Showing posts with label self love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label self love. Show all posts

Friday, July 19, 2019

"Body Positivity" #FashionablyAshlee

What if we stopped dieting? 

Like seriously ðŸ›‘. 

What if we just nurtured our bodies. What would that kind of mind shift do? 


Screw guilt that we impose on our selves for what we eat. 

Why does it have to be a #guiltypleasure, why not just something really freaking delicious? 

I'm learning, #bodypositivity isn't about loving being thin, fit, or fat. It's not committing to live in your body regardless of what that looks like with no intent of change. 

It's not news, that I desire my body to be more fit... but I haven't realized how much negativity was weighing me down. Much more than actual pounds. 

Being body positive is about nuturing your body in it's perfect state. Perfect state is how it is THIS MOMENT-- not some.ideal you are chasing

I will never give up caring for my body -- but I'm done #dieting. 


 The only thing that needs to die is the destructive language we use daily.  The internal combat I engage in daily.


Ashlee 

P.S. I'm clearly a princess in this skirt.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019

Journal Prompt: 3/19/2019 
1. List your biggest insecurity that currently plagues you the most.
Easily my biggest insecurity is being "beautife oul". It sounds so shallow -- let me expound. 
I have physical insecurities of my body. My weight, the way my eyebrows are so light, my crooked smile, my lack of hips. 
I have other "being beautiful" insecurities too -- like am I a good enough person, are my thoughts valuable, do I choose selfishness over selflessness. 
Beauty isn't just skin deep like we are told. 
2. How long has this insecurity been with you? Can you remember when it started?
I don't remember being insecure as a child until I became 1 in 5 children who were molested. My attacker told me that if I told anyone, especially my dad, he would hate me --- because what I just did with him was disgusting and made me disgusting. 
From that moment on -- I believe insecurity swept in. No --- rushed in.  Interestingly initially it was always more about an inward insecurity than physical ones.  I began to lack confidence in my thoughts and feelings. I began to feel like a "disgusting person" which is pretty far from beautiful. I began to believe that love from others was contingent on my actions. If my dad knew I had done that -- in that rusty cold red shed --- then he wouldn't love me. Couldn't love me.  
If yes what happened?
The one thought of no longer being worthy of love transcended to guarding my every thought, action to the the dark. Because i didn't know what things were lovable and not lovable and I wanted to be in control. I learned what people wanted to hear, see. I changed and altered myself in every situation to fit into the mold the other liked of me the most. 
Eventually --- I forgot what I really was like. This is what I'm working on now. 

3. How does this insecurity negatively affect your daily life?
I physically doubt myself daily. I wonder why my husband or friends call me beautiful. I look in the mirror without makeup and see a hagrid old red head. I don't see beauty. With a full face of makeup I feel my best -- but still when complimented my brain often goes to a place of assuming they are jus being nice or couldnt think of anything else to say. 
I was set to have weight loss surgery one week from today and because of a change in circumstances it had to be pushed back and it was devestating to me. I hate the shape of my body. I know that's not cool to say. I should be all yay #bodypositive. I know that should be my reality --- but it isn't. 
Being an inwardly beautiful person is also a struggle i have daily. I wonder if i'm doing enough. If  im too judgemental. Why i do things to hurt others. WHy I do things to hurt myself. 
4. How is this insecurity stopping you achieve your life’s dreams?
How long do you have? 
There have been opportunities that being overweight have barred me from. Feeling good in my skin is probably the number one though. Feeling confident in my body. I love clothes and fashion --- and i really limit myself unneccessarily because I tell myself "oh you can't wear that"
Inwardly, I have given up on so many dreams because I feel like i'm not good enough.  Too shy, n ot smart enough, not driven enough, not ____. you fill in the blank.


