“If I had my child to raise all over again, I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later. I'd finger-paint more, and point the finger less. I would do less correcting and more connecting. I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I'd take more hikes and fly more kites. I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I'd do more hugging and less tugging.” ― Diane Loomans As a parent, my hope is that I can build a lasting relationship with each of my kids and watch them flourish into beautiful souls. However, when I’m right in the thick of it all – building a family, career and relationships – I often need to remind myself to step back and become more invested in the details of these young, impressionable lives I have been called to raise. Our children are only with us for a short while before they will embark on their own journeys. So, let’s make every moment count. A few years back, I decided to start intentionally dating my children. What started as a few one-on-one outings has since developed into a very special time of bonding where I am able give each child my undivided and personalized attention. It’s been a fun and interesting season of discovery and unravelling the many mysteries that make each of my children tick. I’ve learned so much in the process… I’ve found that my youngest loves to be on the move, whether hiking or a hands-on museum or the playground. She wants to see and do as much as she can as quickly as she can. One of her favorite spots to check out, Carriage Hills Metropark – there is so much to do here and perfect for toddler-tots! See the farm animals, take a hike down the little paths or even visit the visitor center which has a playhouse, playschool and playbarn inside. My oldest daughter loves to shop, have her nails painted or see a movie. She is all about being a princess and eating popcorn while she is at it. Our favorite one-stop-shop is The Greene. Movie theater, nail salon, giant book store and food is all she needs for a day of pampering. My step-son is most content spending time together at the movies, having dinner at his favorite place or being outdoors on an adventure. I like to take him to Yellow Springs where we can grab some pizza and hit the many trails at Glen Helen. I am learning so much about them as individuals and showing them that who they are as an individual is important. My kids now look forward to that time together and ask when we are going to have our next date. They know that the time is special and just for them. In turn, I am also learning more about myself as a mother and the legacy I wish to leave behind someday. Together we are creating beautiful memories and a bond that will hopefully keep us cemented for the rest of our lives. I hope that this will also build them up mentally and emotionally, teach them about positive relationships, communication and life balance. I hope it will also teach them that I am here for them for the rest of my life. So, date your kids – if you dare! You may be surprised to find that each one has a special gift to offer this world. We need only step back, show up and listen to those that matter most. Together, let’s make the effort because our kids are certainly worth it! Featured Gallery:
Cox Arboretum Metropark, Springboro, Ohio Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography
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When you look in the mirror, what do you see? Are you looking beyond the imperfections to recognize the woman you are on the inside? If not, perhaps it is time to celebrate being you – "flaws" and all. Studies suggest that over 90% of women wish to change something about their physical appearance. This dissatisfaction with our self-image often affects generations of women, even down to the youngest girls in society who may feel that they must constantly strive to meet unattainable goals of beauty. Our self criticism makes our children question their own appearance and continues the cycle on. In the end, when we realize that we cannot achieve these far-fetched ideals of a flawless image, we are left disappointed, de-valued, and unhappy about who we really are. The truth, my beautiful friends is that we all have imperfections and the very notion of ‘flawless beauty’ is a flawed concept. If we remain unhappy with what we see in the mirror, constantly trying to fix and conceal our own appearances, we will never truly be happy or free. You see, real women face real challenges and true beauty often has nothing to do with physical appearance but everything to do with the condition of our hearts. “Whole life is a search for beauty. But, when the beauty is found inside, the search ends and a beautiful journey begins,” ― Harshit Walia. Next time you look in the mirror, don’t fret about those laughter lines, grey hairs and wrinkles around your eyes. When you see a photo of yourself don't just pick yourself apart, your children apart, your spouse apart. These flaws that only you see through your own tainted lens do not make you ‘less than’ or not worthy of capturing those moments. Because each day we grow a bit older, a bit bigger or smaller, a bit wrinklier. That is life. That is the beauty of it. What