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During this past week we closed two clients’ transactions. The first is a stunning church which will be transformed (by award winning architects and designers) into a one of a kind, two-unit marvel. The other one is our Parkdale (Little Tibet) Project. It’s a joint venture we are undertaking with our family…and it’s also a full-gut, duplex conversion.
The latter property was purchased as a private sale in February. I spent a few weeks of negotiations and discussions, which took place across a peculiar coffee table, within the old home.
The house was worn out, had been neglected, was in disrepair, and had been a storing place for the previous owners’ life. It was a time capsule of battered but original details; all buried under grim, dust and damage. It was filled with 40 years of life; a lot of life…and a LOT of junk.
When we closed the deal last Tuesday and I entered the home for the first time as its new owner, I saw that most of the stuff had been left for me to clear out.
Fine. I’ll clear it out.
I’ve spent the last few days having this junk hauled away (Something that should have happened years ago.)
This life junk had seemingly accumulated under his nose, unnoticed over the past 40 years. Not so interestingly, I turned 40 in January (right around the time I negotiated this purchase.) However, this past week I couldn’t help thinking about my last 40 years through the lens of this house; and the idea of clearing out life junk.
During this lockdown, I’ve not only been busy with my businesses and my wonderful family, and now with this old house, but I’ve also been staying very aware of my life junk. I’ve been minding my mind, refining my habits, and making an attempt to not accumulate any more “junk” during this period.
The best remedy for any junk (wether it’s old cabinetry or older arguments) is:
- pressing pause on our accumulating impulse.
- followed by a thorough clearing out of the useless.
- and lastly a deep cleaning.
A spring cleaning, or in the case of this home a power washing!
Before we know it, the house will be junk-free, repaired, sparkling clean, and ready for it’s next phase in life.
I can say the same for many of the friends who I’ve been connected to over these challenging few months. They aren’t idling, memetic, or upping their junk game. They are being creative and active. They’re collaborating and just generally be impressive. They are getting stronger and getting ever-more ready.
I hope that everyone, even with all that is happening in the world, is doing the same; staying positive, productive, and junk-free.
I hope I am too.
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