Real Estate and Life Reimagined-Walking a Gentler Path

Some of my past and present clients have reached out very recently, asking if all this talk about slowing down and living differently means I'm leaving real estate behind. I wanted to take a moment to share my heart with you.

A while back, I wrote about leaving the “matrix” .... that busy, noisy way of life where you're always chasing something, always feeling like you're falling behind. Written during a very difficult and stressful year in my 24 year real estate career (2024), the market was down, I was questioning my life choices and direction forward, I spent far too much time stressing out, toiling and trying everything I could think of just to make ends meet, looking in every direction because it felt like I had to. And in all that scrambling, I lost sight of, or in truth,

I had discounted and dismissed what was always there: the very gifts and unique way of seeing the world that God had placed in me, the simple joys that make life rich, and the quiet dreams I had always carried but kept pushing aside.

I told myself, once again, as I have for years, those dreams could wait. That they weren’t practical. I needed income fast! But all the stressing and scrambling didnt make me any more money than if I had just stepped back, listened, trusted by faith, and started writing and sharing what God placed in my heart. But for the better part of 8 months, I tried, I cried, and I applied for every kind of job out there, and all the while I assured myself that someday I would do the things that were in my heart.

The truth is, sometimes you get so busy surviving that you forget you were made for more than just survival. So much more!

At some point in the last quarter of 2024, though I was still in the midst of the steep loss of income, bills stacking up, just barely getting by, and deep in the battle to stay peaceful and hopeful through the storm. I made the decision to do what I could each day for my real estate clients and business, and then choose to be at peace, be grateful, and be open because I realized that stress and fear kill creativity and hope if you let them. I decided to "Let go and let God," if you will. I became intentional about gratitude, prayer, journaling, and grounding for at least 30 minutes each day. I didnt pretend everything was great, and I allowed myself to feel the hurt, disappointments, and concern, but I refused to stay stuck there anymore.

It's April 2025 now, and it's beginning to come into focus. The real estate market is still slow but busier than last year! I have active clients, and there are signs of life and glimmers of hope in the real estate markets.

And Yes! I'm still working in real estate, still showing up with care and heart for the people who trust me to help them through big life changes. That part of my work will always matter to me. But between the work, I'm making intentional moves toward the life I desire and was created for. I am determined to build and grow. I'm planting seeds for a different kind of life, a slower, more creative, more intentional life. One that leaves room for writing, creating, reflecting, and truly living. Real estate will always be part of my story and my heart.

Being a real estate agent is what I do, but it is not who I am. I’m walking a gentler path now. And whatever your career or life path has been, if you find yourself longing for a gentler, more creative life too, just know, you're not alone. I see you, and I'm cheering you on.

There's room here for all of us.

Thank you for being part of my journey. It’s an honor to be part of yours, too. Tamara