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If there is one thing I have learned about myself over the past couple of years, it’s this right here. Taking a timeout from life and everything around me is extremely important for my soul. I crave it! I’m going to take you on my journey and what “me time” looks like for me and why I feel this is one of the most important steps for living a full life with less stress and anxiety.
So with all things in life, some days just suck the life out of us! From being overwhelmed, to stress, anxiety, relationships to even business. It’s the constant tornado that keeps spinning and all you want to do is teleport to a tropical oasis and sip a cocktail while cabana boys take palm fronds and cool you down all while you indulge in your favorite tray of desserts! Okay, so I may have gotten a little carried away right there and probably the longest run-on sentence ever, but hey! Can you relate? LOL
So my husband use to work 2 jobs for 7 years while I stayed home and raised our son. Fast forward and now we both work alongside each other at home. We have been social media marketers for about 5 years now. So you’re probably thinking, “well no wonder why you need me time!” LOL. Seriously though, I’m so thankful that my husband is no longer working 2 jobs and killing himself. Could you imagine working all day and night and only sleeping for like 3 hours? That was his life. So as much as he drives me crazy sometimes now that we see each other every minute of every day, I’m beyond blessed that God heard our prayers and provided, unlike anything we could’ve ever imagined. On top of working from home, we also homeschooled our son for 2 years. So at this time in my life, that’s when it all went downhill. This mama was pretty much a walking time bomb and if you were in my way you, you would get the full wrath! haha. This is when I knew something had to change and as I sat back I realized… I was putting everyone’s needs before mine. My cup was empty, my relationships were empty, my marriage was empty, and my business was on a downward spiral. I was losing myself, inturn everything was falling apart.
My sweet sisters, that’s why it’s so important that you focus on yourself. When you focus on yourself and your needs, then everything else will fall into place. These are all the reasons why I make spending time alone with myself every day, yes every day a top priority! Some may think that’s a bit much, but to me, it’s needed. When I take care of myself first, the healthier my marriage is, the healthier my family is, and the healthier my friendships become. That’s a HUGE win!
I’m sure you’re wondering what I do every day that involves me and only me. Well, I actually split it up throughout the day. Morning and night. Every morning I wake up super early before the boys get up. I journal everything that’s in this head of mine on paper and let me tell you, this changed my life. My mental clarity became stronger, the feeling of just putting my thoughts on paper is a huge stress reliever! It’s freeing. I then take out my devotional and get into God’s word. I need to start my days with HIM. Otherwise, what’s the point. He guides me, he forgives me even when I shouldn’t be forgiven, and he loves me unlike anyone else. His grace is what keeps this girl moving.
Here are some of my favorite devotionals:
Morning Routine
After I journal and have my time with God, I go for my run. Monday-Friday you will find me with my earbuds on running in my neighborhood. I remember when I celebrated that I ran a mile, and now I run anywhere from 4-5 miles every day. The funny part, I use to make fun of people who ran. Like who on God’s green earth would do such a thing! How exhausting! LOL.
Well, here I am….. running lol. It puts me in this euphoria. A high I guess you could say. A natural high. I feel nothing. I think of nothing, and it’s like everything is just passing me by. My body at full max while sweat is dripping into my eyes. Sounds so ladylike and classy right! haha! Well let me also add this and you are going to die… I spit! Like every 5 min! It’s so disgusting. Those poor little old ladies that pass me in their cars are probably disgusted. However, I pray that their eyesight can’t see me! LOL
Nightly Routine
Bubbles, Bath bombs, and all the candles! Does this make me sound high maintenance? haha. You better believe I’m enjoying my bath time every night. I like to think of myself as Pretty Woman drinking wine and having a jam sesh! Doesn’t get better than that!
You don’t have to be rich
To be my girl
You don’t have to be cool
To rule my world
Ain’t no particular sign
I’m more compatible with
I just want your extra time and your…….Kiss xoxo – Prince
This is my life in a nutshell, and I’m not ashamed at all. I know I’m far from mastering this crazy life, but this right here sisters is what keeps me going. Filling up Ashley first. The things that make me happy. The things that bring me happiness and the moments to reflect on. It’s taking the nonsense out of my day and breathing life into myself. It’s far from selfish, It’s imperative. If you want to sing, then sing! If you want to dance, then dance. If you want to run around your house naked, then do it! If you want to just relax with a good book by the beach, then go for it! Find what your soul needs, and make it a daily goal. You’re important to this world, and you have a reason to be here. You have a talent(s) that no one else has, so find the girl you are right now and bring her to life. No more holding back. Your needs are just as important, if not more important.
Start now. Find what you need and make yourself a top priority. I pray that this post has touched you in some way, and I would love to hear from you! Take a screenshot, a picture of what touched you in my blog post and tag me on Instagram @ashleycasey05 and I will share on my story. There is power in numbers and I know so many women need this! I love you all so much. ❤
xoxo,
Ash