Are Your Gadgets Making You Happy?

“Being happy is a mental state. You can choose to be happy.”

On our recent vacation to Arnold, I spent part of my days sitting on the deck reading “There is No App For Happiness” by Max Strom. This book was given to me by a friend who participated in one of Mr. Stroms’ retreats. The message in the book is that modern technology does not necessarily help humans to be better communicators—or to be happy. Apparently, “according to studies, humans communicate ninety percent nonverbally” and he continued “so, if we modern humans communicate ninety percent nonverbally, that means that whenever we communicate with text, we are using only ten percent of our communication potential”.

I strive to meet most of my clients in person. Hopefully that makes me a better mortgage broker. Recently, I took two trips to Alhambra in Southern California to meet a client for whom we are helping secure a loan, so she can buy her bakery—“Perfectly Sweet”. Our meetings and friendship that developed out of them has made me happy. Of course I use technology to stay in touch, but at the same time, I only check my emails once a day and prefer to talk to people (if not in person, then at least on the phone). The face and voice can reveal much more than emails, or texts in relationships. I have also realized through years of experience, that when I have personal contact and get to know my clients, it is much easier to find solutions because we’ve developed trust. Even if our communication is through email after our meeting, I prefer to call back on the phone to be sure that everything is alright.

One of the advantages of our vacation place was there was no cell connection (difficult to believe). I could only return calls when we drove into town. And yes, I checked my emails, but seeing bills from my attorney and responding to legal matters did not make me happy.

Mr. Strom also writes that prior to World War II before air conditioners entered our homes and people moved indoros to stay cool, neighbors would sit on their shaded porches just chatting with one another. Today, we probably do not know our neighbors names. I found this quote by Charles Dickens rather interesting:

“Electric communication will never be a substitute for the face of someone who with their soul encourages another person to be brave and true”.

It is a remarkable quote since Charles Dickens was born on February 7, 1812 and died on June 9, 1870!

While sitting on the deck, I suddenly heard the chirping of the blue bird (Stellar’s Jay) and I put my book down to just listen. Light wind blew through the leaves of the aspen tree making a silvery noise. I noticed a yellow leaf falling down and twisting in the air. I also noticed that one of the branches was dead on the perfectly healthy tree. I saw that aspen, oak, maple, pine, and sequoia trees were growing side to side next to each other. The other day, a raccoon climbed the tree in front of our deck and two squirrels chased each other and there was a rabbit in the field. In the evening, bats flew around. In nature, everything coexists and communicates with each other without any electronic devices and seems to be in balance and to express in human terms—happy.

My dreamy state was interrupted by the noise of the electrical saw and the knocking of a hammer in the distance. And then I noticed another noise—a constant buzzing. I realized what it was. I entered into our living room and turned off the air conditioner.

The quietness and the warmth of the air outside made me happy.

P.S.

I hope that some of the images I took in Arnold will make you happy as well and you will find time to visit this remarkable area.

Enjoy and be happy!

Do Not Keep Me As A Secret!
Smile And Please SHARE It With A Friend!

 

Mortgage Solutions For You

A client who works and lives in San Francisco wanted to buy a house for $250,000 outside the City and close to the BART station. Though he saved over $40,000, he wanted to have a small down payment.

When we asked him why $250,000, he told us that this is what he thought he could be qualified for. After checking different options, we ended up with the purchase price of up to $350,000 (which allows him to buy a better home in a better location).

To avoid mortgage insurance, we suggested increasing the down payment to 5%. After running his credit report, we also suggested paying off some small consumer debts to enable him to be qualified for a great mortgage.

 

Whom Do You Know That Might Benefit From Our Tailored Mortgage Solutions?
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Spotlight

Date: Thursday: September 11, 2014  
Address: 2345 24th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94116 (Taraval Police Station)
Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm 
Flyer: Click here

RSVP on  Meetup.com  OR  Facebook  OR email  Ausra@Pacbay.net