Not long ago, I was speaking to a friend and we were talking about a lot of different things that have not gone to plan recently. From health worries, to family problems, to job frustrations, to crazy housing markets, there are lots of items that can be tallied up in the “losses” column. We vented and laughed and decided that it was about time for a WIN. That’s right, a big W. When so much seems helter-skelter, occasionally something must fall into the correct place…right?
Maybe you’ve been feeling down in the dumps recently. Maybe you’re sick of winter and being stuck at home. Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow on the 2nd. This seems pretty fitting for a time when we all feel like we are living in the movie Groundhog Day. C’mon, Phil, give us a win!
After a few frustrating months in my real estate life, I finally had a win. I had a tenant break a lease very early, and I was left with a vacant place (and no rent) over the holidays (the worst timing). I had an off-market buyer surprisingly back out of our deal in the final stretches. I had some interest with the property, but no bites. I finally bit the bullet and put my place on the market, and, as of the end of last week, the property sold! It’s been a whirlwind with lots of paperwork and a lot of this-is-happening-super-fast craziness (for the good).
Until the final hour, I was holding my breath, almost expecting something to go wrong because that has been the general theme as of late. My hopes were high, but I was worried about the crash and burn if, once again, things fell apart. A few days before the closing, my husband wanted to go out and celebrate (so sweet), and my response was, “What? Are you crazy? I’m not celebrating until it’s DONE. I am not jinxing this.” I agreed to a half-celebratory-half-worried dinner eventually.
I know that a lot of people are feeling like they need a win right now. Maybe it’s getting the vaccine, or being able to travel and see family, or buying a home, or dating again. I know we’ve been stuck in this anxious-mundane-chaotic-wtf period of life, and, while it’s easy to focus on all that has gone off the rails, believe me that there are still wins within reach. There are stars in the night sky; it can get cloudy and the moon does wane, but those twinkling orbs are there, I promise!
Here’s the plot twist, since it’s been so blah, when a tiny thing works out, it feels like a major triumph. Just being able to get my nails done again is a small victory. Being able to eat outdoors again feels exhilarating. Having my parents get the vaccine (and the reassurance that comes with that) is confetti-throwing worthy.
After lots of ups and downs, selling this home felt like it was too good to be true. When I saw all of those ducks line up in a row, I almost didn’t believe it. Previously, I felt like I was reaching out, feathers flying, trying to grab a duck by the leg, and wrestle it to its place. Last week, my webbed-foot friends finally willingly went to their correct spots. I can now breathe a sigh of relief – it’s nice to get that W at long last.
If you are feeling low (been there), just trust me that it can get better. Plans can be successful. And while a lot can still go wrong (just being a realist here), just as much can still go right. If you’ve been waiting for a win, hang in there. Change is inevitable and something good can fall into your lap when you least expect it to.
I was able to finally celebrate this weekend. I could take a long exhale, drink some champagne, and feel relief that the dominos all aligned correctly (after many failed attempts). The last several months have been frustrating, stressful, and disappointing, but, lo and behold, a star finally appeared. Without the accompanying darkness, I wouldn’t notice the brilliance of that glow.
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