Even as September unfolds, we’re closing out our theme of Courage with one final story. And while life as a solo mama of two little ones means sometimes our stories don’t follow the calendar exactly, I’m reminded that courage is not just about grand adventures—it’s also about continuing, showing up, and sharing what matters, even when the timing is not perfect.

So today, we close out our exploration of Courage with a fresh take on a classic tale. This story is about a little boy named Jack with a magical beanstalk, and an adventure that stretches all the way into the clouds. Jack climbs high, faces danger, and discovers treasures—but he also learns that courage is not only about daring to climb, it’s about listening to the quiet voice inside that tells us when enough is enough.

This is the story of Jack and the Beanstalk.

Jack’s adventure gives us a beautiful way to explore both courage and discernment. Bravery isn’t only about taking risks or reaching for the sky—it’s also about knowing limits, making wise choices, and stopping before curiosity becomes recklessness.

This story is a chance to wonder together with your children:

* When have you been brave like Jack?

* How did you know when to stop, or when enough was enough?

* What treasures do you already have that bring joy?

As parents, we often cheer the climb—first steps, first words, first big leaps. But sometimes the greatest gift we can offer is helping our children celebrate restraint, to pause before they overreach. They are watching us, too: the ways we say no to what glitters but doesn’t serve us, the moments we pause before acting, the times we model “enough.” These are treasures just as real as golden hens and singing harps.

These stories meet us not only in our homes but also in the wider world. We are living through times that ask much of our courage—courage to discern truth from noise, to care for one another with steadiness, and to hold to what matters most even when the world feels uncertain. Stories like Jack’s remind us that true bravery is not just about bold leaps upward, but also about knowing when to pause, when to listen, and when to tend to the treasures already in our keeping.

Carry Jack’s lesson with you this week:✨ Be brave enough to climb when hope calls you upward.✨ Be wise enough to pause when you’ve found what you need.✨ Remember—sometimes the greatest courage is knowing when to stop.

And speaking of courage… I have a small sparkling seed that I am tending: if you and your family are enjoying these stories and the world we’re creating at Brave & Bright Stories, would you consider becoming a paid subscriber? Even a small contribution helps us spread our roots and climb into the sky, ensuring we can continue to share stories full of imagination, virtue, and heart.

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Wherever you are on your journey of life — I’m so glad you’re here.Let’s keep building our courage…to stay brave, stay bright, and keep growing together,one story at a time.

With warmth and wonder,Hannah

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