The HILL

Running through back roads of Conestoga is pretty flat. You kind of ease into a comfort zone of straight roads, farmland, country sunshine… and then out of no where, there’s the steepest hill you ever did see coming up in less than 700 metres.

It’s easy in that moment to think, “How am I going to maintain my pace up this hill, how am I going to not stop, I can barely make it on this flat road, let alone a HILL.”

But it’s in that moment that you take captive that thought and start telling your body and your mind that you are going to maintain your pace up that hill, that you can do it. Declare positivity, faith, a can-do attitude over the hill, over your life situation. It isn’t this hooky magic, but it informs you mind, which then speaks to your body about what it’s attempting to accomplish, and thus it looks for every resource in your body to see that delcaration through to fruition.

Your mind and body will resource what you tell it. Whether it good or bad.

If you tell it there’s a hill and you can’t. You won’t. If you are saying you’re tired, you’re going to have a bad day, that you can’t— your mind will actually look for ways to affirm that.

If you tell it there’s a hill coming up and we are going to crush it. You’ll at minimum, do better than you would of, had you told yourself you couldn’t. Your body and mind will look for muscles, energy restores, positivity, strength to get you through. You’ll start seeing opportunities that you hadn’t before, you’ll start seeing the progress you’re making.

What are you telling you body and mind? That’s what you’re resourcing yourself with. Don’t you want to resource yourself with strength, ability, power? Start declaring that.

Even focus the next 24 hours, to not tell yourself one negative thing. And if you do, actually say out loud, “No, (enter the opposite positive thought here). And just SEE how it changes your frame of mind, your energy levels, the atmosphere around you, even the situations and people around you!

It’s so simple, yet so powerful.

So back to the hill. I’m preparing for this hill, and before I know it, I’m on it, I’m in the middle of it, and I’m thinking, “Wow, it’s actually not as steep as it looks.” You see from far away, it can be intimidating, it can seem so steep in relation to where you are. But it’s crazy how every step forward, eats away at the height of that mountain, it actually puts it under your feet literally and figuratively, and you are ON TOP of it before you know it.

Here’s to the hills— and getting to the top.

— Ash XOXO.

Anointing - MARATHON SERIES

It was about 9 km into the race and I had the realization that if I was going to really finish this thing, and run more than 3 times the distance I had already run, I was going to need SUPERNATURAL strength. Y’all know what I’m talking about?

So out of know where I just spoke out loud, the word anointing! (I’ve never done this before, it just seem to come out of my mouth!)

I prayed: Lord, anoint me to run this race, set it a part as a purposed journey for me to accomplish and see through to the finish through your strength and power.

ANOINTING is a biblical term that, in short, is… to be fuelled by the Holy Spirit’s power in order to accomplish something that is set apart for God’s greater purpose.

Every time I’d start to get tired, I would yell ANOINTING! I think I was starting to scare some people.

I was reminding myself I was purposed to run it with specific provision to do so. Meaning, I was declaring in faith that I was ANOINTED to run it, I had the authority, ability and power to run it, because of God’s anointing.

Back in bible days, you couldn’t become KING, and obtain the rulership and authority that you were being given, until you were anointed as king. When you were anointed, now you had the proper blessing, provision, and intention, the permission to go walk into what God had for you. Kings were anointed for a specific task and calling, and they were given everything they needed to accomplish their mission by God. Because they were anointed. For a specific thing, at a specific time.

The oil that they used to anoint kings was representative of the Spirit of God but also of the official designation to an office by God’s decree.  It was an indication that they were sanctioned or ordained by God. 

What is it that perhaps has always been a dream of yours, or something that you’ve been gifted in, talented in, that God is anointing you to do. I encourage you to think about that, identify what it might be in this season of life for you, uniquely. And then take hold of that thing, and do it with the confidence that you are anointed, purposed, to do this!

I’d love to hear what that might be for you!

