“The Most Expensive Real Estate in the World”

I once asked the question of a mentor of mine; what is the most expensive piece of real estate in the world. Is it in New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Washington, DC; where do you believe it sits I questioned. He stated with great confidence that he knew exactly which parcel of land was worth more than all others; in fact there isn’t even a close second. I thought if that was the case, than I should surely know of this property; I didn’t have a clue of the property of which he spoke. “In fact, if you have a few minutes I can drive you there now.” We were in a decent part of town , but a few minutes from the costliest dirt on earth, I was skeptical to say the least?

On the short trip all looked very familiar ; left turn, right turn, another right and a slow left into a place I have passed two or three times a week for years. Here we are he explained, property which the cost is impossible to tabulate. Wait, I questioned, this is the local cemetery, and as cemeteries’ go there many nicer ones in town than this. His answer; and they are equally as valuable. How so I questioned?

There are thousands upon thousands of individuals buried beneath the soil. And I’ve concluded the riches they took to their grave are incalculable.

When ceremoniously placed in the ground they took with them unwritten books. With them went the unsung songs, the plays that would move audiences to tears or to shouts of great joy; businesses that never saw the light of day; inventions never put on paper and into production. So many great discoveries in science and medicine that would save untold lives; pain tings and sculptures we will never be able to gaze upon. Buildings that would change the landscape of time never built. All just dreams that died with the selfish individuals placed in these graves. Untold fortunes never acquired because these cowards took their riches with them.

Cowards, a bit harsh don’t you think? Yes cowards, he shouted at me. He continued; because of their fear of what their family or friends may say if they dared share the dreams they held inside, sliding between the sheets each night envisioning what could be but never uttering a word to the world. Holding tight to their jobs believing security in employment is a worthwhile goal; exchanging their very life for a job. Mesmerizing their own minds with the trivial entertainment of the television and the dribble Hollywood provides; watching others live their dreams, and perfect their crafts while theirs died on the vine. Cowards I say; living in the greatest land ever to exist on earth; a land where everything is possible to those who will not be stopped be the nay-sayers and dream killers.

There are three types of people in this world, he went on. Risk Takers; these are the pioneers of life. Care takers; these yappers’ are the nay-sayers who say to the Risk Takers it can’t be done, and then we have the Under Takers; the walking dead who are not yet in the ground.

I’m sorry for the tirade he sheepishly murmured. It’s just as I watch my family and friends waste their talents. As I listen to the rubbish that passes for conversation; it’s sobering to me knowing what gifts they have laying dormant within their hearts and minds. And they’re allowing the enemy, fear, to steal their very destiny; the very reason they were placed on this earth at this place in time. Shame upon shame, they too will contribute to the great wealth lying just beneath the soles of our feet.

“You don’t get what you deserve in life, you get what you design. Design a life that matters.”

I once asked the question of a mentor of mine; what is the most expensive piece of real estate in the world. Is it in New York, Paris, Hong Kong, Washington, DC; where do you believe it sits I questioned. He stated with great confidence that he knew exactly which parcel of land was worth more than all others; in fact there isn’t even a close second. I thought if that was the case, than I should surely know of this property; I didn’t have a clue of the property of which he spoke. “In fact, if you have a few minutes I can drive you there now.” We were in a decent part of town , but a few minutes from the costliest dirt on earth, I was skeptical to say the least?

On the short trip all looked very familiar ; left turn, right turn, another right and a slow left into a place I have passed two or three times a week for years. Here we are he explained, property which the cost is impossible to tabulate. Wait, I questioned, this is the local cemetery, and as cemeteries’ go there many nicer ones in town than this. His answer; and they are equally as valuable. How so I questioned?

There are thousands upon thousands of individuals buried beneath the soil. And I’ve concluded the riches they took to their grave are incalculable.

When ceremoniously placed in the ground they took with them unwritten books. With them went the unsung songs, the plays that would move audiences to tears or to shouts of great joy; businesses that never saw the light of day; inventions never put on paper and into production. So many great discoveries in science and medicine that would save untold lives; pain tings and sculptures we will never be able to gaze upon. Buildings that would change the landscape of time never built. All just dreams that died with the selfish individuals placed in these graves. Untold fortunes never acquired because these cowards took their riches with them.

Cowards, a bit harsh don’t you think? Yes cowards, he shouted at me. He continued; because of their fear of what their family or friends may say if they dared share the dreams they held inside, sliding between the sheets each night envisioning what could be but never uttering a word to the world. Holding tight to their jobs believing security in employment is a worthwhile goal; exchanging their very life for a job. Mesmerizing their own minds with the trivial entertainment of the television and the dribble Hollywood provides; watching others live their dreams, and perfect their crafts while theirs died on the vine. Cowards I say; living in the greatest land ever to exist on earth; a land where everything is possible to those who will not be stopped be the nay-sayers and dream killers.

There are three types of people in this world, he went on. Risk Takers; these are the pioneers of life. Care takers; these yappers’ are the nay-sayers who say to the Risk Takers it can’t be done, and then we have the Under Takers; the walking dead who are not yet in the ground.

I’m sorry for the tirade he sheepishly murmured. It’s just as I watch my family and friends waste their talents. As I listen to the rubbish that passes for conversation; it’s sobering to me knowing what gifts they have laying dormant within their hearts and minds. And they’re allowing the enemy, fear, to steal their very destiny; the very reason they were placed on this earth at this place in time. Shame upon shame, they too will contribute to the great wealth lying just beneath the soles of our feet.

“You don’t get what you deserve in life, you get what you design. Design a life that matters.”