Tag: living in maine

Maine … What Are You Waiting For?

Some See A Burdock, Weed. Others Take The Time To See The Hidden Flower.

Ever feel you are being held back, anxious but did not know why?

With a sense of urgency caused by the crack of a starter’s gun at a sporting event but your arms, legs don’t move? Good. You are learning to relax, sit out a few of life’s races. Or your kids just grew up and are out on their own.

Life is not a race.

Not a buffet with everything under the glass sneeze guard having to be sampled. Heaped tittering on the sliding cafeteria tray like John Belushi’s Bluto in Animal House. Everything in life does not have to be approached like it’s life and death important either when you learn to let go, ease back and just enjoy the ride.

Sometimes the rush and hurry is because of agendas others have for your life. Parents, spouses, bosses, churches, kids. Expectatations to do this, don’t do that. But why not salt and pepper a few of your own like Frank’s song about a little of it being “my way”. Especially after your kid’s that got your best growing up are up and out of the nest.

At a graveside funeral service yesterday, mourners, friends and family of the deceased came together to pay their respects.

To share and review the life of the departed. With outdoor stories about the personal experiences shared without a script. From the heart. How the one being honored touched the life of those standing around the grave site in the blustery cold wind. Being warmed inside by the spirit of that person.

Funerals are healthy, should not be avoided. Make a person think of their own life as they hear about the journey of the dead before they left Earth. As you listen to the honor guard’s last lone blast on the trumpet. Watch the two unfold, refold the stars and stripes. And on bended knee with the utmost respect, present that red, white and blue triangle to the greiving family. To begin the healing. To attempt to fill the big void, gap the loss of the loved one creates when they die. And loved ones begin to realize how much they depended on that individual but did not really know the extent until they are gone.

Ask any one with a bucket list or when they near the end about how they lived their life. Most share the joys of what was done right. But many will have regrets about spending so much time just trying to measure up. And meet the expectations of others around them. Coming up short in adding some color, seasoning to that life because of so much effort trying to please others. Happiness from outside yourself comes and goes. Joy developed inside you remains, radiates and sustains you through thick or thin.

Take some of those hour glass shifting sands for yourself to produce some inner joy.

It is not selfish if the bulk of your life is as a good and faithful servant to others. Your own personal enjoyment, enrichment, what you enjoy doing is also what defines your life. Adds greater deeper meaning.

When family, especially your own kids are a priority in your life, the obligation and privledge to raise them provides lots of opportunities for fun. Because kids are masters at it. Especially in the younger years when their life is kept simple. Kids get you involved in their sports, schools, church activities. Cause bleacher seat introductions to other family oriented parents. Stimulate you to not miss church or to slack off in areas you are spurred on to work harder because of them. And the importance to make sure they are prepared for the wild blue yonder with practicing what you preach.

When you take vacation trips with your kids, those family outings are seen through their eyes. Not just your own peepers. Kids in a good way cause the focus to be on the importance to get them raised right. Not just taking care of your own needs. Being responsible, considerate of others and giving something back all part of shaping a child. To give them a worthwhile purpose, skills and a healthy outlook to enjoy and impart with their kids some day. As the circle continues.

When you spend time alone, read a lot after the kids are out on their own, time to pull back, think about life happens easily.

You are freed up of the running a household with a neon glowing “no vacancy” sign out front and all that good parenting demands. A home becomes just a house again. And you have some frank discussions with the guy in the mirror you brush teeth, run a comb through your hair with each morning. About now what.

Like the funeral experience which is like studying the life of others reading biographies to shape your own, clarity happens. Like the Johnny Nash or Jimmy Cliff remake song point out about hope, faith, promise. Options, choices are revealed for decisions you used to make out of consideration sharing with a mate or family considerations. But now on your own with the take away that it is your life to lead.

If many people feel they lived their life jammed packed with meeting the expectations of others but not many of their own, there is a corner to turn up ahead.

A sudden spacious empty nest can mean its time to have lattitude to charter your own brightly colored kayak. Grab a paddle. Find someone in time to paddle with beside you. But for now just enjoy catching your breath. Cranking your head around to survey the surroundings. To consider the options that become crystal in the quiet, new sensation of being alone. Listening for daily directional cues in Maine. Get on your knees and work more in your private personal spiritual garden.

