I am VERY thankful - Posted by Jim IL
Posted by Jim IL on November 22, 2000 at 21:05:00:
Brian,
Boy can I relate to your post.
I was just sittin here reading posts and “surfing” the net, when I remembered that tomorrow is the day we all celebrate and give thanks.
I can tell you that I personally have had my ups and downs througout my REI adventure, both personal and business wise.
In fact, here is a post I wrote last year at this time:
http://www.creonline.com/wwwboard/messages/nov99/48983.html
WOW!
What a year this was.
From the day I wrote that post last year to now, things sure have changed.
why?
Because I MADE IT HAPPEN!
I did let depression rule my world for a some time there.
I lost my confidence to do deals, and to maintain relationships with those who were important to me.
I was going thru a HORRIBLE divorce where my ex was literally trying to nickel and dime me out of EVERYTHING I had, even things I had prior to meeting her.
After several months and many thousands of dollars in court, I GAVE UP!
I gave her EVERYTHING and started clean.
I realized that I had once started out with NOTHING so doing so again was not that big of a deal.
I can, have and will continue to buy RE with no money or credit.
The difference for me now was that I had experience behind me, coupled with some knowledge.
So, I did it!
During the divorce, with the help of a partner I bought several properties, and kept myself afloat.
(Had to use a partner to keep her from getting any of the new deals.)
And, if you read the post I referenced from last year, you will see that my now ex had a boyfriend at that time. I had been replaced, or so I thought, and I was bitter over it.
I then realized that dwelling on what I had lost was a waste of my time and energy.
Now, I am back to full time REI, (only took a J.O.B. for just a few weeks to get some insurance to cover my ailments.) and I am re-married with TWO new GREAT kids.
My new wife is VERY supportive, and Believes in me.
Last I heard, my ex is STILL single, and from her harrassing phone calls to me, I think she is miserable! (stinks to be her!)I heard her boyfriend from last year is back with his wife. Darn, hate when THAT happens! although honestly, I do pray for her on occassion, if for no other reason than the fact that she is the mother to my former step daughter, who I still care for deeply.
I can tell you, the people here on CRE are like a fmaily to me.
This is why I try to share my experiences as best I can with this board, to give back a little of what I have recieved.(Whether that be business or emotional.)
The support here has been GREAT!
Without others believing in me, both here and in my family, I am not sure at all whether I would have made it this far.
I am still not where I want to be business wise, but I am on my way.
The HOLE I felt I was in last year, is now a tunnel, and the light at the end is getting brighter everyday.
So, I have PEOPLE to be thankful for, from here and in the rest of my life.
I give thanks to my God daily for the things he has blessed me with.
There was a point last year when I felt nothing could stop me, and now this year, I KNOW there is nothing that can stop me.
No hurlde is too high, and with the support of those around me, I will succeed.
Heck, to some, I have suceeded already.
Just last month, my entire family (parents, brother, grandparents), were all scheduling a trip for everyone.
Going for me would have been a hardship, both money wise, and time wise.
I could not “Afford” to go, and declined the invite from my parents.
My mother immediately said her usual, “See son, this is why you NEED to forget that REI HOBBY of yours, and get a J.O.B.!”
My new wife, politely said to her new mother inlaw, “You know better than to say something like that to him, he is after all YOUR SON, and stubborness alone will make him NOT get a J.O.B.”
“Plus, I believe in him, and even though he does not have the money he once did, he IS making his business work, and work well. He is on his way to an even higher place than he was before.”
What a woman!
See why I married her FAST!!?
Heck, my kids ask me every weekend after homework, “Dad, is there anything WE can do for the business to help you?”
(So far, I’ve had them pass out flyers for me and help to clean out some L/O homes we did.)
I am VERY blessed these days, and GRATEFUL for it all.
Wealth to me is a relative term.
I am not RICH money wise, “yet”, but I am wealthy beyond my wildest dreams because I have freedom, and a great family to share that with. (including those here.)
So, Happy Thanksgiving to all here.
As you can see, I have PLENTY to be Thankful for this year!
God Bless you all,
Jim IL