We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley Edwards. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley below.
Hi Ashley, so happy to have you on the platform and I think our readers are in for a treat because you’ve got such an interesting story and so much insight and wisdom. So, let’s start with a topic that is relevant to everyone, regardless of industry etc. What do you do for self-care and how has it impacted you?
Self-care encompasses activities and practices promoting well-being, relaxation, and personal growth. Over the past couple of years, I’ve had to come up with different strategies I can engage in, all while living my life as a homeschooling mom and a businesswoman. I’ve learned that self-care is most beneficial when it improves my effectiveness & growth in all areas of my life.
Engaging in self-care is crucial for me as a mother because I always want to show up as my best self for myself & my children and my husband.
First things first, my self-care must always start with establishing clear boundaries. It wasn’t always easy in the beginning, I had no clue that setting boundaries was a form of self-care until life started life-ing! Setting clear boundaries in my personal and professional life helps me manage stress, helps me maintain a healthy work-life balance, helps me compartmentalize healthy relationships with others, and most importantly helps prevent burnout. It allows me to allocate my time and energy effectively, which leads to an increase in my focus, & productivity.
I also practice self-reflection where I engage in self-reflection activities, such as journaling, praying to God, and yoga. All these things help assist me in promoting my self-awareness, my emotional regulation, and my overall personal growth. Recently, I’ve been taking naps throughout the day and if I can’t get a nap in, I will make sure I go to bed at a decent time to get at least a minimum of 7-8 hours of sleep. It’s so important to always gain clarity on my own identity, my strengths, and my weaknesses and all that is possible because I give my mind & body time to rest & rejuvenate. Being able to compartmentalize my self-reflection & my self-worth allows me to make informed decisions, which ultimately enhances my effectiveness in various aspects of life.
My favorite part of self-care is engaging in leisure activities that bring me joy like sitting on my front porch listening to some good soulful jazz music with my dog, I’m such an old soul & I love it! I also enjoy reading a good mystery book, dancing, running, creating art, walking, sitting in nature & hiking. If I’m ever feeling super adventurous, I will go spend my day at the batting cages. As simple as it sounds, anytime I’m engaging in activities that bring me joy, that doesn’t require me to focus on materialistic things. I love to focus my attention on relaxation. I have also taken on a minimalist lifestyle and that has been vital for my self-care. It’s a must that I carve out time in my day to spend time doing things I love & allow my inner child to just truly live care-free because it allows me to recharge, reduces my stress, and it boosts my overall well-being.
Another part of my self-care routine is I prioritize my physical & mental health.
I also take care of my physical health through regular exercise, and a balanced healthy lifestyle consisting of only eating real foods. Once I started paying attention to my physical well-being & the foods I feed not only myself but my family, I found that it directly affects our mental and cognitive functioning. Prioritizing self-care in terms of exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep boosts my energy levels, improves my overall health, and enhances my ability to keep up with the demands of motherhood. When I feel physically well, I am more likely to have the stamina and vitality to engage actively with my children and be present in their lives.
I’m super blessed that I am in a position to be able to prioritize time to maintain good health because in this busy, demanding world we live in, healthy living & the quality of life seem non-existent as a society. I encourage individuals to stop & take a pause every day & focus on their health because it is true wealth! What good is having money if you’re not healthy enough to live and enjoy life!
Lastly, therapy is another form of self-care I also partake in. I love the fact that I was brave enough to be the first one in my family to seek a professional licensed therapist. I want to inspire anyone who’s reading this to seek positive professional support because it can help assist in improved emotional well-being and psychological resilience. Going to therapy has positively impacted my overall effectiveness as a wife, mother & my business success. When I take care of my emotional well-being, I am better equipped to handle the demands of parenting and maintain a positive and patient attitude with my children and husband.
When I practice self-care, I am also teaching my children the importance of taking care of oneself. By demonstrating self-compassion and self-care, I inspire my children to prioritize their own well-being and develop healthy habits for their own lives. This helps my husband & I lead a more harmonious family dynamic and create positive relationships. It’s the best thing I ever did & I’m so grateful that I get to be a positive example for my kids.
My self-care practices are personal and can vary based on my individual preferences and needs at any given point in time. Self-care is always personal and I’m glad I found my rhythm on what works for me & not caring what it looks like to others. I work hard every day to incorporate self-care into my daily routines to help me recharge, reduce my stress, and maintain my overall well-being which leads to increased effectiveness in all areas of my life.
If I could help a person reading this, whether you’re a woman or a man, Remember, self-care is not selfish but rather a necessary aspect of being an effective caregiver & person in society. By taking care of their own well-being, you can show up as your best self for your children and spouse all while fostering a happier and healthier family environment.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a woman of many hats!