Ash XOXO

TRAINING GROUND - the marathon seri

TRAINING GROUND

Sometimes, without even realizing it, your present day activities & habits are actually your training ground for that which is NOT YET.  Something you don’t even know about… How could you be training for it?

So my fiancé & I (meaning I signed us up, paid and didn’t tell him) decided to run a marathon in 30 days, meaning 30 days away we signed up & started training. 

The only reason we were physically capable of running a marathon with only 30 days on intentional training, was the years of athletic conditioning beforehand. 

Did I know that those early mornings at the gym a year ago would be preparing me for an eventual marathon? No way! Did I still somehow drag myself out of bed and do it? Well, most of the time.  What is it that your daily routines could be setting you up for… (that is so exciting!) Start preparing— do what is good, what is right, what is healthy. That’s why we’ve gone to the gym for years. Because we knew it was good, it was right, it was healthy, we didn’t know for what specific purpose it may serve. If you’re having trouble knowing where to start and what to build into your routine, yes look at your goals & vision for your life, but also it’s in the simple doing what is right, what is good, what is healthy. Being obedient to God in the little and the big.

Treat your present with excellence, invest into it, you never know what it could be preparing you for. Then, at a moments notice, you find out about an open door, an opportunity, a challenge laid before you, and with only “30 days” of intentional training, you  can actually do it. 

When you’re in “training mode” you learn a lot. You learn lessons that help you grow and prepare you for your “marathon.”

You learn what you’re good at, and what you are BAD at. For example, I realized that I could not STAND Josh running ahead of me and waving at me to hurry up. I usually hit a wall at about 9 KM that I had to start preparing to get through, and then I’d be okay again, I learned that hydration is everything, without Water throughout a long distance run— your muscles are going to get super tired. I learned that water becomes a cupcake at the end of 20km and I learned that what you wear on your feet is IMPORTANT so get a good pair of sneakers and socks. I learned that training with others is so encouraging. Sharing the journey, having each other to be accountable to and get that run in, and then cheering together at the end— that’s everything. Get people around you.  All of these learnings helped me make the right adjustments in order to face the full 42 KM.

I hope you are making the literary connections between whatever it is that is your training ground right now. What is it that you can learn and take away, and improve, that will set you up for success in your “marathon.” 

I have SO much I have written about this whole marathon journey, but for now I’ll leave you with that. Train now, to be ready for what is coming even if you don’t know what it is. Maybe you’ll find out what’s next & be able to step right into it with little specific preparation because of all that has gone before it. 

Here’s a sneak peak of what’s coming: 

• “Phone a Friend” what happened at 22km 

• Grace & Anointing - how I talked myself through the 42km 

• The HILL

• Run with me

• The family

• Where did I get that bruise? 

• How’s he doing

• Was that an angel? 

What are you looking at?

One of the many beautiful things about doing life with people that you look up too is the constant inspiration and wisdom that you receive.

My friend Britany Lester is one of those people that literally everyone loves to be around. Doesn’t matter your interests or personality type, Brittany makes everyone instantly comfortable and she is so easy to connect with on a real level, quickly. That’s one of the many reasons I appreciate this wonderful person.

She recently spoke at Slate Church’s Creative team night  about a lesson she learned from her Driver’s Ed teacher, and it was so powerful.

He told her something like this— "You will go where you’re looking. If you’re looking to the left, you’ll go left, if you’re looking to the right, you’’ll go right, and if you’re looking straight ahead, you’ll go straight ahead.”

In the context of life. WOW.

Where are you looking? In life, what we focus on, is where we will end up “going”. If we are looking at the negative, that’s where we will find ourselves in life. If we are constantly dwelling on what we don’t have in life, we will get stuck there.

We have to shift our focus to LOOK at what we want in life. Focus on these things, surround yourself with these situations, and people… Then that’s where you’ll go.

Philippians 4:8 says this: Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Whatever it is you desire, whatever you want your life to look like, your day to look like— focus on that, dwell on that in faith, speak that in faith, take action in that direction, and watch it all come in place.

