By Shannon Dooley, July 29, 2020
I got a text from my client who was a week or so from closing on her new home that said, “I can’t believe I get to live in that house!” It was a moment of pure joy for me. I was so incredibly grateful for this person making their way to me and that I could be part of this journey to her dream home. Then, after a few more seconds I was even more grateful that I took the time to sit with her excitement and let it be part of my world, after all, I did have a hand in this.
Gratitude is an interesting thing. For most of us it is easy to come up with something that we’re grateful for every day, really, it sounds preposterous to some (it did to me at first), but it’s true. If you think about your day, your interactions, the way something went, there’s generally somewhere to find gratitude. Even in the bad days. Even when things didn’t go your way. It’s there. And the craziest thing is that once you start making a conscious effort to see it, you realize it silently lingers everywhere.
Now don’t get me wrong, I can be a cynical bitch. Sometimes I think I just like it. I accept that part of me so long as I’m not hurting anyone or taking anything away from anyone else. The world is a tough place, sometimes we need to cut ourselves a break.
A couple of years ago I decided to challenge my science brain and open my mind to the ideas of some of my friends who have a higher woo factor. It was a slow transition, not always intentional, but sometimes helpful. The best thing I took from it was a gratitude practice. And guess what? Not woo at all! Totally backed by science.
What are some of the scientifically proven things I love about a gratitude practice you ask? Well… a gratitude practice can increase your overall wellbeing, reduce stress and depression, make you happier, shift you away from toxic emotions, increase empathy, reduce aggression, and on and on… it’s so good! And the best part is that gratitude works even when you’re alone and don’t share it. Perfect for quarantine!
I think we could all use a little piece of happiness these days, maybe it’s time to see what kind of gratitude practice out there might work for you?
Shannon Dooley
Principal Broker in OR | Broker in WA | Earth Advantage | ADU Specialist
She/Her
Long before I lived here I was enamored with the Pacific Northwest. Growing up in the high desert of Nevada I found the dichotomy of the moisture and associated life in the PNW incredibly appealing. As a teenager I was certain I wanted to live in Seattle, then one trip to Portland changed my mind. I was in love with this city instantly and knew this is where I wanted to grow and where I wanted to raise my daughter. That was 20 years ago and I’m still enamored. I have gotten to know this city inside and out and am continually grateful that my job is also my passion.
As a third generation REALTOR® I truly feel like real estate is in my DNA. Unlike many generational Realtors my business is built from the ground up. I started in 2016 and haven’t stopped yet. I believe in perpetual growth and am continually seeking knowledge and experience that will benefit my clients. I learned a lot about basic construction principles growing up with a father who could, and would, take on any home renovation project. More recently I took lessons from my former spouse who was a general contractor and home inspector. Those experiences provided a great base, but the most significant learning has happened since becoming a general contractor myself and starting a small construction company in 2019.
I love our communities, neighborhoods, and especially our houses. We are lucky to live in an architecturally diverse city where you can find almost any style of home and many vintage homes, some dating back to the 1800s. This can prove overwhelming for a lot of people, but I love these old houses and have an abundance of knowledge to help my clients navigate without fear.
I believe in real estate as the most important investment we can make for longitudinal wealth and want to help everyone realize that potential. For this reason first time homebuyers hold a special place in my heart, I love getting people started on that journey. The truth is I love it all. Seasoned investors who just want to talk numbers? Great. Coordinating with empathy and kindness to handle an estate? Yes please. Working with sellers to prepare their homes and finding the right way to say goodbye? Absolutely. I love it all.
When I’m not obsessing over houses or helping my clients prepare for their next move you can find me hiding out in the mountains or at the beach, traveling internationally, re-learning the piano, meeting new people, attempting to keep house plants alive, exploring Portland neighborhoods, and supporting local businesses. I bought my dream house in North Portland where I live with my dog Arnold and the worlds most talkative cat John Meowkovich. I’m always taking on some sort of life endeavor and have been part of starting a food truck, owning and developing a small farm property, and writing a children’s book. “Can’t Stop - Won’t Stop” should probably be my motto. My adult daughter is an amazing human that brings me great joy. I couldn’t be more proud.
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- T: 503-201-2345
- shannondooley@livingroomre.com
