Real Estate Corner - VIBE MAGAZINE Spring 2024
By Bernadette Donohue, REALTOR® & Contributing Author

I've been thinking a lot lately about my dad and the many blessings and life lessons received from his good nature and unpretentious intellect.

The kitchen table was always our gathering place, providing nourishment of body, mind, and soul. While feasting on delicious meals prepared by mom, dinner conversations ensued about all of life's ups and downs. With an 11-year span between oldest and youngest, the 7 of us kids would constantly be vying for attention and a voice at the crowded table. It's no wonder that our noisy and nosey discussions were sometimes sidetracked to solicit Dad's frequent reminder to "MYOB" (mind your own business). Another treasured phrase was "If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all". This quote, often credited to the adorable Thumper from the 1942 animated Disney film "Bambi", echoed as a reminder of important family values to put forth our thoughts and feelings more mindfully. We were coached from an early age to include kindness, objectivity, and patience with the understanding that everyone has their own valid opinions, which will often differ from our own.
The intentional parenting received from both Dad and Mom imparted much wisdom for overcoming unexpected adversities and for leaning into what makes us authentically happy people. I'm guessing there were some "extra benefits" bestowed on us from dad's career as a doctor, specializing in child psychiatry. Family activities, yardwork and household chores were filled with silliness and song, but grounded in the ethics of hard work, persistence, and determination with an emphasis on integrity, loyalty, and honesty. Loving guidance helped us to understand that there were always repercussions for our choices, and that thinking ahead would (usually) help us to make better ones. Taking full responsibility for our actions as well as our happiness was often the underlying theme.

Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh said, "There is no way to happiness, happiness is the way." Indeed, if this is true, then finding and embracing joy as the journey and not the destination is the essence of a lifetime of happiness. Life continues to offer us all the ability to make vital lifestyle choices that will ultimately bring us closer to fulfillment. One of those major life choices is where we choose to reside. Where we call "home" and who we decide to share that home with, becomes a significant source of our psychological well-being.

There are many published research articles written about the benefits of homeownership being much more than just financial. As reported in the National Library of Medicine, "We find that home ownership improves both physical and psychological health". A 2021 study by the National Health & Medical Research Council reports higher levels of well-being based on the many emotional benefits of ownership. Amongst the reasons listed is "a deeper sense of stability and belonging and an emotional connection to community". A Harvard study in 2001 with Joint Venture Housing supports this opinion in saying that "social status and personal freedom associated with homeownership leads to higher levels of self-esteem and a perceived control over ones' life."

Owning a home gives individuals and families a deeper feeling of stability, safety, and security over their personal space and belongings and contributes to less stress and a greater sense of autonomy over one's destiny. Being able to share your space with those you love creates incredible bonds as well as memories. Whether you are part of a family, neighborhood, community, or town there are many ways to engage and feel connected as a homeowner. Developing supportive relationships and having a voice on matters that matter– matters!

What is true about homeownership in general is also true about the location you choose to call HOME. Here in the Mt Washington Valley and Lakes Region of NH and ME, we enjoy the opportunity to indulge and soak-in some of the many psychological benefits of nature's beauty and adventure because of its rich and diverse terrain. Conservation lands surround our communities with the dichotomy of gentle hillsides and steep peaks, rushing rivers and slow meandering streams, serene ponds, and action-packed lakes, green meadows, and heavily wooded forests. It is easy to choose to relax and de-stress or adventure for exhilaration, as nature provides a plethora of daily choices with essential health advantages.

Many people have already recognized the importance of living (or vacationing) in a place they love, as shown by the significant increase in property ownership demands for the more sublime areas of our nation. I have met many people in my 40-year real estate career who have admitted that they 'should have' moved to the White Mountains or Lakes Region much sooner. It becomes apparent that once people prioritize health and wellness, their moving decisions become easier, and logistics work themselves out, with the help of some insightful real estate guidance.

With an intentional measure of thoughtful planning, families can make decisions that will positively impact their overall well-being. Prioritizing mental, physical, and spiritual health was the transformative fatherly guidance I received and continue to cherish from my late, great dad. As my thoughts turn towards my own life lessons, I sincerely hope that you too allow the joy of nature's embrace to welcome you home to a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Enjoy the Spring Issue of the Vibe... CLICK HERE

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Bernadette Donohue
REALTOR & Certified Residential Specialist, CRS
Visit Bernie's agent website.

Contact Bernie at Badger Peabody & Smith Realty

• BernieD@BadgerPeabodySmith.com
• Office - (603) 356-5757 x 310
• Cell - (207) 542-9967