After years of challenges, I thought I had to do everything on my own. It took time to learn that it was okay to trust and accept help. When my motives shifted from "what can I get out of this" to "what can I give," everything changed in the most incredible way.

 

Dad lifted me up, so I could get a better view of the musicians on stage. I pointed to Pete Townshend windmilling on his guitar, and above the raucous sound, I proclaimed, "It sounds a lot better than it does in the car!"

Music was a huge part of my life from a young age, and it was one of the ways I connected with my dad. When I was in the first grade, he took me to see KISS. I was interested in several musical styles and instruments and would compose songs that always sounded a little better in my head.

But I was using music as a personal form of therapy. It was a way to process past trauma—truths that I didn't feel I could open up about. In the times I felt I needed help, I was too ashamed to ask. My music was healing, but it was also personal, and it kept me isolated.

When I did finally open up to my family about abuse I'd suffered in my very early years, events they hadn't known about, I was a senior in high school. Dredging up those old memories sunk me into a depression. I left for school in New York, away from my supportive family, and did everything I could to distract myself, including substances.

I tried to get clean a few times before it really stuck. I was back in Seattle, working a sketchy job with a fake name but a real paycheck. Every day I felt I was going through the motions, getting by. I'd hang my soul at the door before giving a phone pitch to someone desperate enough to get hooked.

 

But incrementally, I found myself in more legitimate jobs through good performance. I didn't feel as bad about the work. Then I was selected to start a company from the ground up. The owners were in recovery themselves, so I thought they had my best interests at heart. Maybe things were looking up...

I had gotten very involved in AA and was recovering steadily. The more work I did on myself, the more clear I became and the more connected I felt to wanting to help others and do something meaningful. I still was not quite sure what that was going to be or how it would come together.

Finally that day arrived, I found myself at a crossroads, the company I had been working with was no longer in alignment with where I was at and I knew it was time to move forward.

I called my dad and explained my situation to him. When I finished, he asked, "Why not come work for me?"

 In the past, I would have shrugged that off, unable to accept help. But I was learning when someone reached out, it was okay, even positive, to reach back. I agreed, joining Skyline Properties as a recruiter. It wasn't easy. It was intimidating to dive into a new industry. I was still battling my own self-doubt.

Things finally started to click when I stopped focusing on myself. When I focused on taking care of other people, things naturally fell into place. For the first time, I felt good about work! My relationships with my friends and family were being repaired; I was closer with them than I'd been in years. After getting licensed, I could help more than ever. My life had been transformed.

The transaction that had the biggest impact on me was for an old friend of mine. We had fallen out of touch for over a year. He knew about my struggles and had heard about my recovery. He trusted me enough to co-list his home when he was moving out of state. We were able to reconnect, and I helped him move forward. I was no longer an absent friend. I was communicative and dedicated.

That's the same attention I give to all my clients. I'm honest and transparent. They know I'll put what they need ahead of what I want. When we're all on the same side, things always seem to turn out better for everyone. Guiding people through stressful situations so they can reach their next milestone is all the motivation I need. The best part of this job is the people I get to work with.

My experiences in real estate have taught me to be adaptive, have faith in the process, and be accepting of the moment, allowing me to provide the best possible service!