Slow Down, You Can Not Help But Relax In Maine.

Maine, a special place where you can still hear yourself think.

Unless you are hard of hearing and thought yesterday’s Me In Maine blog post was about Las Vegas. It was not, but about Gulf Hagas, the “Grand Canyon of Maine”. The four seasons solitude so easy to tap in to in Maine is the best place for the many life reviews along the way. To see what needs tweaking, loosening, tightening.

Make Maine your first priority for the unspoiled, uncrowded, safe surroundings. To not lead your entire life out of just a sense of duty. But one out of love for what is inside you ready to blossom. To grow stronger in faith that feeds your passion, hunger, thirst and helps you discover what has been missing. You and I have lots of value, talent, worth that we need to re-discover. That sometimes others miss altogther because of your unwillingness to open up and trust. Or just they did not take the time because they were too busy too. Make, take the time to open up. It’s okay to be needy, we all are.

Too often others can remind you of where you come up short. And you start to believe them when they say there is nothing about you that they like. It is up to you to see where you do get it right for self confidence, self esteem. Risk living your own life with confidence. Love every one, see every thing in it with hope, faith and understanding anyway. It is not conditional, it should be an agape type of love without strings or demands in return.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

May 13, 2012
Can’t Wait Til Your Kids Grow Up And Out, Leave The Nest?

Maine, The Safe Four Season Place To Raise A Family.

Empty nest syndrome… those three words can sound like much ado about nothing. Until you go through it or know someone who has.

If you are a full time parent that enjoyed the job, that can last the better part of twenty three years considering college schedules, ENS takes adjustment. Not all a bowl of cherries easy until you learn new life patterns to fill the big hole kids out of the nest free up, provide for other areas of living.

But if you were a parent who your kids, others around you often heard the big sighs. Saw your eyes rolling. And with disgust heard “boy, will sure be glad when you kids are gone, the house is empty”. Maybe the freed up financial resources. Easier, any time you want scheduling to get in to the bathroom mornings will be a cinch transition. Empty nest syndrome may affect you not so much.

Moms and Dads that raise families verbalizing that “poor me, when do I get my time to be happy” parent resentment are missing the boat. You improve yourself raising kids and teaching them responsibilty, consequences for your actions. Getting them to church and learning right from wrong. About manners, playing fair. And that parents make mistakes, miss cues, have to work hard for the give and take of relationships.

Lessons along the way. Not to run with scissors. Take turns. Pick up your mess. Hang up your coat. Wipe your feet. Say your prayers. Hearing good job. But learning the word no used. Discipline, rules that make a kid feel safer, loved with defined boundaries. Knowing limits, consistent rules that adjust for greater freedom if they earn it as they get older.

Kids reminded out of love to make good decisions.

Even though you are not in the room, or around to know if they don’t. Especially after they leave the nest. But you still mother hen worry about them out on the open road in the big wide world. Reminding to say please and thank you. Have respect for others including teachers, coaches, referees and you the parent, other family members.

To treasure the elderly, give up your seat. Hold doors and to smile. Be pleasant. To think of others besides yourself. To take care of your possessions and respect those of others who worked just as hard to obtain them.

Parenting is a challenge but didn’t your parents make the effort?

And how do you like how you turned out? Did they gripe, complain or deep down wish they had not had you? Or did you and your brothers, sisters add greater meaning to their life?

Were you part of a family that was at the same birthday parties, weddings, graduations, funerals, the Christmas and other holidays year in and out? Did your Mom and Dad hug, demonstrate love and fondness? You learn from them how relationships look. How conflict resolution happens to solve the problem together, not attack the person or brow beat.

I tell new parents to be, with a stork circling overhead that their life will go from black and white to color.

That kids are a hoot. You will wonder how you lived without them. Not know what was missing. Until they grow up, start their lives and become more and more independent.

To live fine and dandy without you because someday you will be gone. Happens to all of us. And that is not the time your children should start living, making their own decisions. Prepare them. Teaching them all you can while the clock ticks loudly.

Parents can be like big selfish kids themselves. Who whine about the expense of effort, household financial resource money juggling. Kids enhance, not deprive if you take the responsibility, privlege, gift, blessing seriously.

