Motivational Monday…Now vs Who Knows When?

By
Home Stager

Motivational Monday…Now vs Who Knows When?

 

Something that Ron and Alexandra Seigel always wrote about was the importance of being in the moment

I’d never given it much thought until I began reading their posts. 

 

What I’ve come to understand is that what we have in life is NOW. Even though it’s important that we have plans and goals for the future, we cannot be so focused that we lose the truly important things in life.

 

 

One of our favorite parks where we walk has scattered along the path hand-painted stones with sayings on them.  There are some that have been there for months however, the other morning we came across one that looked newly placed.

We were running late that morning and I wasn’t sure if I wanted to make the time to stop and take a photo. “I’ll stop next time we’re here.”

 

BUT Wait….

(Bear with me because my mind goes all over the place ) What if I can’t or don’t come back? What happens if all of a sudden I lose my sight and can’t see? What if the park sustains damage from a storm?

 

 

And then, my mind went all over the place. 

What if I lost my hearing and could no longer listen to one of my favorite Jimmy Buffett songs?

 

 

 

 

 

Years ago, Larry went on a wilderness kayaking trip with a friend. It was 12 days in the Everglades and everything they needed had to fit in the kayak, including 13 gallons of water. They almost postponed the trip because of the weather. 

 

They did go and had a once-in-a-lifetime trip which included camping on the same beach with salt-water crocodiles. Shortly after that trip, Larry was diagnosed with hydrocephalus.  His kayaking days were over. 

 

 

As I get older, I have a better appreciation for the NOW. When Larry asks if I want to watch a movie or go somewhere, I no longer think of what I have to do instead. If at all possible, I spend that time with him. 

 

This week, when you find yourself hesitating to do, look, or listen to something…pause and ask yourself this…NOW OR WHO KNOWS WHEN???

 

 

 

Forever is composed of nows. Emily Dickinson

If you must look back, do so forgivingly. If you must look forward, do so prayerfully. However, the wisest thing you can do is be present in the present…Gratefully.
Maya Angelou

Posted by

Kathy Streib
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Comments (22)

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

Maya Angelou's quote says it all Kathy. Time goes by too fast!

Sep 04, 2023 05:17 AM
Kathy Streib

Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400 when I was a little girl, I thought Saturdays were the longest days of the week. I have no idea why. Now...every day passes so quickly. 

Sep 04, 2023 05:42 PM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Kathy. When opportunity knocks, answer the door. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow is unknown. So, live in the now and the rest will take care of itself! Enjoy your day.

Sep 04, 2023 05:36 AM
Kathy Streib

Wayne Martin We never know do we?  I'm grateful for my time in FL and that I got to meet the ActiveRain members at our meetups...and that includes YOU. 

Sep 04, 2023 05:43 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Kathy,

What a great post with such a timely message. The quote " Forever is composed of nows" by Emily Dickenson really resonated with me.

Sep 04, 2023 06:11 AM
Kathy Streib

Dorie Dillard Austin TX I'd never heard that one but I like it!!! 

Sep 04, 2023 05:43 PM
Michael Jacobs
Pasadena, CA
Los Angeles Pasadena 818.516.4393

Hello Kathy - I just finished reading a book, The Search, by Bruce Feiler.  One of the biggest messages I received was the variety of questions we find to ask ourselves.  

Sep 04, 2023 07:32 AM
Kathy Streib

Michael Jacobs Sounds like an interesting book. I know I've been accused of asking a lot of questions. 

Sep 04, 2023 05:44 PM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Kathy,
You sure know how to make a point. I did not know Larry has hydrocephalus. Sometimes, it takes an event of some kind to wake us up to the importance of the now. I think when we're younger, the challenge is to balance living for the now and planning for the future. That scale weighs more heavily on the "now" side as we age and experience the realities of life and how uncertain it is.

Thanks for sharing!

Sep 04, 2023 08:35 AM
Kathy Streib

Hi Carol Williams I totally agree with what you said. We realize how things can change in an instant. I am so grateful that Larry got to go on the kayak trip with his friend. 

Sep 04, 2023 05:52 PM
Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty
Waves Realty - Melbourne, FL
Florida Space Coast Homes

I saw Jimmy Buffett in concert a few times. Truly like no other you would go see. One of a kind!

Sep 04, 2023 09:36 AM
Kathy Streib

Jeffrey DiMuria 321.223.6253 Waves Realty He was. You know his songs were ones where I actually listened to the words and the story they told. 

Sep 04, 2023 05:53 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

This is a good reminder for all us to focus on the moment.

Let's continue to spread love and kindness every day.

 

Sep 04, 2023 10:09 AM
Kathy Streib

Roy Kelley I couldn't agree more. Love and Kindness...we need that now. 

Sep 04, 2023 05:55 PM
Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

It’s a great post! Thank you for sharing.

 

Have a super fantastic week!

Joe Jackson, Realtor-KWCP

Sep 04, 2023 10:23 AM
Kathy Streib

Hi Joe Jackson Thank you and very happy that you like it. 

Sep 04, 2023 05:56 PM
TODD PICCONI INLANDEMPIRE & SOUTH ORANGE COUNTY, CA
TODD PICCONI REAL ESTATE - Dana Point, CA
Personal Engagement,Precision, and Professionalism

Life is short! Loved this post Kathy Streib !  Very true...what is that saying, "Buy the shoes or purse and get the dessert!"  It only takes one or two times where you realize that life is short to make changes to our lives...(normally!)...I totally agree.  Thank You for your heartfelt message today, Kathy and Happy Labor Day to You and Larry!

