July 2025 Newsletter
We're trading fireworks for sunsets as August arrives, let’s make the most of the season’s final stretch!
A Warm Hello & a Sunny August Ahead
How is it August already?!
I swear it was just the 4th of July… blink, and suddenly we’re here. (Hence, this newsletter is arriving a few days late, but I have a feeling you can relate to it!)
This summer, I promised myself to say yes to every golf tournament we’re usually part of, or get invited to. On top of that, Ben and I have been trying to sneak in a few new courses on Sundays when our schedules allow. So far, we’ve managed six or seven! The rain this year slowed us down a little!
It may sound odd to some, but I really love the game. After my recent weight loss, it’s been a bit of a learning curve, new swing, new distances, rebuilding strength, but I’m finally finding my rhythm again. Golf is one of those things that fills my cup, and let’s be honest: here in Wisconsin, we basically get three months to enjoy it so we have to make the most of it!
Some weeks that meant playing twice, plus our regular Wednesday couples league. I’ve posted a few photos, but not every round. Still, I’ve had a couple of people comment:
"Wow, you sure have been golfing a lot."
"Do you ever work?"
And I’ll admit, for a brief moment, I felt guilty. Even though I’m keeping up with calls, emails, and texts (just ask my golf partners who constantly tell me to get off my phone), even though I often head straight to appointments after a round or work late into the night to stay caught up, those comments still sting for a moment.
But then I remind myself: Why should I feel guilty for doing something I enjoy? Real estate never stops. There’s always more to do, more to give. But joy matters too. And truthfully, we are having a massive summer; business is anything but slow.
Here’s what I’ve come to believe: we don’t need to explain or justify joy. We don’t owe anyone an apology for living a full life. We can love our work and love our time away from it. We can be dedicated and deserve rest. I’ve seen far too many lives change instantly, and it’s a stark reminder that we’re not guaranteed time later.
So go play! Go laugh! Say yes to the round of golf, the dinner with friends, and the Sunday drive (for me, that includes brunch-time waffles at a favorite stop of ours)! Live fully. You don’t have to prove you’re working hard; you already are. And if you're doing your best, that’s more than enough.
With gratitude,
PS If you’re here for local community events or market updates, don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! You’ll find that link to my local community newsletter here. 👇
https://ashleyfredrick.nexthomehubcity.com/pages/newsletter-subscribe
📚 This Month’s Book Recommendation:
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This month, I’m going with an oldie but a goodie. How to Win Friends and Influence People has been around for decades, but its principles are timeless—and honestly, they’re more relevant than ever.
At its core, this book is a powerful reminder of the impact that genuine connection, kindness, and curiosity can have. When we take a real interest in others—when we truly listen, give grace, and seek to understand—we can move mountains. Whether you’re in business, leadership, or just navigating everyday relationships, this book offers simple yet profound strategies that stand the test of time.
If you haven’t read it in a while (or ever), it’s worth revisiting. It’s not flashy or new, but the wisdom inside? Game-changing.
A Quick Heads-Up! 🛍️✨
I love sharing things that make life easier, better, or just more fun, whether it’s in real estate, business, or everyday living. Some of the links in this newsletter are Amazon affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!).
I only recommend products I genuinely love and think you’ll find valuable. Your support helps me continue sharing great content, and I truly appreciate it! 💙
🧠 Mindset Shift of the Month
What if You Didn’t Need Permission?
We often wait for the “right time,” the perfect plan, or someone else’s approval to do what we already know we want. Consider this your reminder: You don’t need permission to change your mind, take a break, try something new, or say no to what doesn’t serve you. “If it brings you peace, it's a good decision.”
🧘♀️ Did You Know? August 15th is National Relaxation Day!
And yes—you deserve to celebrate it.
Here are a few simple (and soul-filling) ways to honor the day:
🛋 Pajama Kind of Day
Permission to wear cozy clothes and take it slow.
📝 Check-In Day
Take a moment to journal, reflect, and gently adjust what’s not serving you.
🧹 Declutter Day
Clear the clutter—from your space or your mind. Both count.
😊 Joy Only Day
Do something just because it brings you joy. No guilt. No agenda.
🙅♀️ Say “No” Without Explaining Yourself
Protect your peace. Full stop.
💨 Deep Breaths & Small Wins
Pause. Breathe. Celebrate something small—it all matters.
Whether you take 5 minutes or the whole day, give yourself the gift of slowing down. Because rest is productive.
Still on the hunt for high-protein recipes that actually taste good?
Same here! I’ve been trying to sneak in extra protein where I can, and this one has become a new go-to. I shared it on Facebook recently and had a few of you ask for the recipe—so here it is!
🥣 Chicken Taco Protein Bowl
Brown 1 lb of ground chicken breast in a little olive oil with your favorite taco seasoning.
Once cooked, stir in a generous spoonful of cottage cheese (yes, I was skeptical too—but it adds a creamy texture without making it weird).
Mix in shredded cheese—I like the Mexican blend with sharp cheddar.
For added flavor, toss in veggies like grilled onions, peppers, or diced tomatoes.
Finish it off with a spoonful of salsa or taco sauce, a dollop of Greek yogurt, and your favorite crunchy topping.
Pro tip: Quest protein chips work great, but I won’t lie… I usually splurge and go for the classic Doritos 😉
Scoop it up or serve it over lettuce for a taco salad twist. I’ve also been adding a little rice to make it more filling.
Easy, protein-packed, and perfect for quick lunches or meal prep. Let me know if you try it—or if you’ve got a favorite high-protein meal I should try next!
🎙️ Tune Into the LeadingLane Podcast! 🚀
Join me and Steven Burch as we dive into leadership, business, and personal growth with real talk and actionable strategies. Whether you're in real estate, entrepreneurship, or just striving for more, this podcast will keep you inspired and moving forward.
Tune in and let’s lead the way! 🎧✨
Ready to elevate your game in your industry? Let’s make it happen!💪✨
As an industry leader, mentor, and growth strategist, I’ll help you succeed with proven strategies!
💭 I'd love to hear from you!
Got thoughts, questions, or ideas? Click the feedback below to send me a quick message, it goes straight to my inbox! Whether it's something you enjoyed or a topic you’d love to see next, I’m all ears. 😊
See you next month!
See you next month!
