After reading Robert Swetz's contest post, I knew exactly what post I wanted to enter with...
Robert....Awesome contest. Happy to be a part of it....and best of luck to all that enter!!
Being Thankful Isnt Bragging, Is it??!!
First and foremost, this post really has nothing at all to do with real estate...more about life in general. So, I hope no one is offended by the fact that I'm thankful as all Hell about what I have and I'm not afraid to tell the entire world about it. Negative people be warned.
Secondly, you may learn more about me than you ever wanted to know by reading this. Fair warning again.
See, I was just talking with several agent friends of mine on Twitter...and someone said something that really struck a cord with me. We were discussing the difference between positive and negative people...and one of my friends said that some people simply focus on misery...and even went to so far as to say that seeing people being happy and focusing on good news is bragging.
Is being thankful for the good in your life bragging??? I surely don't think so! And, quite frankly, I feel sorry for the people in the world that do feel that way. I'm sorry if my being thankful for what I have makes you feel bad about what you think you don't have...Chances are, you really do have it. You just refuse to see it.
When a hurdler lines up for his race, he focuses on the red tape at the end of the race...not on the hurdles. The hurdles are simply things you have to overcome to get to the red tape at the end. See, to me, being negative and thinking negatively about everything is a gigantic waste of time, effort, energy, and mental space (something I'm in short supply of anyway). I have far too much going on in my life to spend a good portion of it focusing on things that do not help me move forward.
Why in the world would anyone want to purposefully make themselves or anyone around them feel like crap? Psychiatrists say that people with low self esteem tend to think of the world as being a ‘glass half empty' place mostly devoid of positivity and productivity. And, in order to make themselves feel better about themselves or their situation, they feel this carnal need to take down those that appear to be above them; Bashing their attitude, achievements, family, friends, even their lifestyle simply to make themselves feel better.
Well...to all of you people that think that you're insults, your snide comments, your emotional tirades are having any affect upon my ability to be thankful, you are sorely mistaken. And, to prove this to you, I have compiled the following list of things that I am thankful I have/lived through/been exposed to/seen/heard/felt.
I'm thankful that...
- I was born into a poor family. We grew or shot our food, chopped our own wood for heat, and busted our humps for every dollar we needed to survive. I was never handed anything, but I never went without. The work ethic I have as a result of my up-brining is enviable to most and amazing to others. To me, it's just the way it should be done. My parents are well off now...as am I. But, not for a lack of hard, hard work.
- I graduated high school and college. I was never a perfect student, but I'm only the second person in my direct family lineage to have done so...and I'm proud of it. Education is important. In fact, knowledge is the only thing that can combat ignorance.
- I was married when I was only 22. I married the first girl I had ever dated in college. I'm telling you this to lead up to #4...
- I sat by my wife's side for the next 3 years and watched her slowly succumb to the effects of a rhabdomyosarcoma inside her heart. Yes, she had a cancer tumor in her heart. 2 open heart surgeries, 3 trips to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, and enough chemo and radiation to kill a small village, and she never complained. Not even once. I became a man in that time. And, Im a better man for having had the experience. It has made me a better father, a better husband, and a better man.
- I owned a bar at one time. I recommend it to everyone that thinks they know how to handle a business. Try it some time. It is quite frankly the hardest thing I have ever done.
- I overcame alcoholism. While I had the bar, my wife died and I poured myself into a bottle. I drank solidly for almost a year. One day, I woke up and had a 24oz White Russian for breakfast...and quit at that moment. I sold my bar, gave up my apartment, and moved. I still have a beer or 12 now and then...but, I know my limits now. And, I am thankful that I refuse to go down that path again.
- I have had too many jobs to count. I have a very vast working knowledge of everything from renting movies to sales to inspecting airplane parts and knowing how to run a CNC machine. I can discuss the GDP or the CDC value of a milling head versus the CDC of a countersink drillbit. And, thanks to a good number of folks on ActiveRain, ReelSeekr, Twitter, and many others...real estate.
- I married a second time...and adopted 3 beautiful daughters. I love them so much. And, I am proud to have them in my life.
- I still am called ‘Dad' by them even though their mother and I are divorced. We are far better friends than we ever were a couple. Without having been down this road, I never would have known what it would be like to reconcile with someone on a level that can hardly be described by some.
- I walked away from a severe drug addiction that nearly cost me my family, my health, my possessions, and my life. I spent 3 years in the grip of methamphetamine. Again, after waking up for the first time after being awake for nearly a week, I quit my job (my source of my addiction), sold my possessions, and moved back to Montana. I quit cold turkey. And, I have never looked back. Strength is measured in different ways. But, little can match what I had to go through to overcome this addiction...and still have to do to maintain my freedom from its continual attempts to rule my life.
