Where I’ve Been for Six Months (and what comes next)

Posted in Normal People Things, She. Me. Her., Work Life, You + Me = Us by

It’s been six months since I last blogged. I didn’t plan to disappear, but life took over, and I want to tell you how it went.

The job search

The job market is, for lack of better phrase, hot garbage right now. I submitted SO MANY applications and I never heard back from most of them. I got a few interviews–even a couple of second interviews that I thought for sure I had in the bag–and my heart was crushed when the rejection came back. I tried not to take it personally, but with an already bruised ego it felt like adding insult to injury every time. So when I finally got an offer from the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services, I was absolutely elated! I accepted the position and I really enjoy my new job. The team is great, my boss is cool, and I’m doing work that aligns with my values again.

The trips

Thankfully I had some trips planned (and paid for) before I got laid off, so my unemployment wasn’t just spent applying for jobs. I took a weekend trip to Charleston, South Carolina with my dear friend Kathy and had an absolute BALL. We ate so much delicious food, saw absolutely beautiful nature, and hit up the local landmarks. Charleston has a rich history and it was amazing to learn more about the city. My husband and I also took a trip to Atlanta, Georgia to celebrate his 40th birthday. That was a great time as well; he’s a big baseball fan so we made sure to get prime tickets to see the Braves plan. We also got to channel our inner Vin Diesel and go around a racing track in a Porsche! That was a thrill for sure…but now I’m certain “NASCAR driver” is NOT a career I ever want to go into.

The question I couldn’t stop asking

Somewhere in the middle of all this, I started asking myself if I wanted to keep making YouTube videos (and corresponding blog posts, like this one). Over and over the voice in my head would ask, “Is this even worth it?” I got really discouraged and overwhelmed with the whole process; I’d spent a lot of time shooting video, reviewing hours of footage, and editing it all (doubting myself the entire time)…to see the video only 12 views. I was so worried about thumbnails and subscribers and SEO and monetization that I forgot why I started the channel in the first place–to speak my truth and share my story with the world. So will I keep up with my YouTube journey? I don’t have a final answer yet, but making this most recent video was a good start. Sitting down to record reminded me that my channel is MY channel–I should say what I want, not what gets clicks and views. And most of all, YouTube is supposed to be fun! From now on, making videos will be a fun creative project that relieves my stress instead of causing it.

Where this leaves us

Right now, I’m in a decent place. The job loss triggered my depression and anxiety, and relationship issues made things even worse. But thanks to the support of my family and close friends, I’m much better. Stability is really important to me, and I finally feel like I’m getting back to baseline. And as a forever optimist, I’m hopefully that things will only continue to improve. I’m loving on myself for the first time in a long time and it feels so good.

If you’ve been through something similar, whether that’s a job hunt, a grand adventure, or a moment of asking “Is this even worth it?”, I’d love to hear about it in the comments. And if you want me to keep going on YouTube, tell me what you’d like to see next.

Watch the full video here: I Disappeared for 6 Months. Here’s What Happened.

I Got Laid Off–Here’s What I Learned

Posted in She. Me. Her., Work Life by

In January, I celebrated my three-year work anniversary at my company. I was so proud of that milestone — proud of the team I was part of, the work I’d done on the Learning & Development team, and the relationships I’d built across the organization. Then, not even a month later, I was laid off.

I’m not going to pretend it wasn’t a shock. It was. But as I’ve had time to sit with it, I’ve found some genuine silver linings. I wanted to share them here, and in the video below, because I know I’m not alone in going through this.

Silver Lining #1: My Circle of Support Is Bigger Than I Realized

When something like this happens, you find out quickly who shows up for you. And honestly? I was overwhelmed–in the best way! Messages from former colleagues, friends I hadn’t spoken to in months, family members checking in, people in my professional network reaching out with leads and encouragement.

It’s easy to feel isolated when you lose a job. The structure of your day disappears, your sense of professional identity takes a hit, and it can feel like you’re suddenly invisible. But what I discovered is that I had built a much deeper and wider network of people who genuinely cared about me than I’d ever fully appreciated. That realization has been one of the most meaningful takeaways from all of this.

Silver Lining #2: My Worth Isn’t Tied to My Job

This one took me a little longer to sit with. So much of our identity–especially in the United States–can get wrapped up in what we do for a living. What company we work for. What our title is. How long we’ve been there.

