before. I have kept my blinders on and focused on my task and have made the same as last year, if I get all my contracts to closing by the end of the year, I will have had a better year? It is all between your ears and in your heart. Good for you. I love your picture of Shadow.
Sally my business has been steady this year, and I am glad that this election is over, maybe now the Media will concentrate more on the positive then the negative.
Sounds like a of good things going on in your life, and as far as the extra pounds go, I just would tell people that it is more to love ......... LOL
Sally, thanks for sharing.
Dawn