the world calls "imperfections" or what you think are "imperfections" are actually the signs of a life well lived and they tell our stories to the world. They are a part of us, a part of our story. If we celebrate our "flaws" instead of concealing them, we will learn to embrace and honor the journey that has brought us to where we are today. If we learn to speak positivity towards ourselves daily, we will see a change in our head and in our hearts. Let’s teach our young girls that they are beautiful, loved, accepted and celebrated in every shape and form. Let's teach ourselves the same thing. Something I like to ask... If a friend talked to me the way that I talked to myself, would I truly consider her a friend? I want that answer to be a resounding YES YES YES for you and for me! Outer beauty is fleeting... one day we will look back on the photographs of today and wish we would have appreciated ourselves or worse, look back in our life and wish we did not let our lack of love for our own self-image be the thing that kept us from documenting the important times in our lives, from enjoying the moments that pass us by. In the end, it is our attitudes, our self-belief and our moral compasses that will set the tone for a happy and content life. & as far as my girls are concerned... I think I am the most beautiful person in the world and so are they. I hope that this confidence radiates through them so that they never wish they look different than they are. Featured Gallery:
Ellasyn G. Gelhar, Beloved Daughter, Conover, Ohio Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography We all express love and desire a level of intimacy in different ways. For some, receiving a gift can mean that your partner has taken extra special care to consider you. For others, like me, a simple act of service helps us feel appreciated and loved. When my husband cleans out my car or runs an errand I did not expect him to, my love levels for him increase. When I validate or appreciate something my husband does for me or for others, he lights up. In marriage, I’ve found it so very beneficial to identify my spouse’s primary love languages to help deepen our marriage in a meaningful way. Here I want to highlight each of the five love languages with a few tips to help you find new ways to express your affection for the love of your life. 1. Words of Affirmation If this is your boo's primary love language, they long to be affirmed and appreciated through words. Choose your words wisely. Aim to acknowledge their strengths, encourage them through words daily and express how you feel about them often.
2. Gifts Your lover may feel truly loved and appreciated through the receiving of gifts. Gifts do not have to be something expensive or large either. Gifts, big or small are appreciate by the ones who speak this language.
3. Acts of Service This love language is all about actions before words. Many people believe that an act of service has to be a grand gesture in order to be appreciated but that is not always the case.
4. Quality Time Give your significant other your undivided attention and intentionally set aside time with them. Those who seek this love language are all about being together. Free up any distractions that can take away from cementing your bond (turn off the cell phone and get away from work).
5. Physical Touch Intimacy is an important part of any relationship, but if physical touch is your spouse’s primary love language, they may need to feel connected to you as often as possible.
Find your Love Language by taking the quiz from Gary Chapman & let me know in the comments what you are or what ideas you might have for some great acts of love.
Featured Gallery: Desirae + Joe McCauley at Downs Park, Pasadena, Maryland Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography Traveling, for me can be exhausting sometimes, stressful even. Do not get me wrong... I absolutely love to do it. I love to see new things, experience new places and document the whole thing. BUT occasionally I forget all about just enjoying the time I have and turn it more in to a burden, a check mark, a hurry-through-it so I can move on to the next thing. But, I have been learning a new perspective about life lately and this week it hit me all of a sudden that traveling can be so much more satisfying. I am in a new part of the country for an extended period of time, to work on my education in Mass Communications through basic photojournalism. One of our assignments for the week is to take 100-150 photos on a Nikon D750 camera with various criteria to meet, including photographing complete strangers. (Side note: I have been a Canon shooter for my entire professional career so this in itself is a challenge, don't judge.) So off to the nearby public spaces we go... IT.IS.FREEZING.COLD. Go me for thinking that the Northern East Coast would be a great time of year in January! I realized something as I am standing on the pier freezing my tushy off. I am faced with a choice. I could either complain about the cold, the wind & the assignment. Rush out there, grab as many shots as I can, doing a poor overall job. Then run back to the car while traveling the shortest distance possible - grumbling and