We all need to grow up feeling loved, appreciated and taught the skills required in the big wide world out there. Kids don’t enjoy feeling that they are a burden. They are not. All special, unique, and can teach you much in the process of parenting. Each stage they grow through, each child with a different birth order, parents at different stages as head of the household giving direction. Each boy and girl, brother and sister with different temperaments, talents, special needs like all of us. No two the same like snow fakes.

Kids, family is a joy not a curse. A blessing not a burden. You were a kid once, and you appreciate the effort, love and dedication your parents provided more the older you get. As you pass in to life areas that are “ah ha” moments where you get it. Realize what you could not further back on life’s journey. We all make mistakes, miss cues and should be running everything through God for direction, inspirations, the truth.

Kids make you a better person because you think of someone besides yourself.

You teach them values and are accountable because they are watching. They keep you honest, trying harder to take the privilege, blessing of being a parent serious.

Changing diapers, applying A and D ointment, hooking up vaporizers, rocking them to sleep. After microwaving a bottle of milk, testing it on your wrist to make sure it is not too hot. Dropping happy boisterous kids off at dance, little league practice, school. Bother local and at college. Picking them up from the movies. Reading bedtime stories, saying prayers, tucking them in after tub time and being all squeaky clean.

Putting training wheels on their first bikes. $300 prom dresses worn once you wonder if they could be made in to draperies. Have another use. Or handed down to someone who can use them, give them another showing. Braces, college funds, after school jobs. Family reunions, cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents. Usually at a Maine lake. Or bean suppers, church bazaars. Or a state park, hiking Mt Katahdin or smaller hill trails. Maybe fishing for supper.

Grocery shopping more than once a week

Laundry and teaching kids to separate the whites, colors. And if you throw in a shirt inside out, that is the way it is being washed. And on the other end of the process you will have to turn it back out anyway yourself. Pointing out the roles all in the household need to assume for it to run smoother. So the parent does not get worn out, taken for granted. And eventually in a marriage expectations of someone else doing all the work. Being spoiled and unhappy if they don’t. Spoiling a child is way worse than neglect. Because when the parent is done, who’s job is it now? Everyone around them if you enable them like the parent did.

Watching them ricochet in higher kitchen doorway diagonals in the johnny jump up.

Spooning high chair breakfast with a higher pitched voice announcing here comes the airplane…open wide. Asking them what will it be today and pointing at the Gerber baby on the rice, oatmeal, barley box. Sippy cups. Burbing, bouncing on your lap and cooing. Going back in the room after they are asleep and just listening to them breath. In awe of the little person that is part of you, that will not stay small long.

Grocery shopping, laundry, cleaning house, changing beds, creating holidays, birthday parties. Helping with home work. Playing catch, tennis, or skiing, getting them to hockey practice. Or building a soap box derby gravity race cars.

Or just listening to them, making sure they spend time with other family members like grandparents who care and share. Letting them know there are lots of people around you that love you. Are rooting for you. That they have cheerleaders.

Thinking they are growing up way way too quickly. You were not done with that last life phase. But reminding yourself to enjoy it. To prepare as one by one they bean pole up and out, off to college then for good. But you don’t and can’t totally prepare with seamless segue to life after full time kids. It takes conscious effort. Or waiting for grandchildren for another part time taste of child raising.

Once empty nest syndrome arrives lots of healthy things can happen to fill the space, the void.

You can relax. Take a breath. More time dedicated to working on your relationships with others, stronger marriages. Service work through church or in your community are rewarding outlets too. New hobbies, education options. And reaching out to folks that were out of the loop because parenting is full time. Multiplies by the number of kids you have. Had six at one time. Whew.

Vacation traveling, discovering more about yourself reading, making the adjustment to the next phase of life. The one that can be the best is yet to come if you embrace it, avoid the slip in to a lonely pit of being dismissed in the full time parent role.

You never stop parenting, but the pauses between when you are needed get greater with the kids who will appreciate you more and more the older they get. And when they eventually try their hand at this parenting thing. And they too become Sunday school teachers, your grandchildren like them are in Christmas pageants too.

Maine, family is everything. Raising one in Maine is the place to do it with four seasons of uncrowded natural safe surroundings. Most of the upbringing is outdoors, with plenty of fresh air, less television, more use of their imagination.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

May 7, 2012
(“Cheers” Song In Background) Maine Small Town Living.