5. How would you feel if you didn’t have to worry about this?
I think physically it would be VERY freeing to love my body. To walk around naked at home without  that insecurity. Buying clothes that make me feel beautiful not just covered up. 
If i didn't second guess every thought in my head? wow. how much further I would be in life. 
6. What would your dream life look like without this insecurity?
With out the insecurity --- my dream like would be me feeling good about myself. I would be rocking some bohemian looks, Id be sharing myself and dreams and thoughts with the world confidently. 
7. Now we’re going big. What does your dream life look like if your resources were unlimited? I'd have a farm. Harvest Moon Farm. Cut off jeans and cowboy boots. Strong muscular legs. The latest concert tshirt on. 
Working as a special needs photographer on the farm. Bringing families in and offering them day long photo sessions on scholarship. Offering equine therapy.  A full service experience for spectrum kiddos and those they love. 
I'd be content with what I have and who I am. Married. My babies. a life worth loving. 
8. Write at least three things that you love about yourself. If you’re struggling read our other post . Hey you didn't warn me i'd have to speak positive about myself!
1. I love how much I love my babies.
2. I love my hair.
3. I love my compassion for those less fortunate. 

9. Write your insecurities opposite. This will become your personal mantra. 
I am ugly. I am a beautiful person inside and out.
I am fat. My body is strong and beautiful exactly where it is at. 
I am not a good person. I am a wonderful person who puts others needs and desires as a priority.
10. What is one thing you can do this week that scares you that will move you closer to your dreams? Start small everything happens one step at a time.
I intend to write out some mantras, or positive thoughts about myself on index cards and place them around the house. <3 Have something positive to say about me? Leave it in the comments below! <3 




Monday, February 18, 2019

31 Days To Self Love: Day 31

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting

I guess to answer this prompt I need to consider areas and ways in which I can love myself.

Physical:

Physical movement is a way that I can show myself love but also a way I'm quick to give up on.  I'm not even really talking about an exercise program.  I've done that before. I have been a 2-a-day gym rat,  but my motivation was never self love. It was self image, others opinions of me, or preparing for an event.

I want to wake in the morning and be on my feet.  I want to move, stretch, and care for my body in this way. This can include Yoga, walks with Ellie, and keeping busy. 

Mental: My mental health needs to be a high priority in my life. I can show myself self-love by committing to take my medicine daily and on time. To work through the process with my therapist. To practice positive mantras and repeat them out loud to myself.  My mental health can be improved by lowering my stress levels.  In order to lower stress levels I think I need to be aware of my actions and how they could result in higher stress. I need to not allow others to bring unnecessary stress in my life. I need to speak my truth and move forward.  I'm aware this may mean cutting people from my life, or putting their level of importance to a different category.


Emotional: This is tricky. I want to nourish my emotional health enough to become healthy again. Right now it's pretty closed off. Not entirely, but there are definitely boundaries and walls which are hard to breech.

Emotions and Mental health tie a lot into each other. I know I need to nurture and love myself in order to come to an emotionally sound place. I also think i need to really focus on talking through thoughts, feelings,  and problems I'm encountering.  I need to support myself, and allow others to support me.

Spiritual: One way that I show myself love is by attending church each week. Worshiping God makes me feel full of love.  Prayer is another.  I like to read christian walk books as well which I find helps keep me in that state of love.


Breakdown of Goals:
1. Movement: 10,000 steps a day. Walk Ellie 4x/week. Yoga 3x/week.

2. Mental: Do my weekly homework from Dorcas. Have a mantra I recite every day for a week. Speak my truth, even if my voice shakes.  Consistent on meds DAILY.

3. Emotional: Express feelings WHEN I feel them. Do NOT apologize for having those feelings.  Remind myself that I have the tools I need inside of me to be who I want inside and out.

4.Spiritual: Attend church weekly. Begin day with worship music. Pray daily.


31 Days To Self Love: Day 30

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting

oh the labels. This isn't going to be pretty

Wife
Mother
Friend

Ugly
Fat
Unmotivated

Redhead
Creative
Influencer

Coward
Mentally Ill
Failure

Sunday, February 17, 2019

31 Days To Self Love: Day 29

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting


I'm late in finishing these responses, but I'm going to finish them anyways.
It's not about how well you preform or even how onetime you were right? It's about showing up.


This prompt was sorta easy for me. Only because I've been thinking about this topic on my own for quite some time. I always knew I wanted to get another tattoo soon but I could never quite figure out what i wanted.  During my crazy weird life changes going on, I found a song that speaks to me. And i knew the tattoo I had been wanting was right in front of me. It's my mantra.

