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Reflect, Rejoice, Renew

By
Real Estate Agent with Dirt Road Real Estate SA676002000
“People often confuse motion with progress and activity with RESULTS.”

The theme of this month's challenge is: Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew

Another year has passed, and a New Year is here. Now is an appropriate time
to reflect on the past year, the wins, the losses, and those still in real estate limbo. 

As one reflects, this reflection often creates an internal emotional rejoicing, such as
“Wow, I never thought that transaction would close,” or “working with these clients was a joy."

The New Year is a time to renew. This renewal ranges from physical to
emotional to even mental. Some possible actions might be:

  • Reach out to an old client
  • Revisit your strategic plan both professionally and personally
  • Connect with family or friends  

Some writing prompts might be:

  • What are your reflections on 2025?
  • What are you rejoicing about from 2025
  • What actions are you taking for renewal in 2026?
  • Has Active Rain been a part of your reflection, rejoicing or renewal?

The January 2026 Active Rain Challenge has the following criteria: 

  • One post is worth 1,500 points
  • 300 word minimum
  • One feature photo, more if you so desire

Your post should be about your reflections on the past year, what you rejoiced about, and your plans for renewal in 2026.  You don't need to limit your post to business, though. Personal reflection, rejoicing, and renewal are just as important.

Link to your post must appear in the comments section of this page to receive the points. 

Let's Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew together in 2026.

Your co-hosts for this January 2026 are Carol Williams  and Leanne Smith We look
forward to your reflections, rejoicing, and renewal entry.
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(37)

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

This is why I think we can all use more flow in our workspaces and how we move about the world. Made progress bring smarter work and better play

Jan 02, 2026 07:58 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Laura Cerrano 
Life is a constant work in progress, isn't it?

Jan 02, 2026 08:20 AM
Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!
Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT
Southern Utah's Preferred Real Estate Agent.

Thank you, Leanne Smith and Carol Williams for hosting this month's challenge. Here is my entry: 2026: A Renewed Spirit Through Letting Go

Jan 02, 2026 08:00 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your early entry, Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can! 

Jan 02, 2026 08:20 AM
Eileen Burns 954.483.3912
Douglas Elliman Las Olas - Fort Lauderdale, FL
FLorida Real Estate Connector
Jan 02, 2026 11:42 AM
Leanne Smith

Great post and I am impressed that you invested the time to Assess your real estate practice, clarify what needs to happen and then executed one of several goals.  Big Congratulations. 👏

Jan 02, 2026 01:09 PM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

Thank You, Ladies, Happy 2026. It sounds like an interesting challenge 

Jan 02, 2026 11:46 AM
Leanne Smith

So far the submitted posts have been quite interesting. Looking forward to yours.

Jan 03, 2026 06:36 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Hannah Williams 
It's certainly an appropriate topic for the new year, isn't it? I hope you will submit an entry. 

Jan 03, 2026 07:07 AM
Lew Corcoran
Better Living Real Estate, LLC - East Bridgewater, MA
Expert guidance. Exceptional results.

What a thoughtful way to kick off the year, Leanne Smith, and the way you framed reflection, joy, and renewal felt both grounding and energizing. Your insights hit with a quiet truth that lingers, and I’m grateful you shared this spark to help guide the start of 2026 🙂

Jan 02, 2026 04:09 PM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

Great challenge to start the year...I utilize the time between Christmas and New Years to reflect an renew so the post is timely for me!!

Jan 02, 2026 08:36 PM
Leanne Smith

So good to read the post is timely for you. Thank you and Happy New Year Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD 

Jan 03, 2026 06:38 AM
Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD
http://www.medicalandspaconsulting.com - Vail, CO
Paddy Deighan J.D. Ph.D

Leanne, here is my post for teh January Challenge!!!

https://activerain.com/droplet/JJrq

Jan 02, 2026 09:01 PM
Leanne Smith

This is a post worthy of a reblog in my opinion as well as a feature. Debe Maxwell, CRS , Carol Williams 

Jan 03, 2026 06:48 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your entry, Paddy Deighan MBA JD PhD 
It's always good to reflect, and look forward! 

Jan 03, 2026 07:08 AM
Steffy Hristova
HomeSmart Elite Group Tempe AZ Tel: 602.710.8161 - Tempe, AZ
Tempe AZ Realtor - Your Home Close to Your Work!

Leanne and Carol, I love the topic. I am reflecting on what worked and working on my plan for next year, and should be able to participate.

Jan 03, 2026 06:23 AM
Carol Williams

Good morning, Steffy Hristova 
We look forward to seeing your entry! 

Jan 03, 2026 07:08 AM
Leanne Smith

Good morning as well Steffy and I am sure posting will be memorable.

Jan 04, 2026 04:53 AM
Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400
HomeRome Realty 410-530-2400 - Pikesville, MD
Sell Your Home With Margaret Rome

Here's my entry for the January contest "reflect-rejoice-renew."

 

Thanks, Carol Williams and Leanne Smith, for hosting January's challenge!

Jan 03, 2026 06:12 PM
Leanne Smith

Good morning Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 As I posted on your blog, WOW! The graphics were impressive and how you captured this month's challenge theme.  Thank you. 

Jan 04, 2026 04:53 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your entry, Margaret Rome Baltimore 410-530-2400 
I always love your graphics.

Jan 04, 2026 11:17 PM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

I didn't want to wait until the last minute this time! Here is my entry.

Jan 04, 2026 09:37 AM
Leanne Smith

Very good and I must admit the graphics complemented your entry. 

