Who Am I?
You know, I’ve reflected on that a lot—who am I, really?
Simple answer? I am who God says I am.
I am enough. I am uniquely and intentionally made. I’ve finally learned to embrace that.
And I love that for me.
One of the most impactful years of my life was spent in an intense and unforeseen plunge into self-discovery. That year held a mirror to my soul and showed me all that was buried deep within me, finally ready, after all these years, to be released.
That year, I blossomed into the woman I was always meant to become. The inner beauty that was always there somehow had made a grand appearance to the outside world, as though the stage beneath my feet finally had a cheerful assembly who freely replaced scrutiny with praise and criticism with encouragement. From the silence emerged a strong symphony of applause. And suddenly I found myself looking out towards an array of faces that finally saw the good reflected in the honest eyes looking back at them; eyes that told a story. And behind those eyes, a gentle spirit longing for a safe space to roam free.
And roam, I did.
Across the country; across the world. All the while, slowly emerging from a cocoon I didn’t even know was there.
So very vulnerable, and yet so very protected.
Taking in the atmosphere of some of the most neglected and affluent communities across the globe in one year, storing a lifetime’s worth of memories expanded both my heart and my perspective.
The more I was stretched, the more I recognized the intentionality behind that expansion. Which made the answer to the “Who am I?” question all the more enticing. What awaited the other side of that expansion? For whom was I being stretched?
A year spent basking in the beauty of palm trees, collecting meaningful memories on sun-kissed and snowcapped mountaintops, catching hopeful flights and releasing unrequited feelings became an important saga in a self-proclaimed “turning point” chapter of my life. The mirror that year held within its frame came—unbeknownst to me—with two sides: one of flesh and one of spirit. And another season of intentional self-discovery waiting to be unveiled.
In the process of self-reflection and discovery, I’d begun to fall in love with my passions in a new and inspiring way. A fresh perspective helped me understand myself and the world a bit better. And I saw my pre-destined path unraveling, far beyond what my eyes could see. I wondered more than ever before why that stage beneath my feet had always been there, and why somehow, I’d always felt both the challenging and miraculous things that take place upon it to be purposeful.
At the end of that pivotal year, I decided the following year would be the year I’d grow to know God more. Only, I hadn’t realized that getting to know Him more would unlock further and necessary intimacy within myself. Through His Word and my growing understanding of His character, I saw learned that the answer to the all-encompassing “Who am I?” question inevitably lies within His truth, and in His identity.
Immersing myself in the fullness of both has been a beautiful, continual process.
When I originally started Thoughtful Gems, I created this space to “share my budding insight on a multitude of topics and be granted the freedom to express myself, limitlessly.” And to inspire others.
By God’s provision, I am still achieving my goal of sharing my pearls of wisdom, or “thoughtful gems,” with the world.
Those who know me personally still get a “glimpse into my inner world,” overflowing with thoughts on life and human nature. And I am still reassured by divine guidance and a supportive community that “I have something valuable to contribute with my unique perspective, if only I am brave enough to share it.”
That special community of support has grown, and I am abundantly grateful for every person who responds to what I freely and vulnerably share with uplifting and positive words.
Thoughtful Gems is a beautiful space where my spirit may roam free.
It’s a gift, from the true Author of it all.
-Ashley ♡
A lot has changed since the launch of Thoughtful Gems, and it’s only fitting that the “About” page evolves along with it. I’m grateful for that evolution, and everything that’s to come in this next chapter. ❤︎
