Lessons of Summer: From Talk to Takeoff

As Labor Day weekend closed out summer—the season of family reunions, back-to-school routines, and last-minute escapes before the grind of the fiscal year—I’ve found myself reflecting on the highs and hiccups of the past few months. Next week, we move into the next season-Fall. True to form, I’ve been keeping it simple with a Top 5 so I don’t ramble all in one post. Each day this week, I've shared a new lesson of Summer to reflect the season, but each one is rooted in real lessons I’ve had to face.

Here we are Day 4 and rollin. If you'd like to recap from any day this week-go here.

Stop Sleeping On Your Dreams

You know what I admire? People who see the vision for their lives and refuse to let anything get in the way of bringing it to life. Too often, we let our dreams snooze in the corner while we pacify ourselves with excuses—“I don’t have this...or that,” “I don’t have time,” “I got a lot goin on.” Enough is enough. Work with what you’ve got, right where you are. I take my photos on an iPhone—because anywhere can be a photoshoot if you’ve got the eye and the will. That’s why you’ve been seeing me slowly rebranding my blog into The Dainty Brew (yes, she’s coming along). And let me tell you, watching the people around me chase their dreams has been the ultimate fuel. From friends dropping ebooks and growing YouTube channels, to my sister launching her long-awaited masterclass, to loved ones quitting jobs, moving cities, and leaping into new careers—I’m beaming with pride. Their courage is contagious, and it’s a reminder that dreams don’t wait on perfect timing. Neither should we.

From accountability in Lesson One, to being present in Lesson Two, to embracing the journey in Lesson Three, and now pushing past excuses here in Lesson Four—each step has reminded me that summer isn’t just a season, it’s a classroom. These lessons have stretched me, sharpened me, and set the tone for what’s next. And as we close out this series, Lesson Five will bring it all home with the reminder that the best takeaways are the ones that carry us forward into every season.