As we enter the summer season, I wanted to share 10 lessons I’ve learned as a filmmaker, eldest daughter, and dreamer… For context, summer 2026 will be the last summer I spend at home—maybe ever. I will be moving across the country to Los Angeles to pursue my goal of becoming an award-winning director, screenwriter, and showrunner. This season will come with love, happiness, but also reflection. I was someone who always looked for the next thing. The next hustle. The next stop. However, it is not until a life altering event occurs that we begin to pause and reassess our choices. While grief motivates, exhaustion does too. But not the kind of exhaustion one might think. The kind where you are so tired of walking on egg shells. The kind where you are so tired of putting your feelings aside to make room for others. The kind where you are so tired of hindering yourself from your full glow. That is why I have discovered journaling, dream boards, and affirmations to be most helpful. However, many of them are already intrinsic to my core belief system, I just had to visually map my success. With that being said, do not only document your goals, inscribe your achievements thus far. The little ones. The ones you think don’t matter. They do. Trust me.

And that is why I have decided to publish my virtual dream board, as well as the following lessons I’ve learned.

I cannot take credit for these as my parents, siblings, and mentors have bestowed upon me these wise words. However, what I will take credit for is the fact I am still working on implementing these into my daily routine. And still, I choose to take these with me as I explore my new existence in California. Home will always be home, but I am here to say, I have found a new appreciation for where I have grown up. A place where the stars shine bright at night, a state where everyone knows everyone, and an ocean that I know my heavenly grandmother is still swimming in—even after her passing. I encourage each and every one to inscribe these affirmations or even your own ones, where you know you will be forced to confront them. This summer, create your own sunshine even amidst rainy days and storms. One thing that is for certain is the sun will always be there. It’s never going away for good:

1. You must have faith to succeed. It could be in yourself, your life, or your future, but faith must be there to keep you afloat. Whatever it looks like in your mind, body, and soul. Without it, we’d all sink. Choose the life raft, no matter how small, it is there to protect you.

2. Be intentional. By relinquishing control, you become the master of your mind. Everything is connected. Be choiceful. Choose which room you want to enter, who you surround yourself with, & who you want to become. Don’t wait for a move, a time, or a set date to let go of toxicity. Do it now because you never know how much someone or something is holding you back from reaching your full potential.

3. Explore new hobbies! In a society full of a work-life imbalance, you need a release. You may find new connections in new spaces and realize your passion is ever changing.

4. Stop apologizing for taking up space in EVERY area of your life.

5. Confidence is internal and external. Put yourself in environments where you can shine and your support system loves your light. You cannot grow from the same place or people who broke you.

6. A glow-up does not happen overnight. There are areas of your life that will always be at peace, while others won’t. You have to be willing to understand that glowing-up is not linear. My dad always said you have to take life into your own hands. The only person you can control is YOU. Dedication is key. So, how do you want to move forward?

7. People are in your life for seasons or the marathon. No in between. Sometimes the people who knew you from years ago are intimidated by the version of you that exists now. It is NOT your responsibility to teach them how to love you. If they want to be in your life, they will adjust.

8. You cannot take everyone with you on your journey, and that is OK. Do not cloud humility with submission to disrespect. You can be humble and protect your heart along the way.

9. Call your loved ones. The ones who have helped you. The ones whose love lifted you up away from the shadow of doubt you created in your mind.

10. Closure comes when you’re fed up. Don’t wait for closure. Go GET it for yourself!

    —Savanna Mai / @savanna_rust7

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