Summer Solstice and the Art of Showing What Shines

There’s a kind of hush that hits the world on the summer solstice. Not silence—just a stillness. A golden hush. The kind that lands on front porches around 8:15pm, when the cicadas start warming up and the air smells like cut grass and sunscreen. The kind that makes you breathe a little slower, maybe even sit down for a second before rushing off to the next thing.

And if you’re paying attention, that hush says something: Now is the time to show up.

Not to impress. Not to perform. But to shine. On purpose.

This time of year always reminds me of my third summer in the business—early ’90s. I had no listings, no closings, and a stack of “maybe next month” clients that kept me up at night. It was hot, and I was tired. I had done all the right things—or so I thought—but the deals weren’t landing.

One morning, I got in my car with no appointment, no direction, and I just drove to a little neighborhood I loved. I parked, got out, and started knocking on doors—not with a script, but with sincerity. I said, “Hi, I’m Jan. I live over in Greensboro, and I’m trying to get better at serving folks in this area. Can I leave you with my card?” You know what happened? A man told me his sister was about to sell her house, and three weeks later, I had the listing. That listing led to a buyer. Then a referral. That summer didn’t just turn around—it turned me into a real agent.

And I’ll tell you what: it didn’t happen because I was the best. It happened because I showed up, even when I didn’t feel like I had anything to show. That’s what the solstice is about—staying in it long enough to be seen.

So if you’re reading this and your calendar’s a little light, or your confidence is wobbling, I want you to hear this like I’m standing on the field with a whistle in one hand and my other hand on your shoulder:

You are not done.

You’ve still got value.

You’ve still got clients who need you to show up with heart and honesty.

You’ve still got time on the clock.

But you’ve got to stop waiting for the “right moment” and start being seen again. Call the client who ghosted you. Drop by a past buyer’s house with a flower and a handwritten card. Host a backyard pop-in with lemonade and a market update. Whatever it is—do it now. Do it imperfectly. Just show up.

And while you’re at it? Let the light hit your work.

The way you listen more than you talk.

The way you remember their anniversary.

The way you explain a contract without talking down to anyone.

That’s your shine. Let it be seen.

And if you’re wondering how to let it be seen, especially in a season where the energy dips and people seem distracted—let me remind you that summer gives us more than heat. It gives us time. Long days, warm evenings, and wide-open chances to show up where people already are.

Use these extra hours to meet folks where they’re living: in parks, on porches, and at local events. Host a little “Sunset Social” at your neighborhood green space. Nothing fancy—just some lemonade, a folding table, and a smile. Let people stop by, ask a question, or just say hello. No sales pitch. Just presence.

Or try a Vendor Spotlight Happy Hour with a trusted stager or landscaper. Let potential sellers mingle with pros who can help them dream forward—and let them associate that vision with you.

And one of my favorites? A simple “Ask Me Anything” picnic hour. Pick a weekday evening, bring some snacks, a pitcher of sweet tea, and a sign that says “Thinking of buying or selling? Ask me anything!” Let the conversations come to you. You’d be amazed what people open up about when they don’t feel cornered.

These aren’t marketing gimmicks. They’re real moments of connection—and connection is what makes you unforgettable.

Because here’s what I know after 35 years: clients don’t remember your stats. They remember how you made them feel. Safe. Seen. Guided. Encouraged. You don’t need a new CRM. You need to reconnect to why you’re doing this—and for who.

This summer, let’s stop shrinking. Let’s stop waiting. Let’s take the light we’ve been given and use it to build something solid.

Let’s finish this summer showing what shines. You.

Image of Greensboro Summer Solstice from News & Record