1.04.2013

My Name is Ashley


Nearly 2 years ago, I wrote the following words:
 "My name is Ashley, and I am an animal rescuer."

It was the very first sentence ever written on Lucky Dog Rescue Blog. It was my opening line... my introduction... my beginning... 

It was the sentence that would inevitably define my blog... and my life.

Well, actually... that sentence defined my life, long-before this blog ever existed. I've always been "Ashley" (duh), and I've always been an "animal rescuer." That's just who I am.

But... while I do always feel like an "animal rescuer," I have to be honest:
Sometimes... I don't feel much like "Ashley" anymore. 
You know... the "Ashley" who is more than just an animal rescuer. The "Ashley" who has a life, family, and friends outside of animal rescue. The "Ashley" who has needs, wants, and dreams of her own, in addition to her passion for animal rescue.

And sometimes, I miss her. You know... that "Ashley." I know others miss her, too.

However, that's not to say that I don't love what I do. Because I do. 
Or that I'm not living my dream, and fulfilling my purpose. Because I am. 

But it's hard, sometimes... Life, I mean. 
And not just for me, but for all of us. That goes for others involved in animal rescue, and for everyone else, in general. No matter who you are, where you live, or what you do in life, you've probably felt this way, at some point in time. 

You've probably "missed" the person you were, or the person you are, or the person you would/could/should be. 
The "you" who exists outside of work, responsibilities, and stress.
The "you" who exists... inside of you.

While I realize that I am still "Ashley" (duh) ... and therefore, "Ashley" hasn't left me... I just need to remember that my life is every bit as important... as all the lives I wish to save. They need me... and I need me, too.

I guess what I'm saying is: at times, we all feel "not like ourselves," for a million different reasons, but mostly because we need to be reminded that we matter, each of us, as individuals. I matter; YOU matter.

Therefore, we need to find balance ... between ourselves, and everything else in our lives. For me, "balance" is something I seem to have at times... and lose at times. Kinda like how I seem to find and lose my own sense-of-self at times. 

So... long story short... today, in an attempt to feel more like "Ashley" again, I did something I haven't done in a while now... something that always manages to make me feel like "me" again:

I sat down... and I wrote.

And for whatever reason, you read it. Thank you.
Love,
Ashley

47 comments:

  1. Lovely and honest and you also did something about the feeling.

    Well done you.

    I feel like 2013 is going to be a good year for reconnecting with all sorts of things in our lives - including ourselves.

    I picked a word that will be my theme/sanity for the year and it's LIGHTER - in mind, heart, body and intuition.

    And my dog Coco is my zen mistress on being Lighter in the world - her delight in being alive and just running keeps me laughing and happy.

    I found her abandoned in the street when she was a puppy and took her in nearly 5 years ago. I think she saved me more than I saved her.

    Have a great year Ashley.

    Liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Liz... for your sweet comment, and also for saving and loving Coco! You made me smile :)

      Also... LIGHTER... I love that! I think I'll borrow your theme for myself!

      Love,
      Ash

      Delete
  2. Well, I know the true Ashley, and honestly she has never made time for herself. She gives 100% of herself to others, mainly her babies. That is the real Ashley, the Ashley we love and the Ashley that needs to sit and enjoy being who she is (even if that means blogging with a doggie in her lap). I'm so happy you blogged. I've missed your writing, your words are simple, yet so very true!

    After our miscarriage a month ago, I cried one Saturday saying I missed the old me. I wanted to be and feel normal again. And you know what, I'm still sad about our sweet angel baby and I miss being pregnant, but I'm so happy to have days where I feel like JOY again.

    You only have this one life Ash... life it the only way you can... the way you want to! LOVE YOU!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joy,
      Your words never cease to amaze me. I love you so much, sweet friend, and I can't thank you enough for being so wonderful to me, always.

      Also, please know that I'm thinking of you and I love you so much. You're in my prayers. If you ever need me, I'm here. I mean that.
      LOVE YOU!!!
      -Ash

      Delete
  3. So happy you're back. I've missed you!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've missed you the past few weeks!! You amaze me everyday honestly! see you next week for sure!!:)

    ReplyDelete
  5. Was kind of wondering if FB didn't show your posts on my wall; some people are complaining about only seeing a certain percentage of what they should see. Sometimes a break is good. Glad you're back! :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've been looking forward to reading your next blog post! I admire and am inspired by your selfless dedication to save dogs' lives. Don't forget that you also make a lasting, positive impact on families who adopt your rescue pups. I truly believe that our little Ali-Boo has such a great personality (should that be dogality?) because your love for her healed the hurt inflicted by someone evil. She's a gentle, fun-loving dog that brightens my day, every day. Thank you for that wonderful gift! I'm glad you've recognized you must not lose sight of your own needs, wants and dreams.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love you, Paul! Please give Ali-Boo my love! I'm thankful for you every day!!!

