Over the past two months I've had many days of watching the clock as one hour passed after the other. Each milestone - the first 24 hours then the first 72 hours - the first week all were passed and I watched the hours go by. My mind blank except to answer questions and listen as the moniters delivered my husband's vital signs. My husband had a massive stroke on October 5th to his left temperal lobe leaving him paralyzed on his right side and without speech, or language. It also has caused his regulatory systems not to always work appropriately - his kidneys, bladder, heart, lungs all causing complications. In a few seconds our world changed forever.
We would have been in Europe with our granddaughter if she hadn't broken her arm a few weeks prior. We had all the nice things in life - the nice cars, country home on the prettiest piece of river frontage and even our own small island named after my husband. Life was good. Bob had been building our home for years and was "almost" finished. He would spend hours watching the river from the oversized sundecks he had built. He never tired of sitting outside with a nice glass of wine watching the wildlife and the river.
October 5th I awoke to hear my husband's speech all garbled as he spoke to his colleque on the phone. He had told her he didn't feel so well and wouldn't be in today. I jumped out of bed and told him he was having a stroke and that I would call the ambulance. The next few hours were a blur - I had thought if we got him to the hospital in the magic window of time that everything would be okay - not so for Bob - because he was on blood thinners the risk of a bleed was too high. All they could do was to observe and keep him on oxygen. I was able to convince them to transfer him to a larger trauma center where a team of specialists met us and Bob was taken to CCU.
That was October and three days ago was the first signs of any progress. Bob has become more and more aware of his surroundings. As best I can understand not only does he not remember he drives a Porsche, he doesn't know the concept of driving a car - but he likes the photo of a Porsche. I showed him a photo of himself and there was no recognition - actually there is very little he recognizes at this point or remembers. Everything is new - I'm new, the kids are new, the dog, Christmas - everything. Bob has decided he will eat ice cream - nothing much else, and dooesnt really care or understand the concept of health. Once he regains knowledge of something he quickly associates with other new associations - like music and the radio and Christmas songs and has a distinct music preference. The first neurosurgeon said this would be a marathon and not a sprint. I had no idea at the time of what that meant. This emotional roller coaster I am on doesn's seem to end. Even with the progress we have other challenges like a DVT in his leg, infections and his right arm separating from his shoulder as the lack of use has caused his muscles to atrophy. I have learned that the only thing I can control is my attitude and for the most part I have that just where I want it. I've also learned to be present in the moment and focus on the positive because that is a choice.
I have no idea what lays ahead for us - I do know that I learn so much from Bob. I see the human spirit fight to live and the helplessness at times of the medical community. I have also been humbled by the kindness and support of friends. Until I was the recipient of unconditional love and support I had no understanding of how that felt. Slowly I lessen my focus on the passing minutes and begin to fill my hours with the parts of life that connects me to others and hence this blog. If you have ever been in this position I'd love to hear your story.
Here are some thoughts that came out of our
1. Battle your negative thoughts. Sometimes the thought in your head is not you!
2. Read books to take you to the next level.
3. Time Vs. Money...look for ways to leverage your time. Net the maximum amount of
money for each hour of time invested.
4. Hire and keep good talent.
5. Leads, listings and leverage are the pillars of any successful real estate business.
6. Change your thinking.
7. Be a possibility thinker....if it's possible in the world, it's possible for me-it's just a
matter of how!
8. Have a great work ethic.
9. Success is the willingness to do whatever it takes. Read: "The Ultimate Secret To
Getting Absolutely Everything Your Want," Mike Hernacki
10. People who push themselves to their limits make peace with their limitations and avoid
regrets at the end of the day and at the end of their life.
11. Do the things that matter first!
12. Doubts can truly undermine your confidence, your actions and ultimately your dreams.
13. Just because it has never been done in your market doesn't mean it is impossible to
achieve.
14. Use failures as stepping stones on the path to ultimate success.
15. Define your standards of services and teach them to others in order to delegate your work
and gain the leverage you need to grow.
16. Make thinking your first action.
17. Envision a "big" future. Use creative visualization.
18. Hold costs accountable.
19. Think without fear.
20. Think possibilities.
21. Think progress.
22. Think competitively and strategically.
23. Think service.
24. Think big goals and big models.
25. Think Powered by a big Why.
26. Know the difference between costs and investments - expect return on your investments.
27. The habits that you create will either help you reach your goals or hamper your attempts.
- Build habits that will help you reach your goals.
28. Accomplish small goals that will help you attain the larger goal.
29. If you believe something is possible, focus on the constructive means necessary to make
that possibility a reality.
30. Think of ways to succeed. What needs to happen for you to get it?
31. Believe that through your efforts, your goals are possible.
32. Dream! Identify what you want and write it down.
33. Read: "What To Say When You Talk To Yourself," Shad Helmstedder.
www.shadhelmsteadder.com
34. Approach your career the way you play a game. Playing to win is not a bad thing.
35. Understand why someone should work with you and be able to articulate it to anyone at
anytime.
36. Translate your value proposition into a specific set of services that you will provide to
your clients.
37. Know the difference between functionary services and fiduciary services. (Read: "The
Millionaire Real Estate Agent," page. 96)
38. Lead generation methods need to continue even when you can't handle all the leads that
come your way - you then know it's time to hire help.
39. Build relationships.
40. Use every opportunity to focus on lead generation - social and community events,
prospecting and marketing options.
