Jeffrey Simons - Orange County Real Estate Consultant

I’m so bummed that I already missed a day of gratitude; however I’m so grateful for the day that I had with my family that it easily justified the time away from the computer. I also know that I’m only 1 day away from getting right back on track!

Yesterday was action packed, as we woke up early to get Samantha to Church for her to sing in the Choir where she did an amazing job. She just shines like a little star up there with her friends. As soon as church was out we jetted home to change clothes and headed to the LA Zoo for a day of fun in the sun… and they had such a great time. One the way home, we chose to stop and Mom and Pops early and spend some more time with them rather than just showing up later for Dinner. After dinner… we were all just spent, but somehow Kristina found the strength to get our Monkeys bathed, ready for bed, tucked in and then she made 2 dozen cupcakes for the girls Easter Egg hunt today at our Church – she is really quite amazing!

I’m so grateful that we had the entire day together… no phone calls, no emails and no work. I love the thought we will all have that day to remember for quite some time to come and for that… I’m even more grateful!

I’m sorry to bring up work so often; however it must be said…

I am so excited to share my gratitude for a fantastic appointment with a great young couple. I had the pleasure of meeting with Kevin and Jennifer this morning, and I found them to be the ideal clients for my consulting services.

Kevin called me for information on one of my listings, and was very open on the phone. I asked if we could meet for an initial consultation and he agreed. When I met with them this morning, they shared with me what was important about buying a home to them… and I was blown away by how authentic and genuine they were.

This topic of gratitude and work needs to be mentioned because about 3 years ago, I made a commitment that I would only work with great people… my clients would have to positive and fun. I would have to not only like working with them, but love working with them and helping them reach their goals… and I have found this to be one of the single best decisions I have ever made when it comes to running my business.

I love my clients, (my real estate FAMILY) and it’s truly a blessing to work with such amazing people. If I have worked with you in the past… I hope you know and have experienced how important you are to me. I’m grateful for our relationships, and our time spent together.

Thank you for being a part of my Real Estate FAMILY!

Today I’m grateful for taking the time out of my day to go and watch Lauren and Samantha at their school events. If you know anything about me, I typically put work first and family second. Over the past few months, I have been working diligently to make it clear that they are truly what’s most important to me.

Lauren was absolutely beautiful in her little spring dress, bonnet and sandals.

Samantha had her Jog-A-Thon this morning and she did 21 laps which was the most that any girl had done in the 2nd grade! Photos of both of these events will follow…

They continue to amaze me and bring me such joy… and for that, I’m grateful.

While there are a lot of challenges with our current leadership, this great new health care reform and with the economy itself… there is no other country that I would rather live in.

The principles of this country and the foundation where built on life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness (freedom). For most of us living here in the United States, I would bet that we take these core values for granted, I know that I have. I’ve never given much thought to what it would be like to come from another country, to be a refugee, or an immigrant, I’ve never had to cross a desert on foot, to jump in a 12 Ft. boat with 20 other strangers with no food, vests or water with only the clothes on my back and the hope that I find something better. Why is it so important for these people and families to sacrifice everything including their lives to come here?

It’s because of the life we are allowed to have, the life we are free to live and the endless opportunities all around us…

As I read updates from friends on Facebook, hear updates from Church, and read stories from my amazing Aunt Gerie who travels the world to help others… it’s hard to believe that in 2010 there are countries without running water, without electricity, without paved streets or even permanent shelter.

One thing for sure is that as I experience my children growing up right in front of me… I’m slowing coming to realize how blessed we all are, and we remind our children every night as we pray for all of those that are homeless, those that are hungry, and those that have lost their way. With all of our challenges, all of the corruption and in all of the areas where we fall short, we are still, by far the most amazing country in the world and I’m forever grateful to have been born here and to live here. We have truly been blessed!

If you have been in business for any length of time, you probably have already figured out that the better your network (your core group of professionals that you do business with), the better value you can provide to everyone else around you that you know, like and care about.

I’m extremely grateful for the professionals that I have been blessed to be affiliated with. As a member of the BNI Diamond Club I believe that I’m affiliated with some of the best of the best (and I know this because I have worked with most of these professionals for over 5 years now). I have come to realize that when you have high quality, like minded business people that you trust, it’s easy to recommend them to your family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors.