Celebrating The Fourth Of July In A Small Maine Town.

In a small Maine town practically everyone does know your name.

Fewer people living in the small population rural regions of Maine means no one gets lost in the shuffle. Most of us travel in the same circles. Things get down quicker with Dave and the sling shot efficiency too. Because there is a familiarity that leaves no one in the dark. Today’s routine of getting a large black coffee before starting the day proves that.

I swing in to McDonald’s and there is just enough space, one car length to get the rear end of the Jeep out of the lane of traffic that would side swipe it otherwise. I’m thinking why not just pull in to a parking space, trot in and be out way way before the tail end of this wagon train gets to the drive through pick up window.

I hit the McDonald’s lobby, not needing a happy meal or breakfast burrito.

First guy I see is Snookie Bossie, an old snow sledding buddy. Friend and classmate of my oldest brother Stephen who told me if you are in Canada and get in a rumble, Snookie and the older Roger Howland are the two you need for protection to race back to the border. Snook prefers you call him Will but good luck shaking that novel, unique a high school nickname. How many Snookie’s have you known in your life time? Snook grins, asks where I am preaching today? Likes my matching suit.

Float Your Boat, Get Outside To Enjoy The Scenery Happens In Small Town Maine.

I smile and tell him no funerals, no sermon or services today but have an action packed real estate day ahead of me. Five closings last week in one day was a proud achievement but I tell him Robin, my secretary of twenty years gets the credit. More a business partner than an assistant. Elliot, my youngest as a full time single Dad was not even two when Robin signed on to the payroll.

Then I think as Snookie smiles, hey wait a minute.

He trained my secretary who worked at Ward Log Cabin 20 years ago. Robin said he was a boss that wanted it done right, or do it over. She liked that and does not like messing up, not getting it done right. Other secretaries in the pool did not take so fondly for his business like, right is right attitude. Robin embraced it, did not take it personally when criticized. It’s like conflict resolutions, focus on the problem, don’t attack the person.

Then Arnold Bulley who is a manager at McDonald’s says hello, waves on the way, zipping by behind the counter. David Grant, a friend of an older brother Jonathan and classmate of 1967 grabs my elbow and says hello on the way out. He has the day off from defending the US / Canadian border today. Snookie is “chalmerizing” his wife’s car, a loving gesture in his retirement. While waiting for it to warm up, go for a motorcycle ride.

Any one outside Houlton Maine would wonder what the heck “chalmerize” means.

Chalmer Karnes is or was the best car detailer in the business. And if there was a world series or Olympics for auto detailing, my money would be on the Chalmer of years ago. When he was in his prime.

Brick Solid, Victorian Classic. That’s Houlton Maine, County Seat For Aroostook.

Silver haired, always smiling Paul Callnan, a CPA wanders by with a breakfast tray and I figure he is taking the needed “you deserve a break today” after tax season.

Know him well through service in Rotary.

Rode on the same Houlton Maine yellow school bus lucky number thirteen growing up. Was at the University of Maine at Orono in the same freshman dorm Aroostook a few years back before joining TKE fraternity. Moving out and being on the north end of the UMO campus. No longer at the extreme south end to walk to a cold winter 8 AM college class with a strong breeze and no black flies in the dead of winter in Maine.

And then the large, careful it’s hot hot black coffee I trotted in for is handed to me.

Without asking me is this your order. Because the lady on the drive through sees me, knows what I am after. And with NASCAR efficiency delivers it. All done with in just a few minutes. The drive back to the Maine real estate office is a quarter mile, does not take ten minutes like a city.

So Much Going On In Small Maine Towns. Get Involved, Pitch In And Make A Difference Happens.

Thinking nothing of it, I left the Darth Vadar black jeep running, unlocked when I hopped out. Parked it at McDonalds. Keys in it. XM percolating, purring out of the speakers. Did not have to worry the 4WD SUV would be gone when I came out with my steaming cup of Joe. Or it being up on jack stands with the tires and wheels missing. Or other parts evaporated, air wrenched off by any five finger discount gang members. Who shop religiously at Midnight Auto Supply.

We don’t have those events happening in the 46th lowest state for crime, Maine.

