Ashley Strong Smith - Courage Coach, Photographer & Podcast Host
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Resources that have ENHANCED me personally and professionally!

3/21/2022

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Being a creator, is living with and in intention, mindfulness, sincerity. Creating space for connecting to a power, greater than myself. Through being an entrepreneur, I learned and understood the importance of personal development as the more I worked through the inner workings of my soul,
the better I could communicate, connect and then share that very exchange to the outside world.
With this, I have daily rituals, routines, practices, inspirations that keep me both grounded, while jumping on a continual basis to make my dreams, my present reality.
Below are my definitions and insights into my daily practices! ​

FOR ME, THESE ARE MY DEFINITIONS FOR TOOLS,
 TOOL BELT AND THE DAILY PRACTICES
​THAT ARE FORMED WITH THEM!

  • Tools - The resources that I’ve accumulated over the years that help aid in bringing me back to my center, to this place of wholeness, in alignment with my highest and most true self. 
  • My Tool belt - The array of tools themselves, tucked within this safe keeping of my mind, body and soul. To be used not just in the tough moments, but in all moments. 
  • Daily Practice - It can be one or a multitude of activities, exercise, intentional practices that bring about deeper and greater awareness to the present state. ​

SOME EXAMPLES OF WHAT A DAILY PRACTICE CAN LOOK LIKE, BUT PLEASE KNOW ARE NOT LIMITED TO. 

  • I AM statements - I write a full page in my journal of I am statements. There is no holding back. Some mornings, the messages can be simple, purely adjectives. Other mornings, they are more elaborate manifestations. 
    • Examples : I am infinite. I am expansive. I am beautiful. I am radiant. I am supported. I am expanding my business by booking six new ideal clients per month while providing exceptional service, commitment and vibrantly blissful time capsules. 
  • Gratitude statements - Again, I write a full page in my journal. Sometimes, they’re separate from I am statements, other times, they’re included in my I am statements. It's truly where the energy goes that very morning! 
    • Examples:  I am grateful for this beautifully supportive place I call our home. I am grateful for inspiration. 
  • Check-in’s - There are so many ways this can go! Please refer to THIS BLOG POST for three of my favorite ways to check-in. Ultimately, this is realigning my mind, body and soul. I ask myself the question, “What am I feeling in my MIND / BODY / SOUL right now?” From there, I see the connection between my mind and body, my body and soul, my mind and soul. Then, there is usually a common theme throughout all these check-points. 
  • Tarot / Oracle Cards - Oh, has this tool truly transformed my world. I got my first oracle deck years ago at a small crystal shop in Benicia, California. The deck served as a tool for quite some time. Then, they got put away so their resonation didn’t align. As my dear friend Melissa and I started doing our development days, she introduced me to some of her decks. This was the ignition of a whole new understanding of the power of tarot and oracle cards. Some of the FAVORITE DECKS include : 
    • Work your Light Oracle Cards by Rebecca Campbell  
    • Whispers of Lord Ganesha Oracle Cards by Angela Hartfield 
    • The Sacred Rebels Oracle by Alana Fairchild 
    • Kuan Yin Oracle by Alana Fairchild 
    • Keepers of Light Oracle Cards by Kyle Gray 
    • The Mother's Wisdom Deck 
  • Meditation - This can be done through a guided meditation or simply setting a timer for five minutes. Either way, create a safe, sacred and comfortable space. If listening to a guided meditation, use the tools/ techniques they share. If sitting on your own for five minutes, one of my favorite ways to focus on the breath is with each inhale, saying “IN” and with each exhale, saying “OUT.” You can vocalize it or say it in your minds eye. 
  • Walks/ Exercise / Hike - I think this one is self explanatory! Just get outside. Do one, two or all three of the above and it will bring you exactly where you’re meant to be. 
  • Yoga - Oh my friend. Yoga has been one of my greatest teachers. I first discovered yoga while in college in Long Beach. What made yoga so special was Dharma Shakti started a “donation-based yoga” movement where you gave what you could. Classes in the studio filled quickly, classes outside on the bluff would range in the hundreds. Having yoga this accessible created space for me to truly tap into its benefits. The physical postures, well, they’re distractions of the mind. Yoga, yoga is slowing down the mind, getting it to a place of stillness, “no-mind.” This naturally enhanced altered state has brought about so much clarity in some of the most clouded moments. That being said, there are soooo many different yoga studios, types of yoga, teachers for you to try out and see what resonates. Be sure to do your research, contact the studio beforehand to learn more about their classes and teachers. Most studios even have new student discounts where the first class is free, or the first month is unlimited for just a small fee. 
    • Some of my personal favorites for classes are : 
      • ​Vinyasa Flow : Like hatha, vinyasa yoga is a general term that describes many different styles of yoga. It essentially means movement synchronized with breath and is a vigorous style based on a rapid flow through sun salutations.
      • ​Hatha Flow : See above. 
      • Restorative : typically involves only five or six poses, supported by props that allow you to completely relax and rest. Held for 5 minutes or more, restorative poses include light twists, seated forward folds, and gentle backbends. (Yoga Journal) ​

