Joan Reynolds

Why is it we can clearly see the options for others when we are too defensive to see new options for ourselves? Sometimes a change of course is sorely needed as we drift toward an inevitable, but known, destination.

When we see a friend doing the same thing, we feel obligated to point out how changing something might help them avoid a roadblock, living with the same drama, repeating an unwelcome result. Are they putting coffee in the coffee maker again and expecting….tea this time? Not likely.

Change is often needed, and it is sometimes more scary than the known demons we face on a regular basis. Confronting our fear of the unknown is the fastest way to a new opportunity and a solution. Just admitting to the fear opens the door.

Be Brave….Go after one of those fears this week and, oh yes, grab the tea bags while you’re at it!

Joan :: Jul.28.2008 :: Uncategorized :: No Comments »

I wonder what we can tell about people from the state of their garage? First, do they even keep a car in it? If not, it is probably where they keep everything they don’t want to make a decision about or, more likely, that they once made a bad decision about. So, the volume of stuff might give us a great deal of insight into the state of their mind, wouldn’t you think?

As the second day of cleaning my garage is underway, I am reflecting on these things and many more. Why have I also become the depository for the stuff the rest of my family doesn’t want to make a decision about)?

Am I seriously doing anyone a favor by helping them not make a decision? Sometimes we really need to decide if something is important and if it is and give it a place of honor in our lives, or pass it on to someone who will. Most stuff eventually rots from lack of use or attention and then it is quite easy to discard.

Hmmm. We might just look at our relationships like that. There may be a parallel somewhere. After I return from the dump I will sit down and see who I haven’t been in contact with recently. Could it be they feel like discards in the junkyard of my life?

As for the rest of this clutter some wise person once said, “no decision is a decision”, and bad decisions are forgotten much faster when the evidence of them has been eaten by a giant dumpster!

Joan :: Jul.26.2008 :: Uncategorized :: No Comments »

Does anyone hear a horn that isn’t blowing? Do you look around and say, hey, wasn’t someone holding a horn around here? Wonder if they knew how to play it?

Why do those of us who are uncomfortable with self-promotion always assume that someone blowing their own horn sounds like Bill Clinton on the sax? Let’s face it, he played President a lot better!

We always think it is an irritating, chalk-on-blackboard sound to most people. As a Realtor, I am aware of a lot of horns blowing around me. Of late, though, I am more tempted to believe that most of it does come across as just noise and people have learned to turn a deaf ear. However, what about the people who would have liked to know my name? What if I didn’t tell them?

When they need a professional Realtor they may not be able to make the connection, and may just take the first one that comes along who doesn’t grate on their nerves. I think I may be doing a disservice to those who really appreciate my music, but like a song on the radio with no identification, don’t know that it is mine. I think I need to assume that they might want to hear more, and at least give them my card so that they can decide whether to hold on to it!

If it comes after a substantive conversation, then it is merely a follow-up, not a meaningless, aggressive sales pitch. They may want to hear the music again and just want to know where to find it!

Joan :: Jul.16.2008 :: Uncategorized :: 2 Comments »

Remember that song? If you lived in the sixties and seventies, you probably do. I was reminded as I spent a week on the other coast with a friend who runs a Golden Retriever rescue, that we are all very similar to those dogs. No matter what the circumstances that brought them to a shelter, they are incredibly optimistic about the future!

Help is on the way! But often we are so busy trying to run circles around ourselves we miss the help when it arrives. We really need to give up trying to fix things, trying to solve every problem that comes within ten feet of us.

The reality is, it is done. All we can do is show up and accept what is and our part in improving it. We can’t do anyone else’s part, and if we do, they don’t get to learn their lessons and are doomed to repeat them. The Big Guy upstairs can’t help you if you don’t quit doing everything (and then resenting that you have so much to do). This is a play where you only have one part, so stop changing costumes and making everyone crazy.

The next time you want to sing this song, take a deep breath, let it go and realize….you have already been rescued! Now, wasn’t that easier?

Joan :: Jul.04.2008 :: Uncategorized :: No Comments »