consumed by the fact that my face and fingers felt like they were about to fall off. or I can take my time. I can sit back and recognize the cold but not let it overwhelm my moments. I could breathe in the crisp air with intention and feel how fills up my lungs. I could look around at the lights lighting the harbor, watch the bustle of people as they hurriedly race from warm store to warm store, enjoy the sunset fall on the gentle waves of the harbor and then disappear in to the night. I could work with purpose and be filled with the awe of it all. It is so easy to go with the first one. Not that long ago I would be totally on board with that. But that is no longer the life I want to live... even on the coldest day I have ever experienced in my life. And so, I saw the choice come before me and I consciously made my decision. Purpose. I choose to dance to the sounds of a drummer in the streets, I choose to capture the beauty around me and take in the sounds of the wind and waves, the smell of the crisp air. I choose to do my best to be in awe every day of this adventure. And I will continue to work on making that choice every time it presents itself until it becomes part of my nature. Will you choose to do the same? Featured Gallery:
Baltimore, Maryland Bringing a bundle of joy home is an exciting and overwhelming season in any parent’s life. Those first few months are often filled with expectation and wonder, yet the joy of this season may become overshadowed by our own fears and doubts. Are we doing a good job? Are we providing all that our child needs? Take heart, dear soul. Sometimes we simply need to sit back and enjoy the present. Here’s what I think you need to know, from one parent to another… 1. You are enough! Let no-one undermine or question your worth. You are valued, you are worthy, and you are more than capable of raising a remarkable child. You are enough for that sweet little one. 2. You are all your baby needs. The shops may be lined with stimulation toys and baby accessories. Everyone has an opinion on what are the must haves and what you should do with your babe. However, in those first few months, you are all that your infant needs to thrive and grow. Be present and invested and watch your child flourish. 3. It’s not selfish to take time out. Sure, your babe needs you... but you need you too. Self care is so important, especially when raising little ones. Don’t feel guilty if you need to take time out to clear your head and look after yourself. Sometimes in order to be the best version of yourself – for you and your child. you need some time to decompress, reset and rest. 4. Find peace and remember to breathe. We can quickly become stressed and unsettled when we’re wholeheartedly invested in a new baby, but it’s important to embrace those quiet moments to simply breathe and find tranquility in our everyday routines or even in the chaos. Sometimes you need to step out to collect yourself and go back in. Remember... babies feel your vibes and feed off of them. (Check out Insight Timer for some great breathing meditations to help you take a time out). 5. Follow your gut. Learn to rely on your parental instinct. Every person in this world has an opinion about your babe. But your intuition is a powerful thing. When in doubt, follow it. 6. It’s okay to ask for help. You don’t have to do it all alone. Remember, it takes a village to raise a child. Do not be afraid or too prideful to ask for help where you need it. Also in another aspect if you feel "different" or "off" after having your little babe, do not be afraid to talk to your doctor. Postpartum depression is a sneaky little beast and your body just went through a big change. It can come in many different forms and variations including anger, sadness, detachment, depression, anxiety and more. Seek medical attention if you have any of those feelings. And do not be afraid to seek alternative doctors if yours is not being helpful. 7. Choose joy over worry. We can choose to become anxious about every single detail that may impact our children. Or we can choose what is the most important things to focus on and what we can let slide. Say no to anxiety where and when you can. Replace negative with positive thoughts. Make an argument for happiness. Featured Gallery:
Lauryn at Lost & Found Vintage Rentals Studio, Dayton, Ohio Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography I often find myself wondering, “Why are we so hard on ourselves?” It may even come naturally to some of us to encourage someone else and recognize that they are beautiful, smart, kind and generous. We see this in our friends. When it comes to our own reflections in the mirror, however, we may see a conflicting report. We are not thin enough, not tall enough, not pretty enough, not smart enough or talented enough… And yet, I am here to tell you (and myself) that we ARE enough. In fact, we are more than enough – and it is time to accept who we are and love ourselves for it. The below quote speaks to the heart of the matter. When we recognize our own strengths and capabilities, we can begin to acknowledge who we really are. We can accept ourselves – flaws and all – and learn to love ourselves for it. We may not be gifted in the ways that our friends and colleagues are, but we certainly have talents, abilities and skills that make us unique and special. When we accept that these unique characteristics make us who we are – we can live a life of freedom and acceptance, knowing that we have a valuable contribution to make to the world. I am here to encourage you to stop questioning your worth. Stop worrying about the imperfections that you see in the mirror. Focus your mind and energy on the strengths, values and character that set you apart as a valued member of your family and community. When you look beyond your limitations, you will see that you are worthy. You are special. There is only one of you. And you are certainly more than enough. Featured Gallery:
Me & My Sweet Quinn at Lost & Found Vintage Rentals Studio, Dayton, Ohio Photography by: Julie McAfee/ Edited by: Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography The holidays are almost upon us. Remember to take some time out to relax and rejuvenate body and mind. Refocus and try these eight self-care tips to regain clarity in your life. 1. Disconnect Holidays are about connecting with your loved ones. Make the decision to disconnect from technology and social media and reinvest your energy in cementing the meaningful relationships in your life. I always PLAN for nights without electronics. As a busy business owner, if I do not plan for it then I can feel like I can't step away. 2. Read a book Research suggests that reading can help to reduce stress and improve focus. Invest in a good novel to expand the mind and ease away any unwanted tension. Do you have some must-reads? Drop them in the comments, I am always looking for a great new book to check out. Bonus if it comes in audio version. 3. Journal It’s a therapeutic act to pen your thoughts on paper. Try it this holiday and set aside some time each day to reflect and journal. I have several journals that I use. Some for positive affirmations, some for hopes & dreams, just writing prompts, mindless babbling or what is happening deep in my soul. 4. Breathe Mindful deep breathing is a great way to relieve anxiety and help you relax. Focus on the act of breathing and allow your mind and body to reboot to a slower, more peaceful pace. I am a huge advocate for taking deep breaths. One way I like to do this is through guided meditation. Even if you cannot quiet your mind, these are great for getting your breathing on. Check out my favorite app - Insight Timer. 5. Get outdoors Nature has many therapeutic benefits that are good for the body and soul. Go for a walk around your neighborhood or simply sit outside and embrace the sounds and sights of nature at work around you. I know it can be cold out there, so bundle up! 6. Eat well Cut out junk food and choose natural wholefoods instead. Not only will you begin to feel better, but healthy food choices can also work to improve your mood, sleep, skin, hair and so much more! Remember to drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily to stay hydrated and in peak performance! Don't forget to do your research as well. A lot of food labels are misleading. 7. Get enough sleep Sleep is nature’s reboot system for the body. Ensure that you get at least 8 to 10 hours of sleep every night to keep your health in check and your energy levels high this holiday season. This is one I personally struggle with - girl I know you probably do too. But I try to set myself an alarm to go to bed at night. It is easy to get caught up and time flies. 8. Random acts of kindness Did you know that doing a good deed for someone else has far-reaching effects and can be beneficial for both of you?! You’ll both feel happier and more positive about life. Give it a try and let kindness dictate the direction of your holiday! It does not need to be some big grand gesture. Simply smiling at someone and telling them to have a great day, leaving a little bigger tip or buying the persons coffee behind you in line. Do you have any other great tips that help you take care of you? Drop them in the comments. I would love to hear about it. Featured Gallery:
Deidre + BJ at Wegerzyn Gardens, Ohio Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography Being a modern woman is no easy feat. As a mother, wife, career woman and so much more, we often wear many hats and mean many different things to a variety of people in our lives. We run households and businesses. We willingly sacrifice our time, our money, and often our sleep, to ensure that our loved ones are cared for. For many of us, we’re the chief cook, cleaner, nurse, coach, cheerleader and more in our own homes. And we take on these roles with grace and poise – and the strength of a grounded woman who knows who she is and where she is going. When things are hard, we don’t give up. We push through. We find new and better ways to do things. We leave a legacy of strength and determination for our families that we can all be proud of. So, this is an ode to us – the strong women who, despite the obstacles, never quit. We continue to invest time and hearts in raising families and corporations. To the women who are the problem-solvers, the mood-boosters and the everyday encourages. To the givers – the modern women who freely share resources, time, attention, love and expertise with those in our spheres of influence. Do not overlook your contribution to this world. You are valuable, and you are making a difference! This Thanksgiving let us share in the gratitude we have for loving our families and pursuing our passions. Let us be thankful for being the nurturers, givers, carers and world changers raising equally empowered children who will make a difference in this world. To the giving women – you may know one; you may be one… I salute you! XOXO Featured Gallery:
Tara + Ryder at Oak Ridge, Tennessee Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography When you’re expecting your first child, every movement and milestone is a celebration of life and possibility. You’re filled with so much expectation, hope and the magical wonder of what life may be like with a sweet little cherub to call your own. And then, before you know it, your newborn arrives and completely steals your heart. But just as soon as you’ve come to terms with sleepless nights and endless diapers, your tiny infant sprouts into an active and talkative toddler… who in turn develops into a curious pre-teen… who, in the blink of an eye, becomes an all-knowing and introspective adolescent. And just like that, before your very eyes, that precious bundle you once carried in your arms has evolved into an independent soul – one who will all too soon leave home to forge their own way in this world. You see, childhood is fleeting, and precious family moments continue to tick away. Each beautiful milestone and memory are the constant reminders of those things we will always hold dear to us. With each passing day, our children grow taller, wiser, less needy, more self-sufficient. They develop opinions of their own. They decide for themselves what values, ideals and goals to pursue. And we’re left caught up in this whirlwind of life, through the joys and heartaches of raising a family. So, the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed as a parent (and yes, you will feel this way at some point on your parenting journey) or if you find yourself wishing away time through the boundary-pushing years of a pre-teen – take heart, dear soul. Hold on to the moment. Breathe it all in. For soon enough, down the road, summer turns to fall and all too quickly, things, and people, change.
Don’t let these moments fade. Capture the memories of your loved ones through the different phases of your lives together. These may become some of your most precious possessions – the memories you have which you can pass down from one generation to the next. Featured Gallery: Lauryn at Lost & Found Vintage Rentals Studio, Dayton, Ohio Photography: Elisabeth Ashliegh / Elisabeth Ashliegh Photography Some people live their life without ties to places or things. They’re perfectly happy to be wherever they’re at, and they have this amazing ability to channel their energy and find their focus in any situation. That isn’t me. I find comfort and peace in my surroundings. I’ve put time and energy into my home, taking care to create a place that helps me relax, stay grounded, and shake off the worries of the world. And I’ve done the same to my office, creating a personal space filled with things that inspire and motivate me to do my best work. And when I’m on the road? I believe in the importance of creating a space wherever you’re at. The first thing I do when I get to my hotel - regardless of whether I’m there for two nights or a month - is to make it feel more like my own. I crave that sense of comfort, that touch of warmth, the sense of belonging I feel when I’m truly relaxed and at ease. I always try to travel with a few items that will help me easily personalize my space - things that hold meaning and bring me joy. It might mean I have to bring a slightly larger carry-on, but I know I’ll be much happier throughout my trip if I have my space to return to at the end of each day. The same applies to my work space. When it’s time to move offices, I can’t just sit down at my new desk, power up my computer and dive in. I need to get comfortable, which usually means finding some small ways to make it feel more like my own. They might seem like small details to some, but the personal touches I bring to my space completely transform it for me.
So, you might be wondering - how do you actually create a space for yourself? What does that look like? Well, there’s no easy answer, as it’s different for everyone. Think about the things that make you smile, bring you joy, and energize your spirit. For some, this might be a photo that captures a favorite memory shared with family and friends. For others, it might be a small vase of flowers, a cozy throw blanket, a fun coffee mug, a book of poems, a bar of dark chocolate - or something else entirely. Whatever steps you take to create your space, you’ll be amazed to see how much of an impact it can truly make on your creativity and your mental well-being. If this is something you already practice, I’d love to know what you do to create a space that feels like your own. Share in the comments below, I want to know! XOXO |
Hello There.
I am Elisabeth. |