Sep 04, 2023 11:12 AM
Kathy Streib

Thank you TODD PICCONI 909.908.7376 or (949) 391 - 3164 I'm very happy that you liked it. As I get older I realize that time spent with family and loved ones...time doing what brings you joy...this is what's important. 

Sep 04, 2023 05:59 PM
Bill Salvatore - East Valley
Arizona Elite Properties - Chandler, AZ
Realtor - 602-999-0952 / em: golfArizona@cox.net

Have a wonderful Labor Day and have a super fantastic week!

Bill Salvatore, Realtor- Arizona Elite Properties

Sep 04, 2023 11:22 AM
Kathy Streib

Bill Salvatore - East Valley Astros won today so I'm happy!!!

Sep 04, 2023 06:00 PM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
HomeSmart Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Well well well look at that!  You wrote about what I did as well today Kathy Streib ! Enjoy this moment....etc etc etc.  Alexandra and I are on the same wave length! I miss her bubbly spirit on the rain!

Sep 04, 2023 11:50 AM
Kathy Streib

Anna "Banana" Kruchten I miss their beautifully written posts and how they encouraged us to be in the moment. 

Sep 04, 2023 06:01 PM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Kathy it is wise to have goal, but we also need to fully enjoy the "now".  Even the Bible tells us there is no guarantee for tomorrow.

Sep 04, 2023 12:24 PM
Kathy Streib

George Souto I agree!!!  I've known many people who could never enjoy the moment or what they had because they were focused on their goal. 

Sep 04, 2023 06:03 PM
Ray Henson
eXp Realty of California, Inc. (lic. #01878277) - Elk Grove, CA
Realtor

MM has wanted to do the Camino de Santiago for about 10 years now.  One new knee later with the other knee needing to be replaced and a bad foot and that walk seems to be history.  As we get older, we just can't keep waiting for tomorrow.

Sep 04, 2023 12:43 PM
Kathy Streib

I agree Ray Henson I had an uncle who worked all his life for Brown & Root. As a young person I remember him saying that we have this work thing backwards. We should do our vacations and retirement plans while we can still get around and then settle into work. 

Sep 04, 2023 06:04 PM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

kHi Kathy Streib

Wise words.  When I lived in SoCal, I can remember that most days were like being a hamster on a hamster wheel.  Everything was planned out.  There was never time in the present.  

When I moved to Sedona, I learned a big lesson and realized I needed to be in the present and not so concerned with the future.  I watch Tristan grow every week and wonder where this time is going.  Enjoy it now in the present. 

Sep 04, 2023 03:01 PM
Kathy Streib

So true Sheri Sperry - MCNE® when my nieces were babies, I realized that even two weeks away from them meant I missed a lot of what they were learning. 

Sep 04, 2023 06:06 PM
Joan Cox
House to Home, Inc. - Denver Real Estate - 720-231-6373 - Denver, CO
Denver Real Estate - Selling One Home at a Time

Kathy, that is why until things change, I will go on as many vacations as I can.   You just never know when your life will be shortened!

Sep 04, 2023 04:23 PM
Kathy Streib

Joan Cox And I'm glad you are!!!  Keep taking them and enjoying what you do!!!  

Sep 04, 2023 06:06 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

I always enjoy the photos you have accompanying your posts, Kathy.  I mostly live in the moment.  But, it's been a quiet holiday weekend, and I've been doing my share of reminiscing the last couple days.

I also miss Alexandra and Ron.  I hope they are doing well!

Sep 04, 2023 05:03 PM
Kathy Streib

Myrl Jeffcoat I did that recently when going through old photos to digitize them. It took me on a journey that made me wonder where the time had gone. I miss Ron and Alexandra Seigel as well. 

Sep 04, 2023 06:08 PM
Myrl Jeffcoat
Sacramento, CA
Greater Sacramento Realtor - Retired

CONGRATULATIONS Kathy, on having this blog FEATURED in the Old Farts Club group!  

Sep 04, 2023 05:04 PM
Kathy Streib

Myrl Jeffcoat this old fart thanks you. 

Sep 04, 2023 06:09 PM
Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS
Fathom Realty Washington LLC - Tacoma, WA
South Puget Sound Washington Agent/Broker!

Should I be scared? I enjoy the way you think and post Kathy. This is the way I found success as a manager, then in real estate. I was never afraid of shifting gears or turning corners. It has always been a great ride 🤪

Sep 05, 2023 08:20 PM
Kathy Streib

Paul S. Henderson, REALTOR®, CRS you sacred?!? No way! Thank you for your kind words . Your ability to adapt to the “now” is why you have been successful!

Sep 05, 2023 08:49 PM
Endre Barath, Jr.
Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties - Beverly Hills, CA
Realtor - Los Angeles Home Sales 310.486.1002

Kathy Streib  when I was a young Second Lieutenant in the US Army stationed in Germany I wanted to come home visit my parents on vacation. My father said no need to do that, travel around Europe see and enjoy the history, the present , the culture and the food & wine, we will still be here. Make believe you might never have the opportunity to see Europe again. He gave great advice, Endre

Sep 05, 2023 09:06 PM
Sharon Tara
Sharon Tara Transformations - Portsmouth, NH
Retired New Hampshire Home Stager

A powerful message here Kathy. Something I've been thinking a lot about lately too...how precious this time is. NOW should be appreciated far more than it usually is.

Sep 08, 2023 07:33 AM