Hi, this is Sophia Cartman, host of Dream Big Podcast Show, a place to learn, laugh, and grow.
Big Dreamers, guess what?
I just finished fourth grade.
It feels like I blinked and the school year just flew by.
So today, I'm extra excited to share something super personal with you.
The three unexpected lessons I've learned this school year.
I thought fourth grade would be all about fractions, science experiments, and book reports.
And yes, there was a lot of that.
But the biggest lesson I learned?
They didn't come from a textbook.
They came from real life, from friendships, quiet moments, and even mistakes.
So grab your headphones, big dreamers, because these lessons might help you too.
This is episode 458 of Dream Big Podcast, and it's time to dream big.
Are you pumped yet?
It's showtime.
Let's rock and roll.
Welcome back, big dreamers.
One of the most important things I learned this year was how important it is to choose the right friends.
Here's what happened.
I had a friend who always seemed to cause drama.
They'd say one thing to me and something totally different to one of my other friends.
They'd try to stir fights between us or make you feel bad for liking certain things.
Have you ever had a friend who pushed your buttons on purpose?
That's what people call a toxic friendship.
Toxic means somebody tries to manipulate you, change who you are, or make you feel small.
And guess what?
You don't need that in your life.
At first, it was hard.
I didn't want to be mean.
I didn't know what to say.
But then I realized I don't have to be mean.
I can simply just say I need a break.
For me, that break came naturally.
I went on vacation and we didn't really have time to be on devices.
And I had some space away from my friends.
But then I saw everything more clearly.
If someone's trying to make you doubt yourself or your other friends, take a break and then don't go back.
That was my first lesson.
Choose friends who make you feel good.
The second lesson is my love for reading.
During that break from Screamed because I didn't really have any time something magical happened.
I fell back in love with books.
I used to love reading Harry Potter, but then I got out of the habit.
Then something amazing happened.
I picked up a new series, The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer.
And wow, I couldn't stop reading.
These books are full of adventure, magic, and twists that make my imagination go wild.
And now I'm officially hooked again.
Oh, and by the way, quick shout out to Chris Colfer.
Did you know my sister Eva once interviewed him on the Dream Big Podcast?
You can check that out at dreambigpodcast.com.
We'll link that episode down in the show notes.
So yeah, reading brought me back to my joy again.
The third lesson is I became way more independent.
This year, I felt really grown up.
When my mom went to Vancouver for a big web summit, I stayed home.
And guess what?
I made my own food, did my own laundry, and handled things really well.
I'm getting ready for fifth grade and even middle school soon.
And this summer, I'm learning how to cook, knit, and sew.
Oh, and guess what?
I'm going to Siberia to visit my grandparents.
We'll definitely be filming some videos there, so stay tuned.
So here you go, big dreamers.
Those were my three lessons.
Lesson one, choose friends who make you feel good.
Lesson two, rediscover your love for reading.
And lesson three, become more independent.
And here's my challenge for you.
First, think about the school year.
Then...
Write down your own three unexpected lessons.
And lastly, share them with a parent, a friend, or even with us.
Just email my mom, Olga, at dreamigpodcast.com.
Every year we grow, not just in what we learn at school, but who we become.
And remember, friendships should make you feel good.
Books can open up your world.
And independence, it's the first step to chasing your dreams.
Thank you so much for listening, big dreamers.
If you loved this episode, make sure to leave us a review at dreaminpodcast.com slash iTunes.
And don't forget to tell your friends.
As always, the show notes will be in the description at dreambigpodcast.com slash 458.
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 action to turn those big dreams into reality.
Live with passion the way life was meant to be.
See you next episode.
Bye.
