Sometime last week I received a call in the early evening. "Happy Anniversary," the caller said. No hello or hey - just right into "Happy Anniversary."
I have to come clean - the first thought which raced through my mind was - damn - I am in trouble - I forgot an anniversary....
The caller went on to congratulate me for 30+ years in RE/MAX. Whew - my mind settled and we went on to discuss some of the many aspects of the real estate journey I have been on. It has been incredible and I am so grateful. This kid from Red Deer Alberta is living the dream - started so many many years ago with my first door knock and open house. I was lucky to start from literally nothing and to expand that start to where I am. I cherish every up and down which formed me along the way and continues to.
It's not over yet, my engagement is stronger than ever and I am so excited about the future and all it has to bring.
But along the way I made a significant shift with myself.
This week I was reflecting on the 30+ years when it hit me - not only have I been blessed to be part of the RE/MAX family for all of these years BUT I also have another celebration of sorts to be thankful for.
30 years this August I quit drinking - haven't had any alcohol for all of these years - not a drop. I don't think about it very often - but the RE/MAX anniversary brought it to my attention.
I remember when I drank and how I felt. I was what one would call a silent drinker - no one really ever knew I had a problem. I would abuse alcohol alone, tucked away safely in my home late at night. My habit at the end was to literally drink myself to sleep, wake up the next morning with the after effects and start the day as any other. This pattern continued until I was able to recognize it as a pattern. I got scared and aware.
It wasn't easy for me to quit, took me several visits to my doctor and three attempts at cold turkey to have it lock in. I have now come to understand that everyone who quits is different with varying degrees of success. I consider myself lucky.
The impact of not drinking on my life has been profound - the choice of drinking today or not drinking is an easy one for me. I have been able to take that distraction away and focus on what really mattered and matters in my life. The discipline required at first was difficult but I was determined and frankly stubborn. I wanted to live a full life and realized having alcohol in it would not allow me to experience all that life had to offer.
I am incredibly thankful for this anniversary and for the decision I made 30 years ago for me.
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