Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ashley Cook. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ashley, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?
As I was younger (mainly in my early teenage years), I always noticed that people would find any kind of way to put me down. I was misunderstood a lot, quiet in school but I did have my few friends that I hung out with from time to time. I used to let a lot of things and people get to me. That was a huge mistake and a mistake I definitely have learned from. As I got older, I have realized that I should not let what people think and say bother me. That’s how I was raised. I started to shut some people out, and even lost friends from that. As I got older (late 20s/early 30s), I started to realize that letting people get to me that way was not the way to go. As a mother, I teach my children to be respectful and nice. That taught me something, and made me a stronger person mentally and emotionally. Knowing I had to be strong for my children, teaching them how to be strong and confident. Everyone is different, and special. There is no need to treat people different (in a bad way) just because they are different from you. I’ve learned how to love myself more over the years. When people doubt me, or try to make me feel bad with actions and words, it actually fuels me to be stronger, and be myself even more. Being yourself is a flex, not talking about someone and hurting their self-esteem. People have different reactions when they have low self-esteem, so I always take someone’s feeling into consideration.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I have just started my Self-Care Coaching. I have 3 children, and work in the medical field. As a child, I have always said I wanted to help people. As of today, that is what I do. I now feel more confident in myself and what I am capable of doing while being a entrepreneur, a mother, a college student and a medical field worker. I know that I am strong with all that I handle now, and what I’ve handled in the past. I am working on building my Self-Care Coaching business, which I will be coaching individuals that are trying to heal from any childhood trauma that have caused them to have low self-esteem and feel less confident in themselves, any addictions that have lowered someone’s self-esteem and confidence, any painful past relationships, how to practice more Self-Care, etc. Helping other’s after I have overcome so much and gotten stronger from it feels amazing and I feel like a butterfly that has broken out its cocoon. Being told I’m a great listener and compassionate when it comes to people and their feelings toward themselves has made me realize that I can help others over come low self-esteem and feel more confident with who they are. This is something that I’m proud of, so I have decided to use my strength and gifts to assist others feel free and love themselves more. I told my story on social media and the support helps with my self-esteem and confidence as well. Having the right people to cheer you on and support you will also make a difference. I’m so glad I can make a difference in someone’s life like that. I’m proud of who I become and how strong and confident I am today.
My Self-Care program will provide individuals with coaching sessions with me, an E-book that is soon to come out and will be put on Amazon by the end of this year. Also, a Gratitude Journal that I have created, and worksheets to motivate my clients on a daily/weekly/monthly basis. I will be taking clients towards the end of this year, as I am still preparing a lot of material and website. I am working on a lot of projects and I can’t wait to make a positive impact on someone and help them gain high self-esteem and confidence within themselves.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I feel that being aware of other people’s intentions, not being able to share great news with just everyone, and pay attention to people’s actions and words around you. Once I have gained more knowledge on these three things, I started to gain more confidence and listened to my intuition more often. Doing that helped me on my journey of self-care, and having more confidence in myself. My advice is to focus on the positive not the negative and what makes YOU happy. When putting positive intentions in the atmosphere, positive will come back around. Surround yourself with positive, uplifting, supportive people who like to learn, grow, and see others do the same. I say daily affirmations everyday and it does help tremendously.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I pause and think about what is going on around me first. When I do get quiet time, I love to light candles (which I also make), burn incense and meditate. After I meditate I organize what needs to be done by keeping a journal. Staying as organized as you can helps out a lot. I tell myself, “I am one person, I do what I can handle and I don’t give myself anxiety, let alone let someone ruin my peace. I take one thing at a time. Especially with everything I do. I also like to write, read and be creative using Canva and other graphic design software. Self-Care is very important, rather it’s a relaxing bath, taking a walk through a nice park, treating yourself to a nice lunch, a spa day or even going to see movie alone. I even like to be out in nature which is how I stay grounded. It helps relax my mind and focus better.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/uniquelydevinecoaching