      Delete
  7. I definitely read your blogs - I love your writing. And I share the Pet Pardon animals, and follow Chris Hoar's rants, but you do need to back away from it once in awhile for Ashley's sake. Enjoying friends and family helps to recharge your batteries so you can continue to fight. Maybe your 2013 resolution should be more Ashley time.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I suspect that under all the fur, the dirt and the sweaty hard work, lurks this awesome gal who has a killer sense of humour, just the right amount of goofball and the heart of an Angel. (I also suspect that girl can curse like a trucker, drink like a sailor and assorted other things not quite considered ladylike, but that's besides the point.) It's so easy to forget to do the things that heal up our hearts and fill up our souls so we can go out to kick ass and take names. I hope 2013 is the year you etch out some time for YOU, even if it's just the small things. At the end of the day, the little things you do to love yourself ARE the big things and they can make all the difference and no one deserves them more than you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Love you Jodi! You're one of my favs! Thank you for this sweet comment. Made my day!
      -Ash

      Delete
    2. Oh, excellent! Ash, pay attention to this wonderful post!

      Delete
  9. I am so glad that you found "ASHLEY again. We've missed you but are glad that you took the time for yourdelf/ What you do is amazing, but it takes its' toll. Glad you are back; take your time with the blogs.Do them only when YOU feel like it. We can learn to wait until you are ready!
    xoxoxoxoxo
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  10. Malaysia & Singapore & brunei ideal online blogshop for wholesale &
    supply korean add-ons, accessories, earstuds, choker, rings,
    bracelet, hair & bangle add-ons. Deal 35 % wholesale markdown. Ship Worldwide
    My blog :: Sonos reviews

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hey Ashley, glad you've decided to start writing again, anyway, I was wondering, next time I pass through Meridian for a dog show, do you think I could stop by and volunteer at your rescue for a day?

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've literally just cried out loud. I'm a fellow animal rescuer and on a search tonight to find other rescues that would allow us to "share" some of our veteran dogs that have been harder to move. Through that search, I found your blog. It must be a blessing, because I've been feeling lost within myself too. This job gets tough sometimes! Life, family, and friends go by...all while you are fighting to save lives of the ones that can't thank you enough. You find yourself talking more to your fosters or volunteers more than your boyfriend, husband, or kids. You'd take the last dollar out of your checking account if it meant saving a life of a dog in the shelter. All those tough times and sad moments are all worth it when you can give a pup a second chance at life and a loving home. Those moments when you've felt you've lost yourself, you just have to look back at the memories you've created of the babies that you have saved. Those memories will help you find yourself again. Because it was an ounce of who you are now that allowed you to begin this journey in the first place. A journey where you continue to save lives and they continue to change yours. Sending many prayers your way! ~Allyson, Angels 4 Paws

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi, thanks for this post. It is exactly what i was looking for. Look forward to reading more .
    k9 training

    ReplyDelete
  14. It's the best time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy. I have read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or tips. Maybe you can write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!
    my web page :: options strategies

    ReplyDelete
  15. This article is genuinely a pleasant one it assists
    new net users, who are wishing for blogging.
    Also see my webpage - online option trading

    ReplyDelete
  16. This info is worth everyone's attention. When can I find out more?
    My web-site : online slots real money

    ReplyDelete
  17. Hello there! This post could not be written any better!
    Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate!
    He always kept talking about this. I will forward this article to him.
    Pretty sure he will have a good read. Thank you for sharing!
    Feel free to surf my web page free day trading - resources

    ReplyDelete
  18. I believe this is one of the most important information for me.
    And i'm satisfied reading your article. However should statement on some normal issues, The web site style is perfect, the articles is in point of fact excellent : D. Good job, cheers
    Also visit my web page : online cash for you