XOXO - Ash

Order (not a pizza)

Most of us get great satisfaction about cleaning up, or organizing a space. We may not all enjoy the process, but once it’s completed, we feel a sense of accomplishment. We feel accomplished when things are in order.

One thing I was noticing the last time I was cleaning was the fact that I always clean the sink first, and then end up throwing things in there after wards, making it messy again, and then having to clean it again.

Or sometimes I’ll clean the floor and then end up walking over it before it’s dry. I thought, if I could just figure out the right order in cleaning the house, it would save me time, effort and frustration.

All of a sudden house cleaning was turning into a blog idea: The importance of order in life and the efficiencies and value order brings. When we do things in order, we get things accomplished with efficiency and little frustration. But when we go about life out of order, it often slows us down from reaching our goals. When we do things out of order, we end up accomplishing less, often experiencing frustration, finding that shortcuts and cut corners often mean even more effort is required in the end.

Sometimes it seems like doing things out of order may be easier or more satisfying in the moment, but in the end, sticking to the right order wins.

Take making your bed first thing in the morning.

They say making your bed first in the morning sets the tone of productivity for the rest of the day. Not making your bed, because you think you can do it later, can actually affect the way you think for the rest of the day. You may find yourself procrastinating in other areas and trying to take other short cuts.

What time are you setting your alarm? They say that waking up the exact same time every single morning, adding order to your routine can actually improve your energy and productivity throughout the entire week!

There is value in order.

Often times allowing things to play out in the right order in life, takes patience. We are a generation that wants everything yesterday. We are the microwave generation. Give it to me INSTANTLY. Skip steps so I can have it faster. But consider this analogy.

There was an aspiring photographer that was wanting to rush the development of their photos in their dark room in order to showcase them at a party where the who’s who were going to be in attendance. Developing photos in a dark room requires complete darkness and a certain amount of time. If you take those photos out into the light prematurely, they are ruined. They aren’t fully developed, they have not yet reached their potential.  Rushed to make the party and showcase their work, they rushed the development of the photos, and they were ruined.  His first impressions on those at the showcase tainted his reputation for years.

I think of this in a career sense. Wherever you are right now in your professional pursuits, look to learn as much as you can in the season and position that you are in. Develop yourself as you prepare for that next opportunity— when it comes in the right time, you can be ready to step into that increased responsibility with strength and confidence. Don’t rush things out of order. Put in the work, put in the time. .

As a baby you crawl before you walk because you are building up the muscle and balance necessary to carry out the responsibility of walking. And if you fall from crawling there’s a lot less impact than if you stand prematurely and really hurt yourself when you fall. Again, value in respecting the proper order.

I wonder where we can all add a little more order to our lives or daily routine. Or where might we be trying to skip steps, take short cuts and cut corners, when we really should be patiently doing things in the right order. Then, when we reach our goals, in the right time, in the due time, our character will have grown, and we will feel the true satisfaction of achievement having followed the right order.

A few thoughts about Order. Now Imma go ORDER a pizza. And wash the sink.

Ash

Just START!

“People only got where they are from STARTING where they WERE.”
- Luke Boettger

You ever meet people and think, HOW did they get where they are, HOW did they accomplish so much. And then your next thought is, “I WANT THAT TOO.”

Well I can guarantee one thing. They only got where they are with what they have, by simply STARTING where they WERE with whatever they HAD. There was a day in time when they were probably right where you are thinking just what your thinking— but they STARTED. And that’s what propelled them to where they are today.

What is the dream, project, initiative, goal, character growth, that you’re after? Simply start. But how? Well, try making a list of practical tasks that would get you closer to the goal. And knock them off one by one!

Before a painter paints, he needs to buy the brushes, clear a space, ensure there’s good lighting, maybe do a few rough drafts— you know the drill.

I’d love to hear about what you’re going to #START today!

One day, or day one — you decide.

