Being a believer in surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals himself, he said he was amazed at the people I knew and that were also about “empowerment”, positive support and networking. He saw first-hand that our “circle” just seems to gravitate to each other and illuminate a certain energy. In addition, in speaking with other people I introduced him to he also learned that it’s truly about empowering people. That is the true desire. In wanting to celebrate women, it is not alienating the men in our lives and those that love and support us. It should be a matter of equalization of the human race, of all skin colour, beliefs, sex, heritage, as everyone has some sort of adversity to overcome.  Unfortunately, there will always be an imbalance because not everyone will be of the same opinion or value, but at least we are people that make a difference, in our local community. It has to start somewhere. People evolve. SO…with this in mind, let’s celebrate someone who has overcome so much and now, has the opportunity to give back!

I am so excited to share some GREAT news and truly, truly hope that  you, women and men alike will feel inspired by the following story:

Driven by an unrelenting will to succeed and a sincere love for what she does Tahani Aburaneh overcame adversity that would have discouraged many. From her beginnings in a refugee camp in Jordan where she was born, to the prejudices she faced as a woman and mother trying to establish herself in a Country she was not native to, Tahani is well acquainted with struggle. Today her dreams in real estate investment have long been fulfilled and now she can add published AUTHOR! Please  join me in congratulating Tahani Aburaneh for her soon-to-be-released book entitled “Real Estate Riches: Hire the Right Agent and Earn Your First Million Dollars” available July 20th, 2011 Hardcover by John Wiley & Sons. You can preorder at one of the following websites: Amazon.Ca or Chapters/Indigo

She is very humble and says, if she can do it, anyone can. This is why I truly say “real estate investing is not as intimidating as you think”. You just need the right team behind you. So, if you want to create wealth, we don’t need to make excuses because adversity and challenge can be overcome no matter what your background or history. I will end this blog with a note from the Publisher as they’ll say it best. Hope you reserve your copy today in support of Tahani and gain some valuable insight of how you too can accomplish your dreams!

Congrats Tahani, fellow Sister, Realtor, Mother, Investor and Woman!

Note From The Publisher

While real estate investors differ in terms of the asset classes they prefer to invest in-residential vs. commercial, for example-they are all unanimous in their desire to make more money and to do so as efficiently as possible. But often a key member of an investor’s team is taken for granted-the real estate agent. What skills can an agent bring to the table that would help the investor become a super investor-finding good properties faster and closing deals sooner?    Real Estate Riches  is designed to provide investors with key information about partnering with the right agent and understand how an agent can contribute in a very significant way to the achievement of an investor”s goals. Finding an agent with the right skill set, attitude and drive are top of mind for the investor, and this book shows the investor how to find and select the right agent to work with so the investor can make more money with less hassle.The notion of profiting in a big way from such a partnership also holds true for the real estate agent. The typical agent is missing out on huge opportunities to work with motivated investors who rely on their team of experts time and again as they build a portfolio of rental properties. A real estate agent, attuned to the needs of the investor, and attuned to the market in the way that an average residential agent would not be, can become a key expert for the investor and stands to make a lot of money by educating themselves and working hard. Real Estate Riches is designed to open the eyes of real estate agents to opportunities, to help them understand how and why the investor is a different animal than a typical home-buyer, and how to properly serve an investor client, which can bring rich rewards in terms of money and job satisfaction. 

 

If you know anything about me, my history and have been following my blogs…I’m about ethics and moral character. Not moral character where I judge people, this is wrong. I’m not perfect and just because I choose to live my life one way or believe there’s something in the Universe that watches over us to protect us does not mean it’s right but what works for me. And also, I believe, “judge not, lest you be judged” because I totally believe in Karma and what goes around -comes around so if you put bad stuff out there, it will come back to you in tri-fold. Put good stuff out there and it will come back to you in greatness.

Enough of the history. Apparently as humans we must forgive and move on. One, because of the many negative emotions and physiologically things it does to our bodies. If we’re forever holding onto a grudge then we’re also holding onto the past. Meanwhile, the person that you’re holding this grudge on has probably not given it another thought and their lives have moved on…so why should we stay back and dwell on it? Because that’s what we tend to do.

Are you a believer that everything happens for a reason? If not, perhaps you should. Let’s draw on my personal experience of being in the hotseat.

