Ashley's Autism Journey
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"Cross out the DIS and embrace the ABILITY"

Ashleys Autism Journey: A blog for hope, acceptance and respect.
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How do you like me now, now that I'm on my way?

10/5/2016

6 Comments

 
First and absolutely foremost, I wanted to apologize for taking so long to post another article. I have been INSANELY busy lately and haven't had a spare minute to sit down with my computer. Over the past couple months, I transitioned back up north where I live for the winter months. So much has been happening, it has been such a whirlwind. First, I started an internship at a local newspaper as a journalist. I also started CNA classes, booked 3 speaking engagements, was named the Assistant to the Assistant of the Dean of my local college and have interviewed two Wi Senators. Life has truly been crazy but an absolute blessing!

Any who, with everything that has been happening in my life lately, I really got thinking about how life wasn't always this great. I wasn't always this happy, I didn't always have so many people surrounding me. In fact, I used to stand alone in the corner.. every. single. day. I used to be so alone and so depressed that my family was incredibly worried. In middle school, I was alone. I mean, no friends at all. At lunch, I would eat alone. At recess, I would walk to the corner of the building and face the wall, just staring at the brick wall pretending no one saw me and I couldn't see them. When my parents caught wind of what was happening, they immediately put work on hold to take "shifts" to come have lunch with me to make sure I wasn't alone every day. Despite the, ever so tremendous efforts by my parents, I still just wasn't happy. Kids were so mean back then, middle school was just a nightmare. Never, I mean NEVER in a million years did I think I'd ever end up doing something great, where even the most popular kids were congratulating and looking up to you. Turns out what people say is true, anything is possible. 

After middle school I was quite worried about what high school might bring. To my surprise, it wasn't as bad as middle school was. The kids became nicer, I made several friends, and I finally saw some happier days. When high school came to an end, I had no idea what I was going to do with the rest of my life. I learned about a program up north where I could take some college classes and from there I met some amazing people who have really built the foundation for all of my successes there after. 

I don't mean to talk everyone's ears out about every step of my journey but, I did have a point to make. As I reminisced on the (not so great) days of middle school and compared them to where I am now, I couldn't help but think of Toby Keith's, "How do you like me now?". Anything truly is possible. You might be in a place right now where no one is believing in you, where you feel absolutely alone. But, that doesn't matter. Believe in yourselves and prove to all those who didn't think you could, that YOU CAN. You are capable of more than what others think and more than what you think. And when you finally get where you're going, it's okay to stand up proud, show off your biggest smile and ask them, HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW? (In your most humble voice, of course)

Until next time
Xo, Ashley
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6 Comments
Katie zastrow
10/5/2016 06:47:32 pm

I remember at a choir concert your head was down and you looked nervous or scared I remember telling you to keep your head up and now look where you are I'm so proud of you.

Reply
Rici Welden
10/6/2016 07:13:41 pm

I worked on the musical in middle school and was very impressed with how hard you worked on that show. You have come so far and are reaching even farther. Great job, Ashley. Keep reaching for the stars.

Reply
Stacey Meinen
10/6/2016 09:29:05 pm

Wow- you are truly an inspiration Ashley...do you speak to Any children's groups or young girls? I see them benefiting from you sharing your experiences with them. You have so much to give. Everything to share and nothing to prove-(that is one of my favorite things to say- it helps me deal with any kind of fears in my life)

I love your posts and hearing about your life story. You have a beautiful heart, intelligent Mind, and a sweet old soul.

All the best to you! May all your dreams come true.

Reply
Kodi link
2/11/2023 04:56:48 am

Vegans don’t eat meat, poultry, or seafood, or any other animal products (including milk and eggs).

Reply
Showbox link
2/11/2023 04:57:53 am

Vegetarians do not eat meat, poultry, or seafood. Some vegetarians don’t eat dairy, so make sure to get the details from them if you’re feeding a vegetarian.

Reply
Tutuapp link
2/11/2023 04:59:18 am

Common food intolerances are lactose (which is in milk products), MSG and gluten (which is in bread, pasta, and many wheat products).

Reply



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    Welcome to my blog, I'm Ashley! I look forward to sharing my journey with you. Learn all about me in the "about" tab above!

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