Either you watch or you lead........Rest or Live.
When it comes down to it, I've rested way too freaking long! But, that is personal. So I write this because IT doesn't get more personal than this (well it does, but I see no need to bring my Father's Hemorrhoid Issue into this).
My bills are paid but my agenda is paycheck to paycheck. I'm not inherently a Wall-Street guy or gal, yet I see the angst and feel the economic pain. Mr Gump was right, "Money is one less thing to worry about in Life."
This is a taboo subject for many, for various reasons and motives. Overtly successful individuals (financially speaking), rarely want to be involved with those who speak from the other side. I've been on both sides...to an extent. Bottom line, how does one change their position and status?
To my awakening, it's not simple and there is no short-cut....outside of luck. It's going to take work, more than we've ever put in. It's going to take passion, more than we have ever drummed up. It will also entail discipline, more than we've ever known.
And all this fighting and bantering and debating and discussion, revolves around one little thing we need to understand. That's money. Either we understand it, or let it consume us.
Take it from a Mortgage Guy, I look at your info and financial background, and whether I be a direct lender or not....I wouldn't loan you money. Though, a year ago, I probably could of gotten it for you. Problem is, money is a strange habit. Greed is a strange creature. Common sense & Humanity are much harder to understand. I missed out on the whole 'Greed' angle of life these past 31 years, I hope I didn't make my living off of your demise. In fact, I'm pretty sure I didn't.
The world brought us many things and we have left our own imprints in the sand along the way. Some of us are more grateful than others, or so we like to say. Life and survival are about evolving, it's about time WE do.....BOTH! Am I talking to me or am I talking to you....or am I talking to both? Perhaps I'm talking to neither, but that is the schizophrenic in me....
I just give thanks because there is a beat in my heart. In times of survival....that's all any of us really need.
Happy Belated Thanksgiving To Whomever May Be Reading, I shall leave with one visual in my mind...
Thank you Richard.
Hell Chris, I've never been busy enough not too. Nor do I ever plan on being.
Jason,
You seem like you found all of the right reasons to be thankful. The mortgage Mess was not our Fault, and it was bound to happen anyway. I wrote Mortgages, and I wrote them for those who at the time could pay for those Houses, But! what happens Job wise, or in their Personal lives no one can help.
Hard work, yes
Worth it, yes.
The days of easy money in real estate and mortgages is over,many were spoiled and that is not he case anymore. Those who survive will work hard and be ready when the next cycle comes around. Hopefully, the same mistakes will not be made again. People will save for the next downturn. It will change, it always does.
We have been in survival mode longer than most states in MI, so actually we are use to it and have adjusted except for those leaving the business.
Hey Jason,
Great post and hang in there, this to shall pass...... I just hope for sooner than later. Times are financially tough for most of us, but working hard and smart will prevail. Keeping a positive attitude will make a big difference too.
Sean Allen
Tom - There are many variables in the equation.....you are one of the guys who I think is a very good soul to have in any Industry. Don't blow it Buster:-)
Monika - Back at ya! Thank you and say, "Hi" to that Jay Guy:-)
Missy - Time Travel is a Super-Power I'd love to have....just to see. "It will change, it always does." Not to be totally vague, but I believe you are dead on there Missy!
Jason... I agree, this is a thought provoking post. There were that made more than me for 3 years in a row, but it was due to greed. But you know what, they aren't in the business anymore, because you have to work for it now. I hate to say it, but I love this kind of market. If you and I can come out at the end of the wave by Spring, the business will be there. Overall, even some great people are hurting.... Nice job here....
Sean - Hey, you can't hang if you are not hung....I plan on sticking around. Thanks for the very kind words.
Marc - I just am hoping my father doesn't log on, for the next 50 years. None the less, I truly believe Attitude is Everything. I agree with you on that, much more than even I believe:-)
It's going to take work, more than we've ever put in. It's going to take passion, more than we have ever drummed up. It will also entail discipline, more than we've ever known.
You've got all that and more in you. But you knew that already. Did I mention how much I love that song and Christopher the crazy man Walken - He's the "S-it!"
