Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledging and celebrating my achievements, no matter how small, is a crucial aspect of self-love. Recently, after completing a challenging project, I took the time to recognize my efforts. This positive reinforcement boosts my self-esteem and encourages a continued sense of accomplishment.
Asa part of our series about “How To Learn To Finally Love Yourself” we had the pleasure to interview Ashlie Price.
Ashlie Price is a professional life coach and personal development expert with a background deeply rooted in the fitness industry. She has leveraged her diverse educational experiences and personal growth journey to empower others. Ashlie’s career trajectory shifted when she embarked on her life coaching journey in 2019, stemming from her own challenges and a desire to provide guided support to those seeking personal and professional transformation. Today, she is known for her impactful work in life coaching, guiding clients on their unique paths to success and fulfillment.
Thank you so much for joining us! I’d love to begin by asking you to give us the backstory as to what brought you to this specific career path.
Iappreciate this opportunity. To introduce myself, I’m a mother of two from St. Bernard Parish, a suburb near New Orleans, Louisiana. My professional journey is deeply rooted in personal development, commencing in the fitness industry and evolving into life coaching, even venturing into psychedelic-assisted therapy.
My career drive has been shaped by a blend of my educational background, diverse work experiences, and personal growth opportunities that have come my way. I’ve carried a lifelong passion for positively impacting others. I firmly believe that to make an impact as a coach, guide, or teacher. Life first offers us its most profound lessons by placing us in the role of a student.
In 2014, I faced one of life’s lowest points: navigating a low-paying job, relationship challenges, postpartum depression, and the pursuit of a fitness competition. Overwhelmed and in a true season of change, I recognized the need for guided support in life.
This realization initiated my personal growth journey, and in 2019, I embarked on my professional life coaching career to extend support to others on their unique paths.
Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you hope that they might help people along their path to self-understanding or a better sense of wellbeing in their relationships?
Presently, I am establishing my inaugural small group cohort tailored for ambitious women embarking on their “Slow Down Era,” aspiring to embrace the principles of soul-centered leadership. These gatherings will take place both in-person and virtually. Furthermore, my exclusive one-on-one sessions, Soul-Purpose + Self Love, employing The Mastery Method (™) and The VITA Method (™), cater to individuals seeking profound fulfillment and enhanced connections in their professional pursuits and relationships. These sessions guide participants in crafting a vision aligned with their deepest desires.
Do you have a personal story that you can share with our readers about your struggles or successes along your journey of self-understanding and self-love? Was there ever a tipping point that triggered a change regarding your feelings of self acceptance?
The path to self-love has been a tumultuous one for me. Throughout my youth, I grappled with accepting myself, facing frequent taunts about my curly hair, how I walked, and my clothing choices. The gap between my teeth only fueled my insecurities. In addition to my appearance, I was labeled a “teacher’s pet,” earning me teasing for my dedication to academics. Amidst a turbulent home life, I shuffled between schools, hindering the formation of lasting friendships. This constant change made me feel like an outsider among those with deep-rooted connections.
These experiences created numerous challenges as I yearned to belong but believed I lacked the talent or beauty of my peers. When I began dating, I morphed into the identities of my partners, relinquishing my individuality. I ceased being “Ashlie” and became someone’s girlfriend, losing my true self.
In my twenties, I ventured into the modeling world, receiving praise for my looks and adopting a more outgoing persona. When insecurity crept in, I assumed the role of “Spicy,” the lively party-goer. While fun, Spicy seldom received recognition for intelligence or ambition and was often criticized for choices, especially in relationships.
The turning point occurred in 2012 after the traumatic birth of my second child, leading to severe postpartum depression, suicidal thoughts, and hospitalization. With an ended engagement and a sense of identity loss, I felt like a mere shell. Over the years, I delved into self-discovery beyond the roles of mother, partner, daughter, or friend. I sought to understand Ashlie, the soulful human and divine creation, uncovering my true purpose. Studying myself and doing the inner work brought value and understanding to my weary heart. I’m grateful for the ongoing journey of self-discovery and growth.
According to a recent study cited in Cosmopolitan, in the US, only about 28 percent of men and 26 percent of women are “very satisfied with their appearance.” Could you talk about what some of the causes might be, as well as the consequences?
The observed dissatisfaction can be attributed to various factors, with a prominent role played by the pervasive influence of media, perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards. The constant exposure to meticulously curated images on social media platforms not only fosters social comparisons but also contributes to the prevalence of body shaming. Cultural expectations and societal norms regarding beauty add another layer, putting pressure on individuals to conform to specific ideals. The consequences of this dissatisfaction extend beyond the surface, impacting mental health and linking to conditions such as depression and anxiety. Unhealthy behaviors like extreme dieting and excessive exercise also come into play.
