January 3rd, 2010 2:58 PM by Korene L Clopine-Seaman
We hear stories every week of the year regarding business, the economy, natural disaster, finances, health, child care, religion, faith, politics, scandal, violence, and crime. It can make you numb to the needs and hurts of others.
Some weeks ago we have heard of the major earthquakes in the South Pacific and the following tsunami waves, the loss of lives, families, homes, and businesses. We heard of the murders at Fort Hood in Texas and the family murders in Georgia and Florida.
Just after Thanksgiving we heard of another financial failure this time in Dubai and of more banks and businesses collapsing. A number of national and international businesses, hugh financial institutions, and even a number of our own industries said "So Long" in 2007, 2008, and 2009 then closed the doors.
A few weeks ago we heard the President's plan for the direction the war effort would be taken and the desired outcome of his hopes and plans.
We hear lots of news and stories of pain, suffering, grief, loss, and failure. We hear too few stories or news related to joy, laughter, relief, or rejoicing.
BUT do we realise that like fingers on your hands or pieces of a puzzle they all are related and have cause and effect to each other?
In my work as a mortgage banker and loan originator I meet new people almost every day. I hear conversation threads that most people don't hear a lot of. In more and more conversations I am hearing from people what they have done or are doing to help how they can.
I spoke to one family whose children are in college. They went through their garage and attic to find all the children's toys, athletic gear, and electronic toys they could find. They have had "Repair and Building Parties" with neighbors and friends because they want to have gifts for children at Christmas, for donations to schools, churches, daycares, shelters, etc.
I found in my own home it was better for me and for others to stop storing and start sharing and caring. It may be called alot of things but for me it was called "Doing What I Can" or "Pay Things Forward".
Another family went through their garage and attic and found furniture, lamps, wall decorations, clothing, bedding, dishes, and electronic items like games, recorders, televisions, etc to repaid, cleanup, mend, or make useful and made donations to the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other similar useful helpful organizations.
The amount of donations received by various organizations is down the last couple of years thus they are unable to help so many people who are hurting and in such dire need. In a nation where we have to park our cars outside because the garage is full of storage or when we have to pay $150 to $1000 per month to store our "out of season, out of size, out of use, don't you think it is time to "Doing What I Can" or "Pay Things Forward"?
I found I could help someone else while cleaning spaces and decreasing my household hazards, lower my potential for fire damage all while helping someone else.
My Grandpa was a very practical man with a big heart, a lot of common sense, and the kind of man who lead his family by example. He and my Grandma would donate used clothing, bedding, dishes, furniture, books, etc on a regular basis to help others and to pay it forward.
You will NEVER miss what you share with others and you will always reap a harvest of good will by sharing, caring, and "Paying It Forward".
Let's ALL make 2010 a better year by making this world a better place for all of us.
Korene Clopine-SeamanSenior Mortgage AdvisorPacific Coast Mortgage, Inc.6991 East Camelback Road, Suite C250Scottsdale, AZ 85251AZ BK # 0905081Direct Phone: 623-340-0934Fax: 623-218-1807korene@klcsloanteam.comwww.klcsloanteam.comListings Of Referral Partners: www.klcsreferralpartners.xpresslistings.com