I'm depressed. That's how life starts out or ends up with some folks. The medium (that of relative happiness) is often less traveled, you'll find that the case with most things in life. I need this, don't have that, been screwed there, and generally want to end my existence for a happier form of appeasement from an unknown third party. Hmmmmm, life's a rib. Live it and die.
When I was the tender age of 24, I started writing a book that encompassed an ideal. That particular ideal was a story about the evolution of life, perspective, experience, & enlightenment. I suppose I was striving for the 'Catcher in the Rye' feeling without all the cynical crap that Holden's character portrayed. As much as I wanted a zit-ridden teenager to show me life's worth, I figured it would be better coming from a cynical prick who had nothing better to do with his time than judge all that goes on. When I was 100 pages into my story, my roommate's mother called the house. Shame on me, the phone was right beside the keyboard I was connecting too. I answered and listened blankly as the crack addict mother of a once good friend rambled on ... and I lost my story. No hard feelings though, life makes a better story than I could ever conjure up in my tiny little mind. A shout out to you Eileen, I hope things are well ... and you are okay.
In the past two days, I've witnessed two separate rainbows. Yup, that multi-colored semi-circle that is considered a phenomenon of sorts to most of us. When I was younger, I joked (kind of) that a rainbow was the devil in disguise, that it really was the devil smiling. I witnessed a rainbow on my 32nd birthday weeks ago, there seems to be a pattern developing. The devil keeps on smiling.
One can not be hurt ... one gets hurt. Perspective, speculation, perception, is everything. Rainbows aren't the light and rainbows aren't the devil. Rainbows are an ecological response to a rhetorical question. "How can one be truly happy?"
Happy is not the Jack. Happy is not the Joker. Happy is the man or woman who can look in the mirror right now and say, "I'm at peace. I see the calm." And they'll mean that from the very core of their hearts & souls. It's what they do, how they live, why they live, and try to bestow upon others.
What the heck does this have to do with Real Estate?
Statistically speaking, nothing. In fact, I won't even quote interest rates, product guidelines, up to the minute Mortgage info, or what all the jargon you hear really means. That, I will go into, at a later date. Sooner, rather than later. I promise.
What this has to do with Real Estate is actually quite simple. From my end, I affect lives. I affect the financial lives of everybody I speak with. For every ten folks I can't help (no matter how hard I try), there's one I can.
On your search to make your financial life better, you need competence. You need somebody who actually gives a damn. I dare say that you need somebody who will fill in your bottom line, that little pursuit of happiness.
If you're Jack, take that bag off of your head and face the world. If you're the Joker, make-up and humor will never truly hide your bottom line. Our bottom line is quite simple. Without hesitation, they end with two words that are meant and felt and in tunewith everything going on in our superficial and spiritual lives. It's a journey, it's a means, but there is an end that is inevitable. I only want one thing when that day comes... repeat after me ...
Interesting blog. I sometimes find that I am too busy to be happy. On the other hand, when I am not busy I am not happy that I am not busy. Maybe I am nuts.
Glad the good by was a see ya later! It would't be the same without you!
Jason,
Snap out of it......
Some days are depressing but we take the good with the bad. I'm Happy! :)
Jason, life is not like "Father Knows Best"... I forgot, you are too young to have watched that show. More and more, I think I see people believe in the media... It is not real life... I think the media is like marketing. You tell people what they should believe in and if you say it enough they will believe in it. What really makes one happy. I don't know for everyone, I just know for me, what makes me happy part of the time, my wife, my kids, my family. Take care, make decisions carefully. AJ
Happy, sad, rainbow, devil all relative terms. Its all a rollercoaster and what you make of it. I know you will make something of "it"
Now don't make me come smack ya on the back of the head please
Steven - Maybe you are, but that makes perfect sense to me;-)
Patricia - If I truly go anywhere, I ain't telling nobody. I'll burn out the candle... BTW, thank you.
Suzanne - Snap out of what? Heck, your comment begs to resurrect this song;-)
AJ - You forget, I have a wise soul. Then again, there's a clown in there too:-) Wise words, my friend. Happiness is an individualized remedy.
Super post! It is about attitude, always, and you're right -- we are in a position to have an effect on a stranger's life. Positivity is the gift to them.
Dez - Very few (blatant lie) things piss me off, somebody smacking me on the back of my head does the trick. Yet, if it is you, I'll let it slide. Every once in awhile, I don't mind overkill. This one is for your comment:-)
Li - I have an edge to me that wants to individually respond to anything with a song, I do love music. Ode to overkill... here ya go!
Well, it is about time you snapped out of it. Welcome back and get to work. There is nothing better for happiness than helping others.
