"Summer has always been good to me, even the bittersweet end, with the slanted yellow light." – Paul Monette
August is a transition month, where we quickly shift from the laid-back vibes of summer to the structure of school syllabuses and 9-5 work schedules. I’ll admit, the end of summer makes me a little nostalgic—I miss the freedom of doing nothing. But I also look forward to autumn (or 'Summer 2' here in South Florida) and the fresh opportunities a new school year brings for our family. I wonder how this will shift when the school calendar no longer defines my life. I'll let you know in 8 years...
We're in the second month of the podcast and I have a confession: I put off editing episodes as long as possible. I love searching for and booking guests. I love our conversations and the connection we make for 90 minutes - I practically skip away from my microphone after we talk. But when it’s time to edit, suddenly my kitchen needs a deep clean, or other tasks seem to take priority. It’s not that editing is time-consuming—it takes about two hours per episode, and I can even do it from the comfort of my bed. It’s not that I dislike the sound of my voice; I got over that a long time ago.
It's in the doing that we often gain clarity, and maybe I'm worried that when I listen back to the episode it won't be as good as I remember. But the funny thing is, when I edit, I realize the conversation was even better than I remembered. I can see the individual threads that created the fabric of our conversation, gaining a deeper understanding of what was said, and I get to do the work that allows this person's story to be shared. Each guest in August had a distinct sense of purpose, and I noticed a common theme: building, engaging, and serving their community.
If you are open to it…
In the busyness of daily life, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly drives us. Finding and holding onto your "why" is so powerful—it’s the guiding force that shapes your choices, fuels your passion, and gives purpose to every action. Whether it’s your family, a dream you’re chasing, or the impact you want to make on the world, this core motivation is the anchor that keeps you grounded and inspired. I invite you to take a moment to reflect, connect with what matters most, and let your true purpose light the way forward.
If you need to dust off - or discover - your "why", I recommend starting with the well-known TEDxTalks by Simon Sinek and Adam Leipzig. Next, this is an easy values exercise similar to one I use with clients and teams (and you don't have to give your personal information). If you need help digesting your newfound/rediscovered why and values, reply to this email.
Happy exploring, happy doing, and keep a bit of that summer warmth in your heart as we begin to transition into a cooler season ahead.
xoxo,
Meghan
Comments