Resources : 

  • Audiobooks 
    • The Power of Vulnerability - Brene Brown 
    • Girlboss - Sophia Amoruso
    • Big Magic - Elizabeth Gilbert 
  • Books 
    • ​The Game of Life and How to Play it 
    • You are a Badass 
    • You are a Badass at Making Money 
    • Girl Code 
    • The Miracle Morning 
    • Imperfect Courage 
    • Girl, Wash Your Face 
    • Girl, Stop Apologizing 
    • Daring Greatly 
    • Think and Grow Rich 
    • Authentic Success 
    • Material Girl, Mystical World 
    • Everything is Figureoutable 
  • Podcasts 
    • Super Soul Conversations - Oprah 
    • Goal Digger - Jenna Kutcher 
    • Rebel & Muse Podcast - Kaleo & Melanie Wassman 
    • Rise Podcast - Rachel Hollis 
    • Rise Together Podcast - Rachel & Dave Hollis 
    • Tony Robbins Podcast 
  • Calendar
    • No, not your phone! 
    • Get an actual, physical calendar you can write in, pen to paper 
  • I am statements (affirmations) 
    • Inspirations : I am infinite. I am expansive. I am beautiful. I am radiant. I am supported. I am expanding my business by booking six new ideal clients per month while providing exceptional service, commitment and vibrantly blissful time capsules. 
  • Daily gratitude 
    • Inspirations : I am grateful for this beautifully supportive place I call our home. I am grateful for inspiration. 
  • Check-ins 
    • There are so many ways this can go! Please refer to THIS BLOG POST for three of my favorite ways to check-in. Ultimately, this is realigning my mind, body and soul. I ask myself the question, “What am I feeling in my MIND / BODY / SOUL right now?” From there, I see the connection between my mind and body, my body and soul, my mind and soul. Then, there is usually a common theme throughout all these check-points. 
  • Tarot/ Oracle cards 
    •  Oh, has this tool truly transformed my world. I got my first oracle deck years ago at a small crystal shop in Benicia, California. The deck served as a tool for quite some time. Then, they got put away so their resonation didn’t align. As my dear friend Melissa and I started doing our development days, she introduced me to some of her decks. This was the ignition of a whole new understanding of the power of tarot and oracle cards. Some of the FAVORITE DECKS include : 
      • Work your Light Oracle Cards by Rebecca Campbell  
      • Whispers of Lord Ganesha Oracle Cards by Angela Hartfield 
      • The Sacred Rebels Oracle by Alana Fairchild 
      • Kuan Yin Oracle by Alana Fairchild 
      • Keepers of Light Oracle Cards by Kyle Gray 
      • The Mother's Wisdom Deck 
  • Crystals 
  • Sage/ Palo Santo / Clearing 
  • Journals 
  • Business Plan 
  • Financial Advisor 
  • Weekly date nights with my husband
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  • Welcome
  • About
  • Coaching
    • Work with Me
  • Photography
    • Work With Me >
      • Weddings
      • Couples and Engagements
      • Families
      • Lifestyle
    • Resources >
      • Favorite Locations
      • Preparing for your Session
      • Planning Our Wedding
    • Print Shop
  • Podcast
  • Contact