This is a post that I think we should all read that might help us get through these trying economic times. Whether selling your home, trying to refinance, whatever the case maybe, we have to 'Bloom where we're planted'.
Bloom where you're planted! (If you're a pessimist, move on.)
Compare and contrast the environment for two identical, thriving cacti.
The little guy on the left has all the luck! Of course it's doing well! He sprouted where there's soil for his roots, shade from that bush on the right, and level ground to retain water from the monsoon rains.
The cactus above has none of that. The only soil to nourish its roots is that which blows into the rock crevice during a dust storm. Perched eight feet above the desert floor on barren rock, he has no shade from the scorching sun. Nearly all the precious moisture that comes during the monsoon season runs off the rock face to the desert floor below, and is unavailble to the cactus.
Using only resources that are available, each has survived in its own environment. Both are perfectly healthy. Both are in bloom. Both will set seed and reproduce. Both are secure. And if those flowers are any measure, both are confident in their future.
Positive Results In A Negative Environment
Security and confidence are necessary to us as well. They are nourishment and rain. They are the underpinning that allows us to grow as business people and as individuals.
Here's a secret. Neither security nor confidence come from our environment ~ from our economy. If you're truthful with yourself, you'll agree that we live in a negative environment right now, much like that little cactus in the top photo.
Security and confidence come from action, from moving forward now on the things we CAN control, and refusing to worry about the things that are beyond our control.
Seth Godin, in his new book Linchpin, says this regarding attachment to things we can't control:
Spending even one [brain cycle] on a situation out of our control has a significant opportunity cost. Your competition is busy allocating time to create the future, and you are stuck wishing the world was different. We're attached to a certain view, a given outcome, and when it doesn't appear, we waste time mourning the world that we wanted that isn't here.
- Accept your situation.
- Improve it.
- Bloom where you're planted.
___________________
This cactus photo makes an exceptional desktop photo for your computer.
(I don't copyright my photos anymore.
Feel free to use it as you wish.)Right click on the image, copy and enjoy!
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I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson Mortgage Lender.
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SUNSTREET MORTGAGE llc ~ Correspondent Mortgage Bank
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Lyn: Bloom where you're planted is an excellent idea. Years ago, Mary Engelbreit has several posters made with this theme. Do you remember her ? I always loved her work.
Great post. I love the positive tone and encouraging message. We control our thoughts, so make them good!
Lyn, has that always been your banner, or did you add it recently? I just laughed out loud when I "got it"...took me a second. That is hilarious!!! I love it:-)
Shannon: Every 2 weeks I change the header just to mix it up. Thanks.
Ilona: Yep, we have to deal with the cards that we have in our hands right now.
Karen Anne: Yes I remember her things, though not lately. Good postive messages.
Lyn - Great advice that we all too often forget. The present economy is providing all of us with opportunities to "blossom," if we're willing to put forth the effort. Have a great weekend!
Lynn,
Love the nose! Thanks for reblogging my post.
Mike in Tucson
A nice concept the nose and this blog.
Thank you for the wonder post Mike!
John: Exactly.
Thanks Ellen.