May 2026 Newsletter - Ashley Fredrick
ASHLEY
FREDRICK
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
MAY 2026 EDITION
When Everything Changes at Once
Hello & welcome to June - yep, this was supposed to go out in May, but here we are :) So, I can only describe May as the month that refused to slow down.
If April was about persisting through detours, May was about learning that sometimes the detoursarethe road. Because just when you think you've found your footing, life has a way of reminding you that comfort is not the goal.
We slipped away to Arizona for a little sunshine and rest. But the moment we were back, the pace picked up fast. NextHome being acquired by eXp World Holdings — that changed the professional landscape I've built my business on (I believe for the good). NextHome stays NextHome. Friends receiving the kind of news that stops you cold in your tracks. Changes in my own team that asked me to lead through uncertainty while also sitting with it myself.
And here's what I keep coming back to:we simply cannot get too comfortable in what we know.
Not because life is cruel. But because the Fire Horse was never meant to stand still.
The Fire Horse energy we've been talking about all year, the boldness, the independence, the forward motion, it doesn't just apply to the moves we plan. It applies to the ones we don't. It applies to the phone call that reroutes your week. To the announcement that rewrites your course. To the grief that shows up uninvited and asks you to be fully present. To the changes in your people, your structure, your plans.
The Fire Horse doesn't get rattled by a changing terrain. It adjusts its stride and keeps going.
I'll be honest, some of what May brought was exciting. Some of it was hard. Some of it was both at once. The losses around me were a quiet gut punch, the kind that makes you set down your to-do list and just be with the people who matter the most.
But all of it — every bit of it — reinforced something I want to carry into summer:
Flexibility is not weakness. It is the whole game.
The people who thrive through change aren't the ones who saw it coming. They're the ones who decided, in real time, that they could handle it. That they would handle it. That they would find the opportunity inside the disruption instead of waiting for the dust to settle first.
Summer is coming. And with it, longer days, a little more breathing room, and the reminder that momentum doesn't always look like a plan. Sometimes it looks like showing up, adjusting, and choosing bold over safe — even when no one told you there would be a test.
A Gentle Reflection for You
Where has life recently changed on you faster than you expected, and how are youactuallydoing with that?
What do you need to release your grip on in order to move forward?
Who in your life is navigating hard things right now, and have you shown up for them?
What would it look like to respond to uncertainty with boldness instead of retreat?
The Fire Horse doesn't stop because the path changed. It runsbecauseit did.
Here's to June. Here's to what's still becoming.
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
A Queen's Path
by Stacey Simmons Ph.D
A Queen's Path is one of those books that quietly challenges you to look at the way you lead yourself, not just the way you lead others. It’s less about perfection or status and more about identity, resilience, self-worth, and learning to move through life with intention and grace.
What stood out most to me was the reminder that strength and softness can coexist. The book speaks to the seasons where life feels uncertain, where growth requires letting go of old versions of yourself, and where confidence is built through experience rather than certainty. It’s empowering without feeling overly polished or unrealistic.
I also appreciated the way it encourages women to step fully into who they are instead of constantly shrinking, apologizing, or waiting until they feel “ready.” There’s a strong underlying message about trusting yourself, embracing change, and realizing that leadership often looks quieter and steadier than we expect.
If you enjoy books centered around personal growth, mindset, resilience, and becoming more grounded in yourself, this is a worthwhile read — especially during seasons of transition or reinvention.
What's In My Glass This Month
Frozen Peach Fuzzy
This one is simple and absolutely hits when the temps finally start climbing. It's become my go-to for winding down after a long day — or honestly, for any moment that deserves a little celebration.
What you need:
3 cut up peaches
1 can of frozen lemonade
1 cup ice
Splash of sparkling water to finish
Toss the peaches, lemonade and ice into a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a glass, top with a splash of sparkling water, and garnish with a lemon slice or fresh mint if you're feeling fancy.
Make it a mocktail as-is, or add a shot of vodka or rum if the week earned it.
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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