If you give me a Crystal Ball & ask for a prediction, Spring is key Mr. Belonger. I will see you there.
Sardi
Your schizophrenia is still brilliant. You have an uncanny way of summarizing very complicated thoughts and concepts into simple nuggets. Leave the hemorrhoids out of it, but even if you included them, I'd still read....you'd find a way to make them 'sexy'!
Diane - Life is ironic, amazing, astutely aware, and on edge. Then again, so are we. Your passion is contagious Diane!
Dez - I have to give it up for my friend, my amigo, the one I sometimes love listening too and sometimes hate......Here you go!
Dez - Was that not one of the best films of All-Time!?! As far as Walken, the guy sells tickets.
Bill- I'm not sure how to appropriately respond....other than Thank You. Wait, NAH.....there's gotta be a way to make hemorrhoids sexy!
Marc - Action is very much the Proper Reaction....
The slow down started for me. I had an okay year although my sales went down some as did everyone in my office. In any event...I am alive, healthy and just like Gary keeps telling me....we are better off than most.
Bryant - I can't believe you almost said sh** on a public forum! Other than that, I love your style and respect the fact that you speak your mind...no matter what.
Andrew - Not without an 'i'....I don't think. Then again, my grammatical style isn't so strong. And your last line/sentence is off the charts......EXCELLENT!!!
The first thing that I thought of when I read this....well, of the second thing I thought of is a line from a Sheryl Crow song.
"It not having what you want; it's wanting what you got".
Another good post, with lots of food for thought. I promise I will call you on Monday - it's been a strange week for phone calls...
And Christopher Walken FREAKS ME OUT.....
Jason, Add more education to your list because we need to raise the standards before they all try to come back. I'm glad your heart is still beating. I hope your Thanksgiving was enjoyable.
Bill Roberts
Things that come too easily and are not earned are not appreciated, savored or respected. I think that is true in the real estate world. Too many people were able to get more money than they had earned the right to borrow, buy bigger and finer homes than their income could support. Same true for agents, the listings and sells came too easily--we got lazy. Now is the time to get off our butts and start earning what we get.
I am thankful for a heartbeat and the opportunity to work.
What happened to my profound comment??? OK... you know what I said anyway. And you know it's true!
I am thankful that both you and Cynthia have a heartbeat! (how could I resist? - he's a celebrity and he's BROKE!!)
What a shame that the upcoming generation doesn't feel that way. This generation is a "Gimme" and "Throw Away" generation and have no clue what hard work is. The less they have to do, the better they like it. They also don't seem to realize that hard work is good for the soul. I always feel good about myself when I work hard at something and reap the rewards from it.
Great post!
Interesting philosophical post. I am sure some to do not care if they are make a killing on someone's "demise". Its a conscience thing. They have this uncanny twisted ability to just have no conscience. Strange about money.Just when you are not really looking fort it a bunch falls on your lap.I suppose its like dating except for the lap thing. Honest people do finish first to!
I can say I had a lot to think about this Thanksgiving, but everyday when I wake up with a heartbeat, it is a good day! I try to give back whenever possible even in the littlest of ways, bringing someone who is sick a bowl of hot chicken soup to driving a meal to a family that can't afford one.
We should do this year round, but most including myself, seem to remember to do it more around the holidays.
Ann - Now that is a great quote!
Thesa - Actually, I have more of a sly grin:-)
Jayne - That's the beauty of Walken:-) It was nice speaking with you, look forward to working with you in the future.
Bill - I hope yours was enjoyable as well kind Sir.
Jeannie - I concur, flexibility is vital.
Matt - Yeah, my buddy turned me onto that.....Classic!
Cynthia - "Things that come too easily and are not earned are not appreciated, savored or respected." That is an absolutely brilliant quote!
Kelly - Sounds like your good friend had a Crystal Ball:-)
Jennifer - Hmmmmmm, I'm looking forward to that link....I think.
Brigita - You and me both, thank you!
Lloyd - Lol, I liked your analogy there.
Paul - Let's start digging amigo!!
Todd - It's the small things that we often times overlook that sometimes matter the very most.