I’m curious… right now, who would you like to meet, who is the one small business professional or company that you have been looking for, right now, that will save you time, save you money, make you money or even make your life better? Chances are… I know that person, and I would love to share their gifts with you! Do you need an estate planning attorney to review your plans, or an accountant that you can truly trust? How about a group of dynamic professionals that operate under the same principles when it comes to your life, health, long term care and retirement vehicles?

Imagine what it would be like to have all of this available to you, and all you have to do is send me an email or give me a call so that we can introduce you. I love to show them my gratitude by helping them, and I’m so confident in their ability to help you, I know you will show your gratitude by doing the same.

To my network: thank you for being there for me, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your team, and a part of your lives!

I woke up this morning at 4:45 with a smile on my face… Why you might be wondering? Because my coach, Joe Stumpf has said many, many times “the best things in life happen outside your comfort zone”… and I want you to know that I’m very comfortable in my bed at 4:45 in the morning!

If you know me… then you might already know that when I’m in my routine, and I go to the gym… I’m a better me. I read more, I eat better, feel better and even look better.

Over the past few weeks I have read “Linchpin” by Seth Godin, and I’m almost finished with “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield. In both of these books it mentions “resistance”. An example of resistance is that voice inside your head that says don’t do it, just hit the snooze, you will fail, or it even helps you find things to do when you know you should be doing something else. You know what I mean… don’t you?

Today I’m grateful for that resistance that I have all around me… I have been listening to and using that resistance as a compass – to help find and acknowledge all the opportunities that are around me, and each day I hope to find some new resistance in my path. I love the thought that I’m acknowledging those thoughts and actions that are holding me back, and that I’m working to overcome them.

With that said… I too hope that you find resistance in your day, and that you find a way to break through that challenge and find yourself closer to whatever it is that you are looking for!

My friends! For as long as I can remember, I have been blessed with the most amazing people in my life… my friends!

These days, I spend a lot of time at the office, a little time at home and that leaves even less time for my friends. The fact is… it leaves almost no time from my friends; however what I have come to realize is that the people that I do have in my life that I do consider to be my friends… they all seem respect that, they never judge me and they continue to invite me to be a part of their lives. My true friends have always been there when I needed them (and I hope and pray that I have been and will continue to be there for them) no matter how long it’s been since we have spent time together, talked or just hung out.

I have learned that it’s not the quantity of the people that I have in my life, but the quality of those people. For all my friends, I thank you for who you are, who you have been and who you will continue to be in my mind, in my heart and in my memories. Thank you!

I would like to share with you my gratitude for the blessing of Samantha who turns 8 years old today. God gave us a little miracle and it’s hard to believe that so much time has passed. It seems like yesterday when her little hands that would wrap around my finger.

Now… she is singing and dancing in the Kitchen along with Carrie Underwood with her little ipod shuffle… Samantha is doing very well in school, she is a very good in her Dance class, and is really starting to love Track. I love the thought that she is growing up; however it’s heartbreaking to see it happen so fast.

If there is anything that I can learn from Samantha… it would be compassion. She amazes me when she breaks down and cries for strangers, prayers for her friends and even those she doesn’t know in times of need or dispair. She is truly a gift, and every day with her is something that I will be eternally grateful for!

I have been giving a lot of thought lately to all the incredible gifts and blessings that I have in my life. I have been challenging myself to think of 100 things that I’m grateful for… and with that said, I’m going to commit publicly that I’m going to send you updates of 1 thing everyday that I am truly grateful for. Starting NOW!

Today, I’m grateful for Joe Stumpf and the By Referral Only community. I joined By Referral Only in 2005, and I’m eternally grateful for I have found an incredible coach, a giving and generous support group all within a uniquely amazing community. I love the fact that I have resources well beyond my own unique abilities and the talents of others sometimes even beyond imagination.

If you or someone you know is in the real estate business, and you care about them, the best thing that you can do for them is to introduce them to Joe at By Referral Only. Please call me for a personal introduction or visit them online at www.ByReferralOnly.com

Thank you Joe… Thank you By Referral Only!