This week on Friday I will be 33.

I cannot believe I am in my early thirties.  My life is flying by and when I sit down to think about it there is still so much I want out of this life.  So much that I want to do and so much I want to contribute.

Life is crazy.  And it seems like it just gets more hectic and crazy day by day.  I am surprised I even remembered how old I was!  But let’s be honest, I had to do the math with how old Luke is.  I can never remember how old I am anymore.

Recently, life as I know it has been reevaluated.  The life I want to live has been questioned and I have been left with many questions for myself and the main question is what do I want out of my life?

Luke & I decided last summer and early fall that we wanted to go through personal coaching.  Not marriage, but personal.  One on one.  Luke went first.

I immediately saw changes in him, and he became more curious as to why he does the things he does and asking why I do what I do.   The changes were good, and at the same time challenging.  Things were comfortable for us and I was scared to mess that up.

Then it was my turn.

My coach, who shares my first name and only a day later of my birthday seem to know me inside out.  She cued in on the deeper issues and asked the hard questions.  I will be honest and say that I did not look forward to the calls with her because they were so emotionally deep and I am not used to being so vulnerable.   It was hard.

And yet it was so good.

One thing she spoke about was the dash.   Not like a sprint or a run.  But the dash between the dates on a gravestone.  That dash represents the life that was lived.  And we choose, rather we think so or not, what kind of life that we live .  I want my dash to represent a life lived to the fullest and with no regrets.

I recently lost my grandmother.

I had to put together a slideshow of her life.  And  as hard as it was, I will say it was such an honor.  Going through the old photos, and remembering her life and all that transpired was such a sweet reminder of what it meant to live a life full of joy unapologetically.  She was truly amazing and I am so grateful to be apart of her legacy.

Just as my grandmother, I choose to be intentional and authentic.  I choose to live my life fully and taking advantage of opportunities that come my way.  I choose joy and contentment even when it seems hard.  I want my dash to represent a life lived fully.  A girl not afraid to be herself.  To walk in love and freedom.

It is so easy to get caught up in what happens all around us.  To get caught up in what others are doing and what other might say about us.

But what if I may ask you…

If you lived life to the beat of your drum.  Not paying attention to what others say.  Only listening to your heart and finding opportunities to be vulnerable and authentic.  How much more fulfilling would life be?

When it is all said and done, I hope my dash is full of incredible stories, love without borders, and an unforgettable legacy.

I write this to encourage you to live your life not for those around you, but to live for the dream that God instilled in you.  I encourage you to be yourself and walk in freedom.

We also recommend finding the right mentor.  Having someone on the outside to speak in your life and see things in a different light is so powerful and I am so thankful for this amazing experience.

You can learn more about our mentors here!  https://www.beautifuloutcome.com

Remind yourself today of your dash and live today to the fullest!

-Ash-