Jason, YOU'RE BAAACK!! I'm so happy to see ya again, my man. I see real growth in your words. EVERYTHING in life is all about what's in your head. Perception. Rainbows as the devil in disguise? Absolutely NOT! But if you tell yourself that, it's true. To me they follow storms. Miracles of nature. God's promise to never flood the world again. Jason, you are no different than anyone else. We all seek happiness. Let go of such a tight and intense grip on your search for it. You think you are not contributing to the 9 of 10 you can't help in business? What about the ONE you did help. Focus on that. You think you have it bad. Think if you were a highly talented surgeon working day in and day out to save critically hurt people. You can't save them all. Be good that you are there helping those you can. Serenity as you know is being at peace with what is out of your control. You live in a world where you can control some things and can't control the others. Let go of that out of your control and you will find peace. I wish you well Jason. Keep voicing your feelings. You've got to get it out. The secret to not being depressed is to do many things for others and count what you DO have in your life and not focus on any hurts. We all get hurt. Such is life. But we all get loved and helped too, if we work hard at helping and loving others. Love E.L.O. If you read my posts I am inspired by songs too. Something we have in common.
I love this and I love you. I have no doubt that the long version will be written again and I plan to be there living the the guts and the pretty ending to that story.
You are the best writer here Jason.
MWA & FWA!
You just love that song....LOL! ;)
Jason.... after speaking to you in the last few days, I invisioned you writing something like this. Yes, I am Happy, with the other dwarf's stopping over my place from time to time. To me, it basically comes down to taking pride in what you do... and treating people as you would want to be treated. part of that Golden Rule...
Just like I said to you in my email...it didn't take but about a week for you to fade back in like a fricken ninja.
Neal - I hate when folks are right when I'm wrong, Ninja Warrrior! Thanks dude!! I hope you have a sense of humor with this one:-) I will have to turn this into 'Members Only' and I hate that.
Belonger - Shit, can I say that in public? Yeah, I can. Shit. Tell you what muchacho, I take pride in what I do and how I do it. I think some folks mistake the the Golden Rule for a Golden Shower. Personally, you've been a friend, so I can't much complain about your stupid antics. Yet, I'm looking forward to roasting you when the time bell ticks. And beyond all that stuff, I respect and like you, man. I consider you a friend, I really do. Take that & this for what it is worth...
Suzanne - Guilty as charged.
Jennifer - Publically, I must apologize. I write on a whim, you know that. While I'm not sorry for anything I've ever written, I AM sorry for ever hurting you. Then again, I like the truth. Truth is, let's get to freaking work. Collectively, we are way too talented to let ANYTHING get in the way.
Gary - I knew it when I did it, call it the art of wanting to be left alone. Note to Stewart & Rich, can I have that...from my yahoo account? OK, at least I asked. I WANT TO WRITE WITHOUT ANYBODY KNOWING WHO I AM!
Well hell, that was rude. But, I'm being honest.
Writing tends to be a strange bird, with wings that flutter and flucuate as the air moves onward. Honestly, and I loath prefacing anything with that word, I don't know your inner workings but you're damn sure making a strong impact. That's good. One thing though, I have learned a hell of a lot from your input here. I'm not sure what song fits you, but I'll give it a shot!
"...get to work?" I'm confused....
I didn't forget about you, Fred.
Enjoy!
Hey Jason! So glad to see you back and OK. At least is "sounds" like you're ok. I'd attach a youtube here but can't seem to get the knack of it... ah, well for another day. I want you to know that you touch many people here are AR if nowhere else. And just think of the people who read your material and don't comment, you are touching them to.
Remember we are here to comfort others. When you fell blue, pick up the phone and call someone who cares about you, it will surely pick up your day.
Glad you're back. Enuf said. Have a wonderful weekend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEAui2DHvco
Jason - Hope you enjoyed your vacation and glad to see you are happy...Still think there is nothing wrong in chasings rainbows
Glad that you are you... and still here. I was hoping you'd come back.
You know... I was going to write a book, and I still have one kicking around in my head trying to get out... but it makes me think of this.
"I wrote a letter and it should have been a book. I wrote a book and it should have been a letter." I don't know if I heard it or thought it...
My Jennifer - I have to spell things out for ya, don't I;-)
April - Those are some kind words, thank you. I think sometimes I'm misunderstood, but aren't we all. None the less, I gotta song for you as well. And if you want to know how to do the 'youtube insert thing' just let me know. That's probably one of the only 'techie' things I could help you out with.
Dez - You're good:-)
Sandra - I agree, maybe you'll even find some of that, there, gold.
Lane - Whether you heard that or thought that, I don't know. But I damn sure like it! This one reminds me a tad bit of you:-)
It's the ghost of Sardiman.... Thought you moved on the a happy place!
Jason Well now...there you are. I had just subscribed to your blog just as you were recently walking out the door so it's good to see you back (though I am still a fan of William Holden). It has been illuminating to see this sort of prose here abouts. I believe it was Bukowski that described it as the difference between "typing and writing". I am not sure but it's a good start...
Dan - Is that Bob Stewart? And let's see, a song for you... too freaking easy:-)
Russell - I love Holden, man. Besides the fact that you subscribed to me, I think I like ya. You seem like a guy who would appreciate Mr. Cohen.
Welcome back, kid.
Jason, an oldie but goodie from the Moody Blues. Thanks for the chat. Hang in there and just write as YOU!!