Whatever happened that day, I still not know what I did or said to that person to make them conjure up the lie they told and presented to the friend I was defending myself to. Looking back, any “friend” that calls you one, should truly know you and what kind of character you are. Anyway, the events that day left me stunned, hurt and affected not only me and changing my course and direction in life, but my family. You know that mama cubs are protectors so it was with that anger that actually moved in because that person’s lie went well above me at that point. I digress. It’s been about 4 years and someone from that inner circle has moved back in my life. I received an email and though I thought I had moved on all those feelings rushed back at me like the event was yesterday. So do we truly “forgive and forget”? Honestly, no we don’t so let’s be honest with ourselves. However, we do have choices and this is what I have learned:

• the physiological effects of that negativity from someone else does not affect me anymore
• I’m actually GRATEFUL!! Yes, that’s right, you read correctly. I’m truly, 100% grateful. Like I said before “everything happens for a reason” and though I could not see it through the feelings of devastation at the time I did what was necessary. Brushed myself off, took direction and what was necessary to take care of my family and moved on. What I THOUGHT was supposed to be my direction was actually hurting and limiting me and now my wings have spread even wider in a total 180 direction I never thought possible. New opportunities have presented themselves almost every day….some even beyond my wildest imagination.
• guess what…I WIN! That’s right. After all these years I didn’t begrudge so whatever little satisfaction you had in giving your performance and lie was a waste. I’ve seen photos around with your smile and I believe that you get to carry your dishonesty around with you. Guess what? When I look in the mirror, the peace is a luxury knowing I truly stand with moral character…no fakeness behind my smiles

Ok, this post was long overdue. Probably one of the most personal but had to put it out there. When you’re in a City, it still doesn’t seem that big because of all the inner circles and bound to run into that person which I finally did. I did not put my head down or scowl. In fact, I did nothing but hold my head high and listen in silence as I waited my turn in line at the cashier. I could feel her nervousness and awkwardness and always wondered how I would react when I saw her again. Nothing.

I feel peace and contentment. Have I forgiven and forgotten? Obviously one can’t really forget about life altering events in life but I’m not dwelling on it. It actually was character-building, has opened my eyes to the true friends and network I allow in my inner circle and altered my life course and work in another direction that is actually better. As far as forgiveness, I actually feel sorry and empathy….how’s that for a change of events? Not sorry in the “apologetic sense” but how sad that there’s this deep down core of unsettling as a direct result of her actions. It was evident by the physiological signs she displayed when she saw me. So the forgiveness part is within herself and something she’ll have to deal with.

The Spirit or “inner voice” is always whispering something in our ears. What does yours tell you? If you have any unsettlement in your life, deal with it so you too can close the door on any negativity and be able to move on and embrace the great things that are destined for you to have. So that is my rant for the day and hopefully, this chapter can now come to a close. So people I have not seen since that day and happen to run into me again…don’t have to apologize or feel awkward because they’re friends and please don’t keep trying to suck me back into the past. It’s happened. It’s over. Newsflash, it’s been about 4 years and I’ve moved on. I’m ok and didn’t go sulk in the corner and this person didn’t have the power to influence my life into devastation.

Anyone reading this, I hope that whatever situation you have experienced in your life….you shift the power back to you. Don’t let the feeling of devastation hold you back and do your best to claw your way back up, eyes wide open and don’t let yourself be stabbed in the back again. That’s character-building and you’ll be stronger and more capable of handling any other mud slinging that may come your way! I promise you that! So, let’s be Wonder Women together and deflect all that negativity and bring contentment into our lives which is what we truly deserve and much more ful-filling anyway!

Wish you all the best in health, wealth and happiness always.

Bring It On! I've Got Power and Protected!

they try to have more things, or more money,
in order to do more of what they want so they will be happier.
The way it actually works is the reverse.
You must first be who you really are, then, do what you need to do,
in order to have what you want.

~ Margaret Young ~
How true this truly is! We are always striving for more yet never truly satisfied. How often do you strive for “things” or money but at the end of the day, they’re just things. If we don’t start within ourselves and genuinely happy, then it seems no amount of money would change that. Is that right?

I was flipping channels the other night as I wanted to unwind from my day. I see Robert Herjavec (of Dragon’s Den Fame) on an interview and he said the most compelling words. Something like: ‘Your sense of worth is not the stuff you have, it’s the people you have.’ I thought for a long time I had to become rich in order to believe in myself. For my own well-being I had to become rich. I realized if you weren’t happy before you’re not going to be happy with a million dollars or a hundred million or five hundred million.’

Wow. These words hit me and are so very, very true. We must strive for internal happiness and if having regrets, negative feelings or ill-feelings of a situation or memory, it must be dealt with. Why? Because that feeling and memory will always be with you.