- I overcame a severe depression. Yup, all of this pretty much send me over the deep end. Clinically depressed, even on medication for it. After 2 years of being on the meds, I went to my doctor and told him I didn't need them any longer. I had learned how to deal with life...and learned that there is a positive side. Again, strength is measured in weird ways.
- I met my current wife!!! She is truly the love of my life...and I would not be where I am today without her love and support. She is 14 years younger than me and a two-time college graduate. And, I could not be prouder of her. It is true that love knows no bounds.
- I have two glorious sons!! Both of whom are perfect in every way.
- I have a fantastic job!!! I make more money than most in my community and I live a very wonderful life.
- My job is not my passion. I use my job to help support my passions...my family. I require my job to be able to provide for them. Without them, all I would have is my job. And what existence is that...?
My life has been far from perfect. But, it IS my life. And, I have used the things that have been given to me...the choices I have made...to make myself a better person now than what I was. The key word here is ‘WAS'. Without these negative things that have happened...positive ones too...I wouldn't have the outlook on life that I do now. I wouldn't be me. Im proud of who I am and where I have come from...and no emotional black hole is going to take that away from me. No negative influence is going to force me to view anything that has happened to me other than in a positive light. After all, we are talking about a great person here....Me. And, if that is bragging...then so be it.
If you would like information about www.recr.com and how we can improve your bottom line, please contact Clint Miller at 800-977-7058 or simply follow me on Twitter by clicking on www.twitter.com/TheRealClint
I hear you on this one Clint. And thank you so much for sharing this - it's such an important message. It's easy, REALLY easy to complain about what I have now. But like you, I took some pretty hard knocks early on. And people are always amazed that I can say now that I am actually GRATEFUL for those hard knocks. No, not grateful that my mother had to pass away when I was so young, but GRATEFUL for the chain of events that followed that eventually led me to the love of my life and my children. GRATEFUL that I know the value of what I have in front of me now because I lived without it for so long. Thanks for reminding me to stop complaining just because it's easy. You're the best.
PS-your blogs should have a three hankie disclaimer.
Clint, I'm sure you know, statistics say the recovery rate for meth is 4%. My ex-husband became addicted after our divorce and I had to take away his rights to see our son. He has spent the last 7 years either on the run from law enforcement, or in prison. This Friday he is being released. He called me last night and asked if I would allow him to see our son this weekend. My response was, "As long as you stay clean....but I have to be realistic: who's stronger, you or the drug?" The fact that you have beat that addiction tells me you are within the top 4%. You battled the most powerful drug on the streets today, and won. If you can do that, you can do anything! Kudos to you! You have my respect. :)
Clint,
People learn from their mistakes and become better humans. That isn't bragging, that's being comfortable and honest with yourself.
Thanks for telling us about you! We all have a lot to be thankful for if we can just reflect on it honestly.
Shari -- Thank you so much for the kind words, Shari. I am touched by the sentiment and happy for the awknoledgement. It is too easy to see everything as "half-empty" and not "half-full". And, for the record....I think you rock! Thank you so much!
Lina -- Yes, I know the numbers. I wish your ex all of the strength required to walk away from the prison that is addicition...of any form really, but especially to meth. You sound like an awesome mother and I commend you for your strength in protecting your son from being exposed to that hell. And, believe me...for those that dont know...it really is hell. So, Kudos to YOU for doing the RIGHT thing despite the emotions attached to it. And, for that...YOU have MY respect!
Marcy -- Sometimes reflection is scary. Most people that dont realize what they have are those that cant stand the thought of being so introspective. Its hard to admit your human.
Clint:
Thank you so much for sharing that! I do not like to surround myself by negative people. I really appreciate your ability and willingness to not only share the wonderful things that happened in your life, but also the negative. For it is through the fire that we come through as a brighter, stronger and happier person. For people who say Social Media is all so impersonal, your post is a testament to the complete opposite effect. After reading this post, I know more about you than I do about probably 90% of the people that I will encounter today. I have had posts back and forth a few times with you on Twitter, but now when I see you say something, I won't just be reading it, but I will be "feeling" it because of what you have shared today. Again thank you for brightening my morning and lighting up the rest of my day!
Mary...Wow! I am very thankful that this post has enlightened your day. And, if you are the only person that it touches in such a way, then it was worth posting again. :-) Although I believe in face-to-face as much as anyone, I am a firm believere in social media and using it to build relationships. Some of my best friends and cohorts in SM I have never met in person. :-)
Clint - you have much to brag about be thankful for. You should post this in Thankful Thursdays, where some of us try to share the little and the big things, that occur in our daily lives, that we are thankful for. I try to stay away from those that focus on what is wrong and associate with those that focus on the positive. No, I am not Pollyanish, I just always have a glass more than half full (of what, well, that is for me to know;^)
Mike -- I appreciate the invitation and will do that! And, as long as the glass is half full, the contents really dont matter. ;-)
Wow Clint, I didn't know you had gone through all of those things. You've done a lot and come out well, you should be thankful and share that with others. I don't think it's bragging to be thankful and I do think it's better to focus on the positives in life rather than the negatives.
