When I became financially "successful" years ago (see Foreword), I bought a nice 3 bedroom house on a large lot in a prestigious neighborhood. Then I started to "improve" it by adding one of the largest private pools in Honolulu, and built a split-level addition that tripled its size.

That big, ostentatious house became part of my identity, the showplace of my worldly success, and a place to have parties for hundreds of people. I also enjoyed working around the house, building sidewalks, block walls, gardens, etc. Maintenance was a never-ending pastime, but I enjoyed the physical activity after my cerebral workdays.

When I "lost" my fortune, the equity in that house was the only thing I had left, and it was offered for sale below its $410,000 appraised value with the idea that it would sell quickly. It didn't, and instead became both a physical and financial drain. I must say that my first and second mortgage lenders were most helpful and understanding, waiting more than a year without payments before initiating foreclosure proceedings, but finally being forced to act by federal examiners.

By this time I had moved to Las Vegas, and the vacant house was an even greater financial drain, as utilities and lawn maintenance continued (a surprise $200.00 water bill showed me that all four toilets were leaking). Despite continually steeper price reductions, it did not sell, I could not "let go", and I realized that the house owned me, rather than the other way around. I was finally forced to file for a personal reorganization under Chapter 13 of the Bankruptcy Act to delay foreclosure and buy even more time. Finally, more than two years after it was put on the market, *MY* house sold for $267,000, enough to pay all creditors in full, but with hardly anything left over.

Since then I have had no desire to "own" another house, and I am happy to live in a nice 4 bedroom house in a pleasant gated community where someone else takes care of the lawns, the pool and tennis courts, etc. When anything breaks or "goes wrong" (only a water heater and garage door in the past eight years) the "landlord" takes care of it, and I am free to enjoy all the benefits of the house without any of the burdens and cares.

While reading Science of Mind magazine this morning, it dawned on me that I am learning to treat my body the same way. I AM merely a tenant in here, with no concerns about any "problems" that may occur. My identity is no longer this "house", and anything that may need attention will be lovingly cared for by my "landLORD".