What’s the point of striving for only monetary things if thinking that buying this “happiness” would make everything go away? At the end of the day, alone and looking in the mirror, if you’re not happy then the image looking back at you will still be miserable and the feeling that something missing. As you read this blog you may think “no way, money would definitely make me happy and solve everything, she’s crazy because it would make everything go away”. You truly have to look within and ask yourself, would it really? Sure, it may help situations of affordability but look at Robert’s words and he knows from personal experience!

I may not be “rich” or a millionaire monetary-wise but I can’t complain. I am “rich” and blessed with so many things that I value in life and have my priorities. Family, friends, colleagues, networking group, investments, health and a great career that I absolutely love. What matters to me, may not matter to you which is what is great about this world we live in. Sure, I live in visions of wanting to create wealth like anyone else but I also have a personal “Belize” and reason why. Financial freedom for my future but also because I want to give back. My true hearts desire is to be a philanthropist.

Anyway, I want to leave you with a few thoughts and just remember:

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything they have.”
So look deep within and do your best to change your attitude and take out any negativity in your life. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and develop new patterns. Write down in a journal positive words you can use to replace things like “can’t” “problem” etc. For example, instead of saying “problem” I embrace it and say “challenge” because in my mind, I love the challenge and it’s something to overcome
For more on Robert, pick up his book. I did and it was a fantastic, inspiring and humbling read! Few tips he offered:

1. Get a handle on cash flow.
2. Find a belief and a purpose.
3. Don’t fear the phone, ask for the deal.
4. Don’t complain.
5. Give your kids a sense of worth.

I truly wish you much success in your journey of being who you really are, doing what you need to do, in order to have what you want!!

Thanks for viewing! As always, have a great day and remember to “Empower yourself and inspire change in others”

We have a dress drive and collect brand new or gently used Prom Dresses for girls that are less fortunate otherwise. Costs for one night of prom and graduating can be quite costly and those girls that work very hard, financially challenged family…miss out.

I could reinvent the wheel by retyping my thoughts on this, why I believe in it so strongly and why I volunteer my time and $….but I’ll sum it up by an interview I just recently gave. If you can…please donate today…whether your time, cash donations or a dress will make a difference.

*******my interview******

I like the opportunity of giving back to young girls and my community.

Sincerely,
Shannon P Murree, Sales Representative
RE/MAX Chay Realty Inc, Brokerage
Office/Pager: (705) 722-7100
Toronto#: (416) 362-7100
Fax: (705) 722-5246
**It’s Not Just Buildings, It’s Building Relationships**
*not intended to solicit anyone with written Agency Agreements
Keep up to date on listings! Check out my website at MovingSimcoe.com
Oh, by the way…If you know of someone who is thinking of buying or selling a home and would appreciate the kind of service I offer, I’d love to help them. So, as these people come to mind, please call or email their name and number or pass on my business card. I’ll be happy to follow up and tend to their needs.

In reading “Rich Woman – A guide to investing for women (because I hate being told what to do) it was an eye opening experience. As a woman, wife, mother and business owner – it’s not wrong for me to want more! I am not the only one in this position to juggling the challenges (worthwhile challenges that is because I have chosen this life). I do want to have it all and I truly can!

I am truly grateful for everything I’ve accomplished thus far and there is nothing wrong with wanting more…wanting continuous financial independence and richness in life. Now this does not mean that I don’t want my husband but if something should happen, what’s wrong with being prepared? Absolutely nothing.

Having divorced from my first husband (because he wanted me to be a ‘trophy wife, be barefoot and pregnant and stay-at-home’ which personally wasn’t what I had planned for myself – though there’s nothing wrong with that if that’s your personal choice) left me as a single mom. I wasn’t afraid nor found it intimidating at all. Why? Because it was a necessity and my choice. We all have choices! I wanted a better life not only for me but my children. I was the one that these little eyes looked up to and depended on. It’s amazing how the adrenaline just sets it when it’s something that has to be done.

How many of us have sat back and said “I can’t afford it?” Like Robert Kiyosaki has said throughout his book in “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” is that we need to change our thinking and words. We need to remove “I can’t afford it” from our vocabulary because that means that we have given up and we’ll never try. We need to stop,think and say “How CAN I afford it?” I’ve truly adopted this thinking and appreciate the positive message I’m sending to my children and precedent that they’ll stop and think.

I totally disagree with a certain business coach and self-professed real estate ‘specialist’ (whom shall remain nameless because he’s local to me) and that his belief systems teach people just to “go out and buy that item no matter what it is, big or small because that will make you work harder to achieve your sales”. I mean WHAT THE HECK IS THAT ABOUT? Seriously, I have a vehicle that works, do I really need to go out and buy that BMW just for status so I can work harder to get myself out of debt? I don’t think so. This is the same person that thinks cold calling works. How many of you have signed up for the ‘do-not-call’, have call display; screen your calls and have your number blocked? Yeah, exactly, that’d be me too!