Monica -- Couldnt have said it better myself. :-)
Thought I would post some of the comments I have gotten from Twitter on here...
@TheRealClint AWESOME post, Clint! I woke up on the wrong side of the bed today, but you showed me I need to knock it off and cheer up! :)11 minutes ago from TwitterGadget
Elizabethcp@TheRealClint Thank you, it's really awesome of you to share your story with us23 minutes ago from TweetDeck
mizdez
AshDHart@TheRealClint Thank goodness I hadn't put on my eye makeup yet. I am still crying from reading your post. You really are AMAZING!5 minutes ago from TweetDeck in reply to TheRealClint
shari_tweets.....aaaannnnddd back. but i need a minute to compose myself. and yes, @TheRealClint, i think it's prob one of the best on AR.about 2 hours ago from TweetDeck
uncgrl84@TheRealClint GREAT post. You should be able to "brag" anytime you want :)17 minutes ago from TwitterGadget in reply to TheRealClint
Clint - I remember reading this post back when we were first becoming friends. I remember thinking how I admired your openness and honesty (not everyone likes to pull out the skeletons). The interesting thing is that this same attitude carries over into your business life as well, which is why I find you to be a trustworthy person to do business with. I'm a big fan and a friend for those very reasons.
Matt -- You know I admire everything you have done in your past life (huge fan!! and thats not a fat joke...lol) But, you are a great friend. I am proud of my association with you and pleased we have been able to work so well together on both a personal and professional level. Thats usually quite rare. :-) Sappy as that sounds...Im thankful for you as well.
Clint,as always I am impressed with your open and positive nature. Being thankful is key in this life...as you nsaid, it isn't perfect but it is yours. You should be proud of the things you overcame and the gifts...saying you are happy and proud of that is the furthest thing from bragging, it is gratitude.
Lesley -- And that is how I feel about it as well. I am happy I am where I am...and thankful that I had those experiences because they helped shape me to what I am today. Without those things, I wouldnt be me...
Another Twitter comment too good not to share
stephaniebell@TheRealClint YOU ROCK! So glad i'm on to twitter today. Thank you for your post & sharing. My pity party for losing my job is ending today!2 minutes ago from TweetDeck
Hi Clint, I am truly touched, but not surprised. Through the times we've communicated, It's been clear that you CHOOSE to be positive and overcome obstacles every day. Though I did not know the full extent, I gathered that they were enormous.
Continue your choice to be thankful, proud, positive and humble and surround yourself with like-minded people. Sometimes, it's the only thing that gets you through the rough times. But... you already know that. :-)
To those who don't get it... Being happy, positive or thankful isn't an exclusive club - YOU just have to CHOOSE to join.
@laoden {{{ }}}
Lisa -- I dont have any way to not choose this path. I have people looking up to me to continue on this path and, more importantly, I have my own mind to deal with on this issue. I choose to overcome because I choose to NOT allow outside influences to run my life. :-)
Its just better that way. ;-)
aPlaceOnTheLake @TheRealClint: thank YOU for giving us a reminder of what is REALLY important in life!12 minutes ago from HootSuite
My pleasure!!
Clint, I've come to know you online/twitter and here in AR but today I feel a closer friendship as do all that have read your wonderful post. You are truly a blessed and very gifted man! brag on my friend, brag on!
Pamela
Pamela -- Well, thank you! Im just happy that I wrote this post. I remember the first time I posted it, I had people literally calling me on my phone and telling me what a great post it was...Im happy that so many people like it as much as they do. ;-)
Clint - I don't believe I ever read this post and we are very much alike in the fact that we tell things the way they are and don't hold back. This post is a great example of expressing with words and I am very proud to feature it at one of my favorite groups .............
EXPRESS WITH WORDS AT ACTIVERAIN
"Thanks for sharing"
Clint, It takes a lot to bare your soul like that! You obviously have inner strength you never knew you had. If God brings you to it, He will see you through it.
You had me at the hurdles paragrah and then ... and then one by one you cleared the hurbles in your life by making the choice to move forwrad and not let the bad pull you down... great post and way honest... thanks
Clint,
Salute to you for having faced so many issues that devastate many and come through with flying colors!
Clint, wow what a testimonial. The good, the bad and the ugly. The fact that you ran those hurdles and survived is truly amazing. To be able to share one's past so openly is a testimony to overcoming and acknowledging the success. We are all on a journey, we all have a past that leads us to where we are today. Cheers to your for your honesty and getting to the other side.
