Meet me Series- Showing you Ashley, again.

My blog is named “Show me Ashley” for three reasons. 

1. I started a blog when my husband was first deploying. I was lonely, alone in a new state, hard social worker position, and needing an outlet with support.
2. I named it Show me Ashley, because trying to pick a blog name felt impossible, and I wanted to use it as a weight loss diary. I also lived in the Show-me State, and it was the only thing I felt worked since I had no blog direction
3. Rooted deeply in my personality and core is encouraging others. I always joked I was a talker and a cheerleader as describing myself, but it’s true. I love being around people, and helping others I have no idea what I am doing- is all I need to feel fulfillment.

Think of me like a squirrel that runs in so many directions, and usually looks determined as hell- but wants to collect all the nuts. This never actually pans out as a strategy for life, at all. 

I have gone from a diary during deployment to PR blog posts. I ended up just a very a LOST blogger.

I was lonely during my husband’s deployments and used this blog to build a community I could take with me as we moved around.  I developed friendships, and love staying in touch while we are all around the World. I also got caught up in my side hustle portion of the blog, focusing SO hard on trying to make income to help our little family- that I lost sight of why I even blog; to share and encourage.

As a former social worker, and honestly my personality- I aim to inspire, encourage and uplift. 

I never realized that about myself until about six months ago a best friend since the 4th grade was going through some tough times and I was trying to help her.

She had a comment I will never forget- telling me how she always appreciated our friendship, in comparison to other close friends who always competed against her, essentially tearing her down – I was always there trying to lift her up, and encourage her.

I never KNEW that was happening then. Looking back I can remember even though I had my issues; trying to be a friend to all, and that uplifting, encouraging part of me only grew as I did.

I can’t say I am a “Positive Patty” 100% of the time. Not even close. I have my “Ashley against the World” moments, But, if I see someone struggling- I can turn it on anytime anywhere to try and help. If I am struggling, it will take me processing through it, and over analyzing it again and again- until I find a way to move one or forward with my problem.

I am going to have a short little series, from saleswoman to social worker and meeting my husband on Facebook to have some giggles, then opening up about our struggle with infertility a little deeper than before, and wrapping it up with future goals and dreams and my current weight loss wins! Just a getting back to why I started blogging and continuing forward with that same why. Hoping to reconnect with old and new blogging friends!