I WANT WHAT I HAVE!
This year has been more difficult than most recent years. I personally faced personal and financial hardship. However, as the year comes to a close, I am happier than I have been in many years. You may think that I solved my problems or hit the lottery. Well if you think that, you would be wrong. I have learned to accept or want all that I have. I could list all of the terrible things that have happened to me this year. Why bother. Out of each incident came an opportunity for me to expand my horizons. Each tragedy gave me a brand new opportunity to figure out how to solve the problem.
During this holiday season, many people are faced with economic difficulties. This year, many will curtail the usual amount of holiday spending. Many will tell you that they are having a hard time paying their bills. Many people will feel down in the dumps or downright depressed. When you start to feel down, think of those who are in a situation worse than yours. If you are living in a home that is smaller than you like, think about the person that is sleeping in a shelter. If you are living in a shelter, think about the person that is sleeping in a car. If you are sleeping in a car, think about the person that is sleeping in a cardboard box. If you are sleeping in a cardboard box, think about the person that is sleeping on a park bench with no shelter from the wind and the rain. If you are sleeping on a park bench, think about the person who has just been diagnosed with a terminal illness and only has a short time to live.
What I have learned in 2008 is a new definition of happiness.
Happiness is not having all that you want, but wanting all that you have.
If you expand that further, happiness is not wanting what you used to have, but wanting what you have now. Throughout the year, I have posted many positive messages. I have projected positivity to many people that I speak to on a daily basis. Think about it, you can mope about your glass being half full, or you can be happy that you have a glass and that there is something in YOUR glass.
So as 2008 comes to a close, I accept all that I have and I want all that I have. I accept all of those who I have touched with a positive message. I accept the friends that send positive messages my way when I am feeling down. I accept the economic slow down. I accept the opportunities that the slow down has given me. The lessons that it has taught me about saving and spending less and being more creative to get the job done with less money. I accept my family. I accept the family members I readily claim and those that I would rather remain hidden on some days. Somewhere there is a child that has no family and would give anything to spend Christmas with a family that loves them. I accept the car problems that I had this year. I accept the job I was given of remodeling my bathroom because I could not afford to pay someone to do it. I accept the lessons that I learned from cutting tile to mixing grout and soldering pipe. I accept the difficulties I faced in the real estate market. I accept the deals that I closed this year. All over the country there are agents that are unable to close a single deal.
My list could go on and on. I am happy and I accept my life as it is. I want what I have. I am looking forward to continuing this excitement in 2009.
Everyone have a Happy Holiday
Leander McClain, Burlington Township Realtor & Real Estate Consultant, EXIT Buyers Plus Realty, 15 E. Broad Street, Burlington, NJ 08016 609-505-6578(cell)
Leander,
What a beautifully written post. There is a silver lining to all of life's hardships and you've been fortunate enough to see them in your circumstance.
Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Leander,
That is a great post! I think you have the secret to success and a good life, thanks for sharing!
Rob Kelly
www.RobKellyColorado.com
www.DenverForeclosureTour.com
Twitter: @RobKellyCo
Home run Leander....I love it. great post and quite timely indeed. Nice one!
God bless you and your family! You are so right I wish more people would accept what they have not what they want.
Happy Holidays!
Kudos to you. May you stay positive and productive in 2009 as well!
wonderful post for this time of year. there are so many people out there in need of just the basics to survive. we often forget how blessed we are and for what we already have.
Happy Holidays! Thanks for the great reminder. I wonder what the world would be like if more people followed your definition of happiness.
Leander—When I read a posting like yours a BIG smile comes over my face and I know I'm in the best company around. We can always find something positive in our lives even if we have to dig deep on certain days to appreciate it! Your wife is beautiful. Warmest wishes of aceptance. love and joy for you and your family.
Hi Leander
You have a great psychology to live and enjoy your life, may 2009 be an outstanding year for you.
Good luck and success
Lou Ludwig
LOVE THE QUOTE! "Happiness is not having all you want, but wanting all that you have!"
Leander, I agree, this is a beautiful post! I love your definition of happiness!
Leander- Congratulations to you for having the right attitude! I wish you all the best in 2009!
Leander -- You do have everything right at your fingertips. Thanks for your insprirational message and happy holidays to you and your loved ones.
Hi Leander - you have done what is so hard for so many to do, including myself. I have had a very difficult year, and am struggling to accept it. Your post is very inspirational, and I thank you for entering it into the holiday acceptance contest.
Ann
Leander I love the sentiments - amidst difficult times - still seeing the opportunity in the situation! Also love the photos - wedding, and your new Christmas shot!:-)
BEAUTIFUL and INSPIRATIONAL!! I'm so happy to know you. We are so blessed to know what really matters. ~GBU~
Thanks Everyone for your well wishes and positive thoughts. I wish you all much continued success in 2009.
Life is what you make it. So why not make it good :)
Have a great day
Leander
Leander I just love this post. I think you have your priorities in the right order, it is so important to be happy with what we have especially treasuring the people in our lives.
It has been a pleasure getting to know you.
Hi Leander, This is one of the best posts ever on ActiveRain and a beautiful affirmation.
Lee,
As I read this post tears come to my eyes.... But I just wanted to share a few things with your readers...
When the SKY is GRAY you are my SUNSHINE... When it's RAINING you are my UMBRELLA... When the SNOW is on the GROUND you are the SHOVEL and when the TEARS flow from my EYES you are MY TISSUES... I say ALL that to say that you have brought such a GREAT positive outlook into my LIFE that I don't think you realize... Your readers only get a 1/3 of what I hear and see everyday...
I AM SO BLESSED THAT GOD CHOSE LITTLE OLE ME TO BE YOUR FOREVER COMPANION AND WIFE...
I love you honey, more today then yesterday but not as much as tomorrow...
Sweet Pea
Great Christmas Active Rain post. This one came right on time. In spite of our hardship,we should always be thankful. Like you said,it could've been worse. May God bless you exceedingly,abundantly and beyond your wildest dream. May you and your family have a safe and blessed Merry Christmas. Great post.
Good morning my brother by a different mother.
Your post is touching, Leander. It is a reward in itself when one can count the blessings rather then dwell on the downside.
As for you, my friend in the Rain, your blessings were many this year. First and foremost you wed that beautiful Lady. God is Good!
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Leander,
what a great post...positive in it's own right...
thanks for sharing!
Hey Leander - Great post. You know we all have our bad days...Lord knows I've had my share, especially this past year. But it's friends like you that help pull you through the difficult times. I wish you nothing but the best life has to offer in this coming year. Happy New Year my friend!
BTW- I like the new pic...not that the old one was bad :-)
Now you take me backe 35 years when my mom used to always say, "Want what you already have." Of course, after being bopped over the head with that all the time, I eventually learned, so now I don't have any problem when economic downturns come.