Robert -- Thank you so much for the feature. And, thank you again for the kind words!! Very appreciated on both counts!
Barb -- Courage and strength are measured in different ways in different people. Ive been lucky enough to be blessed with enough of it to move forward and learn from my past rather than be consumed by it.
Debra -- Thank you so much! Im so happy you enjoyed it.
Irene -- Thankfully I was able to do so and I only hope that this post helps just one person move forward one more day. :-)
Missy -- Hiya! I just think it is too easy to give up and allow something else to control your actions and reactions. There are literally thousands of places where you can get help, if needed. I only hope this little post helps in some way for someone. ;-)
Your very welcome Clint!
VB ;o)
Robert -- I just appreciated the opportunity to reblog this post. Hope I win the contest, but, quite frankly, just the reactions from the people that commented on it are good enough for me. ;-)
Clint - I am very impressed with your post and there will be something in store for your writing and your courage to even write about your subject matter.
Robert
Clint, I am a bit late with my comment, but, wow. I always believe that we can wake up, we can succeed, we can overcome if we so choose. And you have made that choice. I am not making light of addictions, exactly the opposite, many in my family suffer from them, and thankfully at the moment are in the recovery mode. I take each day and am thankful for this.
What a post, wow. What a guy!
Caught this post over at VB's.
Why not featured? This is one of the best posts I've read in a while...
ALL life experiences--including adversities--are blessings. Just a matter of time.
Candice -- The original post was featured...I reposted this for a contest that was in a group I freaquent. Thank you for the kind words!!!
Robert -- Thank you so much, my friend! Very glad you liked it.
Andrea -- Recovery is a hard, long, trying process. And, were it not for my family and my faith, I am not sure I could have done it...not on my own, anyway.
This was a very moving post, Clint. Congratulations on making a lot of the RIGHT decisions to better your life and be a good husband, father, and friend.
Cheers,
Robin
Robin -- Thank you so much! I am glad you liked the post...and I thank you for the kind words!
Clint - This is a very open and honest post. It sounds like you have plenty to be thankful for. I'm glad you shared it.
Chris -- Thank you so much....and yes, I do. ;-)
Gee, I missed this earlier?? What a GREAT story. You're a survivor and an inspiration for sure, and have one heck of a handle on being thankful. My hats are off to you my dear.
Susie -- Well, thank you so much! :-)
Wow, Clint. What a post. The winning entry of the contest brought me here. You're right about getting to know you in a whole new light. I mean positive though.
Hi Clint...Everyone has their story. Thank you for sharing yours with us. You've been through alot, a testament to your resilience. Here's to more good times ahead.
Kate
Clint, I see you often on Twitter, but had missed this post.
I think our lives are not about the challenges we face, but how we choose to handle them. Sounds like you have handled yours well. Congratulations! Very glad to know you better!
Evening Clint, Congrats on such a personal introspection. You've come a long way on this journey !
Loreena -- Thanks for reading! Hope you enjoyed it.
Kathleen -- You are welcome. Here! Here!
Lori -- I see you on twitter also. ;-) And, I couldnt agree more.
Bill -- Yes...yes I have. And, Im still going. :-)
Clint, Your story is truly an inspirational message. Congratulations on the 3rd place win. Thank you for sharing.
Eunice -- Thank you so much!
Hi Clint,
First: Congratulations on your 3rd place in the contest! Second: Thanks for openly share your life story..it is truly inspirational and I'd say you have a lot to be grateful for and brag about! It is nice to know you better.
Dorie -- 1. Thanks! 2. Im happy that you enjoyed reading it. And yes...I am still bragging. :-)
Clint - congrats on your win. Your story is a true inspiration on how to meet lifes adversaties head on and come out a winner. My guiding mantras have always been to be able to face all of lifes adversaties with a smile and to be able to to be the best than I can be. You seem to be going both so beautifully. Thanks for sharing.
Leah -- Thank you for the kind words...Im just happy that this post touched as many people as it has. :-) Thats a win to me. :-)
Clint - congrats on your prize, and I sincerely enjoyed your post (Sorry for being late and not even knowing about the contest). Being happy is the most important thing in Life.
To echo what my pastor said when he read my Memories of my Childhood home post - OMG. You really never know what a person has been through. I would have never figured you to be old enough to have been through all of that, Clint. It is a testament to your character that you have survived all of that and are the man that you are today. And of course, that is something to brag about, indeed.
Christine -- Thanks! Yeah, Im a pretty happy guy. ;-)
William -- I think in each of those instances I just mentally decided that I love myself more than I loved whatever substance I was trying to force down my throat. Sometimes, revelations are required. ;-)
Clint -
Bragg away, Man. You've got a darn lot to brag about. Way to be a real (fine) person!
Jim -- Thank you very much!