Yesterday as I was walking into a local grocery store here in Kingman, AZ, an older woman sitting in a white van called out to me and said “May I ask you a question?” My response was of course though I may not have an answer. The lady then asked as she was looking at my truck “What is a grit and gratitude agent? I have never seen that expression before.”
“Well, grit," I responded "is because selling real estate especially dirt takes a lot of grit from driving the dirt roads here in Mohave County to ensuring purchases make it through to close of escrow as there are many unknowns. As to gratitude, I am grateful for being able to travel the dirt roads, for meeting friends I did not know I had, for being able to live and work at my age and for having my family. As an old school salesperson, I am filled with gratitude each and every day.”
The lady smiled and said thank you. She then shared she had lost her husband in 2022 and was still recovering from that tragedy. I replied, “I am sorry to hear of your sorrow and wish you the best.” We chatted for a few moments longer, shared our first name and wished each other a good day.
As I walked into the store, my philosophical wired brain started wondering about "How many people would invest the time to answer a question from a stranger and then stay a chat for a few additional minutes? Everyone is so busy, rushing around, and thinking that they have no time or on their mobile devices ignoring the world around them."
Another question quickly popped into my brain was “How many people can answer such a question as I received or a similar one?” I know my response was authentic as I watched the expressions on this woman’s face and the genuine smile I saw when I finished answering her question.
Life is indeed short. I believe in taking time to smell the roses, to connect with others when possible and to appreciate those momentary connections
Leanne M Smith, The Grit and Gratitude Agent Who Goes the Extra Mile Because Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends.
Feature Photo Courtesy of Leanne M. Smith
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