This is a funny week in my business. Across the board, a lot of people-homeowners, buyers, sellers and agents are out of pocket; but emails continue, hopes and predictions for the New Year abound.
For what it’s worth, it’s also been a crazy few weeks of weather in our area-sunny and unseasonably mild much of the month, but right now, as I sit in my office, winds are howling, dark grey clouds are racing across the sky, breaking apart oddly to show impossibly blue patches of sky and brilliant sun. All these factors converge, and unexpectedly, bring Aesop, one of my all-time favorite storytellers to mind.
Aesop was considered a Greek folk hero, believed to have lived in the 6th century BC. His stories had nature and animals in them, but were not meant to delight children; indeed, they were metaphors designed to teach lessons by show the wise and foolish behavior of men.
One story that has resonated with me throughout my career is that of the North Wind and the Sun.
Essentially the Wind and the Sun were in disagreement about who was more powerful. During the disagreement, a traveler was spotted, approaching from the distance. This prompted the Sun to say to the Wind-let us see who can make the travelers’ cloak come off first. Whoever does will be considered the most powerful. 
The Wind went first. He blew, and blew, and blew; but the traveler only pulled his cloak closer to him. Finally the Wind stepped down, and turned it over to the Sun.
The Sun was, well, the Sun. Shining brightly, and giving off great warmth, the traveler removed his cloak in no time.
The takeaway for me at this point in time is that we all are tired of being pummeled, shocked, hyped, and otherwise prodded in unpleasant ways: mentally, emotionally and spiritually.
“Home” is where we come back to, at the end of the day to re-charge, be comforted and stregnthened. Thirty years of being in homes has taught me that while how home is manifested will change with the times and the economy, universally it’s too important to ever be back-burnered in our pschye.
So it is with these thoughts that I state my belief that 2012 will be the Year of the Sun.
We will seek, and choose people and things that offer warmth and simplicity, kindness and respect over hype and sensationalism; yammering, flash, and grandiosity.
Substance and quality will prevail over form and quantity. On an personal and individual basis, there will be less fear and more quiet confidence.
This does not mean I believe all our problems or issues will vanish. Simply, I believe our collective internal compasses have been re-calibrated, and we are ready to take a deep breath, make good choices, and get on with our lives.
Whatever else the New Year may hold for you, may it include goodness and balance, health and peace of mind to you and yours.