Things on the crime scanner are pretty tame. Instead of worrying about your personal safety you put the energy into improving the area. To help collectively to make things happening around you better than it was.

I am grateful for the natural, unspoiled beauty of Aroostook County but the people are the greatest asset. Maine, it’s not like this many other places.

Living in small Maine towns is friendly, helpful, healthy.

Visit Our Cary Library In Houlton Maine Video.

Cary Library is one of many local jewels, gems that make Houlton Maine special. Small Maine town living is special and everyone is connected for the common good.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker

207.532.6573 | Email info@mooersrealty.com |

MOOERS REALTY 69 North ST Houlton ME 04730 USA

April 18, 2012
Maine Simple Living | Get Stronger, Don’t Expect Easier.

Find Answers In An Unspoiled Four Seasons Setting Like Maine.

“Happily ever after”, that how any of us would like to live from here on out.

Until “The End”. But life is not a story book ending. And maybe life would not be so hard if we did not expect or hope it would be easier. Do you desire a life without the heavy lifting on Earth? Think you deserve, are entitled to one that just plays out free and easy, on it’s own and more like Heaven?

The way you approach and react to events, other people in your life speaks volumes on how you were raised.

How you are built, wired mentally, spiritually. Your inside, outer viewpoint when something joyful happens shows the true depth of your gratitude. Do you expect the good to just unfold, think you deserve it because of your “good works”?

Your own effort, dedication, skills, talents and attitude can help shape your self image. But giving yourself the center stage under the blistering hot, blinding spotlights may not be where all the credit is due. Your mate, God, kids, everyone you come in to contact around you helps lift you up. Contribute to your good fortune, sunny days of happiness, getting ahead.

Or maybe what you consider good fortune, a success is your ability to see the small joys that another might miss.

What someone else would say is not enough to tip the scales from a bad day to a good one. Because there is not silver lining for them but is for you as you gain wisdom and understanding. That you are able to take away from painful, hurtful circumstances and come out the other side stronger for it.

There is a purpose behind every problem. Embrace them, don’t run from them. Good lessons for you, your mate, family and all around you that you love and are suppose to inspire. No matter how difficult, confusing, your patience, persistent, attitude can improve you. Help you understand yourself.

It starts with you, then rubs off on others.

Find someone that takes the time to understand you, improve you, that is brutally honest. Tells you what you don’t want to but need to hear.

We live in a fast paced society with quick fixes desired. Wanting, throwing money at “not now but right now” fast complete solutions. Thinking “there, that problem’s eliminated”. Or was all the other person’s fault and I am free. Not so fast. Happiness is an inside job and expecting those around you to provide it is selfish, self centered. Exhaustive for those running in circles to stay in your blessings.

Thinking others around you are irritating, not meeting all your needs or helping you to be happy misses the point that they have struggles too. And some of your expectations are only obtainable, possible through God alone. Your mate is not able to to provide them. Yet. Much of what you need, expect, want is independent of you or your mate. It is not a case if they worked harder, you could be happier. A merry go round of replacing those people that seemingly offend you is not the key to inner peace, contentment. Same problems follow you as junk in your trunk.

The “I’ll be happy if…. ” or “I’ll be happy when…” means your happiness is postponed, on hold.

You are waiting for other people or events, circumstances to come around more to your way of liking, thinking. The “ifs” and “whens” may not turn out the way you hope and dream. But trusting, obeying can alleviate all your difficulties in life and lower your expectations to something more realistic.

Just be happy, jouful yourself first rather than expecting your mate to provide it.

Don’t adopt the “I will love you if” or “I will love you when” critical spirit that comes with a price tag. And when it is not delivered out of exhaustion, lots of frustration, silence, resentment happens. Which leads to low self esteem, your mate feeling like a failure, inadequate, unloved. It all snowballs, avalaches back and forth as the relationship loses unity, oneness.

In time with prayful dedication, daily work, you can get stronger and not just expect life with someone else would be easier. Using setbacks as life stepping stones. Tools to tackle the areas of your life you need to change. Skills to learn to accept those you can not. And less than loving ways all of us display because we all sin, make mistakes and often just don’t keep being the light in the darkness that comes from only one source. Reflect that love you gain with knowing God.

Use the painful situations you suffer through as boot camp to get closer to God.

