We Are All Connected

I watched with great interest an Oprah show on April 20. The headline said, "From multi-millionaire to mobile home". The show was way more than that. It outlined the journey of Tom Shadyac, a millionaire director of movies such as Bruce Almighty, Ace Ventura and more. He described purchasing a 17,000 square foot home when he had "made it" and the absolute feeling of emptiness he had after the purchase. Some of us may say, "poor guy" being able to afford such a thing in the first place but essentially his quest for "authentic happiness" has taken him in an interesting direction. He has written and directed a documentary called "I AM" which describes the inter-connectedness and co-operation we all have with one another. After a serious bicycle accident, he began to explore what really makes people happy and content with their life. He traded in his 17,000 sf home for a 1,000 sf mobile home. He contributes (greatly) to charities that are near and dear to him. Personally, I cannot wait until it comes to Canada. I've always ascertained that people who have a cause outside of themselves, create their own happiness. Sometimes it is art; sometimes charity work, sometimes it is the quest for money and possessions. There really is no judgement on this; it's just a journey we create for ourselves. I can remember my own quest for my passions began with a conscious thought at aged 4. My great-grandmother had a home in a town called Hornings Mills, just north-east of Shelbourne, Ontario. It was a grand old Victorian with a huge backyard filled with wild flowers. It was filled with quilts that I have and still hold dear to this day. The property was heated with a woodstove and in the winter, there would be hot stones or pans with hot stones placed at the bottom of the bed for warmth. Perhaps you can see where I'm going here. I've always loved older homes. To date, I've never owned a Victorian, but the minute I go into one, I'm transported back in time. I love gardening; so this yard filled with wild flowers enchanted me. I love art and these quilts I have, although used for utility and economy, hold a special place in my heart. Some are getting threadbare from useage and washing, but I will never throw them out. My conscious thought at the time was, "one day I'm going to have a place like this!" Who would have known I would be a Real Estate agent that looks and sells great homes all the time? My job combines passion, art (staging, afterall is an art!) and a love of helping people. I really was born for this. No matter how bad personal things can get in ones' life, I believe if you have a core passion, you will never be deeply unhappy. That's my belief, anyway. How about you?Cheryl Bower www.CherylBower.com