Musings
by ©Patricia Feager 9/10/2015
Endurance - the power to stay alive, withstand resistance... all things come to mind when I stand in the middle of the forest. There is a spirit in the sky that cuts through the trees with a light that has the power to transform Heaven and Earth. From the ground up slender branches reach up to the sky, perhaps in adoration or is it a request for rain or a prayer to ease the pain? The roots grow deep and the deeper I go into the forest my mind is reminded that change is inevitable. Sunlight is trapped amongst the tree trunks causing them to grow stronger and in close proximity to each other. Today is another day on earth and before me projects the light or the spirit of the sky and I ask myself why are trees used as metaphors for growth and opportunity?
The trees sturdiness represents strength. In dormant climates it is a reminder to take nothing for granted. Inside the tree branches hides the birds, bees, insects, and other living things that are also transforming, growing, in need of something beyond reach. The tree holds many secrets within. Me and the tree are alike in so many ways and I sway back and forth in slow and steady admiration for this 100+ year growth at my feet and my hands are pointed up, clasped together in prayer. The birds that sing seems to have a soul of their own, and it so it seems the voice is a gift to only some living things. Buried beneath the surface of the earth are the seeds - some will grow; others not so much or at all. Yet I know each tiny, transparent bare seed will stand the test of time having the potential to become something greater in the future - just like people, just like me...
I write to inspire myself and others to take notice of those things on earth that have lived before me. Writing is an incentive to keep going, growing, and it has a way of transcending, sending my thoughts somewhere else, perhaps into the future and so I write, expressing thoughts and words on paper; possibility preserved into the realms of eternity. My thoughts seem to flow through me like the river of life trapped in tree branches whose roots grow deep and deeper overcoming daily obstacles, challenges, and this is a reminder to me that the trees, the sun, all living things are connected. Some things on earth bear fruit and only some may reach their highest potential. My thoughts are stretched beyond the boundaries of where I am, here today and now is just a temporary reality.
What does this blog post have to do with Real Estate? Everything! Real property - everyone needs shelter. About 85% of all things inside and outside the home is made from trees. In general, environmental conditions exist on every property and plot of land, but are not limited to the presence of environmental hazards, many of which are caused by man. As humans we hear about endangered species. Has it ever occurred to you that you are also a species? Since my birth I have lived through the presence of asbestos and lead based paint. As a kid I chased the trucks spraying pesticides and I've lived in areas where underground storage tanks rotted and contaminated the soil which gets into the aquifers and into the drinking water. I cannot stress enough the importance of a Seller's Disclosure and a thorough home inspection. Most people who buy today will have their homes inspected when it's time to buy but there are those amongst us that will live in a house forever, or as long as they can and never know what dangers lurks within the walls, inside the attic, or below the floors. Anyone purchasing a home should receive a Seller's Disclosure. There is pertinent information that a prospective buyer needs to know.
What if you never intend to move? The appraisa property taxes is not the only thing homeowners should be concerned with. Ask yourself, how healthy is my house? Most people will go for an annual physical, yet fail to understand how living in an unhealthy, unsafe home, or place where hazards are likely to cause sickness, allergies, accidents, mental and physical problems that can affect your quality of life. Knowing what you put into your body can help but understanding the environment in which you live is equally important. Every home needs a regular check-up from the inside out. The air you breathe can kill you or help you to live a more productive life. In sum, the value of your life is more important than any property built on earth, regardless of price.
©Patricia Feager September 10, 2015 - not to be copied, just inspired and if you have thoughts on this subject, I would love to hear from you.
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