Moreover, low self-esteem, social withdrawal, and strained relationships emerge as common repercussions. Effectively addressing these challenges requires concerted efforts to promote realistic body ideals, encourage self-acceptance, and advocate for diverse representations of beauty in both media and society. Crucially, adopting a comprehensive approach involves providing mental health support and instilling positive body image education to alleviate the widespread consequences of appearance dissatisfaction.
To some, the concept of learning to truly understand and “love yourself,” may seem like a cheesy or trite concept. But it is not. Can you share with our readers a few reasons why learning to love yourself it’s truly so important?
Embracing learning to understand and love oneself genuinely may seem cliché to some, but its significance cannot be overstated. Firstly, self-love forms the foundation for a resilient and positive mindset, fostering mental well-being and emotional stability. When individuals have a healthy relationship with themselves, it positively influences how they approach challenges and setbacks. Secondly, self-love is a cornerstone for building strong interpersonal relationships. We are better equipped to form meaningful connections by recognizing and appreciating our worth.
Additionally, self-love empowers individuals to set and maintain healthy boundaries, leading to more fulfilling personal and professional interactions. Lastly, cultivating self-love is integral to personal growth and development. It encourages individuals to pursue their passions, take risks, and embrace opportunities, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life.
Why do you think people stay in mediocre relationships? What advice would you give to our readers regarding this?
People may find themselves in mediocre relationships for various reasons, often rooted in familiarity, fear of change, or societal expectations. Sometimes, individuals may choose to stay in these relationships due to a sense of comfort or the belief that it’s better than being alone. My advice to readers facing such situations is to prioritize their well-being and happiness. Reflecting on personal values, needs, and aspirations is crucial. If a relationship consistently falls short of providing fulfillment and growth, it may be worth considering open communication with the partner to address concerns. Setting clear boundaries and having honest conversations about expectations can help both parties understand each other’s needs. Ultimately, embracing change and prioritizing one’s happiness may lead to healthier, more fulfilling relationships or the empowerment to seek partnerships that align better with personal goals and values.
When I talk about self-love and understanding I don’t necessarily mean blindly loving and accepting ourselves the way we are. Many times self-understanding requires us to reflect and ask ourselves the tough questions, to realize perhaps where we need to make changes in ourselves to be better not only for ourselves but our relationships. What are some of those tough questions that will cut through the safe space of comfort we like to maintain, that our readers might want to ask themselves? Can you share an example of a time that you had to reflect and realize how you needed to make changes?
When discussing self-love and understanding, it’s essential to clarify that it doesn’t entail blind acceptance but rather a willingness to reflect and ask challenging questions. Readers might want to consider asking themselves questions that pierce through the comfort zones they may maintain. For instance, asking, “Am I truly happy with the way I handle conflict in my relationships?” can lead to introspection about communication styles and areas for improvement.
Another crucial question could be, “Do I prioritize my needs and well-being?” This encourages individuals to assess whether they are nurturing a balanced and healthy relationship with themselves. I’ve reflected on the need for change by asking, “How can I be more authentic in my interactions?” I had a lot of reprogramming around presenting myself to others authentically, responding in ways that aligned with my true heart, and not from a place of people-pleasing or conditioned responses to fit in. This prompted me to reassess my communication patterns and strive for more genuine connections in my personal life and career.
So many don’t really know how to be alone, or are afraid of it. How important is it for us to have, and practice, that capacity to truly be with ourselves and be alone (literally or metaphorically)?
The ability to be alone, whether literally or metaphorically, holds significant importance in our personal development and well-being. Practicing the capacity to be with ourselves fosters self-awareness and a deeper understanding of our thoughts, emotions, and desires. It enables individuals to cultivate a sense of independence and self-reliance, contributing to overall resilience. Moreover, embracing solitude allows for reflection and introspection, promoting personal growth and clarity of purpose. Those who fear or avoid being alone may miss out on valuable opportunities for self-discovery and may find it challenging to establish a strong foundation for healthy relationships with others. Therefore, nurturing the ability to be alone is empowering and essential for building a fulfilling and authentic life.
How does achieving a certain level of self-understanding and self-love then affect your ability to connect with and deepen your relationships with others?
When individuals understand their values, needs, and boundaries, they can communicate more effectively and authentically in their relationships. Self-love provides a foundation of confidence and emotional well-being, allowing individuals to engage with others from a place of security rather than seeking validation. This, in turn, fosters healthier and more meaningful connections, as individuals are better equipped to express their needs, empathize with others, and navigate conflicts constructively. A strong sense of self ultimately enables individuals to bring authenticity and depth to their relationships.
In your experience, what should a) individuals and b) society, do to help people better understand themselves and accept themselves?