Calm down
Deep breaths
And get yourself dressed instead
Of running around
And pulling on your threads saying
Breaking yourself up
If it's a broken part, replace it
If it's a broken arm then brace it
If it's a broken heart then face it
And hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
And everything will be fine
Hang on
Help is on the way
Stay strong
I'm doing everything
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
Hold your own
Know your name
And go your own way
And everything, everything will be fine
Everything
Are the details in the fabric
Are the things that make you panic
Are your thoughts results of static cling?
Are the things that make you blow
Hell, no reason, go on and scream
If you're…



31 Days To Self Love: Day 28

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting




Strong women. I stare at them. I analyze them. I am enamored. I am in awe. I cringe when they say things I don't have nearly enough gumption to say. I know there is one of those deep inside of me. I know because I was raised by one, and she was raised by one, so on and so forth.


I admire people who :
say what they mean.
speak the truth even when their voice shakes
choose joy and positivity
do what they know can't be done because it must
are unapologetically loud and gnarly just because ever fiber of their being tells them they must
vulnerability






Tuesday, January 29, 2019

31 Days To Self Love: Day 27

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting


Meditation. That's easy. I've been meditating every day --- and yoga most days. I am excited to share it with you. Keep a look out for a future post. But seriously meditation centers me, It brings me within, it gives me courage and strength. I get done with a great meditation session and I feel different. I don't feel a surge in energy like I could take on the world, I don't feel completely drained either. I just feel like, I got this. I don't know what "this" is on a day to day basis. But I know I got it. And what I don't got, I know I can give up to God and let go and let life unfold as it should, and as it always does.

Dear Future Ashlee,

You are welcome for all those hours of intentionally putting yourself first to meditate, to shower, to say no. It wasn't easy. It was hella hard. I know the benefits will be outstanding.


Ash

31 Days To Self Love: Day 26

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting





My shadow self? I've never heard that term before, but I imagine it's the part of me hidden in the shadows -- the parts of me I don't share with the world --- and am slow to show to even those closest to me.

The shadow Ashlee.

She has a lot of ideas floating through her head. She thinks about things constantly, and even to her closest circle shares only a few. She loves nothing more than to sit face to face with someone and talk. Not about the weather, but about what is weathering her. She loves to get deep, unpopular, intimate, awkward, and complex.

The parts of her I'm ashamed of?

That's easy. The hiding of all those parts. That I don't give people the chance to know her.

that's what I'm most ashamed of.  I'm ashamed of being ashamed of who I am.

That's what I want most. To be me. Unapologetically. And see what happens. See how my life can transform. See how those who love me -- how they adjust. To be surprised by those who love the shadowy bits and hurt by those who can't appreciate her.

31 Days To Self Love: Day 25

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting

My daughter Aurora who is 7 going on Dalai-Llama-Wisdom says that we all have gifts. Everyone in the world is really good at something. She says I'm good at momming, daddy is good at fixing things, Liam is good at telling jokes, and Charlotte is good at getting into trouble. She says her gift is loving people. I love that she recognizes that as her most important gift. She has a way with her heart that I recognize. A part of her that looks up at you all doe-y eyed with all the love mustered up in the world -- just wanting to love.

I recognize that in her because it's in me too. I think that's what I'm really good at. I'm good at taking the parts of me that bring good in the world at share it with my babies. The future world changers <3


Thursday, January 24, 2019

31 Days To Self Love: Day 24

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting



Words Words Words
I'm so sick of words
I get words all day through
First from him, now from you
Is that all you blighters can do
Don't talk of stars
Burning above
If you're in love
Show me
Tell me no dreams
Filled with desire
If you're on fire
Show me
He we are together
In the middle of the night
Don't talk of spring
Just hold me tight
Anyone who's ever been
In love'll tell you that
This is no time
For a chat
Haven't your lips
Longed for my touch
Don't say how much
Show me, show me
Don't talk of love
Lasting through time
Make me no undying vow
Show me now
Sing me no song
Read me no rhyme
Don't waste my time
Show me
Don't talk of June
Don't talk of fall
Don't talk at all
Show me
Never do I ever
want to hear another word
There isn't one
I haven't heard
Here we are together in
What ought to be a dream
Say another word
And I'll scream
Haven't your arms
Hungered for mine
Please don't explain
Show me, show me

31 Days To Self Love: Day 23

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting



My mom is my biggest fan. That I know for sure.