Nancy - Kid? Kid rocks;-)
Gary - My pleasure, Sir. We'll talk again soon.
Jason, I feel like King Kong now! Not accustom to the building scale at the beach club or maybe it was something at the salad bar!
Jason I certainly think the same thing and have been a Cohen fan for years. Though different in years we agree on many things and would probably enjoy the conversation and like you I am a huge music fan I found you through your Left Coast Sweetie and started laughing when you sent her that Zeppelin song (In 69 or 70 when I was in HS, I had a girl friend whose dad heard the song while she was playing the album (yep, that's right vinyl) grabbed the disk and smashed it. You know, it was West Texas and really the times and that fear of Satan's Rock & Roll. I am new and looking for members that actually write articulate and interesting stuff so I will check beck often and when I figure out how to send a tune or two, music will follow...
Thanks... I'm currently a fuddy-duddy when I drive my truck. It gets incredible mileage at 45mph... and terrible mileage at 80... and I want to drive 80... but I'm too cheap. And 55mph WAS a shift point for my MR2... which cruised comfortably in the triple digits.
That was the shortest lived retirement I have ever witnessed ;)
Dan - That's a heck of a choice, if you ask me.
Russell - I look forward to speaking with you down the road, you are fast becoming my new favorite AR rookie;-)
Lane - Understood. Last time I hit triple digits was in high school when me and my buddy Dave Luton (told ya you'd show up in google big man;-) were caught in a spontaneous race ... in the backseat of a beat up car... not sure the type. We were freaking out, my aggression rarely comes out on the highway.
Slaybaugh - What can I say? I don't have the discipline of Lenza;-) You'll appreciate this one.
Did I miss another post that I know you'll always be back after?
Hugs!
Good post. Looks like we have similar statistics. For every 5 buyers I could not help get a mortgage I help one.
Kid rocks;-)
I love that dirty boy.......... saw him in May and going again the end of this month.... *sigh*
Cowboy babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
Sis - I won't always be back, but I'll alway be bad;-) This one's for you! Damn, I miss Pittsburgh.
Gita - Which reminds me...
Dez - Between him and Jimmy Morrison, I'm starting to understand your taste in men. Yup, I understand.
Hi Jason!! Glad to have you back my friend. I am depressed, I am happy, I am sad, I am glad, I am all of those things everyday. You take it one moment at a time. You are a wonderful writer, a great mortgage guy and a good son, friend, etc. Welcome back. We missed you.
Jason Glad I found this place and people like you. It's funny but I am seeing KR all over the comments..This morning I had him in my playlist for my morning run around Town Lake. It ain't braggin' if you back it up!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDUczb6-uVI&feature=related
It's a good rhythm for about a 9 minute mile... See you around!
The music here is terrific. Remind me later that I have a little confession to make... ;-)
Bout time homey....glad to get your sorry butt back in the saddle. I'm happy you b back! Suck it up and tear it up.....you rock JS. I was stunned and bummed from your last post. This is the hotel california dude...you can check in, but you can't leave......
Jason,
Lets chat... this industry needs you...
Rick
Hi Jason- Well am I the only one that doesn't like most of this music LOL :) I am commenting just because I want s song too.....yep the Inner child is coming out to play :) I do not like but 2 of the songs you had on here......mellow my friend, mellow :)
Oh, and of course since your picture never left to me you didn't either. And as a side note, those that touch our hearts, never leave anyway :)
Jason, keepin it real and keeping yourself healthy between the ears is what it's all about.
I took this picture in Italy 2 weeks ago. Now you can take some inspiration from it.
Also: Please read "When A Mortgage Broker Wishes On a Star"...Just so you know we all have our moments in this business.
Glad you are feeling better
Okay, I have been out of it way too long. Between being out of town and one internet fiasco after another, I don't know sh@# about what is going on 'round here. I'm gonna be bummed - ie not happy - if you ditch this place. So glad to see you back. Be happy, it beats the alternative!!
Holy Crap Sardi...
I feel like I just a passage from a Hemingway book :)
Once again...I tip my hat to you. You have this uncanny ability to express yourself. I wish I could do that firing that mother...Ooops. Never mind. I let you connect the dots :)
TLW...ROAR!
Jason, Your posts are some of the best here in the rain. Keep them coming. Thanks, Mike
we're happy too. but if it wasn't the daily sense of accomplishment we get out of our online marketing, it would be harder. Some days its a struggle, but a good boat ride does a great trick of reducing that. now if we can get people to stop waiting... now is a very good time to resume demand.
Hey Jason - do you have a song for me? I can't look in the mirror and say any of those words right now. I'm depressed, and will be for some time to come I'm afraid. I saw 2 rainbows the other day, and for a moment, a very brief moment, I forgot my pain and hurt, but it's still here.......
MWA
Ann
Hey Jason,
Yup life just works that way some times, it is up it is down and it always provides when you are not looking for anything.
Take care!
RJH
Ann - I wish I could make it go away.... MWA forever hun...