Finding my own voice and being unapologetic about it was probably one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. There is this constant pressure on young people to have everything figured out in your life at a certain age and I don’t agree with that at all. For so many years I played it safe and ticked all the boxes because…. that is what you are “suppose” to do.
- Go to college ☑︎
- Get your degree in 4 years ☑︎
- Find a job in your field ☑︎
- Get a “good” job with benefits where you can eventually work your way up …☑︎
- wake up clock in clock out…. stay in your lane & don’t ask too many questions ☑︎
I did all of that and I had a fun time ticking off the stereotypical boxes, and then one day I realized this is not what I want. I worked in a hospital with amazing people that were making more money than they knew what to do with and could not wait to clock out of their jobs they hated and rush home. I remember watching one of “FunForLouis” vlogs and hearing him talk about how life was meant to be lived and you shouldn’t let it pass you by and something just clicked in that moment for me. I didn’t hate my job and I loved the people I was working with but I knew I was settling. I was afraid to get out of my comfort zone because I didn’t know what would happen if I failed. My bucket list was a mile long but I was afraid of venturing out because it was uncomfortable. I didn’t want to pursue my dreams because I thought I would be judged by the people that knew me and may think I was being unrealistic. Fast forward to now when I no longer care or give a fu*k about what anyone thinks about my choices because they don’t pay my bills and can’t live my life for me and it truly is amazing. There is something so satisfying about taking things into your own hands and knowing that fail or succeed you made that choice for you. I am most definitely a live life on the edge and ask for forgiveness not permission type of person and I am unapologetic about this. I am in such a good space in my life and the choices I have made have taught me so much about who I am as a person. I challenge every person reading this to get out of their comfort zone and do something that you normally wouldn’t and see how you feel after. Life is short and its better to live with no regrets then play it safe.
XOXO ASHLEY
Ashley, And what you have shared here is probably one of the biggest reasons why I admire you so much. Being an older person (I’m 65) is confusing for some when they see my video content. But I’ve been through enough in my life to know that I won’t just sit back and accept whatever the world thinks I’m supposed to be doing at this stage of my life, or whom I’m supposed to like or what it is I’m supposed to care about. The youtube experience is becoming such a blast for me right now. Connections I’ve made via social media have been awesome and positive.
Being older also has a weird sigma to it. I sometimes get a “pass” where people think because of my age I’m automatically supposed to be respected. That drives me crazy. I was brought up with the notion that respect is earned and not just given. Though I do understand the other point of view. This is why I hold you in such high regard. I like that you go after what you desire and not give a rip about someone else’s chatter. And it’s funny, because I picked up on that aspect of your personality in your videos early on.
Want you to know also that I get it, that what you share in social media doesn’t necessarily mean I “know” you or have some special knowledge about you. We all share what we want because that’s what we decide to do. Period.
Thank you so much for sharing some of your journey. Always look forward the next thing you present. And I am sooooo glad I discovered your youtube channel. Always my best, Leroy
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