Kalika Burt

The ‘RE' principle!

As I sit in my NEWLY re-arranged office with my NEW sense of motivation and NEW sense of dedication, I can't help but wonder...what is it that defines re-dedication?? Whether it is RE-motivating at work, RE-deciding to get healthy, RE-committing your life to your family, RE-dedicating your life to Christ ...we have ALL "RE-somethinged" at some point. What is it that brings about that change? Why is it so hard to take that first step? Why is that sense of accomplishment so strong when we finally do make THE decision? What would our lives be like if we re-committed to EVERY aspect of our lives EVERY single day???

I should probably preface this blog with the statement that I have recently decided to live my life with a sense of ‘RE.' I want to be RE-devoted to my daughter that I adore so much. I want to be RE-committed to my physical health that means so much to me. I want to be RE-motivated in the career that I love. I want to be RE-dedicated to my walk with Christ that I am SO grateful to. That being said, how can I do it? How can I live everyday with that motivation, devotion, commitment, and dedication that comes on the infamous first day of the ‘re' process?

1^st and foremost, I want to RE-dedicate my life to my Lord and Savior EVERY SINGLE DAY. I have seen the power in His word, the power of prayer, and the power in putting Him first. I heard a wonderful radio sermon recently. The man was teaching on how it is easy for us to forget where we came from. In Deuteronomy 6-9, the Bible references Him bringing us out of the terrors Egypt into the land of ‘milk & honey.' It is easy to forget that where we are is because of Him. "Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence." Jeremiah 17:7 We are all so blessed! He has given each of us so very much to be thankful for..His grace, His mercy, His forgiveness! I am amazed every single day at just how GOOD HE IS! For that reason, I want to RE-dedicated my life to Him EVERY day. I want to live everyday with the fire and passion that I long for. I want that sense of ‘RE'...EVERYDAY!

I have an INCREDIBLE 3 year old little girl. She makes my world go around. Everything she does amazes me. She loves with her whole heart...without reservation. She dances like no one is watching...and doesn't care if they are. She takes the time to stop and smell the flowers...yes every single flower, even when we are late. She knows right from wrong...and doesn't mind telling you when you are doing either! She sees things through such innocence. She hugs with her whole being. She laughs with joy from her soul. It is so easy to get caught up in the rat race of life and forget about all the simple, yet amazing things our children bring to our lives. It's easy to forget that every moment is so precious and should be cherished. I decided I want to be RE-devoted to not missing those precious moments in my daughter's life. I want to be RE-devoted to making sure that the legacy I leave behind in her is not one of work or stress...but one of joy, adoration, support, and LOVE. I want to RE-devote to my daughter every single day. I want to give to her everyday as though it is the first day.

I have learned that being healthy is so much more than a physical aspect. Being healthy and staying active has changed the person I am. I just recently learned that exercise releases endorphins...your body's natural stress reliever. So, yes, exercise makes me a better, nicer person. J Taking the first step is always SO hard. I have to force myself to go in the mornings...literally force! BUT, the feeling I have afterwards...that immense feeling of success, of pride, of accomplishment...is WELL worth it. It is a commitment that I want to make daily. I want to RE-commit to my health EVERY single day. That first day is always so great...it's new, exciting, and so inspiring. I want to have that ‘RE' feeling everyday!

I LOVE MY JOB! There are SO few people in this world that can say that. I feel so immensely blessed to have found my calling...the one thing in this world that I love to do and do it well. Real estate has opened the door for me to meet so many dynamic people, people that I have made life-long friends with. It isn't my job...it is my career. It is part of who I am. Millbrook, Prattville, Wetumpka, Montgomery...they are all wonderful cities. This area is full of beautiful houses, great lots, breathtaking views, perfect neighborhoods, ideal land, and tremendous investment opportunities. In the end...most people can't remember which agent had their house listed or who sold it. They forget how much they paid in closing costs, what the home inspection said, and how long it took to close. They don't forget the relationship you have with them though. They don't forget the bond you created or the sense of peace you, as their agent, gave them. NEITHER DO I! Real estate is the most rewarding career I could imagine. With all my heart, I want to be a life-timer! J Because of that, I decided I want to be RE-motivated at my job. I want to be RE-motivated every single day to do what it takes to maintain success in this business. I want to come to the office RE-motivated daily!

I guess I will close by saying that I realize my ‘RE' principle sounds kinda silly. It may not make much sense...but it is really very simple. The first day of anything is always new, exciting, inspiring, hopeful, and encouraging. Imagine if we lived EVERY day as though it was the first....hence the ‘RE' principle. I want to keep that excitement and motivation every day. I want to RE-commit, RE-devote, RE-dedicate, and RE-motivate EVERY DAY! I can't wait!!!

