28 Comments
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Dawn Downey's avatar

Good lord, you've got a lot going on. And yet, you're out of the house, smiling, and in the final stages of a book proposal. You go, girl!

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Thank you so much for your continued encouragement and support, Dawn!

Misha Alexandria's avatar

I love the actionable steps you’re taking to reclaim your wellness, you got this! Thank you for sharing! Kickboxing sounds like it’s goin to be fun! 😆

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

I’m a list girly for sure! Lol love me a good list. Thanks boo!

Tabitha Grace's avatar

Girl, we in the same muthafuckin boat….and I’m gonna sink this bitch with how much I gained this past year as I healed. I FEEL YOU— especially about it always being a picture. I went LIVE on Substack the other day and I almost had a meltdown when I watched it back: like, who is that? Where did I go?

Anyhow, I hope everything works out with your changes. XOXO

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Thank you boo, we got this. It really is a doozy when your eyes are opened to yourself but life hasn’t been the smoothest lately so we give grace.

Reese Ryan's avatar

That part! When you look at a photo or video of yourself and think, "Who the hell is that?" Ugh. Trying to get it together. Wishing you both success on your journeys as well.

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Thank you hun!! Wishing you well as well, we got this!

Tabitha Grace's avatar

We gon make it!!!!

Kathilia Edghill's avatar

It’s great that you’re trying to approach navigating this time with kindness and grace to and with yourself. That always makes a difference. Praying it’s a fruitful journey for you 🙏🏾🌸

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Yes! Like getting down on myself will just have me sinking deeper. I can turn it around.

Kathilia Edghill's avatar

You sure can! 💪🏾

Nobuhle's avatar

Girl, it's ALWAYS a picture. For me, it was a photoshoot I had gone to, and I simply couldn't find myself. I love that you have decided you will work on your wellness and have taken steps towards it. Can't wait for the updates!

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Them damn pictures!!! Snapped me right back. Thank you hun!!

Yetti's avatar

A picture will always do it, but i’m proud of you for providing yourself grace as you work through it all. ♥️

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

And thank you for being here for every step of this wild ride I’ve been on 😘

Emily Parcell's avatar

Same boat here. Interested to hear how helpful you find the dietician. I’ve been thinking about trying one for awhile.

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

The first time around it really did help me jumpstart more healthier eating and just being more conscious of what I’m putting in my body and portion control! For me, it’s about the accountability knowing I’m reporting in to someone that helps too.

Carlie's Heart Work's avatar

Loved reading the reality check and the numbered steps to change something you want to change

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Now I just need to stick to the plan!

The AI Architect's avatar

This is such a powerful reflection on self-compassion during difficult times. The part about ditching the metrics actually stuck with me tho because I've noticed that too with tracking apps. They can become more about maintaining streaks than actually building sustainable habits. The way thiskind of self-awareness drives real change is underrated. Wishing you well with the kickboxing and all the steps forward.

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

Thank you so much!

Savannah Taider's avatar

I feel this so deeply.

I felt the same disgust around Christmas, when my friend snapped a pic of my and my pup next to the tree. My FUPA is BIG. My body is in physical pain from the weight I gained. I no longer want to feel pretty because it feels like an unreachable goal.

I was contemplating surgery… My weight has been a problem since forever. 🥲

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

I get this. I’ve been wrestling with my weight my whole life and more recently post-pandemic. I’m hoping you find what works best for you!

Reese Ryan's avatar

Thank you for sharing your experience and plan. I feel this so very deeply. ADHD girlie here, and 2025 was such a struggle. The world is on fire and life was lifing. It was tough. I fell off the wagon of all the good habits I'd built while losing more than 40 pounds. I stopped doing everything. Wasn't working out. Stopped my no soda, no sugar. Stopped weighing daily. Stopped monitoring my water intake. So no surprise, all the clothing that had gotten loose is snug again. That prompted me to finally get on the scale. I'm up about fifteen pounds. Trying to get myself back on plan and prioritize my health again.

Ashleigh Vaughn's avatar

It all starts with a plan to get back to it, you got this!

Anella Shillingford's avatar

sending you so much love, girlie <3