I have friends who love me. Some closely and intently, and some from a distance.

I had a partner who was that person before. He's not that person now.

I need support and... I need to interject so of it on my own.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019

31 Days To Self Love: Day 22

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting


I think lately, the thing that makes me feel the worst, yet I continue to engage in is toxic discussions and relationships. Having the get that thought it on not leave a text unanswered.  I feel this need to put myself in what I know to be a difficult and potentially painful situation.

I don't want to let go. I'm not ready to let go. And now after what happened, I must.

It wasn't until today --- (1/24) that I felt the weight of the heartbreak. It wasn't until today. I am in a million pieces on the floor and there is nowhere safe to step without being cut.

Monday, January 21, 2019

31 Days To Self Love: Day 21

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting



Peace.

I haven't found it yet. I'm searching, I promise.

Sunday, January 20, 2019

31 Days To Self Love: Day 20

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting

I can give myself a break today by allowing myself the feelings that I have without taking on the way others feel about my feelings 

I have a habit of over-consideeing other people's experiences in their presence. Sometimes it has to do with me sometimes not. 

Today Doug left upset. He felt hurt, disheartened, sad, and hopeless. Every fiber in me wants to just go back on what I said I felt (albeit true) just to not be the person who made another -- especially him-- feel such strong negative feelings. 

But I asked myself tonight:
Is it true?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?

I think yes. 

It's not comfortable. It it's true, necessary, and kind. 

I have to give myself a break and allow myself to speak my truths in love and not take on the weight of how he received it. 



Saturday, January 19, 2019

31 Days To Self Love: Day 19

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting



By raising tiny humans.


When I was a teenager, I went on mission trips because I was determined to change the world. I wanted to be a peacemaker, healer, giver, changer.

As I got older and started having babies I realized that the important work I had was happening at home.

Yes, of course, important work can be found all over, but right now I am an influencer, lover, caretaker, teacher, and mom to three tiny humans who are growing up incredibly fast to be regular ole' you and me, humans.


I am teaching my son that the whole phrase 'boys will be boys', is not acceptable. I am teaching him that boys don't have to remain, boys, boys can grow into men. Boys can make the right choices now. They can love and be kind and compassionate and still have that adventuring spirit.

I'm teaching my girls that it's okay to fantasize about glass slippers and that whole Cinderella attitude, but they also need to focus on crushing glass ceilings. I want them to know that their gender, sexual orientation, appearance, or way of thinking doesn't stop them from being able to achieve their dreams. I've also been diligent in teaching them that whether their goals are to be a pilot, a writer, or a stay at home mama, I support them. I only wish to instill that whatever they do -- do it fully.

So my contribution to making the world a better place from the outside may not seem like all that much, but really, when you think about it, it's influencing our future and that is everything.


P.S. GO CHIEFS!




31 Days To Self Love: Day 18

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting


Meditation and Yoga.

It's kind of a two-fer answer but they are so interconnected.  After this challenge is completed, I plan to launch a new challenge... which will likely include meditation and yoga practice.

I know based on the limited experience i've had so far that doing these practices brings calm, joy, peace, and a clear mind. I find that I take my anxiety medication less, and am more focused on the love I am trying to give to myself and those around me.

I have a goal, to become a Yoga teacher in the future. I would like to accommodate those bodies that are not traditional "yoga bodies", be it through size, age, or disability. But the timing for that is not right yet. I am trying to first become very consistent and strong in my own practice!

If it's to be --- it's up to me <3


31 Days To Self Love: Day 17

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting




I am currently indulging myself by redoing my bedroom. I'm indulging on getting rid of things that I don't love and keeping the things I do. I'm indulging myself by searching for specific items for my room that bring me joy, not just ones that happened to be on a clearance rack at Target.

It's not about the amount of money the indulgence is, it's about the feelings of openness, peace, joy, and contentment they bring.