WHAT A WONDERFUL CITY MILLBROOK, AL HAS BECOME!!!

So, as I ran at the park this morning...I began to realize what a truly WONDERFUL city Millbrook is to live in. As I circled the track time and time again, (4 exhausting miles to be exact) I noticed the smallest of details. Now, I must say, this was not my first time at this park...nor was it any different than the last year I have been faithfully running there. For some unknown reason, I was struck with an overwhelming sense of 'homeness' this morning. As I watched a mom and her son swing on the wooden playground overlooking the small running creek, I realized how peaceful this park really was. About that time, some rather condemned city employees (yes, the prisoners) showed up to do their regular maintenance work at the park. So, under normal circumstances I am rather annoyed by the lawn mower, weed eater, and grass clipping that fly all over me as I try to run. This morning however, I felt so lucky that I live in a city that takes the time to maintain the park as consistently as they do. The grass is always nicely manicured, sidewalks blown off, litter free...and down right beautiful. The park has become so much more than a daily exercise place...it has become a getaway...a peaceful, serene, safehaven for me. Additionally, I am sure that every family that come out, must sense the same thing. Apparently my epiphany at the park opened the flood gates to my gratefulness. :)

As I made the drive from the park to my office, I couldn't help but notice the small businesses and quaint shops that line the street. What at first glace appears to be run down and old buildings, with a closer look, show what Millbrook is all about. This city of full of 'good ole' people that support one another...always have and always will. This was epitomized as I pulled up to The Village (my office center). There is a small boutique there...The Studio. I have no idea how, but the employees there remember EVERY single person's name. Not only do they remember their name, but also what they like, what they don't like, and what they need to buy for their sister's birthday! :) Yes...that is Millbrook. The people remember everything! It's like a family reunion...they remember stuff you didn't even know they knew. I guess that is what makes it special here though...that sense of community. We all like to know that someone cares...and cares enough to remember.

This weekend is Millbrook's annual Summerfest at The Pines Golf Course. Summerfest has become somewhat of a tradition here. There will be fattening food :), artsy crafts, live music, kooky kids activities, & a FABULOUS FIREWORKS display that is unparalleled in the area. Picnic blankets & lawn chairs cover the 1st tee box and 9thgreen area of the golf course. Everyone comes prepared to have a great time! No detail will be missed, no area left unprepared. The large tents and canopies have already began to go up. It will be a time that the city comes together to celebrate the community we live in, the people we share it with, and how fortunate we are to be a part of it. I can't wait!

I should probably close with filling you in on a little information about myself. I am originally from a similar...yet very different city just north of here. Upon graduation from high school, I attended Auburn University. From there, I spent 3 years in one of the largest cities in this country....Atlanta, GA. As I sat here comparing all of the places I have lived...I am SO immensely proud to call myself a resident of Millbrook, AL. Yes, Auburn had wonderful parks to run in. Yes, Atlanta has fabulous festivals throughout the year. Somehow though, Millbrook has captured my heart...its genuine Southern charm, its attention to details, its compassionate people, its sense of community....ITS 'HOMENESS. I feel honored, blessed, and incredibly lucky to call Millbrook my home!

Every July the City of Millbrook holds it's annual Summerfest as a way to thank it's citizens. Summerfest is a great evening out for the whole family. Offering music by local bands and food and drinks from local non-profits and civic groups. The festivities begin around 6:00 pm and end with an awesome fireworks display. Last years Summerfest offered moon bounces, a dunking booth and much more to entertain the kids. Everyone is invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets, snacks, drinks, etc for an evening of family fun. The admission is free and is hosted at The Pines Golf Course on Deatsville Hwy. Come on out and join us at Millbrook's Summerfest!

I have had a tremendous beginning to a NEW year. I have been fortunate enough to get the opportunity to market/list Eastwood. Eastwood is in Prattville just behind Target with GORGEOUS views of Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. There are appx 47 lots...several of which back up to the course. The homes in Eastwood are INCREDIBLE...ranging from 2000' to 4000'. Many of the original lots sold for $75,000...but, with this amazing opportunity, I am able to offer them for sale at ONLY $30,000 each! With the combination of Southern charm and the unparalleled convenience...this is truly the opportunity of a lifetime!!! I am so excited at the potential of this listing!!!

For further information, please contact Kalika Burt with Sun Real Estate, Inc. at 334-220-9702!

Here is the link for foreclosed homes in Alabama.

www.hooksvanholm.com

Other links:

www.sunrealestateinc.com

www.alamls.com/kalikaburt

kalikaburt@hotmail.com