On an individual level, it’s crucial to prioritize self-reflection and introspection. This involves asking oneself challenging questions, acknowledging strengths and areas for growth, and embracing personal authenticity. Seeking support from mentors and therapists or engaging in personal development activities can also facilitate this journey. On a societal level, creating an environment that promotes diverse representations of beauty, success, and fulfillment is essential. Educational programs emphasizing emotional intelligence and self-awareness can be integrated into the school’s curriculum. Encouraging open conversations about mental health and well-being helps reduce stigma and fosters a supportive culture. Moreover, promoting inclusivity and celebrating individual differences contributes to a society that values and embraces diverse expressions of identity. Ultimately, it’s a collaborative effort from individuals and society to nurture a culture prioritizing self-understanding and self-acceptance.
Here is the main question of our discussion. What are 5 strategies that you implement to maintain your connection with and love for yourself, that our readers might learn from? Could you please give a story or example for each?
Certainly! Here are five strategies I implement to maintain my connection with and love for myself, along with examples:
- Regular Self-Reflection: self-reflection allows me to assess my emotions, goals, and overall well-being. For instance, I dedicate a few minutes each morning to journaling about my thoughts and intentions for the day. This practice helps me stay aligned with my values and maintain a positive mindset.
- Mindful Practices: Mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises help me stay present and centered. I incorporate short mindfulness breaks throughout the day if it’s a particularly stressful period at work. This allows me to manage stress more effectively and maintain a sense of calm amid challenges.
- Setting Boundaries: Establishing clear boundaries in both personal and professional spheres is crucial. I learned the importance of this by self-made agreements to refrain from answering any emails or texts that are work-related if they are outside of my established working hours, created by block scheduling. By setting boundaries and communicating my limits, I preserved time for self-care, leading to a better work-life balance.
- Celebrating Achievements: Acknowledging and celebrating my achievements, no matter how small, is a crucial aspect of self-love. Recently, after completing a challenging project, I took the time to recognize my efforts. This positive reinforcement boosts my self-esteem and encourages a continued sense of accomplishment.
- Prioritizing Self-Care: Making self-care a priority is essential for maintaining a healthy connection with oneself. I learned this lesson during a busy period when I neglected self-care. Recognizing the impact on my well-being, I now prioritize activities that bring joy and relaxation, whether taking time away from the screen, getting a workout in, or getting a massage.
What are your favorite books, podcasts, or resources for self-psychology, intimacy, or relationships? What do you love about each one and how does it resonate with you?
Recently, I completed a 6-treatment pathway with Mindbloom called “Learning to Love Yourself.” The content of this program helped me to connect with my younger self and higher self, creating a healing connection between the two, as well as offering insights on how to be more loving and compassionate with myself.
Podcast: The Healing + Human Potential podcast by Alyssa Nobriga is my favorite to learn tools and deepen my study into what it means to be a multidimensional being. I have been mentored by Alyssa since 2019, and her messages are always right on time to support.
Book for Intimacy + Relationships: Getting The Love That You Want by Harville Hendrix, Ph.D., and Helen LaKelly Hunt, Ph.D., provides a practical framework for couples to communicate effectively, especially with challenging conversations to bring deeper understanding while preserving the relationship.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? Maybe we’ll inspire our readers to start it…
I would spearhead a self-love movement focused on “Authentic Acceptance.” This initiative aims to inspire individuals to wholeheartedly embrace and celebrate their authentic selves, fostering a culture of acceptance and self-love. Central to this movement is encouraging unfiltered self-expression, where people can celebrate diverse identities and personal styles without conforming to societal expectations. Additionally, promoting open discussions about personal experiences and vulnerabilities would create a supportive community where individuals connect through shared stories of growth and self-discovery. Mindful self-compassion practices, inclusive well-being approaches, and empowering education would be integral components, emphasizing that self-love encompasses mental, emotional, and spiritual aspects. Through this movement, I envision a world where individuals feel empowered to be their authentic selves, fostering a compassionate and inclusive society.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote” that you use to guide yourself by? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life and how our readers might learn to live by it in theirs?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes about self-love and acceptance is by Brene Brown: “Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” This quote has been profoundly relevant in my life as it emphasizes the importance of embracing one’s true self and letting go of societal expectations or perceived notions. It became particularly significant during a period of self-discovery where I navigated the balance between professional expectations and my authentic identity. By practicing authenticity, I found a more profound sense of personal and professional fulfillment and connection. I advise readers to reflect on their true selves, identify societal expectations they may be holding onto, and gradually let go of those perceptions. Embrace authenticity in daily life by honoring personal values, expressing genuine emotions, and allowing room for growth without judgment. Living authentically leads to a more fulfilling and genuine existence, fostering self-love and acceptance.
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Thank you so much for your time and for your inspiring insights!