Staying Positive Despite the Negative Housing News

The chairman and CEO of Countrywide Financial said yesterday (and I quote from the New York Times online): "[H]ome prices were falling 'almost like never before, with the exception of the Great Depression.'" Now we all knew that housing prices were moving in the wrong direction, but when you start referring to the Great Depression while talking about it, you know it's bad. And I guess my thought is: How does a real estate agent deal with this kind of downer news? How do you deal with it personally? Are you a glass "half-empty" person or are you a glass "half-full?" And if you're a glass "half-full" person what would you say to help those who see the glass "half-empty"? And I guess it's so easy to notice what you don't have going for you (for some of us more than others) versus what you do have. And each of us really does have many things going for us. And when was the last time you considered all the positives in your life? Oh yeah, maybe every last little thing isn't exactly perfect, but what about the major things like your health? Are you healthy (or relatively healthy)? Do you have your health? I heard a lady speak recently who has a genetic disposition towards blindness. And now in her forties she has completely lost her sight. She now has to depend on others to literally lead her around. She has gone from being completely independent to dependent. But you know what? She gave no hint of self-pity. When she got up to speak, I sat up to listen. I wasn't disappointed. She spoke dynamically and positively and genuinely despite her disability. And I have my sight (unless I take off my glasses), but I can moan and complain and think, "Woe is me," sometimes. (How 'bout you?) But consider her. It's so important to not forget all the positives in the midst of whatever negative is happening. Even in a down market you really have a lot going for you if you take the time to "see."