For starters, I am the CEO & host of the Flow Life Podcast which is a self-improvement podcast. I have a unique platform where I share valuable insights and knowledge with my listeners. My podcast serves as a source of inspiration, guidance, and motivation for individuals seeking personal growth and self-improvement.
In addition to sharing practical tips and strategies for personal development, I also introduce the concept of God to my audience. By incorporating spiritual elements into my podcast, I provide a holistic approach to self-improvement, acknowledging the importance of addressing both the physical and spiritual aspects of one’s life.
Introducing who God is on my podcast can involve discussing various spiritual beliefs, exploring different religious or philosophical perspectives, and sharing personal experiences or stories that highlight the role of faith and spirituality in personal growth. I also discuss the concepts of purpose, meaning, gratitude, and mindfulness from a spiritual standpoint.
By integrating discussions about philosophy into my self-improvement podcast, I offer my listeners an opportunity to explore their own belief systems, find inspiration in something greater than themselves, and tap into inner resources that can support their personal development journey.
My podcast is a platform for sharing diverse perspectives and encouraging open-mindedness. While discussing spirituality and introducing the concept of God, I always make sure my content highlights love & unity which allows me to be impactful to approach any topic with respect and inclusivity, recognizing that individuals may hold different beliefs and that personal journeys of self-improvement can take various paths.
Overall, my podcast provides a unique blend of self-improvement insights, knowledge, and the exploration of philosophy, and spirituality, & I love creating a space for listeners to grow personally, reflect on their beliefs, and find inspiration in their pursuit of a better life.
I not only share valuable insights and introduce spiritual concepts but also have additional offerings to support and engage with my audience. In addition to my podcast, I have an online store where I sell merchandise.
My merchandise serves as a tangible extension of the ideas and themes discussed on my podcast. It may include items such as inspirational clothing, accessories, or products that carry empowering messages, symbols, or quotes. By offering these products, I provide my audience with an opportunity to incorporate reminders of personal growth and into their everyday lives.
In addition to my podcast, and merchandise, I have created a platform specifically designed to support other stay-at-home moms (SAHMs) on their journey to live well. My platform serves as a dedicated space where SAHMs can find resources, community, and encouragement to enhance their well-being and make the most of their role as mothers.
Through my blog, I provide written content that expands on the ideas presented in my podcast episodes and share personal stories, thought-provoking insights, and practical tips for self-improvement. interview experts in the field of self-improvement, and offer practical exercises or challenges to help my audience implement positive changes in their lives. My blog serves as a hub of valuable information and a source of ongoing support for my listeners.
By combining my podcast, merchandise, and blog, I created a comprehensive platform for personal growth and a navigational system through life & motherhood. My audience has multiple ways to engage with my content, whether it’s through listening to my podcast, wearing my merchandise as a reminder of their personal journey, reading my blog to gain deeper insights and practical advice, or following me on Youtube, Instagram & TikTok @ASHLEYISLIVINGWELL
These various offerings demonstrate my commitment to catering to different learning preferences and allowing my audience to engage with my content in ways that resonate with them.
My platform recognizes the unique challenges and joys that come with being a stay-at-home mom. I provide a supportive and understanding environment where SAHMs can connect, share experiences, and find inspiration to live their best lives while fulfilling their motherhood responsibilities.
Here’s how my platform supports SAHMs on their journey to live well:
Community: My platform fosters a sense of community among SAHMs, creating a space where they can connect & collaborate and share their stories. Through forums, my social media pages on YOUTUBE, INSTAGRAM & TiKTok. SAHMs can find support, gain insights, build meaningful relationships & have fun and laugh with other like-minded individuals who understand their experiences.
Resources and Tools: My platform offers a wide range of homeschooling resources, tools, and practical advice tailored to the needs of SAHMs. These resources may include tips for managing time effectively, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, organizing household responsibilities, self-care practices, meal planning ideas, budgeting strategies, and more. By providing these resources, I empower SAHMs to navigate their daily lives more efficiently and effectively.
Work-at-Home Opportunities: Recognizing that many SAHMs may also seek opportunities to contribute financially to their families while maintaining their role as primary caregivers, my platform highlights work-at-home opportunities. This could include sharing job listings, freelance gigs, entrepreneurship guidance, or resources for starting home-based businesses. By providing information and support in this area, I enable SAHMs to explore flexible work options that align with their skills and aspirations.
Personal Growth and Self-Care: My platform emphasizes the importance of personal growth and self-care for SAHMs. It offers resources, guidance, and inspiration to help them prioritize their own well-being and personal development. This could include articles, workshops, or guest interviews on topics such as self-care practices, self-reflection exercises, mindfulness techniques, and personal growth strategies.
