The Question

If I could have all my money back right now that I lost in real estate, but it would mean giving up what I have learned by losing it, would I take the money or would I take what losing the money has taught me?

That is a question that I have wrestled with.  It's really kind of silly because it's not possible to get the money back, but in some ways it helps me focus and prioritize. 

If you asked a professional counselor, I am sure that I have probably been a classic case in regards to dealing with unexpected loss.  I was in shock, I was angry and wanted to find Rich Leli (my bankrupt builder) so that I could hurt him, and then I became depressed. 

But, after processing my situation, I can honestly say that I would take the lessons learned from losing my money. In real moments of truth (as I call them), we clearly see the difference between how we want to live and how we are living.  We see what we value that is priceless and the ways in which we've sold our souls. 

So I have started to process things differently, to have different perspectives than I did before.  For example,

• I have a sense that if I can take care of my basic needs for my family and for myself, that is enough.
• I know now that the ways that I see things is not always the way they are and I need to take a step back first.
• I have become more content.  I enjoy simple things and the things I have.
• I have learned the real value of things by not having so much money that I take them for granted.

Most of all, I have learned that man cannot take from me that things that are most important if I don't let them..  They can't take my joy.  They can't take my soul.  They can't take that which cannot be measured or counted.

Rich Leli, you had your day.  Now, I am taking back mine.  Only this time, I hope and pray I will be wiser and have more of an appreciation of the journey to get there and gratitude for what I have now.