    ReplyDelete
  19. Attractive section of content. I simply stumbled upon your website and in accession capital to say that I get in fact
    loved account your blog posts. Anyway I'll be subscribing to your feeds and even I success you get entry to constantly fast.
    my site: play online slots for real money

    ReplyDelete
  20. Awesome website you have here but I was curious if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article?
    I'd really love to be a part of online community where I can get feed-back from other experienced individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Kudos!
    My web blog : online stock trading

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yes! Finally something about a beautiful mind.
    my webpage :: right hotmail support

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for some other magnificent article. The place else could
    anyone get that kind of info in such a perfect method of writing?
    I've a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the search for such information.
    Also visit my web page :: sailboat sales ecommerce specialist

    ReplyDelete
  23. All I can say is " I understand".
    Thanks for putting it in words for me.
    Hang in there, honey! I have your back!
    Judy

    ReplyDelete
  24. Hi Ashley, I'm Caroline, I'm 14 and you are my inspiration. I have been reading your blog for over a year and I admire you sooo much. I was wondering if you would share this link to my petition with your readers. I am protesting BSL, specifically in Denver. I only have 51 signatures and I need a lot more to make a difference. I am planning on changing the letter to Denver, by the way (It only says "Stop killing innocent animals") It would mean the world to me if you helped. Thank you so much.
    http://www.change.org/petitions/denver-colorado-stop-killing-innocent-animals

    ReplyDelete
  25. Very good post. I absolutely appreciate this site. Continue the
    good work!
    Feel free to visit my website - hotmail signin

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ashley you have added here an Interesting post, nice to know about you that you are an animal rescuer. I want to say thanks for sharing this post.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I was suggested this website by my cousin. I'm not sure whether this post is written by him as nobody else know such detailed about my problem. You are amazing! Thanks!
    My site > diets that work fast for women

    ReplyDelete
  28. Perhaps you should help make improvements to your website
    name for you to something more catchy. I first engaged
    a couple different outcomes, just because these people have a greater concept.
    Nevertheless some tips i needed I found below.
    Here is my page :: Cheap Car Insurance Online

    ReplyDelete
  29. Ashley, you are one amazing woman! Kudos to all you do. You are my HERO!
    I'm so happy to have found your blog and I must have read like 100 entries in one sitting. you're truly inspirational. It 's incredibly refreshing to read my exact emotions and feelings towards dogs. Makes me feel like there is hope! Thank you for that!
    If you ever need transport help near baton rouge or new Orleans please don't hesitate - lynellshirer@Yahoo.com
    Keep up the good work; you are indeed changing the world!
    I'm in awe,
    Lynell Shirer Johnson

    ReplyDelete
  30. I know this web page gives quality dependent articles or reviews and
    other data, is there any other site which offers these things in quality?


    my web site ... vapornine.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Very descriptive post, I loved that a lot. Will there be a part 2?


    Also visit my page related web site

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Ashley you are god sent to help this dog I love what you did to them Cockapoo grooming

    ReplyDelete
  33. Τhank уou foг ѕharing your info. I truly aρpreciate your
    еfforts and Ι am waitіng fοr уouг next
    post thanκ you once again.

    Hегe is my wеblog; V2 cigs reviews

    ReplyDelete
  34. Right now it appears like Expression Engine is the preferred blogging platform available right now.
    (from what I've read) Is that what you are using on your blog?

    my site - theindustree.net

    ReplyDelete
  35. aaafx I have been surfing online more than 3 hours today, yet I never
    found any interesting article like yours.
    It is pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and
    bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be
    much more useful than ever before.

    Look at my web blog; aaa fx
    My page :: aaa fx

    ReplyDelete
  36. That's a great post - thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for an concept, you sparked at thought from a angle I hadn’t given thoguht to
    yet. Now lets see if I can do one thing with it.



    Look into my page - having trouble getting Pregnant at 40

    ReplyDelete
  38. Ηi therе! I just ωantеd to aѕk if уou ever haνe any
    problems with hаckerѕ? Мy last blog (wordprеss) ωаs hacked and I ended up losing a few mοnths οf hard work due to
    no backup. Do уou have аny solutions tο stop
    hacκers?

    Here іs my webpagе; diamondlinks review

    ReplyDelete
  39. I'd like to find out more? I'd care to find out more details.


    My blog; binary options

    ReplyDelete
  40. Great post. I am going through some of these issues as well.

    .

    My blog post ... best forex trading systems

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.