41. Referrals - reward the right behavior.
42. Proficiency with scripts and dialogues will pay the biggest dividends.
43. Create the #1 "mind share" position in your market.
44. Educate, ask for help, reward - repeat over and over for continual referrals.
45. Set up a database and feed it regularly!
46. Systemically market to your database.
47. If you focus on marketing your seller listings, the buyers will come.
48. Focus on profitability - control your expenses.
49. Lead with revenue.
50. Learn how to train and consult with your staff.
51. When doing all you can do, hire administrative help.
52. Leverage begins with people, it also includes systems and tools.
53. Weigh the cost of a bad hire versus the opportunity of a great hire.
54. Master the proven models before adding creativity.
55. Focus on the numbers you must hit to continue the inflow of leads. Lead generation is a numbers game.
56. Document all your systems and put them in an operations manual.
57. Maintain your focus on the core issues that will drive your real estate sales business
58. Big goals require big habits.
59. Be consistent in your follow-up.
60. Follow a lead-generation plan that is marketing based and prospecting enhanced.
61. Communicate with your database in a systematic way.
62. Service all the leads that come your way.
63. Succeed through others
64. When you aren't having fun or are feeling overwhelmed, it's time to find someone to
help with your "other" job.
65. Think progress not perfection.
Are you allowing someone/something to steal your joy? Are your days stressed out?
When you stay in Joy & QUIT giving away your joy, you are in control. Thinking that others keep you from being happy is an illusion. Only we choose our state of mind.
Joy could be the very element, that can keep us healthy.
Life is too short to let interruptions, and inconveniences keep us from being happy.
We are never going to get away from interruptions and inconveniences, its a part of life.
Learning how to handle it the right way and adjust our attitudes to understand, one principle
"I can live everyday happy if I want to." It's your decision.
Keep your peace, & Refuse to give away your Joy!!!
A man goes to the Doctor, he says "Dr. I'm seeing white spots and I feel dizzy all the time"
Doctor tells the man he has 6 months to live.. So this man quits his job, cleans out his bank accounts
and savings for every penny he has, books a trip around the world, buys a sports car,
and spends a whole lot more time with family & friends. One day while in Italy he decides to go into a shop
and have a custom tailored suit made,all the measurements are taken by the tailor,
the tailor measures the mans neck size for a new shirt and says"ahh 17inches".
The man buying the suit and shirt insists over and over
"NO, No, No, I'm a 15 .5 inch, always have been a 15.5inch I am not a 17" I am a 15.5"!!
Tailor says "Okay, I'll make you a 15.5inch neck for your new shirt,
but you are going to see white spots and feel dizzy all the time"
If we'd be willing to make a few minor adjustments & change our approach,
we'd see a major shift in our lives. We'd go to a whole new level,and we would see those white spots
and frustrations go away. I guess that is what's meant by giving yourself a check-up from the neck up. Don't go around with a 15.5" neck, when you really need a 17".
Change your approach, Just get your joy back!!
We can't always change our circumstances. We can control our own attitude that's where the power lies! Often our atitude determines our Altitude in life.
Ask yourself ... "Is this worth giving up my joy?"
"Life is a great big canvas;throw all the paint on it you can!"
Danny Kaye (1913-1987) Entertainer
an inspirational movie just for you... http://www.finishstrongmovie.com/
Happy Friday!
Deb
Sept 12th - Bring along your pooch and come join us at beautiful Albion (Maple Ridge) Fairgrounds for a day of family fun at the Scotiabank and BC SPCA Paws for a Cause Walk. Our event will kick start at 10:30am with the walk taking place at noon. Once there you will be able to enjoy fantastic entertainment and activities, all in support of our favourite furry friends.
Here is more info: Paws for a Cause...
animals is the BC SPCA's signature
event bringing together animal lovers all over the
province! The BC SPCA is a not for profit reliant on
support from the community. Proceeds will support the BC
SPCA's care and protection of animals.
Join us!
By participating in Scotiabank and BC SPCA Paws for a Cause you're helping us
continue to speak for those who can't speak for themselves. The BC SPCA provides
emergency medical care and sheltering for 37,000 animals each year through its 41
facilities and operations across B.C. The society also conducts more than 5,870
cruelty investigations and provides a wide range of advocacy and education
programs for domestic, farm and wild animals.
2009 Scotiabank and BC SPCA Paws for a Cause was a
huge success raising an amazing $1.1 Million for animals
in need of care, shelter and love. This year is going to be
even bigger and better!
The Countdown is on!
There are only a few days left before the Paws for a Cause walk in most communities
across B.C.!*
By taking part in this event you can feel proud that you are helping thousands of
injured, abused and homeless animals throughout B.C. If you haven't registered yet
there is still time! Register today and be a part of the biggest fundraiser for animals
in North America!
This Sunday, meet your fellow animal lovers, enjoy some fantastic entertainment
and activities, and watch the hilarity that can ensue when dogs of all shapes, colours
and sizes are together at one event. All this in support of a great cause - the
animals!
Remember to check your local listings to learn more about the event in your area
and to see what your local BC SPCA has in store!
We have an amazing Top Producer panel - all are mega agents passionate about the business of helping people buy & sell homes. John Humprhrey: has built a huge agent referral database and successful business Leo Bruneau - Fun and building great relationships, CMN work - we love Leo! Ron Neal: hugely successful in the Victoria Market Area - great leader to his team and company and generous to all his charities.
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