Coping

Attitude, Attitude, Attitude

By Jim Mayberry

When I first learned I was losing my vision due to Macular Degeneration, my first concern was about what would happen to my lifestyle. In my second career as a Realtor, I had learned that the three most important words in real estate are “location, location, location.” I decided that my three new most important words would be “attitude, attitude, attitude.” I once heard that your attitude is like your underwear – you are the one who picks it out! If you have a good attitude, you will have a great day; if you have a bad attitude, you will have a lousy day. Like your underwear, you can change your attitude!

As Lexington’s only legally blind Realtor, I have not driven a car in 7 years, but this hasn’t slowed me down. I am pleased to be on my third 3-year term as a member of our association’s Board of Directors, as well as a director for the Realtor Community Housing Foundation. I am proud to have been named the association’s 2003 Realtor of the Year for my service to the community, my profession, and my clients. I serve as a commissioner for the Lexington Commission on Race Relations, and I am also a member of the Kentucky Blood Center’s Triple Crown Club, making a triple-double red contribution annually.

The Macular Vision Research Foundation has six support sight meetings in Lexington each year. I participate in these meetings, not only to learn but to share my experiences to help others learn to cope. At a recent meeting, I was asked how I cope with depression. My answer – I don’t have time for it.