As a challenge to learn more about yourself. You have choices, it’s your life and don’t listen to anyone that tells you you are no good. Or that you have very few skills or talents. You and I have lots of good qualities and can put them to work for God’s purpose.

Don’t question some people’s need to beat you up, bring you down. Instead, come out the other side of struggles, difficult situations better than you were going in. Take ownership of your mistakes.

Keep your eyes on your own paper and work on having better character traits. But realize others in the relationship sin too. Not intentionally but because of praylessness. A log in their eye. Being too busy with the wrong priorities. Too sensitive from needs not met that you think the other should automatically be able to. Realize that they are struggling with meeting your needs but out of love try. Failing misserably. Or just because of spending too much time being defensive, trying but missing the mark completely. There are major changes going on inside my heart.

The most real, genuine, interesting people are ones who have endured dark days.

Came out of the pain, suffering in a seemingly hopeless situation with a strong, greater faith. Because they were broken, abandoned, with no ones arms to hold them and no where else to turn but God. Who made you, understands you and will direct you if you let him. We need God in our lives.

God does his best work when you and I surrender. Reach out to him, keep him close all your life. The greatest life lessons are taught under fire and being tested, stretched. Realizing you and I are far from perfect. Never will be nor should we strive for total perfection. Not going to happen. But we can improve. Be happy with that, strive for that.

You learn skills, get “schooled” and unlock answers in suffering when you get stripped to the bone. Your heart ripped open, exposed. Your pride, ego, vanity get pushed aside in pain and that is where real life lessons get learned.

My Dad’s University of Maine commencement speaker told the graduating class wearing those strange square hats he hoped they all had major set backs early in life.

Better earlier than later to save future heartache. So they could benefit from mistakes in the beginning of their journey of making a living, marrying, having kids and developing better relationships.

We all need to fall on our face, to not take ourselves so seriously. To relax, just let the life current pull the canoe, kayak, boat along. Stop paddling upstream. Adjust your sails and use life’s lessons to improve. Take full advantage of your troughs, valleys and don’t just expect mountain tops all the time.

Soar higher, freer and believe more in yourself even if others you love and trust don’t.

Everything that happens in life is already known. Playing out right on time, on schedule for a reason that often defies logic. See the spiritual gain that can happen, strengthened you rather than crying out for life to get easier.

Not feeling sorry for the predicaments you often put yourself in is a sign of maturity. And creates a greater awareness to see the warning signs to keep them from happening over and over. Everyone has struggles, pain and suffering too… it’s not just you. God loves us, is in complete control. Get closer to him, learn from him. He made you, understands you and me.

Open up your heart, let him come in to your life. Let him work, improve your “insides” despite what may be going on in your “outsides”. Look up, not down. Don’t try to skirt the roadblocks, or sweep them under the rug blaming others for not measuring up. Or letting you down. The patience, dedications to get on your knees is the source of your strength for greater self esteem, sense of worth and purpose. Don’t waste an opportunity to learn, improve your character. Get stronger, don’t expect easier.

Maine, make the trip. Come for a day, stay a life time.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

April 15, 2012
Maine, Rinse, Wash, Repeat.

Clean living, a simple honest approach to life is what Maine is all about.

Spring Time Hope Of New Births, New Fresh Beginnings, Chances To Plant Maine Crops Again.
Not flashy, not presumptuous or pedantic but down to earth, family and God based. The clutter of material items to impress is not the way a true Mainer rolls. Going head over heels in debt and spending way way beyond what a person can even begin to think of repaying in their lifetime is not the Maine tradition.

Frugal, not cheap. Generous to worthwhile local causes, supporting the local church parish and creating low or no cost recreational amusement the norm. We are lucky to live in the state the license plates proclaim is “Vacationland”. Our fun is in our own backyard. Only a gallon or two of gas and a picnic basket of home made food delicacies away. Any time no one is looking. And we can sneak away to enjoy the wide open, natural outdoors Maine is famous for around the world.

With the Maine four season beauty everywhere you turn it is not hard to be continually reminded what we believe in.

The feeling that fills your heart, mind and soul as you peer, gaze out over the unspoiled landscape, the waterfront in Maine makes you feel close to God, our creator. We are reminded daily, continually of what we believe in. It surrounds us, is unavoidable.