Ash

ATTENTION

Have you ever had one of those moments when your parents admirably share intricate nuances about who you’ve been your entire life? Ones that they perceive as charming, adorable and highly entertaining, but unbenounced to them, these things can actually be perceived as negative? 

Well the other day my boyfriend and I are talking to my mom on the phone, and Josh mentions a recent public speaking engagement I had. And my mom responds, “oh yes, Ashley loves attention.” 

To which inside I kind of cringed. But why? My mom meant this as a positive thing. 

Usually when we say someone loves attention or doesn’t mind (slash loves) the lime light, it’s usually perceived as a negative thing.  

I will admit, my mom isn’t wrong. I love attention.  I’ve often been deemed a social butterfly. I’ve always loved public speaking, performing and entertaining, and all of these things include ATTENTION.  

So okay I guess I “love attention.” But I am convinced it isn’t for a self absorbed, I need validation, kind of reason.  

I LOVE attention, because in order to truly connect with someone, inspire someone, encourage someone, motivate someone, journey with someone, make someone smile or laugh, or make a little happier... you need their ATTENTION.  

Sometimes we so quickly jump to the conclusion that extroverts or entertainer type personalities love attention for all the wrong reasons, when really they may want attention only so they have the gateway to give something away or add something to someone’s life.  

I think that’s why my mom was speaking about it proudly!  

If you want someone’s attention to see them smile, be encouraged forward in life— I say, go for it, love attention... when it’s actually not about you, but it’s actually about others.  You need people’s attention to make an impact, to be in relationships, to change the world! 

Also, maybe your thoughts are travelling to a place mine have... well what makes people think they can add anything to my life? Let’s be real— we can all add to the lives of people around us, that’s being the loving generous humans we were created to be. It has nothing to do with being self righteous but instead a loving, generous, people oriented person. 

So yes. I’m with my mom. I love attention. Because I love loving, connecting with, and encouraging people. 

Shout out to all the attention lovers! ❤️ 

Ash XO  

Staying Invested

Staying Invested.

Yesterday I experienced my first Sun Life Global Investments event since joining the team, and I have to say it was amazing. The team did an excellent job creating a memorable, educational and encouraging experience for all who attended, myself included.

Out of the entire day, there was one moment, one slide, one phrase that really stuck out to me. It was entitled, “Staying Invested”.

One of our guest speakers shared an incredibly insightful and challenging message on the benefits of staying invested, versus getting out early.

The scenario went like this…

You have an initial investment of $10,000.

You plan to have that invested for 30 years.

It is projected that at the end of 30 years, you will be at a total of $191,996.

But if you miss out on the best 5 days in the market because you got out when things got a little volatile, your total value and return goes down to $116,967. That is only missing 5 days!

Moreover, get this, if you miss the best 10 days, you are down to $76,908, the best 30 days, $23,336 and the best 50 days your value and return is down to a staggering $9,448.

You would think only missing 50 days out of 30 years wouldn’t be a big deal! But you actually miss out on over $100,000.

My point here is actually not a financial one. It is a life principal.

Staying Invested.

Whether it is family, friends, a relationship, a dream, a cause, a goal—stay invested! When things like “the market” get a little “volatile”, tiring, unknown, risky, and you are tempted to check out for what may appear to be a short-term gain, stay the course and see the long-term value.

For example, the life-long investment we make in our families is so worth it, and so beautiful. I just got back from a 5-day family get away with my parents and brother. For those of you who may not know, my parents live on one coast of the country, my brother the other, and I’m in the middle—so as a result we don’t get to see each other too often, but even so, they are among the strongest relationships I have and will ever have. Why? Long-term investment. We have been through many seasons of life together, moved across the country from each other, seen many dreams, goals, people come and go, but family has remained steadfast. I believe it is due to our unwavering commitment to, and investment in, each other.

Don’t miss the opportunity you have to stay invested in life and see the amazing value you’ll receive.