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Life Does Not Happen In A Straight Line...


The ‘Twists and the Turns’...

Karen and Jay share thoughts on how life rarely progresses in a straight line – and how we need to be adaptable, innovative and optimistic if we are to experience the best that life has to offer.



As we make plans for the future, we often set goals – sometimes even making resolutions. And, for whatever reason, it seems that we are ‘wired’ to extrapolate. Assuming that the future will be an extension of the past. Or if there is something we are resolving to change, we project that we will progress towards our goal in an even, step by step manner. However, the problem is that in truth, life rarely, if ever works that way.


Life is a complex journey full of twists and turns, often deviating from our predictions and expectations. While we tend to envisage our paths based on past experiences and current situations, the reality is that significant events can arise unexpectedly, altering our trajectories in profound ways. These dislocations challenge us to re-evaluate our plans and perceptions. The essence of life lies not in the linear progression of events but in our adaptability to the changes that come our way. By embracing these unexpected developments with a positive mindset, we can transform challenges into opportunities for growth and fulfillment.


Many successful individuals illustrate this concept through their life stories. One notable example is Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple Inc. Jobs’ life was marked by unpredictability and setbacks. After being ousted from the very company he helped establish, he faced a crisis that could have led him to feel defeated. Instead, he sought out new ventures and embraced his passion for design and innovation, eventually returning to Apple to revolutionize technology with products like the iPhone and iPad. Jobs often spoke about the importance of following one’s intuition and adapting to unforeseen events. His story underscores the notion that setbacks can lead to extraordinary advancements and should be embraced as essential parts of the journey.


Another great example is J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series. Before achieving worldwide fame, Rowling faced significant hardships, including unemployment, depression, and living in poverty as a single mother. Instead of allowing her circumstances to dictate her future, she channeled her struggles into creativity, ultimately crafting a story that would resonate with millions. Rowling's journey exemplifies the idea that life tends to diverge from our expectations; embracing her challenges fueled her success rather than deterred her from her goals.


Ultimately, the unpredictable nature of life can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment. While it may be tempting to cling to plans and expectations, recognizing that life rarely unfolds in a straight line can liberate us from feelings of victimhood and imbalance. Instead of lamenting our circumstances when they do not align with our predictions, we can choose to approach these challenges with a sense of adventure, seeking the positive within them. Like Rowling, Jobs, and Winfrey, we can transform our obstacles into opportunities, embracing life’s rich tapestry as an exciting adventure that contributes to our growth and happiness.


Through this approach, we not only enhance our personal journeys but also inspire those around us to adopt a similar mindset, turning life’s inevitable challenges into sources of joy and creativity.


GoNanas – Turning a ‘Lemon’ into an Opportunity with Bananas!’

During the initial period of the COVID-19 pandemic while countless people experienced quarantine and lockdown protocols, two young entrepreneurs, Annie and Morgan, decided to take something they loved and share it via opening a brand new business venture. Their company, GoNanas, is a testament to how adversity can become a catalyst for positive impact and success.


Annie Slabotsky and Morgan Lerner started GoNanas, a sustainable and allergen-friendly banana bread mix company, out of their dorm room at the University of Michigan. When they saw a lack of healthy and tasty food options on campus, especially baked goods, they decided to take action. Utilizing a combination of each of their family’s recipes, they set a mission to provide a simple treat that everyone can enjoy.


After further development of their mix recipes, their business began to emerge when lockdowns kept people indoors and baking at home surged in popularity. Annie and Morgan saw this as an opportunity for positive impact, believing their mixes were meant to be shared and enjoyed, with the goal of creating moments of connection while so many people were experiencing challenging situations.


Annie and Morgan began to share their passion online. Their mason-jar banana bread mixes caught the attention of many, leading to outstanding positive response from a wave of first-time bakers across the country. They quickly sold out of their supply and instantly knew they introduced both a product and an experience that a large number of people loved.


Throughout their company’s growth, Annie and Morgan encountered hurdles like disrupted supply chains and the challenges of scaling their new business remotely. Instead of setbacks, these obstacles became fuel for innovation. Annie and Morgan amplified their online presence, connecting with customers and building a loyal community of home bakers.


GoNanas not only aims to provide people with a positive experience, but also leave a positive impact on the environment. By creating a banana bread mix that requires over-ripe bananas that would otherwise be thrown away, they set their sights on contributing to the reduction of food waste.