I digress….if you’re in debt already and worried about how you’re going to make your rent or mortgage payment or how you can afford your next grocery purchase, I would think that is necessity and motive enough.

So where I am going with this blog?  Hmmm…..I’m saying that I strongly recommend the above two-mentioned books. Then when you’re done that, re-read and highlight because there will be something you missed. Then, as a woman I strongly encourage you to read: Nice Girls Don’t Get Rich: 75 Avoidable Mistakes Women Make with Money. This book….this book I’m going to consider my bible in business and my life. Already I’ve stopped saying “Sorry”. Seriously, how many of us do that when we haven’t even done anything wrong? Read the book. That’s all I have to say. I’m buying that and Kim Kiyosaki’s “Rich Woman” book for all the wonderful women/friends in my life for Christmas. Yes, I feel that strongly about these books!

Then when you’re done that, read Don Campbell’s “Real Estate Investing In Canada” because this is local and gives Canadian information. He and his team have developed systems that work. Let other people’s experience be your guide. Don’t reinvent the wheel if you don’t have to. Absolutely be skeptical. Absolutely be resourceful, educate yourself and ask questions.

Then, let’s work towards on how you’re going to achieve your goals. Write down your “why’s” and envision what your rewards are going to be. Then google images if it’s something like a car, boat, house, apartment building, etc and print it off so you can see them every day. Leave yourself ‘stickys’ of positive messages on your mirror, at your front door, fridge, wherever you’re going to see it. Go on a debt and credit card diet. Envision it and achieve it.

It wraps around our hot tub and extends from the family room walkout. We spared no expense on getting a fabulous gazebo with three panels (one plastic to help block the wind, screen to eliminate bugs, etc & the privacy closure). It’s so beautiful to sit out there on the summer nights and relax. The glow of the candles and it’s so peaceful and relaxing after a long day or week of work.

It certainly makes all that saving worthwhile. We were talking about selling next year but now, who knows? Perhaps this can just be “the house” where all the memories are made and children grow up here and then we look for our “house to retire in” later on. Ahhh…not to jump ahead but hopefully that’d be a nice plan!

So for now, we’ll have some summer fun and even more importantly, more quality family time

Of course, I’m still available and working but it’s nice to have something to look forward to at the end of the day.

Yes, here I am submitting my personal “blog” and joining the ranks of many.

I’m a real estate professional but want to do so much more. I’m full of so many ideas and being a ‘wife’ (common-law that is, not of the institutional kind), mother, ‘maid’, ‘nurse’ (someone has to kiss those boo-boo’s) and full time professional, well, let’s say I wear many hats. As a woman, who doesn’t?

How many times have you gone to an auto mechanic and the simple “oil” change for $50.00 ends up being $1000.00 because some “do-hickey” or Philange (as Phoebe from friends would say when she’s making up a name) didn’t work? How the heck do we know? We have to trust someone because we rely on our vehicle to continue to be “superwoman” and it’s a matter of safety.

Also, what’s the last investment you’ve made? Outside of that gorgeous pair of shoes, what have you done to secure your future or your “now” lifestyle? Hmmm..yes. This is not a “bra burning” exercise but as women, we’ve come a long way! We’re more equal than the times of our great-grandmothers or grandmothers but there’s still room for improvement! Love her or hate her, doesn’t matter but look at the accomplishments of Hilary Clinton! Not about the person but just the fact that there’s a women running! Do you think anyone would have imagined that back in the 40′s? I’m just so proud that someone is setting the precedent where those before trying to set the way in any aspect of equality (likeRosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, etc).

Anyway, that’s the purpose of my blog. It’s intention is to be an empowering source to encourage and unite women and/or women-friendly organization’s or people. Let’s continue to network and get the ball rolling. It’s not just about women in business but the whole circle of those we surround ourselves in. Let me facilitate or be the mediator to find common ground. Financial advisors, mortgage brokers, lawyer, mechanics, contractors, hvac, etc that are ‘women’ friendly. Don’t talk “down” to us or “take us”. You’ll get our business and more as we’ll build a referral network.

That’s how I do my real estate business. Live and work by referrals. Word of mouth spreads quicker. Do a good job the first time! Empowering Women!

It’s not just buildings, it’s building relationships! So, here’s to the “official” day one of something I’ve been working on for a long time. I surround myself by strong, independent, positive people. Let’s see how this grows!