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Making Time to Smell the Roses

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000

Real estate is truly a 24/7 business.  Add in each real estate transaction is unique, personal time becomes evasive.

For the last couple of years, I have made a concentrated effort to schedule more personal time.  And this year I have been able to be more successful in achieving this personal goal.

For the last several months, eacn Sunday morning, my husband and I travel about 30 minutes to the local American Legion (Post 22) here in Golden Valley, AZ to enjoy Sunday breakfast.  Our two meals including tips cost us $15.00.  We then have the opportunity to visit with other members. By having this weekly breakfast, we are away from barking dogs, cell phone (calls and texts) and real estate paperwork.

Then a friend is getting married this fall and I am working on a counted cross stitch sample. My goal is to stitch at least one hour a day to complete this personalized wedding present.

One incomplete goal is to travel to a friend’s house and go horseback riding. I will probably have to wait until the Fall to achieve this goal.

Earlier this year, I made time to take a vacation by traveling back to NW IN to celebrate my sister's birthday as well as my own. I was able to stay with my best friend. We also enjoyed one day together by traveling to a counted cross stitch store in the next county to the east. 

Some other local friends here in Mohave County have a weekly gathering at their home. Attending this gathering two times each month has allowed me to try out new recipes to bring to these events.  

With having numerous clients here in Golden Valley, AZ, I am also visiting them as most of my clients have turned into friends. These visits are not business but rather friends sharing to friends. 

Additionally, I am scheduling time to read both fiction and non-fiction books as well as to view movies that I may have missed.

Years ago I embraced the Personal Life Wheel as well as the Professional Life Wheel to help me maintain balance.  I take a yearly self assessment to ensure that I work to keep balance in my life. Some years I am not as balanced as I want to be.

Yes, crazy busy professional real estate agents should make time to smell the roses; to enjoy the personal benefits of being small business owners. Life is far to short to not take time to smell the roses. Remember the falling petals of a rose each could be a regret for not taking personal time to truly enjoy life. 

This is my second entry into June’s monthly challenge sponsored by Anna "Banana" Kruchten and Debe Maxwell, CRS

#LetsGetBackToRealConversations #WeDoThingsDifferently

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

Any reproduction of Leanne M Smith’s blog for use by any AI or GAI, distribution or reproduction including but not limited to electronic newsletters e.g. PDF’s Internet sites or physical products e.g. newspapers, CDs without prior written permission and consent by me, Leanne M. Smith (Leanne Hoagland-Smith) is strictly prohibited.

Posted by

Leanne M. Smith, MS, GRI, rCRMS

2018 KGVAR Rookie Realtor of the Year-55+
219.508.2859 MST
Life Begins Where the Pavement Ends
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
http://www.linkedin.com/in/leannehoaglandsmith

Comments(10)

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Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Leanne. Time management that does not include personal time is not effective time management. I experienced it in my career and never achieved the necessary balance. Enjoy your day.

Jun 09, 2025 06:05 AM
Leanne Smith

Finding that work/lfe balance is indeed difficult. Some years I have been successful and some years I haven't been. As to time management, that truly in my belief is an oxymoron as time is a constant and one cannot manage a constant. Good morning and enjoy your week.

Jun 09, 2025 06:07 AM
Joe Mojica
Laer Realty Partners Bowen - Port St Lucie, FL
Your Home Adds Value to You

Leanne- it was nice to read about all the things you are doing to smell the roses. If you don't, real estate can prevent you from doing personal things because it is a 24/7 business. Good for you!  Joe

Jun 09, 2025 06:52 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you Joe and I believe reflection is necessary as this monthly challenge is providing that opportunity. Good morning to you as well.

Jun 09, 2025 07:09 AM
Anna "Banana" Kruchten
Retired Broker/Owner - Phoenix, AZ
602-380-4886

Hi Leanne - awwww taking time to smell the roses!  That is such an important part of a successful life and business.   Glad you are doing more of just that!  Sounds like fun to me spending time and connecting with friends and family.  Enjoy!!   BTW how many points are you going to need?  Use em up girl!! 💲

Jun 09, 2025 09:36 AM
Leanne Smith

At this time, I have always been confused about this "benefit" of AR.  I don't need any points, but appreciate the offer. Thank you as always for your kind and generous comments. 

Jun 10, 2025 07:17 AM
Gwen Fowler SC Lakes & Mountains 864-710-4518
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc - Walhalla, SC
Gwen Fowler Real Estate, Inc.

I am to the point where I want more personal things and less business, especially on weekends and days when it is raining.  I hate showing properties in the rain.  Good perspective in the blog.  Have a wonderful week.

Jun 09, 2025 09:52 AM
Leanne Smith

I dislike showing properties in the heat and is another reason I love selling dirt. Thank you for adding your comments and may you also have a wonderful week.

Jun 10, 2025 07:18 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

Good morning! Yes indeed - it's so important to spend time on our personal lives, as well as business.

 

Jun 09, 2025 10:02 AM
Leanne Smith

A big good morning to you Kat and yes investing time in both areas of our lives is important and essential. 

Jun 10, 2025 07:19 AM
George Souto
George Souto NMLS #65149 - Middletown, CT
Your Connecticut Mortgage Expert

Leanne Smith it took me awhile in my early years to come to the realization that being a part of my sons lives as they were growing up, and making sure I spent quality time with my wife was FAR more important than whatever business success I could achieve.

Jun 09, 2025 11:09 AM
Leanne Smith

Some individuals never come to that realization and that is sad.  Glad you understand the value of being present with your wife and sons. Thank you for sharing your experience. 

Jun 10, 2025 07:20 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

Thanks so much for sharing your heartfelt insights, Leanne Smith. I truly appreciate how you highlight the importance of carving out time for ourselves amidst the busy real estate world. It’s a gentle reminder we all need. 😊 Your stories about Sunday breakfasts and stitching projects really resonate. It’s those small moments that make life richer.

Jun 09, 2025 02:00 PM
Leanne Smith

Glad to read you enjoyed the Sunday morning breakfasts and stitching projects. So true about your last statement 

Jun 10, 2025 07:20 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Retired Home Stager/Redesign

Leanne- it's good that you're taking more time to do what you enjoy doing. Interesting that we often have to schedule time to read or do whatever hobby we enjoy. But if we don't, we put them on the backburner. 

Jun 09, 2025 06:36 PM
Leanne Smith

And how often does that back burner become so cluttered with all those "missed opportunities?" Good morning Kathy Streib and stay safe as I continue to read about all the bad weather in Texas. 

Jun 10, 2025 07:22 AM
Brian England
Ambrose Realty Management LLC - Gilbert, AZ
MBA, GRI, REALTOR® Real Estate in East Valley AZ

No matter how busy we become in life, it is always so very important for us to make time for ourselves and take time to smell the roses!  I messaged David yesterday, but he has yet to respond.  When he does, I will surely let you know!

Jun 10, 2025 05:31 AM
Leanne Smith

Smelling roses is a good break from our professional lives. I text David this morning to let him that you reached out to him yesterday.  

Jun 10, 2025 07:23 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Oswego, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Leanne. Whether you say "take the time to smell the rose", "time to recharge the batteries", or "personal time", etc. we all need the reminder from time to time to remember to do it! So let's get the message out with a feature in Bananatudes. Congrats!

Jun 10, 2025 06:11 AM
Leanne Smith

So true and love your inclusion of the photo. 

Jun 10, 2025 07:23 AM