Mainers have their heads screwed on straight, are hard working, their feet planted firmly on the ground under them. We try to keep a child’s heart with a grown up’s head. We occasionally stumble but persevere to do our best to lead a Christian life. We realize others are doing the best they can and cut them some slack, because we have been in positions when grace was extended to us.

We practice the art of forgiveness because we need to grant it, have it extended in return as we spend a lifetime seeking to improve ourselves.

Struggling with the generational burdens we inherit and the baggage we develop, take full credit for on our very own. And knowing our neighbor down the road does not judge us but is Johnny on the spot if we need help. That we could get the sharp elbow in the ribs to get over there to let him know you care. That you are there round the clock to give assistance in any shape or form if needed.

In small Maine towns, and most of them are, there is a connection. A strong sense of all the local members of a community having a unique role to fulfill. There are only so many of us so if we don’t band together, we die on the vine. Everything is home grown, volunteer not store bought.

The option of hiring it done, bidding it out for a commercial operation to do the heavy lifting of local events is not going to happen. Not in the cards, not in the budget. And what would be the fun in missing the involvement of your friends, family, neighbors to make the event special, memorable. A tradition to carry on year after year.

I think Mainers are more involved in their families, communities, schools, churches and civic groups.

We have a keener sense of what life is all about, where the priorities should be. We build in to our waking hours time to get our hearts and minds ready for the day. And through out that day count our blessings, work at finding joy, areas of our life to be grateful and appreciative. An always seeking an inner peace. The secret to a happier life.

We try not to take the credit for successes. Are not all that wild about compliments, or being made a big deal, fussed over. Just doing out part to contribute to the greater good without the need to be in the spotlight or get credit for our role in making the local area a better place to live, work and play.

If this is the approach to living you could warm up to, seriously consider making the move, relocation, retirement to Maine. I know a good Maine real estate broker who can help with the ins, outs, details. (Smile) Maine, get here quick as you can.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

March 29, 2012
Happiness In Maine Found In Small Puzzle Pieces.

If you’re happy and you know it, sometimes clapping your hands, stomping your feet, smiling in joy and excitement is not so well received.

Leaving The Yard, The Freedom Of Your First Bike.
I wake up mornings excited about getting out of bed, starting the day. My parents taught me how precious a new day is. Not to be wasted, to be approached as an adventure, an education, a gift from God our creator. A good night’s sleep helps make everything look rosier too. Being physically, spiritually, mentally fit requires daily health maintenance to savor life with those around us.

But sometimes your happiness, that is an inside job, not obtained from outside sources for lasting contentment can get a kink in the hose.

Other people who are not such happy campers don’t share the just glad to be alive, make the most of what you have attitude of enthusiasm. I have been whistling or humming a song as I trot in to the local post office and had more than one person grumble “what are you so happy about”. I don’t apologize but smile, take time to find out why they are so blue, to cheer them up. If I can.

But not everyone wants or knows how to be happy.

True joy is the result of a grateful heart. You can not achieve rich, lasting personal happiness without gratitude for how fortunate you really are. Don’t let unhappy, ungrateful people steal your joy. No matter how rough life has beaten you up in the past, your outlook, how you approach events that happen is key. Count your blessings through out the day. Literally list them out loud or in your head as constant reminders to reinforce, fortify your thinking as reminders of all that is so good in your life.

Flexibility in your thinking, the ability to quickly shift gears to learn from life’s setbacks keeps you from being sucked in to a pit of despair. A positive approach to learn from personal mistakes rather than always quick to point out who is responsible for the frown on your face is a powerful tool.

We are and always will be beginners in life.

Don’t feel ashamed or let anyone beat down your inner joy because they are unhappy and figure somehow you are always the one responsible. Or that they feel you don’t have the right to be happy because they are not. Remember hurt people hurt people. Take time to learn the source of their pain, suffering. Pray for them. Learn from them. But don’t discard them. And don’t let them abuse you with a harsh, critical spirit.

I was brought up on a Maine farm, did not have time to ever stop and feel sorry, lament for myself because my life had a clear, simple purpose. Pitch in with the other family members working the soil. Being outdoors in the spring creating a fresh smooth, rock free field to plant a new crop was a rebirth, renewal experience.

