Back in the mid 80’s the STRESS people were feeling was a popular topic for conversations.  As we passed through the 90’s and then entered the 21st Century it was assumed that we had learned our lesson and had managed to control our Stress. 

But guess what -- we didn’t!  Our problems didn’t go away.  We just exchanged them for new ones.
Just the sheer pressure of rising mortgage payments that can’t be paid has created a huge problem for the homeowner, families, finance companies, employers and friends.  Homeowners are stressing because their homes are not selling and they need to move.  People who are working harder and longer are now complaining of “Burnout”.  No one should burn out.  That leads to many other serious illnesses that will cripple us.

Today we need to recognize our own limitations and seek others to assist with the things we don’t absolutely have to do ourselves (or cannot do).  Many of us have become prisoners in our own environments and don’t know how to break out of the depressing situation we find ourselves in.

I spoke with a young single mother recently who was on the verge of losing her home due to escalated payments.  She had struggled for a year and had not asked for help.  We were able to set the wheels working to refinance her mortgage and give her payments she could afford.  She had almost waited too long because while she was processing her new mortgage she was notified that her original mortgage company was beginning foreclosure proceedings.  She was again ready to just sit down and quit until someone learned of the situation and took over to make certain her new loan closed.  The SHARED LOAD saved her home and her credit!

Yesterday is history.  Tomorrow is a mystery.  Today – the “Present” is a gift.  Our life is the sum total of the decisions we make along the way.  We may feel that the tide has gone out and left us high and dry, but remember that the tide always comes back.  We just need to be ready.  In many places you will see dates illustrated as 2000-2008.  It may be employment dates, schooling, a child’s age, marriage etc.  Notice the “dash” between the two dates.  The question is how well have you managed the dash (-) that represents the time in between the two dates?  Are you all Stressed out or does the “dash” represent productive and successful times in your life?  Times when you SHARED THE LOAD in order to move closer to your goals.

We can look at today’s economy as the glass half empty or the glass half full.  I would always prefer to be optimistic and look at a glass that’s half full and use my time to fill it up.  SHARE THE LOAD.  Let someone hold the glass while you pour.  It will get done a lot faster and you won’t STRESS out worrying if the water is going to spill.  Use today wisely.  A new day is always your opportunity for a new beginning.





By Martha Bullman
CEO of Realtor Association of Miami-Dade County