Dandelions

 

I was recently looking at getting another tattoo and I came across a dandelion.  I loved the life analogy that dandelions hold.  Resilience and Strength, Transformation, Letting go, Hidden beauty....It sounded a lot like my life.  A student recently asked me - "How many lives have you lived?"  And the answer is, many lives it would seem.  It's kinda funny because I absolutely LOVE cats and cats have 9 lives.  So I must have been a cat in a previous life.  

I'm starting this blog for many reasons.  One as a way to share my life, the things I love, my recommendations on all my current obsessions and to hopefully resonate with likeminded people. I feel like I've lived a lot of life already, and have more life to live and so why not share the lessons I've learned along the way? I'm also on a never ending healing journey and I'm hoping that as I'm continuing to heal, that maybe others can be healed as well.

A little bit about me: I was born and raised in California, moved to Arizona about 10 years ago.  I grew up dancing and performing and currently teach dance and love to choreograph.  I don't love my story about how I got to Arizona, but if that hadn't had happened, I wouldn't have the most amazing family now.  My husband is the GOAT you guys.  I don't know how I got so incredibly lucky.  We have a beautiful daughter who is cute and sassy and has blessed my life in countless ways.  I love my Dad and siblings so much and love being Aunt Ashley.  I have 3 cats, Will, Grace and Karen.  Yes from that TV show!  Jack unfortunately passed away a few years ago.  RIP Jack.  I love animals and believe they bring healing.  I suffer from several mental health conditions most of my life, starting at about age 14.  I am pretty open about it because I'd like to help erase the stigma around it.  I've been diagnosed with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD and ADHD (and PPD the first year of my babies life).  I'm on 5 medications currently and I honestly don't know what I'd do without them.  I have endured a lot of trauma, like the awful you don't wish on anyone trauma.  But I'm proud to say I'm still here, when I've had moments where I absolutely didn't want to be.  I am trying to be the best wife, mother, worker, dancer, teacher etc.  Life is always going to be hard and we are always going to have roadblocks.  I manage pretty well all things considered.  I'm hoping that by sharing my story, others will know they are not alone on their journey.

I'm really into fashion and have been obsessed with skincare lately.  I'll be sharing some of my favorite things because we don't gatekeep around here!  I hope this resonates with some of you - like the 5 people who will probably read this LOL.  But I'm gonna do this, even if it's just for me.

Sending love and light to everyone.