A Normal Days Drive
Last October I went to Columbus to visit my daughter. Actually, I was going to watch my grandson, so my daughter and son-in-law could go to NYC to visit a friend. I took my then 3 year old grandaughter with me, since I thought she would have a great time with her cousin and it gave me a chance to spend time with her.
It was an uneventful three hour trip to Columbus. We had dinner and my daughter gave me the last minute instructions for her son, emergency numbers and such. They were leaving at 4:00 in the morning, then it would be just me and my two grandchildren. Off to bed with my grandaughter.
The Unexpected
Within an hour, I was shaking and shivering uncontrollably. I tried to get warm and get myself under control, to no avail. I had to wake my daughter. I knew something was terribly wrong, but couldn’t imagine what. It seemed like hours before we reached the hospital. It was three days before I would leave. I ended up in Intensive Care for those three days, still wondering what happened.
Although doctors have diagnosis, none of it made sense. Supposedly pneumonia and an infection without any prior symptoms. What landed me in Intensive Care was a rapid decrease in blood pressure and a change in heart rhythm. Unexplainable, but scary, nonetheless. Actually, I was unaware of what was happening, but know it scared my daughter.
Live It or Conquer It
I don’t know how to explain the fear which ascended on me every-time my heart raced, or I felt weak. Each time I feel a bit anxious, almost panic stricken by my remembrance of that evening I went from perfectly fine to lying in a hospital. For a whole year, I avoided anything which would make me feel weak, make my heart race or cause me to feel anxious. Needless to say, in that year, I probably gained 20 pounds. I still don’t have the answers as to what caused this sudden ailment. I have lived in fear of something unknown, something unexplainable, something I had no control over.
I can only say, it is not the best place to be. Fear of the unknown is a horrible place to live.
NO MORE! I chose to conquer this unknown.
It’s Up To Me
I took the same approach to my business plan for 2009. I don’t know what next year will bring. Will interest rates go up or down. Will there be more foreclosures? Will the government bail out everyone? I have no clue, but I do know, my attitude will not be affected by what the news says. I won’t be swayed from my goals by a bad economy.
I continue to educate myself about real estate, changing laws, new loan programs, foreclosures, short sales and I plan to be a conquerer in 2009. I will not live in the past – those years are gone. We have a new real estate market and I believe my attitude will determine my success. How about you?
Steve Mattison
December 18, 2008 at 3:34 pm
I like it, you attitude will get you through life no matter what happens! Great post and great encouragement to us all:)
Chris Shouse
December 18, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Paula this is a great post to have when everyone is thinking about goals and business plans for next year. Fear will have no part of my plans!
Bob Schenkenberger
December 18, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Paula, I am a big fan of business planning and am shocked at how many agents don’t do it.
One thing in my 2008 plan, that will also be in the 2009 version, is that I am choosing not to participate in any real estate slump!
Paula Henry
December 19, 2008 at 7:59 am
Steve – Thanks! As I wrote this I thought about all the agents who are living in Fear of the changes in the industry and how many more are getting out.
They don’t know what to do!
Paula Henry
December 19, 2008 at 7:59 am
Chris – My attitude exactly. We can not live in fear.
Paula Henry
December 19, 2008 at 8:01 am
Go Bob! I know many who do not have a business plan – and more who don’t know where to start with the changes in our business. I believe they have set themselves up to fail without one.
Missy Caulk
December 19, 2008 at 10:26 am
Paula, how scary…seriously.
But, you moved on and we will move on and not live in fear of the unknown by putting one foot in front of the other.
Business plans allow us to know what worked and what we fell short of.
Paula Henry
December 19, 2008 at 10:33 am
Missy – It was scary – even scarier is how it affected me. I see how our market is affecting other agents and they are limited by their fear.
You’re right – one foot in front of the other = taking action.
Nickie Rothwell
December 19, 2008 at 10:58 pm
When you suddenly find your health in jeopardy, you gain a whole new perspective on life, don’t you?
Thank you for sharing how your illness helped you to grow and has made you stronger.
As my 3 year old grandson loves to say, “Never give up!” They sure do get smart young… No fear at that age 🙂
Paula Henry
December 20, 2008 at 6:05 am
Nickie – It certainly does!
How positive a message from a three year old!
Speaking of granchildren, it took my grandaughter awhile to forget that she went to bed with me and I was gone when she woke up. Thankfully, she did and doesn’t think her Mimi will disappear on her again.
Vance Shutes
December 20, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Paula,
I always knew from reading your work that you are special, and this article helps me to understand why. It may take a scare like the one you experienced to really appreciate having good health, and then the enthusiasm for life becomes contagious. Thank you for sharing this, and congratulations on your resolve for 2009!
Paula Henry
January 8, 2009 at 9:37 pm
Vance – Somehow I missed this and all I can say – is WOW, thank you so much for your kind words. Very best to you in the new year!