Jan 04, 2026 09:44 AM
Kat Palmiotti

Thank you!

Jan 04, 2026 09:52 AM
Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist
KD Realty - 408.972.1822 - San Jose, CA
Probate Real Estate Services

Mr. Crappy would not have it any other way ... our entry post is now released

💩💩💩 Reflect. Rejoice. Renew. | Letting Go of Crap! 💩💩💩

Thank you for hosting.  

Jan 04, 2026 05:06 PM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your entry, Kathleen Daniels, Probate & Trust Specialist 

Mr. Crappy is rejoicing with you!

Jan 04, 2026 11:15 PM
Leanne Smith

Ah yes the crap in life often is like little landmines. We either know that they are present or unaware until we step on one. Thank you and truly enjoyed your entry. 

Jan 05, 2026 04:36 AM
John Juarez
The Medford Real Estate Team - Fremont, CA
ePRO, SRES, GRI, PMN

Thank you for sponsoring this month's challenge, Leanne Smith and Carol Williams

It may actually stimulate me to make a post which I have not done for quite a while.

Jan 04, 2026 07:18 PM
Carol Williams

We would love that, John Juarez 

Jan 04, 2026 11:16 PM
Leanne Smith

A little stimulation is always good.  Thank you for considering this monthly challenge John Juarez 

Jan 05, 2026 04:30 AM
Rain Silverhawk
Sandpoint Realty rain@lakeandhomes.com - Sandpoint, ID
208-610-0011 Sandpoint Idaho Real Estate Realtor
Jan 05, 2026 10:43 PM
Leanne Smith

Thank you. The entry was well written, but the date needs to be 1/1/2026. 

Jan 06, 2026 05:02 AM
Carol Williams

Thanks for your entry, Rain Silverhawk 
Gratitude is a great way to start off any new year! 

Jan 06, 2026 07:43 AM
Carol Williams
Although I'm retired, I love sharing my knowledge and learning from other real estate industry professionals. - Wenatchee, WA
Author, Golfer, Retired Broker, Wenatchee, WA
Jan 07, 2026 04:25 AM
Leanne Smith

And a very outstanding entry as well. Thank you for sharing and working on one's health is of primary importance as it allows us to achieve our others goals. 

Jan 07, 2026 06:44 AM
Hannah Williams
HomeStarr Realty - Philadelphia, PA
Expertise NE Philadelphia & Bucks 215-820-3376

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5918016/how-to-renew-and-achieve-success-a-plan-for-2026-new-yearHello Carol Williams  and Leanne Smith 

https://activerain.com/blogsview/5918016/how-to-renew-and-achieve-success-a-plan-for-2026-new-year

Jan 07, 2026 12:58 PM
Leanne Smith

Great post filled with lots and lots of positive energy.  The energy almost jumped off your blog.  Thank you. 

Jan 08, 2026 04:26 AM
Carol Williams

Good morning, Hannah.
Thanks for your entry into our January Challenge. It's going to be a great year. 

Jan 08, 2026 04:56 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

Hi, Here is my Entry:

Reflect. Rejoice. Renew.

Jan 09, 2026 05:06 AM
Leanne Smith

So appreciate you entry and the sharing of your wisdom about "renew." Thank you.

Jan 09, 2026 05:36 AM
Joan Cox, Retired Broker/Owner
Denver, CO
Enjoying Every Day to Its Fullest!

Carol & Leanne, here is my entry for this month's challenge.   Lots to rejoice for sure!

Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew - 2025 & into 2026

Jan 09, 2026 08:56 AM
Leanne Smith

Retirement for you sounds exciting, relocating to Portugal.  Congratulations on 30 years of being a broker in real estate. Yes I agree lots to rejoice for sure. 

Jan 09, 2026 09:34 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543
Realty ONE Group Advocates 484-237-2055 - Downingtown, PA
Selling the Main Line & Chester County

Well this makes sense following the Zoom call on Tuesday. Here is my entry:

Reflect, Renew and Rejoice 2026

Jan 09, 2026 09:11 AM
Leanne Smith

Thank you Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543 and enjoyed reading your blog. May you have not only success in 2026, but lots and lots of fun in your travels. 

Jan 09, 2026 09:30 AM
Nick Vandekar, 610-203-4543

Thanks Leanne, I always have fun when travelling. I think it is my alter ego, who I truly am a wanderer and explorer.

Jan 09, 2026 09:36 AM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Carol Williams  Leanne Smith 

My entry:

ActiveRain January Challenge: Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew

Jan 11, 2026 06:10 AM
Leanne Smith

Good morning and thank you for a truly inspiration entry.  Thank uyu for sharing about your Health issues. As we age, we find health issues to be far more prevalent. However you have a great attitude and a lot of grit to overcome what you experienced in 2025. 

My wishes and prayers for 2026 to be much healthier and happier for the both of you. 

Jan 11, 2026 06:17 AM
Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Retired Real Estate Broker

A new year and a new challenge in so many ways.

Reflect, Rejoice, and Renew as Life Transitions

Jan 13, 2026 06:58 AM
Leanne Smith

Good morning Ed Silva, 203-206-0754 and just read your entry into this month's challenge.  I hope you can enjoy lots of "tee time." 

Jan 13, 2026 07:01 AM
Carol Williams

Hi Ed,
Thanks for your entry into our challenge.

I'll be looking forward to hearing about your new adventures.

Jan 13, 2026 07:07 AM