With the end of the year fast approaching, I’m feeling super grateful and reflective at the same time. It’s been a mostly amazing year, with lots of good and some really tough things as well. I heard from a bunch of people about my recent blog regarding the concept of “languishing” and how the lingering pandemic is affecting all of us, so I thought I would share more about my year!
I’m starting with the tough so that I end with the good. A couple of dear friends passed away that the world is less for having lost. My designated broker/firm owner David passed suddenly in March. He was like an Uncle to me and a mentor, as I’ve been affiliated with his firm for almost 15 years. I hear him in my head when considering a particularly tricky part of a deal or talking about travel, as we shared that interest. Then, in June, a friend lost a decades-long cancer battle. Her mantra over the years was, “I’m not done yet,” and that will always inspire me. She was a leader in the business world before that was common for women, and I’m grateful for the trails she blazed. I miss them both and am better for having known them!
The good? So many things!
My knee surgery was a year ago already! During the rehab/convalescent process (December through March), I was surprised to find that I didn’t feel like myself; instead, I felt needy, clingy, and helpless as my body seemed to fight me every step of the way. That was a first, no fun at all, and definitely not the norm for me. I am excited to report that I am back to myself, and I was cleared by the surgeon (with no restrictions) months ago! I’ve been back to golf since March, when Dr. Wahl cleared me to play—a full two months before he had predicted! (My being obsessive about rehab paid off.) I’m cleared to ski as well. Admittedly, I’m a bit tentative on that one as that’s how I injured the knee, so will take getting back on the slopes verrrrry slowly.
Family and friends are all healthy and happy. My Mom continues to inspire me with her “get it done” attitude. My nieces and nephews are amazing young adults (how are they that old already?), and it is really fun getting to know them as individuals. I hope you’ll humor me as I’m super proud to share that among them, there are athletic and academic stars:
- Art plays baseball for the University of Missouri (“Mizzou”) and is graduating early.
- Alex is graduating high school early and going to play soccer for the University of Mississippi (“Ole Miss”).
- Christia is has a double major of engineering and environmental studies at American University in Washington, DC.
- Denny does pole vaulting for Eastside Catholic High School and runs a stock investment club for his friend/classmates, which reminds me so much of my late Dad, who was a stock market guy.
The business this year has been fantastic—I’ve been able to help more people than ever before, and so many of them are people I’ve worked with before. For me, there is nothing better than to have clients become friends and friends become clients. Who else gets to do that?
All-in, soooo much to be grateful for! How has your year been? I’d love to hear about it—the good and the tough. Call/text me at (206) 369-6240 or drop me an email.