Hi, this is Sophia Cartman, host of Dream Big Podcast Show, place to learn, laugh, and grow.
Hi, big dreamers.
Today's episode is a very special one, because this past weekend something really big happened in my family.
First, it was Father's Day.
And second, my dad, Alex Cartman, turned 45 years old.
Double celebration.
But today's episode isn't just about cakes and candles.
It's about something much bigger.
It's about what it means to be a father and the kind of person we can all look up to.
This is episode 458 of Dream Big Podcast, and it's time to dream big.
Welcome back, big dreamers.
Now, before I go on, I want to say something really important.
I know not every big dreamer listening has a dad in their life.
Maybe your dad lives far away.
Maybe he passed away.
Or maybe you just never met him.
If that's you, I see you.
I hear you.
And this episode is still for you.
Because it isn't just about fathers.
It's about the kind of grown-up who makes you feel safe, seen, and supported.
It could be your mom, your grandparent, an aunt, a teacher, a coach, or even you one day, for somebody else.
This is a story about the people who can show up, and people we can become.
First, let me tell you a little about my dad, Alex Cartman.
You might know me as the host of the show, but guess who used to edit the audio when Eva was a host?
Who scheduled the episodes and helped invite guests, record even, and helped with the tech stuff?
Yep, Alex.
My dad.
When my big sister Eva started this podcast years ago, he helped her bring her dream to life.
Not because he had to.
It's because he wanted to.
That's what showing up looks like.
Second, let's be real.
Life is busy.
Adults have jobs, responsibilities, emails, and a lot of emails.
And yet somehow, my dad still makes time.
He takes me out for walks, car rides.
He helps me brainstorm my ideas, even watch silly videos of me when I'm having a bad day.
He makes me laugh.
He doesn't always have the answers, but he's always there.
And that's what I've learned.
Being there is powerful.
You don't have to be perfect.
You just have to be present.
And of course, we're all humans.
Sometimes he gets distracted by emails on his phone, but he's still always there for me.
One day, I asked my mom, why do you always say dad is the best kind of man?
She smiled and said, because it's not what he says, Sophia.
It's what he does every day.
He shows you how a man treats people with love, with respect, with kindness, and with consistency.
That stuck with me because I realized I'm learning what love looks like not just from fairy tales but from real life.
From the quiet things my dad does every single day.
For example, coffee in bed for my mom every single day.
And hugs for me every single day.
Now let's talk about those who don't have that kind of person in your life yet.
I want you to know you're still worthy of love.
You can grow into someone who shows up and you're never alone because you're part of the dream big family.
Look around you.
Notice the people that do care for you.
Maybe it's a teacher who encourages you or a neighbor who always says hi.
Those little things, they matter a lot.
And one day, you can be the safe space for someone else.
Big Dreamers.
Here are a few lessons that I learned from watching my dad, and I hope they help you too.
Number one, keep your word.
If you promise something, follow through, even when it's hard.
Second, lead with love.
Not with shouting, not with fear, but with patience and kindness.
Number three, be a lighthouse.
When things get stormy, be the one who shines calm light for others.
This week, big dreamers, I want you to do something brave and beautiful.
Think of someone in your life who shows up for everything in big and small ways.
Write them a thank you note or tell them out loud.
Thank you for being there.
I see you.
And if no one comes to mind, that's okay too.
Your challenge is to choose one way to show up for a friend, a sibling, or even yourself.
Hold the door.
Say something kind.
Keep a promise.
Because the world needs more people who show up.
And to my dad, happy 45th birthday.
Happy Father's Day.
And thank you for being our rock, our role model, and our biggest cheerleader.
To all the dads and father figures out there, we celebrate you, we honor you, and we thank you.
And to every big dreamer listening, remember, being strong doesn't mean being the loudest.
Being great doesn't mean being perfect.
Being powerful means being present.
Thank you for listening, Big Dreamers.
As always, the show notes will be at dreambigpodcast.com slash 458.
Don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.
If you can't find it, just search up Dream Big Podcast Kids.
All the links will be down in the description.
If you liked this episode, just leave a review, dreamitpodcast.com slash iTunes.
That's all for today, big dreamers.
This is Sophia Cartman, reminding you that you have unlimited potential.
Your dreams are not optional.
You need to make them essential.
So take massive actions for those big dreams and reality.
Live with passion the way life was meant to be.
See you next episode.
Bye.
