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When my clients move to East Texas, sometimes they don’t have family or friends in the area. I can empathize.
My first year in Tyler, Texas, the friendships I made were few and far between. I was so focused on my career, that I constantly put others before myself. I was lonely and found myself traveling more frequently out of Tyler to visit family and friends from college. Now, don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy spending time by myself from time to time. However, sometimes, you just want to have a cup of coffee and laugh with someone in the city you call home.
So, one day, I decided enough was enough. I made a choice that I was going to say “YES” more. It started when one of my friends invited me to play sand volleyball. In my mind, I was worried I was going to look “dumb”. But, I committed to the “YES”. By saying yes, it led me to the following: outdoor volleyball, hot yoga, going to church, going to Sunday school, meeting my husband, changing careers, joining organizations…etc. Within a few years, I have created a life in a city that I love. The relationships that I have made in East Texas are genuine, real, and I am thankful every day.
Four Ways I Met Lifelong Friends
- Hit up the gym… Not only is this a great way to relieve stress from work, but if you try some of the group classes, you may find something in common with someone in the class. Maybe you have the same heart rate monitor. Maybe you both finished in the top (or bottom) of a timed workout. It also doesn’t have to be a “gym” gym. It can be a studio or joining an outdoor running club.
- Join a Church… I met my husband and some great friends in my small group at church. From there, we would go to the movies, or go to the lake. Sometimes we would just go out to lunch or play board games at someone’s house. Take your time, and try out a few different churches, and small groups to see where your best fit is.
- Volunteer in a local organization… there are plenty of organizations who need your time and talents. You can be as involved as you want. Where can you best serve your community?
- Get out of your comfort zone… I’ll admit, this one was hard for me to do, but I am so thankful that I did! I recently went to Freedom Defense Training, Tyler Rock Gym, and joined the Tyler Literary Book Club. Yes, I did get bumps and bruises from falling down the rock wall. But I was able to laugh and create a bond with someone new. Sure, I have read books that were not my cup of tea. But, I was able to sit down with people from different backgrounds and carry on a conversation in which we all had something in common.
As your REALTOR®, you and I will be on a journey. Whether it is selling your home that you have lived in for many years, or it is your first time to purchase a home, I promise that I will be there for you. I will be with you before, during, and after the real estate transaction!
Happy Homeownership,
Kelly Raulston, REALTOR®
Reliable and Ready
Do you have a friend who is ready to sell their home, or a friend who is moving to East Texas?
I would be honored to be their REALTOR as well!
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