The chance to wipe the slate clean, to begin again. I knew my place in a family in the rhythm of Maine farming. I was depended on for my piece, contribution to the good of the family. And enjoyed each Maine farming season…the one to plant, the one to cultivate and hoe, the one to harvest. We had a few cows, small animals too and the balance of chores each day to feed, water and care for them created a rich sense of purpose. An internal metronome that guided our childhood. There were chores to do, there was nothing to be depressed about.

You don’t need a mood elevator drug regiment for fulfillment, to throw back a few shots of daily booze to forget your problems.

Or create a distracting medicated buzz. The wonderment of true lasting joy and excitement for life comes from a willingness to not always be right, to not control others. To accept differing opinions so you become less narrow, have the ability to soften hard and fast stances if you live a just black and white existence. Celebrate other viewpoints besides your own.

I’ll be happy when, I will know true joy if situations don’t work either. You postpone the inner state of joy, peace, contentment until something arrives. That may not. But the pursuit of a goal and living in the moment can be the genuine source of happiness. Stay in the day, the present and chose to be happy. Other people don’t make you happy, you do. It would be an incredible full time exhaustive job if whoever you marry, date, spend time with demanded “make me happy”.

Little things in life are the source of our joy.

The beauty of a new Maine day offers lots of sparkle to create happiness. I was a single full time Dad and rocking, holding a child sleeping in my arms is one powerful memory. Providing for the family is an awesome responsibility, privilege. Experiencing new things through a child’s eyes, being by their side guiding them, preparing them for life teaches you plenty too. A child takes your mind off yourself, makes you a better person because you can not preach one thing, and then do another. They are watching, keep your honest.

Add to this list of little things in your life that give you comfort, joy, create an overflowing well of inner happiness. So when someone rubs you the wrong way, bumps in to you it’s okay. You smile and take is all in stride. Because your inner contentment is strong, your faith in God makes you secure in yourself with out worries, fears, regrets, any shame or guilt.

My what makes me happy list living in a small Maine town includes my kids liking what I cooked, asking for more vegetables.

The smell of the ocean, staring in to a crackling fireplace or outdoor blaze with friends. New clean sheets, a small child walking next to you reaching up to take your hand, a handwritten letter from a relative or friend, private romantic notes left in hidden place only you would find.

Hot black coffee on the deck overlooking a Maine lake as the sunrises and you prepare your heart and head for a new day. Tea time with a parent in the middle of an afternoon in rocking chairs in a Maine farm house kitchen. Any new small animal. Knowing a good book is waiting for you. Having your income taxes done. The groceries are put away.

Finding a really nice well knit sweater at Mardens for five dollars. A whiff of feminine perfume and looking around to spy the source. Laughing babies and everyone in the room talking in higher pitched voices, family reunions with all ages sampling the home made food and knowing you are part of something bigger, special. Music that enhances the mood. The right kiss for the occasion.

Being hugged, made to feel special, told don’t change a thing.

A mate thinking they got the better end of the bargain and you feeling the same way in return. Talking, learning wisdom from an older person at a Maine bean supper in a grange or church. The smell of leaves burning. Reading to a small child, then they read to you. Prayers at night, lights out. Standing in the bedroom doorway watching them sleep.

Kayaking a Maine lake at sunset. Being in a setting you can not get to by car, high on a Maine mountain any season. A smile you caused. Fresh squeezed apple cider or home made ice cream you made, get to sample. Cooking a meal slowly, no clock pushing you with family, mate or friends in a kitchen filled with smells, music, low lighting. Being told “I love you”.

On your knees in a flower garden, hummingbirds and bees doing their thing. Hot out of the oven strawberry rhubbard pie with artic cold ice cream being scooped on to end a meal. Walking barefoot, the feel of soft grass on your feet. Popsicles and Kool aid, juicy watermelon, sizzling steaks. Sunsets, lighthouses, lightning, thunder or snow storms. A small child on a summer night staring in to a jar of fire flies they caught. Or twirling a sparkler that lights up their jubliant face in the shadows as crickets, frogs, lake loons provide background music.

The surroundings, setting is everything. Get to Maine quick as you can for a happier life. The loved ones around you will benefit too with the move, investment in Vacationland.

I’m Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers, ME Broker
207.532.6573
info@mooersrealty.com

March 28, 2012