The SHAME if Foreclosures --- Feng Shui in New York
As a Feng Shui Consultant in Long Island New York when I first began hearing about foreclosures, they seemed so far away. They were in another place and for some reason, I never thought they'd hit Long Island.
After all, Long Island is a very desired place to live; it's where the rich and famous come to "play" after a long winter. It's where we struggle to pay unsightly taxes just to stay on this lovely Island with all the benefits of being close to New York City.
Foreclosures hit...and hit hard. So many people out of work because of layoffs. Some people might be critical of calling in a Feng Shui Consultant for help when they are in a distressed situation and, quite honestly, some call us in because they don't know where else to turn. While others call us just because they BELIEVE. They need HOPE.
It was recently that I walked into the home/condo of a lovely couple on Long Island NY. I was immediately struck by a wall of pictures of all prominent people-and wondered WHO my client was. It doesn't matter; what matters is that in another 3 weeks, my clients will be put into foreclosure. A very sad and very scary thought for someone who never imagined he'd be in this position.
I can only offer hope, not promises. And I see that they need some signs of hope to turn their situation around in a short amount of time. Go to all your helpful people, I urge them but my client is a proud man. I suddenly realize something I had not before: There is a SHAME that accompanies money issues.
How did he find himself here? An accident in the new dream home they'd purchased which kicked off another pre-existing health condition he has. He's out of work although, thankfully, he does have medical. More then that, they are HOLDING his job open for him-he is well known and well liked. All he needs to do is hold on until he can work again.
His pleas to the bank fell on deaf ears; he's fallen through the cracks. And because of circumstances beyond his control, he is ashamed. A position any of us can find ourselves in at any time. The harsh realities are that if we don't work, we don't get paid. Maybe we are all only a few steps away from wondering where we would go or what we would do if it happened to US. Maybe that thought is so frightening that most of us won't even consider it.
I keep hearing there is help out there for these people. Yet in spite of the number of things he's attempted, no one has stepped in to help. He does not want to lose this dream home. In the short time since I've visited this couple, they have called me THREE times to tell me about money coming to them through different and unexpected avenues. While it's wonderful news, it's not enough.
If YOU have any advice for these wonderful people, please let me know. They keep a positive attitude which I admire but I kept letting them know there is no shame in their circumstances. There but for the Grace of God............
http://www.LongIslandFengShui.com
**Carole Provenzale has been a New York Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island & New York. On Site Feng Shui Consultations provided for New York City (Manhattan), Queens and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. http://www.TheFengShuiVoice.com
I love good unexpected news...in the meantime...there is hope ....somehow someway.
Hi Carole, Thanks for a touching and heartfelt post. So many money problems are associated with shame, which many don't realize. I believe that for every negative there is a positive. And things will, indeed, turn around for these people.
Sorry to hear things have hit home. It is amazing what is going on in our country right now. Hopefully we are on the raod to recovery. We have seen some signs here in Mass.
Carole - It is so sad to hear more and more stories like this every day. I hope that they will be able to find a way out of this unfortunate situation.
Carole, so much about foreclosures is medical and job related. The energy of the situation just drains everyone around it.
We have fewer foreclosures in Montana than most places but we have definitely seen an increase. I hope things turn around soon.
Carole--It is unfortunate that now there are so many foreclosure stories that people outside of the real estate industry are starting to hear them. There is no one answer as there are countless people with stories similar to your clients. The best you can do sometime is to listen and offer hope for a better day tomorrow.
Carole..I guess.they already tried mortgage modification??? I really have a pit in my stomach when I hear these stories...they are just to sad..What has happened to the American Dream???
HELPFULHANNAH
Yes, modification ... some type of workout plan should be available.
Tell your client he needs to call that bank ... at least once daily, if not more often. If there are bank offices nearby, he could go there in person and ask to speak to someone and stay put until they cave in and let him meet with someone. Or if possible, he should get an experienced attorney working on his behalf.
Maybe part of the Feng Shui magic you are called upon to deliver right now is to help your client build the courage and strength to face this.
Carole
The sadness that accompanies foreclosures is unbearable at times. Young, old, small families, large families. I really pray that the light goes on at the end of the tunnel soon. I don't like to see people suffer like they do now.
Listening to the radio the other day, about a guy in a situation. He called and called and called. Eventually he got some answers. I think you are so right, about the shame, and Cheryl Johnson is right about making a pleasant pest of himself. SOMEONE will eventually listen...On simple issues like replacement of a defective appliance I just wore some poor soul on the phone down, (with kindness), "I know this is not your fault, BUT..." I spent HOURS on hold, but I won!
Carole, that is so sad. I wish I could offer some words of wisdom, or some advice, but I don't know how things work in New York. Hopefully, his friends and those who care about him will continue to help and maybe he will get better soon, and get back to work.
There are a lot of people in his shoes. I know it's easy for me to say, but forget the shame ... people understand - and do what you have to do to survive - take the help from those who offer - or ask for help of those who don't offer - do what you have to do - and when you're able, pay it forward.
Carole - It is really sad the foreclosure has become a household word. You would think someone would listen and try to arrive at an agreement; however many are still falling through the crack. It really hits home when it happens in your community. Many are only a paycheck away from a financial crisis.
The sad thing about it is that the "shame" doesn't go away. I highly recommend the work of Brad Yates - his take on EFT is unbelievable. When I discovered this program and started using the techniques I went from no sales to 10 sales in one day. I believe that it also help me avoid a personal foreclosure after my husband was laid off. It's that good. When I combined it with some other thing I was already doing, it really kicked in. I hope that it helps your client too.
While my personal situation is still a work in progress I try not to miss a day without tapping with Brad Yates. For those not familiar with tapping or EFT, it's a technique used to clear emotional blocks that we all have have within us. I'm considering starting an EFT group here on Active Rain.
Anyway, here is the link to his Money Beyond Belief product. Best $49.00 I ever spent. Shoot me an email if you have any questions.
My thoughts and prayers will be with your client.
We have a similar place here called Rancho Santa Fe. It's where the rich and famous live in order to be out of the limelight yet close enough to San Diego. Foreclosures are just starting to hit out there, but they are hitting hard. And I agree with you, the shame about money issues seems to be even greater among the rich and famous than it is among the middle class.
I have no specific things to help, but I hope things work out for them.
Hi Carole-This post hits very close to my heart cause I have been there and it is NO FUN and you do feel ashamed and helpless. I hope things can work out for them. Hope your weekend is going well. <SMILE>
The economic situation is very difficult and challenging to many. It looks like it will take a while for things to turn around. I hope that the lender will reconsider..
Carole, we worked with a couple that underwent the horror of watching their home foreclose. The only thing that I can tell you is that six months after the event, and a relocation, they are happy, healthy, and shame-free. Their situation now is much, much better than the one that they left, and their amazing attitudes have afforded a new start in which, as renters, they're saving up for another purchase a few years from now, or not- they love the house that they located to rent. I was just so proud of them, and honored to have met them- we still remain in touch.
Thank you ALL so much for your kind thoughts and insights. I have passed this post along to these wonderful people and have hope. I find it ironic that he can return to work at the end of August and they have to attend court on July 23rd to be put into foreclosure. They surely need Helpful People and I'm confident they will show up.........