Today, GoNanas has grown far beyond its humble dorm room beginnings. The brand’s success has positioned Annie and Morgan as inspiring young entrepreneurs who turned a difficult situation into a thriving business. Their story highlights resilience as well the ability to positively impact people’s lives. Annie and Morgan exemplify how adversity can inspire the creativity needed to make positive impacts in the world. Their journey is a reminder that even in the toughest times, opportunities exist for those that adapt, innovate, and see the positive side of adverse situations.


Transforming Adversity into Opportunity: Redevelopment Projects in Concord and Manchester, NH

It’s wonderful to see example after example of how innovative, upbeat people – especially right here in the Granite State – tackle adversity, resolve to find the ‘positive,’ and ultimately achieve a successful result. One example I’m particularly excited about is reaction to Covid. Not surprisingly, as you may be very aware, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted commercial real estate in New Hampshire. Innovative redevelopment projects in Concord and Manchester exemplify how challenges can catalyze positive change.


Steeplegate Mall, Concord: Opened in 1990, Steeplegate Mall faced declining occupancy due to shifting retail trends, a situation worsened by the pandemic. In 2023, Onyx Partners Ltd. acquired the property for $18.18 million, proposing a mixed-use development. This plan replaces the mall and the adjacent Regal Cinema, constructing five residential buildings (four or five stories tall) totaling 625 units—half one-bedroom, half two-bedroom—alongside retail spaces. The project aims to revitalize the area by addressing housing shortages and repurposing underutilized commercial space.


1138 Elm Street, Manchester: Similarly, the office building at 1138 Elm Street in Manchester experienced reduced demand due to the pandemic's shift toward remote work. In July 2024, the 16,555-square-foot building sold for $1.2 million. Plans are underway to convert it into 36 multifamily residential units and first-floor retail space. The project received a seven-year property tax relief under New Hampshire's 79-E program in exchange for designating 14 units as affordable housing for ten years. This initiative helps alleviate Manchester's housing shortage, where apartment vacancy rates remain below 1 percent.


Resilience and Adaptability: These redevelopment projects demonstrate resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. Pandemic-induced challenges prompted property owners and developers to reimagine the use of commercial spaces, leading to developments that address critical housing needs and stimulate local economies. The transformations of Steeplegate Mall and 1138 Elm Street illustrate how difficult circumstances can inspire beneficial change, turning obstacles into opportunities for community growth and revitalization.


Positive Profile of the Week: ‘Ironheart Jeremy’ Woodward

This week we are delighted to highlight a Granite Stater - Jeremy Woodward - whose passion and optimism has allowed him to take unexpected life circumstances – significant health conditions – and turn them into an opportunity for change and growth.


In several ways, Jeremy Woodward is a ‘one percenter.’ Despite being born with a congestive heart defect, which affects about one percent of the population, he still grew up active in sports. At twenty-two years old, he had his first open heart surgery and about 7 years later, his condition worsened, necessitating his second major open heart surgery.


For most people, that would be the end of their story. They would take things easy the rest of their life and hope to stay out of the hospital. For ‘Ironheart Jeremy,’ however, this was just the beginning of his journey. Three years later, almost to the day, he completed his first Ironman competition. That put him in another one percent of the population, and certainly less than one percent of those who start an Ironman do so with a congestive heart condition. You can hear his whole story on his TEDx Talk called ‘How Heart Failure Saved My Life.’ Please feel free to check it out:

Since completing his first marathon, he has nowfinished the Boston Marathon 6 times, running on Tedy’s Team, created by NFL legend Tedy Bruschi, who himself has run the marathon twice. Today, Jeremy is a UESCA Triathlon and Running Coach. Even more, he is also a 6th degree Black Belt, Personal Trainer, Husband and Father of three. Altogether, he has run in more than 250 races. He has been featured on major media outlets and even raised several hundred thousand dollars for various charities. And has developed a fascinating business based on the combination of his life/health experiences https://www.livelifetothefittest.com/.


And, just a few weeks ago, he brought the Harlem Wizards back to Concord for a high school event.


For all these reasons, we say, ‘thank you,’ ‘Ironheart Jeremy,’ for your inspiring life story. Yes, life does not happen in a straight line. So, let’s celebrate this fact of life and capitalize on the opportunity it provides for change and growth! Onwards and upwards!


Quote of the Week: Life Does Not Happen in a Straight Line

“You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can control your attitude toward them."

Maya Angelou

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