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A Change Would Do You Good. October Challenge - To Think is to Create.

By
Industry Observer with Nature As Neighbors

"...Stand for those things without which humankind cannot survive. Love that conquers hate, peace that rises triumphant over war, and justice that proves more powerful than greed." 

~ Fred Rogers 

 

 

 

 

The first part of this challenge, in June, found us head-over-heels in puppy love and focusing on our niche strength - the healing powers of nature. We were extremely busy getting listings sold in record time, and handling frequent calls from ready-to-move buyers. Our real estate market, like many others, was hot, hot, hot and we were busy, busy, busy. 

 

Fast forward to October, thanks to Finnegan, we are still head-over-heels in puppy love. He's extraordinary. However, for the last several months our business has slowed down, considerably. Currently, we are only working with a small handful of clients. Since our market is still very hot, obviously, we made a deliberate and complicit choice to slow things down, although we never openly discussed it.

 

We did recently agree, it was a choice made unconsciously, perhaps intuitively, as this period of time has brought with it amazing clarity and important changes.  What constitutes a life well-lived is quite subjective. 

 

For us, when things got really quiet, for days, not for minutes or hours, it reawakened a sense of who we truly are as individuals, and as a couple. What defines us. What's important to us. Where do we want to focus our energies in life. Do we really want this, or that.  We have readjusted our alignment to what rings true. 

 

We've not completely changed course, as nature and family still take center stage, and always will.  However, some of the new ( likely, old ) discoveries actually surprised and delighted us.  

 

Some of the changes still challenge us as we've yet to learn how best to articulate and act upon them.  We do know we will get there because it feels like home. 

We are very grateful for this time of reflection, and recognize the unusual nature of 2020 served as the catalyst. 

 

The post is part of the October Challenge - To Think is To Create. Thank you Anna Banana Kruchten CRB, CRS, Broker, Instructor and Carol Williams for this sequel to Rising Above the Pandemic. And Anna, special thanks for your post, A Different Point of View, it inspired us to share our own personal story of a surprising change. 

Posted by


Debb Janes  Bernie Stea
Brokers/REALTORS®
Call or Text 360-608-4900

We help buyers and sellers in Camas, Washougal, Brush Prairie/Hockinson, Salmon Creek, Felida, and other Vancouver, Washington Areas. 


We bring our passion for nature and beautiful environments to Real Estate. Multigenerational and family estates, country land and homes, and small farmsteads are our speciality.


We agree with our clients, "The true luxury of rural living is having elbowroom for the soul.

 

Comments (34)

Laura Cerrano
Feng Shui Manhattan Long Island - Locust Valley, NY
Certified Feng Shui Expert, Speaker & Researcher

It’s definitely time to take the challenge and make some lemonade from some really bitter lemons and make magic! Good luck to everyone!

Oct 21, 2020 08:57 PM
Michael J. Perry
KW Elite - Lancaster, PA
Lancaster, PA Relo Specialist

Covid -19 started with so much Fear and Unknown . We lived for the Daily updates . But now we are able to exist in this New Reality and start to regain back some of our favorite activities  

Oct 22, 2020 03:03 AM
Nina Hollander, Broker
Coldwell Banker Realty - Charlotte, NC
Your Greater Charlotte Realtor

Good morning, Debb... I think Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 said it perfectly that this pandemic will prove to be a watershed moment for many. It may end up being a blessing in disguise in allowing many people to rethink their priorities in life, as you and Bernie have done.

Oct 22, 2020 05:00 AM
Lawrence "Larry" & Sheila Agranoff. Cell: 631-805-4400
The Top Team @ Charles Rutenberg Realty 255 Executive Dr, Plainview NY 11803 - Plainview, NY
Long Island Condo and Home Specialists

As you said Debb, This is a real game changer for so many. Glad it has given you and Bernie a new clarity!

Oct 22, 2020 05:23 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

What a fantastic photo! 

Using this crazy year as a time of reflection is a wonderful "silver lining." Sometimes it takes getting shaken up to make us realize where we want to be going...

Enjoy your day!

Oct 22, 2020 05:52 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

I am fully on board with the healing powers of nature and Finnegan has quite a nice view!

Oct 22, 2020 06:30 AM
Grant Schneider
Performance Development Strategies - Armonk, NY
Your Coach Helping You Create Successful Outcomes

Good morning Debb Janes EcoBroker and Bernie Stea JD - that is truly the key to work life balance.  I have certain slow down times built into my business and it keeps me on track and focused.

Oct 22, 2020 06:42 AM
Scott Seaton Jr. SLS Home Insp
SLS Home Inspections-Kankakee Will Iroquois Grundy Counties - Bourbonnais, IL
The Home Inspector With a Heart!

There's just no beating a Fred Rogers quote. Best to you going forward.

Oct 22, 2020 06:59 AM
Joe Jackson
Keller Williams Capital Partners Realty - Columbus, OH
Clintonville and Central Ohio Real Estate Expert

Great post! Thanks for sharing this! 

Oct 22, 2020 07:02 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Thank you Myrl Jeffcoat for the kind comment, and the feature. We appreciate you. D

Oct 22, 2020 08:12 AM
Will Hamm
Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO
"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Hello Debb and Bernie and what a great picture to start with, growing and looking good.  Great blog as always from you.

 

Oct 22, 2020 09:26 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Thank you so much, Dorie Dillard CRS GRI ABR - maybe Finnegan is part of the catalyst for change. Good observation. D

Oct 22, 2020 09:38 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Retired Agent / Broker / Prop. Mgr, Wenatchee, WA

Hi Debb,
It's easy to wander off track and lose focus when the world seems to be spinning out of control.  I know you and Bernie are steadfast in your commitment to your core values.  I really do look forward to the day we can all meet and have a cheer to life!

Oct 22, 2020 04:54 PM
Jeff Dowler, CRS
eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Carlsbad, CA
The Southern California Relocation Dude

Debb and Bernie:

Bravo for you for taking a step back and re-evaluating your priorities, personal and business, and your values.

Jeff

Oct 22, 2020 08:06 PM
Ricki Eichler McCallum
CastNet Realty - Corpus Christi, TX
Broker,GRI,ABR, e-Pro, TAHS

Hi Debb & Bernie,  2020 has been very revealing in many ways to everyone.  Lots of tragedies have occurred but a more important clarity has come of it also.  I think if we take the good and leave the bad behind, our society will be better.  Hopefully, families have become closer and value the time they have together even more.  I love this picture.  Finnegan is awesome! Enjoy the Fall season :)

Oct 24, 2020 09:10 AM
Sharon Lee
Sharon Lee's Virtual Assistance - Jonesborough, TN
Retired and loving life

Debb- I absolutely love that photo of Finnegan. He is such a handsome fellow. He has grown so much in such a short time. This is a wonderful entry and post. My favorite line is "A life well lived is quite subjective" SO true.

Oct 24, 2020 07:43 PM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Kathy Streib - it was interesting. Neither of us said, "let's take a break." It just happened. Recently, we evaluated it, and realized our unspoken decision. 

Oct 25, 2020 08:36 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Michael Jacobs - and I'm thinking it takes reflection on an on-going basis to keep that clarity. At least for us. 

Oct 25, 2020 08:37 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Laura Cerrano looking forward to your Zoom meeting. I have in on my calendar. D 

Oct 25, 2020 08:39 AM
Debb Janes
Nature As Neighbors - Camas, WA
Put My Love of Nature At Work for You

Hi there, Michael J. Perry  - we are really both hoping civility returns to the world soon.  That's the piece of the puzzle that is difficult to understand. 

Oct 25, 2020 08:42 AM