Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Dating and Renting: The Parallels

"Hi Nicole!  I got your message.  I'm sorry but we've decided to look elsewhere."  The gasp that came out of my mouth showed me how invested I am in this rental process.  The wave of rejection that washed over me in that first instant was undeniable.  As silly as it seems, this process of renting my condo feels a lot like dating.

Excitement, connection and hope filled me this weekend as I showed Sara and John* my condo.  They loved the his-and-hers closets and extra storage unit for their snowboarding gear.  She loved the chandelier and wood floors.  She confessed to walking by the building the other day to daydream and get to know the neighborhood.  These comments felt like sweet nothings being whispered into my ear from a lover, promising devotion and security.  I felt like this couple would take good care of my place.  Plus two jobs can pay the rent easier than one!  It felt like the perfect match. 


"Did the dentist call?" my mom asks tentatively.  "No, mom."  After 4 showings on Saturday and multiple email threads with various prospects, I expected to be running credit checks on Monday.  Instead I sat contemplating a price reduction and checking my phone every 15 minutes.  Is the price too high?  Should I rename it a studio with sleeping alcove instead of a one bedroom?  Did I sound too eager?  Was it something I said?  Uggghhh...these feelings of doubt and frustration are enough to drive a girl crazy. 

Then I decided to reframe my perception.  This rental process is new for me and a huge growth opportunity.  Just last week I became landlord-certified and passed a site inspection with endless paperwork, copies and signatures.  We cleaned, decluttered and strategized.  It's going to take some time for my perfect renter to find me.  She is already on her way.  I just have to stay optimistic and cultivate patience.  Of course there are tasks I can do in the meantime to prepare (make copies of the keys, get rid of old paint cans, donate more unneeded things, etc).  This first round taught me (again) the importance on non-attachment to the outcome.

A miracle also happened last week.  I bit the bullet and paid $115 to join the Rental Housing Association.  This gave me access to all the rental paperwork I need to stay legal and protected.  It was an investment that I knew would benefit me and my renter.  As I shuffled through all of my condo papers, I found a check.  It was from 2009.  For $117.  I take this as a sign from the Universe.  Invest in the right things and the money will appear.  What you need will always find you.  I deposited the check, and it went through.  Thank you, Universe!



Just like in dating, the Universe has my best interest in mind.  I can sit back and relax knowing and trusting that divine timing is at work.  Breathe, meditate, take one step forward.  I'm going to keep showing my place, giving love away, and it will find its way back somehow.  It always works out.  I'm eager to see what miracle will happen today.  Universe, show me what you've got!

*Names have been changed for privacy purposes.

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

One action today

Inspiration.  Excitement.  Possibility.  Aren't these the feelings that we all want?  Lately I've experienced a shift in my perception around a big life change.  I have decided to ditch the doubt, fear and insecurity and infuse my experience with creativity and learning.  This is my decision to make, and I choose happiness.

This month I am becoming a landlord.  I am renting my beautiful condo, my baby.  I see this opportunity as a financial reset that will help me achieve my goals, bring freedom into my loving relationship and secure my dreams of travel.  On August 1st, I started to stress because that was the internal deadline I'd set for posting my ad on Craigslist.  I had to recalibrate through meditation and realize that I can extend my personal deadlines to best suit my needs.  Once I took the pressure off myself, things began to flow.  I met with a friend that showed me leasing agreements, addendums, insurance information and an amazing shutterfly site for displaying additional pictures.  This one hour of discussing and note-taking blasted me with new confidence and excitement.  Just as the fear of the unknown brings anxiety, the fresh infusion of information brought me positive inspiration.

I have decided to take one step each day.  Whether it's clearing clutter and donating clothes, building my picture site, talking to my Home Owners Association or writing my Craiglist ad, making one small move daily brings me closer to my goal.  I plan to take this attitude with me whenever tackling a new project.  Giving myself some credit and congratulating myself for accomplishing something new (regardless how small) motivates me to keep going.  I also use my emotional gauge as a signal of when to stop.  When I'm having fun and taking inspired action, I keep going.  When I feel hot, irritated or tired, I take a break (possibly until the next day).  Respecting my limits and bringing self-love to any project allows me to flow effortlessly.

To see how far I've come so far, check out my shutterfly site.  http://charmingcapitolhillrental.shutterfly.com/

Join me and take one inspired action today!