July 2026 Newsletter
ASHLEY
FREDRICK
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
JULY 2026 EDITION
More Sunrises and Sunsets, Less "Someday"
Hello & welcome to July!
I caught myself doing something the other morning.
I was sitting on our screened-in porch with my Lavender London Fog in hand, enjoying one of those perfect Wisconsin summer mornings. Mittens was curled up in her favorite chair, completely content, watching the birds as if she didn't have a single care in the world.
Meanwhile, I was mentally at my next meeting... then my next showing... then my next project.
And then it hit me.
My drink was getting cold because I hadn't really taken the time to enjoy it.
I was already living tomorrow.
It's funny how easily that happens.
We spend so much time preparing for what's next that we accidentally rush through the moments we worked so hard to create.
But summer has a way of calling us back.
It reminds us that life isn't only measured by crossed-off to-do lists or packed calendars.
Sometimes it's measured by one more conversation around the fire pit.
By an evening round of golf.
By chasing waterfalls just because the weather is beautiful.
By watching a spectacular sunset.
By lingering on the porch a little longer.
By making time for family and friends.
Or simply by sitting quietly with your favorite drink while the world wakes up around you.
Those moments might not seem remarkable while they're happening.
But one day, they'll become the stories we tell.
The photos we smile at.
The memories we wish we could relive just one more time.
I genuinely love setting goals. I love building businesses. I love helping clients, coaching agents, and finding new ways to grow.
But lately I've been reminding myself that success isn't just about what we're building.
It's also about making sure we pause long enough to enjoy it.
People we love won't remember how many emails we answered.
They'll remember that we were there.
That we laughed.
That we stayed a little longer.
That we put our phones away.
That we chose presence over productivity, even if only for an hour.
So here's my July reminder, for me just as much as for you.
Work hard.
Dream big.
Chase your goals.
But don't wait until the next promotion.
The next closing.
The next vacation.
Find joy in today.
Because summer has a funny way of slipping by while we're busy making plans.
Let's not miss it.
With love,
P.S. 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. 👇
This Month's Book Recommendation
Buy Back Your Time
by Dan Martell
This month’s recommendation has already changed the way I think about my business, my schedule, and how I spend my time.
One of the biggest lessons has been recognizing that just because Icando something doesn’t mean Ishould. The book challenges you to identify the work that truly requires your unique skills and intentionally hand off the rest.
For me, it has prompted some meaningful changes. I’ve started rethinking the structure of my meetings to make them more intentional, getting much clearer about the type of administrative support I’m looking for, and honestly evaluating which responsibilities are, and are not,the best use of my time.
As someone who loves being involved in everything, that is easier said than done.
But I’ve realized that buying back your time isn’t always about fitting more work into your day. Sometimes it’s about creating the freedom to step away from work altogether. It’s about building systems, trusting others, and letting go of the tasks that don’t require your unique talents so you have more time for the people, experiences, and moments that matter most.
After all, what’s the point of building a successful business if you don’t have the time to enjoy the life you’re building it for?
🍅 Summer Garden Bruschetta
Ingredients
4 ripe tomatoes, diced
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Salt & freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
1 French baguette, sliced and toasted
Fresh burrata or sliced fresh mozzarella
Optional: Balsamic glaze for drizzling
Directions
In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture sit for about 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Toast the baguette slices until lightly golden.
Top each slice with a piece of fresh burrata or fresh mozzarella, then spoon the tomato mixture over the top.
Finish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze, if desired, and serve immediately.
My Tip:If your garden is overflowing with tomatoes and basil this time of year, this is one of my favorite ways to enjoy them. Pair it with dinner on the deck, good company, and one of those long summer evenings you wish could last forever.
My July Favorites ☀️
🍹Sipping:A Malibu Sprite (refreshing on the golf course).
🎵Listening To:Ella Langley with the windows down.
🏌️Enjoying:Wednesday night golf league and several charity outings.
🌿Working On:Being more present and saying "yes" to the little non-work moments instead of always thinking about what's next.
❤️Grateful For:Summer in Wisconsin and the people I get to spend it with.
I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU
Got thoughts, questions, or ideas? Click thefeedback belowto 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!
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