Next up?

I'm waiting on a wall hanging :) I'll update when it arrives!

Would you like a "my favorite things" post about recent purchases?


let me know!

31 Days To Self Love: Day 16

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting


I had to sit and think about this one.

Honestly, I think this movement and transitions in my life right now... is probably the most loving thing i've ever done for myself.  I am for the first time ever considering myself.

I feel weird saying that.

I guess bascially the most loving thing is that I'm forcing myself to expect more. More from myself. More from others. More from life. More laughter. More adventures. More love. More freedom. More peace.

I'm trying to balance focusing on myself and also now escaping to another world and abandoning reality.

I think i'm doing okay at it.

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

31 Days To Self Love: Day 15

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting


Fear is a tricky thing. It is so damn controlling.

What I am most afraid to ask for is love. I have a lot of people who love me.

I am most afraid to ask that of myself. To truly open my eyes to who and what I am. To self examine and love. I am afraid to accept responsibility for the actions in my life. I'm afraid to love myself through the pain I've caused.

I'm afraid to ask myself to look in the mirror and see a beautiful person. Not physically beautiful, although I'd like to ask myself to consider that too, but a beautiful person inside.

SO often I fall into the mindset of, "If they really knew me they wouldn't think ___"

For example, I've been told my whole life I'm sweet. Instead of taking the compliment like i feel most people would, I think to myself.... they wouldn't think that if they knew the REAL me.

And you know what?

I am sweet. It's just one of the things I am.  And people do know me. And if i feel like they don't? Well... that is on me. People can only know the parts of you that they allow you to. 


What do I need to speak up about?

E V E R Y T H I N G.

Tonight Doug was over and it was a switch in roles in a lot of ways. I sat on the couch talking to him about something that was difficult. BIG feelings I was having about our separation. Fears of mine. Fears that if we take path A ____ will or could happen, and if we take path B _______ will.  I sat and waited for his response for what seemed like a million years and he just didn't have the words fast enough for me. 

It was a switch in roles because that typically is me. He will go on and on about how he's feeling about something or whatever the topic may be, and then when he's done I'm all *crickets*. I have made him wait minutes and hours for a response.

Tonight he wasn't ready. And I got a taste of my own medicine so to speak.

Life is weird. 

I need time to sort out my life and I'm afraid to ask my people to give me the time I need to figure out my shit.


Ashlee


31 Days To Self Love: Day 14

original challenge: Blessing Manifesting





What am I proud of?

I'm proud that I can say #metoo and not hide like the small child that I was when I was first inducted into the club no one should ever be a part of.  I'm proud that I'm beginning to talk about it. To my therapist, my husband, my friends, and most importantly, myself.  I'm proud that I FINALLY am not following my abuser's orders to "never tell anyone" or "your dad will hate you".  I'm proud that I am finally seeing how the patterns in my life are SO intensely related to the sexual abuse I had as a child.

I'm proud that I can visualize myself as a small child and tell that girl that it isn't her fault. There isn't one ounce of responsibility.

I'm proud that I'm engaged in therapy. I'm engaged because I need to reclaim control taken from me. I'm engaged because I only have so many trips around the sun and I don't want to allow my abuser to have the influence he does as to how I spend those years.

My younger self didn't realize the pain she was walking through. Eventually, she didn't even remember much about it and started to make herself believe it didn't happen. My younger self told someone in her teens and wasn't believed. She was crushed. But she doesn't have to be anymore.

I am not the same girl not because something was taken from me, but because I've chosen to take back control. I've chosen to share my story and not hide in shame from it.

You are strong enough.

According to the Crimes Against Children Research Center :
  • 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 20 boys is a victim of child sexual abuse;
  • Self-report studies show that 20% of adult females and 5-10% of adult males recall a childhood sexual assault or sexual abuse incident;
#metoo

According to a 2003 National Institute of Justice report, 3 out of 4 adolescents who have been sexually assaulted were victimized by someone they knew well

#metoo

Children who had an experience of rape or attempted rape in their adolescent years were 13.7 times more likely to experience rape or attempted rape in their first year of college (page 9).

#metoo



Ashlee