It is so hard to believe that 2021 is coming to a close. For me, imagining the beginning of 2022 brings excitement and joy. I’ve mostly been a “glass half full” person expecting good things to happen, so it’s easy to focus on all the good from 2021:
We restarted and rebranded our business/team after 21 years in the business.
We had our highest producing year ever with approximately $150M in sales volume over 55 closed transactions.
We had extra time with our families/friends while in lock down and moved into our amazing downtown Manhattan Beach office.
But of course, if I really look closely at this past year, these are what most would call the “silver linings” of an extremely difficult time. The pandemic has taken a toll on most of us and the exhaustion and pent up fear has resulted in a lot of strife. We lost friends and family members and pets 😢. We missed opportunities and many of us were depressed, anxious and heartbroken.
I find that it is times like this that really separate different types of people. I had several traumatic losses in the end of 2020/beginning of 2021 that almost flattened me. For one of the few times in my life, I wasn’t sure how to respond or if I could pull myself out of it. But I did…And I emerged as what I think is the best version of myself to date. I wanted to share with you what got me here in case it might help any one in any way:
Faith: I had to really rely on my belief in something greater than myself—and believe in my self and others.
Friends: I asked for and received the help and love from those who care (not an easy task for me).
Consistency: I forced myself to keep doing the things I know will fill my cup (even when they don’t feel like they are working)--daily meditation, gratitude, yoga, journaling, exercise.
Self: Investment in inner self. I invested in therapy, reading/learning, receiving and giving coaching.
Taking Risks: I cycled from San Diego to Manhattan Beach for charity (without sufficient training 😅); I hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon to heal my soul; I set boundaries; I met a lot of amazing new people.
It’s hard to know which thing(s) made the biggest impact, but I do know that the belief in self, which leads to self love, is probably my favorite. And much of that grew out of others (like you) putting their trust, love and support into me. I am so incredibly GRATEFUL to all of you for all that you have done for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart and HAPPY HOLIDAYS to you and yours--may all YOUR WISHES COME TRUE in 2022!
- Lauren