I recently received a call from a real estate professional, hoping to secure approximately 3,000 square feet of commercial space in Murfreesboro for a client.

I could have said, “Well, ma’am, I publish a community newspaper. I do not own any commercial buildings. Perhaps you saw an article or advertisement within the Pulse announcing available space.”

But no. I am a creative man of opportunity, a problem solver, a solutions expert.

“I got you!” I say. “I can offer 3,000 square feet of prime real estate for as little as $325 per month.”

What a great price. That’s intriguing.

You see, a half-page color ad spot in the Pulse, at 10 inches wide by 5.375 inches tall, goes for only $325 per month with a 12-month agreement.

We will print that for you 8,000 times!

By my calculations, that’s 2,986 square feet of paper that an advertiser gets for only $325 per month.

Although negotiations with the Realtor eventually broke down, advertising in the Pulse can indeed be a phenomenal use of marketing dollars for a local business.

Not only will the Pulse design a lovely ad for you, print it thousands of times, distribute it to hundreds of locations all over the county, and encourage people to view it by placing it alongside interesting and useful community information, you are supporting the mission of the Pulse to hype local events, people, activities, food and culture.

Do not worry; count your blessings.

Sometimes it can be easy to focus on the missed opportunities, items you don’t have, things you can’t afford to do.

I encourage you, and myself, to dwell on what you do have.

Give thanks; appreciate where you are.

We can have all of these impressions and ideas of the lifestyles of the rich and famous, and envy or discontent can creep in, but likely most anyone reading this—if you have a family, a place to rest your head, shoes and a little food each day—has a better life situation than majority of the people in the world.

Now, this is 10-year-old information, but if you start to feel poor, according to 2013 data from Gallup, the median household income worldwide was $9,733.

Currently, a net worth of $138,346 will get you into the wealthiest 10% in the world.

Things could always be better; they could always be worse.

If you don’t enjoy what you are doing, either start doing something else or start enjoying it! If the activity does not accomplish your goals or bring joy—stop! If it does serve a purpose in bringing you closer to your goals—enjoy it and be grateful you have opportunity and ability.

For more information on seeing your business, organization or event featured in the pages of the Pulse, online at boropulse.com, or in the Pulse Weekly Email Newsletter, email bracken@boropulse.com, or call or text 615-796-6248.

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