Apparently, renters think all landlords are rich and don't need the rental income. This is NOT the case for most property owners I know, including yours truly. I am a recent college grad and I work in social services so I am rich with knowledge and passion...but money, not so much!
The family left without leaving me the keys (4 locks to change x $40 each), without paying the last 2 months rent ($575 x 2), without cleaning ($350), and pending legal fees ($$$) to try to track them down.
I am sharing all this to give you perspective of how I feel and to show how this negative situation has become a positive learning and growing experience for me. I want soooo badly to text them messages along the lines of "you obviously need the money more than I do", "you are a thief", etc... NOT a very nice, mature, or classy move on my part...but it would make me feel better, right? Wrong. Not only would it make me feel mentally worse, but it wouldn't change my situation nor would it take away the headaches and stress this situation has caused, or remove any other physical issues I have had as a result of this major decline in my personal finances. I have been so worried I stopped exercising and caring about other things in my life! I allowed a single situation to escalate into a major dilemma affecting many parts of my life.
I reflected on what I would say to my clients if they found themselves in this situation. Being hateful is NOT on my list. I encourage clients to learn from every situation about how they could improve themselves and to find sources of relief. Leaning on God often comes up.
I found myself reflecting on the Lord's Prayer and Matthew 6:13-15:
Matthew 6:13-15 Amplified Bible (AMP)
13 And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their [a]reckless and willful sins, [b]leaving them, letting them go, and [c]giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their [d]reckless and willful sins, [e]leaving them, letting them go, and [f]giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.
I realized that this was a part of both my personal and spiritual journey and God was giving me yet another chance to get it right. Being evil is only going to make it worse for ME, not them, and I would be taking steps backwards. I reminded myself to stop the pity party, and lean on God because He has already worked it out. Unbeknownst to me a few months ago, I would end up being able to rent the house to a family member in need and NOW is when they needed it. If only I would have been patient and prayed for peace...
This situation reminds me of the importance of balance in all aspects of our lives. Trinity Wellness is built on the belief that one's mental, physical, AND spiritual lives must all be in balance as they are all very interconnected. I made my self depressed, became angry at God for not blessing me with money immediately, and stopped exercising which made everything worse. I have been out of balance and a hot mess! These last few days I have been able to pray, read my bible, exercise, and remember just how small this situation really is. By this time next year, I won't even remember these moments.
I encourage all of you to keep things in perspective and when one thing gets out of balance, continue to maintain the other areas of your life. Don't allow a negative situation to throw you off. Find your spiritual center, journal, meditate, go to therapy, read your Holy book, talk to whomever you subscribe to, and KEEP GOING with the rest of your life! Things will get better and you just might help someone else out along the way.
Sorry for the long post but I hope this helps someone else on their journey to balance! Take care.