By creating this additional platform dedicated to supporting SAHMs on their journey to live well, I provide a valuable resource for this specific community. All my platforms acknowledge unique needs and aspirations, offering support, connection, and guidance to help others thrive in their roles while also pursuing personal growth, self-care, and overall well-being.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Great question! The first thing that comes to mind is my self-awareness, my eagerness for continuous learning & resilience & adaptability.
Developing self-awareness was very crucial in understanding myself and who I wanted to transform into. I identified my strengths, & never felt bad about my weaknesses. I always kept my values of love & kindness and never allowed my emotions to jeopardize my integrity.
I involve introspection, reflection, and mindfulness in everything I do. To cultivate self-awareness, I had to engage in practices like journaling, and meditation. Every day you must regularly check in with yourself, observe your thoughts and feelings, and seek to understand your patterns and motivations. This awareness will guide your personal growth journey by helping you make informed choices aligned with your authentic self.
I would love to share my insights on embracing a mindset of continuous learning and growth that actively seeks knowledge, explores new ideas, and challenges yourself to expand your horizons. I read tons of books, listened to podcasts, attend workshops, and engaged in conversations with diverse perspectives. You have to really be open and available to new people & experiences and consider how they can contribute to your personal development. I emphasize both formal and informal learning opportunities to continuously improve my skills and it helped broaden my understanding of the world.
Through experiences, the highs and all of the lows are what cultivated me to build resilience. Being able to quickly adapt is essential for navigating the constant changes in the world. Life is full of ups and downs and if you ask anyone about any personal journey, YOU MUST cultivate the ability to bounce back from setbacks, cope with challenges, adapt to change, practice self-care, and stress management techniques, and develop a support network of trusted individuals who can offer guidance and encouragement. All my life I’ve had to face adversity, but I embraced it with a growth mindset, viewing obstacles as opportunities for learning and growth rather than insurmountable barriers. I want to empower others to recognize the beauty in their own struggle. Everyone has a story & everyone’s personal journey will involve transformation and that resilience will enable you to persevere during challenging times.
If you are early on your journey & want to know how to best develop & improve your life write this down: I only share what I have personally done that has helped me. I’m a living breathing testimony!
Advice for early-stage journeyers:
1. Start with self-reflection: Take time to understand your values, passions, and aspirations. Reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for growth. This self-awareness will serve as a foundation for your personal journey.
2. Set clear goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that align with your values and aspirations. Break them down into smaller milestones to track progress and stay motivated.
3. Take consistent action: Personal growth requires consistent effort and action. Commit to regular practices, such as reading, learning, practicing new skills, or engaging in self-reflection. Small, consistent steps over time lead to significant progress.
4. Embrace discomfort: Growth often happens outside of your comfort zone. Be willing to embrace challenges, take calculated risks, and learn from failures. View them as opportunities for learning and growth.
5. Seek support and connection: Surround yourself with supportive individuals who inspire and motivate you. Engage in communities, mentorship, or coaching to gain insights, encouragement, and accountability.
6. Practice self-compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout the journey. Acknowledge that personal growth is a process and not linear. Celebrate achievements, learn from setbacks, and practice self-care to maintain your well-being.
Remember, personal journeys are unique, and the path to growth will differ for each individual. My friends be patient, persistent, and open to discovering new insights about yourself along the way. YOU GOT THIS!
As we end our chat, is there a book you can leave people with that’s been meaningful to you and your development?
Books play a crucial role in a person’s personal development in several ways, but the impact of a book’s wisdom is subjective, and different individuals resonate with different insights based on their personal experiences, beliefs, and goals. It’s essential to read widely, explore various genres and authors, and extract the lessons that resonate most deeply with you on your own personal development journey.
Personally, all these books gave me knowledge, information, perspective, empathy, inspiration & motivation and I would love to share them with you!
1. The Bible
2. Level Up- your mental toughness boot camp by Michelle Ribeiro
3. The Mastery of Self by Don Miguel Ruiz jr
4. The Feel Good Effect by Robyn Conley Downs
5. With all that we have WHY AREN’T WE SATISFIED by Clifford Williams
6. The Power of Stretching by Bob Doto
7. The School of Life Dictionary – The Language of Emotional Intelligence
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/AshleyIsLivingWell
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowlife_podcast/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-edwards-50a6b4122/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Flowlifepodcas1
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrGAvHRdgBaYdk7xFWdCSNg
- Other: Personal IG : https://www.instagram.com/ashleyislivingwell/
