Someone once told me that the “biggest room in the house is the room for improvement.” This is a pretty profound statement if you pause long enough to consider it. It can certainly be humorous when applied in the right situations but, at the same time, it can have a profound impact on a given situation or even on a life when applied with careful thought and consideration.

In light of our current climate, immediately following the presidential election, I am reminded of this little phrase and the potential it holds. How have we become a nation of finger pointers and name callers, all the way to rioters and looters? Have we lost sight of who we are, what we were, and how far we have come? And, where we have the potential to go?

(You may be thinking, Isn’t this supposed to be a real estate blog? Well, yes it is, and if you have a need to buy, sell, or invest in real estate—or know someone that does—then I am your guy. There, I got that out of the way.)

That little phrase about the biggest room in the house being the room for improvement is a philosophy I have tried to make a part of my everyday life. It’s a principle I always want to consider again and again in a pursuit to be the best me, in a pursuit to be the best dad, the best husband, the best citizen, and so on. Whoever you are and whatever you do, I think we all have this inherent responsibility to be the best us—the best teacher, actor, delivery driver, parent, or leader, etc. we can be.

I was struck this week by the story of a young lady (and first-time voter) who was very emotionally affected by the outcome of the election. She ranted at first, maybe even shed a tear. But then she allowed herself to be challenged. How could she improve herself? How could she make her room, her campus, her world better? She took action; she volunteered for an overnight immersion program sponsored by her university where students spend time with the homeless in their community, serving, eating and talking with them, and experiencing the same living conditions they experience. This young lady is endeavoring to make her “room for improvement” a reality. She is, in her way, making a difference.

What is your room for improvement? Do you need an attitude adjustment? How can you start or continue to make a difference in your corner of the world? We may not be able to change the nation all by ourselves, but we can affect our small portion of it. What this nation needs now more than ever is unity. It needs understanding and true tolerance and peacemaking. We need to challenge ourselves as neighbors, as citizens, as parents and friends and employers and employees. Change a perspective, change a tire for a stranger. Listen instead of being the first one to speak. Volunteer or support those that do.

Come on, people; let’s make a real difference. Let’s effect change for the positive. Let’s start a renovation in the biggest room in our house!

Doug Lawrence thinks a lot about houses, being a real estate broker with Keller Williams Realty. Doug lives on Fox Island and has been a Pierce County resident since 1990. He would be happy to help YOU find YOUR perfect house; you can contact him at dlawrence@kw.com or visit his website, http://www.douglawrencerealestate.com.