I realized today that I haven’t written anything in a while. That’s because I’ve been busy. Busy with work, busy riding bikes, busy living life. A series of events have aspired over the last year or so that have changed me dramatically. Basically since I started a Tiny House business exactly a year ago. I have dug deep into my soul, pushed my faith to the limit, I have asked myself intense questions, I have busted my ass day in and day out. I have given everything I have to this new endeavor. I put it all on the line. I could have lost, and I nearly did, but I’m still kicking, and kicking ass at that. In my lowest of lows, my faith held strong, and the first Tiny House sold. Some breathing room at last. And then, the calls started coming. Opportunity was knocking at my door. Now, I am poised for an awesome summer of designing and building Tiny Houses, something that I whole-heartedly love doing everyday.
Throughout this journey, I have realized that I can do things beyond what I thought I could. I have matured and learned so much. I am a bonafide successful small business owner, providing a unique, quality service that people will pay me for. Not only this, I am inspired to do more than just build tiny houses. I have a dream of making them accessible to everybody. I’m working with city officials across the country to see what it’s going to take to make them legal. I’m seeking out partnerships with lenders willing to do financing. I give out valuable free advice all the time to people building their own house because I know the more people that join the movement the better. I’m partnering with other builders across the country.
On a personal note, I feel like I have finally and completely conquered the demons that have been lounging around from a failed marriage not too long ago. That time in my life is behind me. The time to live is now, in the moment. When I am maybe feeling a bit lonely, I go downtown and a look from a cute girl reminds me I still have much going for me. I go to church on Sundays and am filled with the Holy Spirit. Small things in nature like seeing a rabbit, listening to the river flow by, looking up at the magnificent San Juan Mountains, seeing a choke cherry tree start its spring bloom-they all remind how beautiful and precious life is.
I have put away childish things. That’s not to say I’m not young at heart any more, I’m just focusing on living a life of integrity, of leaving a legacy of some sort. I do want to make money. A man has to eat, but this is not my primary objective. I live a simple life and don’t want nicer or bigger things. I have zero debt in my life and would like to keep it that way. I would like to travel more, and see the world. Gain insight into other places and culture.
I use to make my rounds in the bars across Durango, not so much these days. I’ve messed around with some women, even broke a few hearts. Not anymore. I used to get distracted by silly time wasting stuff on the internet. I’ve got more important things to do. There’s all sorts of childish things that I am putting behind me as I start a new chapter in my life.
James McMurtry- I Put Away Childish Things