34 Comments
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Savannah Payne's avatar

I loved this! I wouldn’t call myself a writer these days, but I stumbled upon some of my writing from college the other night and my reaction was similar to Everett’s in #5 here, which honestly shocked me. I’m so looking forward to reading your new book--you inspire me to want to write again.

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

I love that, Savannah! ❤️ And thank you for these kind words.

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Dani Elgas's avatar

Ah I forgot about this prompt! Now I want to go back and do another 😂

Also, totally taking your breath prayer with me. ❤️

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

I have like 3-4 more of these in my head 🤣 Just need to get them out on paper. It's such a fun format.

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Alyssa Poblete's avatar

Wow. Ashlee, thank you. 🥺 Going to be revisiting these words again and again.

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

Thanks for reading, friend!

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Katie Blackburn's avatar

You know how I feel about your dad and the $100 ;) Love every word here. And will be here to keep reminding you: peace & confidence.

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

😘

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Alejandrea's avatar

This was such a great read, and I loved the formatting! It feels like something I will come back to when I need inspiration. Coincidentally, confidence is one of my words for the year, and peace was one of them last year!

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

What! Fun to know we're on the same wavelengths!

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Danielle Wheeler's avatar

These examples are powerful.

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Kate Powlus's avatar

So glad you finished the defining word! Love these. Also love that we can pre order the book. Can’t wait to gift this one ❤️

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Kate Powlus's avatar

Also one you missed: your confidence in opting out of Instagram that has set an example for so many of us! Takes some guts.

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

Oh I like that one ;) Thank you, Kate!

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Claire Swinarski's avatar

The $100 cash thing kills me. Classic dad move. 😂

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

It's like one of my core high school memories 🤣

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Megan Fera's avatar

Love that we get to see you practice what you preach Ashlee! So good.

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

Love you, friend! You are a WRITER.

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Jill Atogwe's avatar

“Inhale peace, exhale confidence.” Taking that with me💛

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

😘

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Cara Stolen's avatar

Love this. Like Kim said, absolutely holding on to this breath prayer.

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Alecia Nicole's avatar

Oh, I adored this. The list format, the things you shared. I can resonate with so much of it, and it's inspiring me to write my own list! I laughed at the $100 bit, which my mom did for me in some form as well. haha And, while I'm not a biological mother yet, I still plan to purchase and read your book because your writing is one of my top favorites, and I want to share the book already with friends of mine who are mothers! Keep going.

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

Wow, thank you so much Alecia! Appreciate your support so much.

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Abi's avatar

This is wonderful. And I love the approach to defining 'confidence'. I may try this out, too!

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

It's such a great prompt/format. Highly recommend reading Textbook!

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Kimberly Knowle - Zeller's avatar

Thank you for these words! Holding on to this breath prayer.

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Ashlee Gadd's avatar

I know you need this, too! ❤️ Cheering you on through this part of the book process.

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Alexa Rose's avatar

I said a very similar mantra to myself when starting the process of publishing my poetry book, imposter syndrome rearing it’s head. And to one of my brothers, when he shared his hesitation on committing to a new relationship out of fear that...heck it might be good and can he accept that for himself?

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Miranda Peebles's avatar

I think we can all use more peace and confidence! I really enjoyed reading this. ♥️

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