I identified with so much of this - especially the guilt of using childfree hours to do something nourishing and soul replenishing, and not work or home tasks. Thanks for your vulnerability and best of luck during this wild time!
Wasn’t expecting to get teary eyed reading this in the drive thru line😅 but this really spoke to me. Thank you for continuing to share your writing and life with us even during these busy seasons. You put words to feelings and emotions I don’t even know I have. ❤️
I love that you are putting so much work into handling this season differently. It is going to pay off for you. Also, I can't wait to read your book. It's going to be lovely.
1) I love how you describe the process of God growing us in a certain area. It reminds me of a spiral...He teaches us a lesson and then in a new circumstance, He circles back around and shows us how to apply that lesson again. And again. And again. (Just me?? 😬) He is so patient, loving and kind!
2) I’m curious why an all fiction library queue is part of your proactive version! Does fiction normally feel too much like resting? As a fellow reader, I just wondered more about that comment!
3) That pasta recipe...is that a Half Baked Harvest cookbook I see??? 😍 #favorite
Here for all the comments! 1) yes and amen. 2) I equate fiction with leisure, so yes I guess it normally feels too much like resting (laughing as I type that) ... 3) YES! I have only made two recipes so far but I really like this book!
This speaks directly to my soul. Sent it to my husband immediately because this shift is something we have been talking about and moving through for a few months now.
I really needed to read this. I was sitting there last night with my lists freaking out about all of the work deadlines and ministry commitments and school starting back tomorrow (in Australia we have our big break in summer over the Christmas holidays). Just yes, I am similar. When I am swimming and going to yoga everything is easier to carry. And sitting down to eat lunch. Thanks so much for sharing. Hope your book season goes well 💛
Thank you for this 🥰 I actually took all of these photos myself ... a friend and I have been challenging ourselves to take more self-portraits / pictures with us in the frame. I felt kind of awkward and silly taking them, but I’m trying to get over that feeling by posting a few!
Ashlee, this essay was a true gift, a reminder that self care is not selfless. I have spent the last several years discovering what restores me, what gives me energy, what I truly enjoy. And now I know what to ask for and the time I need to be proactive about stress rather than purely reactive. My hope is that I am teaching my children that taking care of yourself is a gift that keeps on giving. When I give myself an hour each day for me, I am a better wife, mother and daughter for it. Most of the time, that hour is spent exercising (more for my mental health than physical) and sometimes it is reading the sun. Today, it is a quiet morning at a coffee shop with my favorite drink and catching up on my favorite Substack authors. Self care is not selfish, one of my personal mantras.
I identified with so much of this - especially the guilt of using childfree hours to do something nourishing and soul replenishing, and not work or home tasks. Thanks for your vulnerability and best of luck during this wild time!
Ironically I am *so* quick to encourage other women to do this. I just hold myself to a different standard 😵💫 Thanks for reading!
So proud of you! 💛
Wasn’t expecting to get teary eyed reading this in the drive thru line😅 but this really spoke to me. Thank you for continuing to share your writing and life with us even during these busy seasons. You put words to feelings and emotions I don’t even know I have. ❤️
Thanks for reading, Carly!
Adore this. And the picture of you and Pres in the chair is my absolute favorite pic of you two everrrr!
Currently googling “yoga studio near me” 😂
I love that you are putting so much work into handling this season differently. It is going to pay off for you. Also, I can't wait to read your book. It's going to be lovely.
Thanks Lisa ❤️
Am I allowed to have three comments? 😂
1) I love how you describe the process of God growing us in a certain area. It reminds me of a spiral...He teaches us a lesson and then in a new circumstance, He circles back around and shows us how to apply that lesson again. And again. And again. (Just me?? 😬) He is so patient, loving and kind!
2) I’m curious why an all fiction library queue is part of your proactive version! Does fiction normally feel too much like resting? As a fellow reader, I just wondered more about that comment!
3) That pasta recipe...is that a Half Baked Harvest cookbook I see??? 😍 #favorite
Here for all the comments! 1) yes and amen. 2) I equate fiction with leisure, so yes I guess it normally feels too much like resting (laughing as I type that) ... 3) YES! I have only made two recipes so far but I really like this book!
I have all three HBH cookbooks and have yet to make a “meh” recipe! Enjoy!!
This speaks directly to my soul. Sent it to my husband immediately because this shift is something we have been talking about and moving through for a few months now.
I really needed to read this. I was sitting there last night with my lists freaking out about all of the work deadlines and ministry commitments and school starting back tomorrow (in Australia we have our big break in summer over the Christmas holidays). Just yes, I am similar. When I am swimming and going to yoga everything is easier to carry. And sitting down to eat lunch. Thanks so much for sharing. Hope your book season goes well 💛
“Everything is easier to carry.” Love that.
I love this for you!
Thank you friend!
Loved reading this! And also, I’ll be keeping my eye open for that possum story! 😂❤️
Terribly worried I am hyping it up too much 🤣
Ashlee!! I have tears in my eyes... I am SO proud of you!! 👏🏻
Thanks friend 😘❤️
I loved this. Will be rereading a few times.
Also I love the photos you included. And as a long time lurker, I’m proud of you. Well done
Thank you for this 🥰 I actually took all of these photos myself ... a friend and I have been challenging ourselves to take more self-portraits / pictures with us in the frame. I felt kind of awkward and silly taking them, but I’m trying to get over that feeling by posting a few!
Wisdom!
As a fellow Type 3, I relate to this so much. Learning and working so hard to care for myself IN the work - yes!!
Yes, IN the work. Not just after all the work is done. 😜
Ashlee, this essay was a true gift, a reminder that self care is not selfless. I have spent the last several years discovering what restores me, what gives me energy, what I truly enjoy. And now I know what to ask for and the time I need to be proactive about stress rather than purely reactive. My hope is that I am teaching my children that taking care of yourself is a gift that keeps on giving. When I give myself an hour each day for me, I am a better wife, mother and daughter for it. Most of the time, that hour is spent exercising (more for my mental health than physical) and sometimes it is reading the sun. Today, it is a quiet morning at a coffee shop with my favorite drink and catching up on my favorite Substack authors. Self care is not selfish, one of my personal mantras.