2008 in Dog Years

by Teri Lussier

Rust Belt Realtor

Author website

2008 rocked! Yeah, the economy tanked, but I do believe that crisis means opportunity so I’m not sweating that right now- I’m looking for ways to make the best of this situation.

Professionally, this year has been productive. That shouldn’t be misunderstood to mean that I’m swimming in transactions, because I’m not. But I’m not in debt and I’ve grown professionally through some experiences. Due to my own failure to communicate, I experienced a painful wake-up call from some clients while I was at BHBU in Orlando. What can you do when you are 1000 miles away? If you are me, you stop what you are doing and communicate. And communicate. And communicate. And you do what you need to do to make things right- and I have. And then you take a drive to Coco Beach with your husband and have one of the most wonderful dinners of your life. I’m grateful for clients that let me know their thoughts and let me work to fix things. So now I’m stronger, smarter, and more prepared than I’ve ever been- that’s progress, that’s productive.

For many reasons, mostly of my own creation, I have never been focused on my business the way I need to be. This fall a family situation changed and suddenly I had the opportunity to see things a bit more clearly. Uninterupted time is now mine. Goals? Time management? Focus? It’s mine all mine! And now I can take the tools, tips, and techniques I’ve been surrounding myself with and slowing honing and really get to work. This is good. This is very good. 2008 rocked but 2009 should be slamming and if it’s not, I’m hanging up my license.

This was a dog’s year for being online. It was amazing to meet so many people on twitter, at conferences throughout the year, and through emails. And to all the people who have vented publicly and privately about BloodhoundBlog, thank you. I’m a better and stronger person because of you, I hope each of you can say the same.

Greg Swann, this week, and this post, this post, and this post, and all the comments and discussion that they have inspired, or perhaps compelled is a better word, have been cathartic. Through this entire year, and last week in particular, BloodhoundBlog has forced me to grow in dog years, professionally and also in human spirit- I can’t imagine that a better gift could be given from one friend to another. Thank you.

I love stories of transformation and growth. I love freedom. I root for the underdog, but I find that freedom, transformation, and standing strong are not always about chest-beating drama. For me, and maybe for you as well, it’s just as likely to be an introspective, often solitary, sometimes lonely, but still remarkably beautiful, journey. I can’t think of a better way to end any year than with dancing and this is a Bob Fosse’s choreography to the theme song from Cool Hand Luke.

Wishing everyone who has touched my life this year, a healthy, prosperous, and Happy New Year!