I didn’t wake up with some
grand epiphany
darting through my head
hoping to reach my lips
before it was forgotten.
I didn’t wake up
feeling particularly sad
or glad
or worried,
wondering if I “really look my age,” or if I could get away with that big 3-0 I dreaded not that long ago.
I didn’t wake up wishing for
big bouquets
shiny balloons
or even a million Facebook notifications (I know. I’m just as surprised as you are).
I just woke up thinking:
“This is the year I am kinder and gentler to myself. This is the year I afford myself the same patience, love, and forgiveness I so willingly give to others. This is the year I stop dwelling on missed opportunities, quit punishing myself for my imperfect past, and start giving myself some credit. This is the year I go to bat for myself.”
My first order of business?
To finish my first book.
It took me 36 years to realize that nothing sounds more authentic than:
Jo Ashline, wife, mother, New York Times Bestselling Author.
A big part of loving myself means believing that I can do it.
And I do; I believe I can do it.
I believe in ME.
Which, in the 36 years since I’ve been around, is the nicest thing I’ve ever said to myself.
And yes.
It was totally worth the wait.
Happy birthday, Jo! You can totally do it!!
I’m so excited- can’t wait to read your book.
Hope your day was (is) wonderful!
DO IT! We can write our books together. I need someone to motivate me.
Hell yeah! We should absolutely support one another!! I begin tonight. How about you?
Thank you so much Christine!!!!
Yay! You can do it! Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
I am so happy to read this, this morning. I came across your blog a couple months ago and Yowza!! Everytime I read something I think ‘I wonder if she’s written a book, if not she should’. I LOVE your writing. Happy writing.
do it do it do it do it! I know you can!
and then I will.
I’m with Carmen. I stumbled on your blog a few months ago and I love your writing style. It is comfortable and familiar with a huge dose of humor and sprinklings of wisdom. When you become angry you remain objective and express your emotions well. I’ve enjoyed following you!
I’m only a couple of years behind you and I see the passing years as gained wisdom. I strive with each year to make better decisions, to listen to the little voice inside my head (’cause dadgum she’s usually right!), and to appreciate (ie. use) the wisdom that I have gained.
Cheers to another year wiser! 🙂