Losing my job forced me to separate those things. I am not my job title. I am not my employer. My value as a person, the skills I’ve built, the relationships I’ve nurtured, the way I show up for people–none of that left with the layoff. And that’s something I think a lot of us need to hear, especially right now when layoffs in tech are still so common.

What’s Next for Me

I’m in the middle of figuring that out, and I’m choosing to document it here. This blog, and my YouTube channel, are going to be a place where I share the journey honestly: the job search, the uncertainty, the lessons, and (hopefully) a lot of growth along the way.

If you’ve been laid off, are in a career transition, or just needed to hear that it’s okay to not have everything figured out right now, I hope this post (and the video) helps you feel a little less alone.

You’ve got this. And so do I.

🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: I Lost My Job in Tech (And Found Something More Important)

Decorating My Christmas Tree: Holiday Traditions (and a Little Chaos)

Posted in family, Home Life, Normal People Things, She. Me. Her. by

December is here, which means it’s finally time to decorate my Christmas tree — one of my favorite traditions of the year.

In my latest YouTube video, I share the process of decorating my tree, talk about where I got it from, and reflect on why holiday decorating means so much to me. For me, it’s not just about ornaments and lights — it’s about creating warmth, comfort, and a sense of joy during a season that can feel both magical and emotional.

As always, things didn’t go perfectly. There was one pretty big snafu during the decorating process, and at one point, a surprise dog appearance completely stole the spotlight. 🐶 Sometimes the imperfections are what make the memories sweeter. ❤️

🎥 Watch the full video here: A Cozy December Tradition: Decorating My Christmas Tree

Decorating for the holidays is a way I slow down, reconnect with myself, and honor traditions that bring me peace. I hope this video (and this season) encourages you to embrace cozy moments, laugh when things go sideways, and find meaning in the little rituals that make this time of year so special.

Thanks for being here — and happy holidays! 🎄✨

Life Updates: October Stress, November Fun, and Why I Didn’t Give Up on My Monthly Video Goal

Posted in entertainment, family, She. Me. Her. by

Welcome back to the blog! It’s been a little while, and today I’m sharing the story behind my latest YouTube video — a two-month recap that covers the whirlwind of October and the much-needed joy of November.

If you’ve been following along, you know I set a personal goal to post one video every month this year. And then… October happened. Life got overwhelming, I felt stretched thin, and even though I recorded a video, I didn’t end up posting it.

At first, I felt disappointed in myself. Missing that goal felt like a failure. But with some distance (and a very grounding therapy session), I realized something important:
Sometimes not hitting a goal is actually a sign of growth.

🍂 October: Stressful, Heavy, and Human

October was a tough month. My schedule was packed, my emotions were high, and the video I filmed ended up being more sensitive and vulnerable than I expected. Looking back now, I’m grateful I didn’t publish it. Some things are meant to be worked through with a therapist, not uploaded to the internet.

And that’s okay.
That’s me choosing my mental health over consistency — and I’m proud of that.

✨ November: Busy in the Best Way

November came with its own kind of busyness, but this time, it was joyful. I went on a cruise to celebrate my dad’s 60th birthday, and it was exactly the kind of reset I needed. I also got to attend my first-ever NFL game!

Jack White performed during halftime…
AND we had a surprise appearance from a certain 8 Mile legend. 👀
That moment alone was worth the chaos of the past two months.

🎄 Looking Ahead

December’s video is still up in the air, but with holiday prep and early thoughts about my 2026 goals, I’ll definitely have things to share. This season always brings reflection, intention setting, and a little sparkle — and I’m excited to bring you along!

💛 A Final Thought

I didn’t meet my monthly video goal, but I also didn’t quit. This two-month update is me choosing progress over perfection, and I hope it reminds you that we’re allowed to be human while we grow.

If you want the full story, you can watch the video here:
👉 I Didn’t Hit My Goal…But I Didn’t Give Up: October & November Updates

Thanks for sticking with me — through the stress, the joy, and everything in between.

3 Life Lessons I Wish I’d Learned Sooner (+ a Birthday Bonus Lesson)

Posted in Normal People Things, She. Me. Her. by

It’s my birthday today 🎉—and while birthdays usually mean cake, candles, and maybe a little champagne, this year I’m in a more reflective mood. As I joked in my latest video, I’m an “old bitch” now (truly love that for me), and I’ve realized there are some lessons I really wish I’d picked up sooner in life.

So instead of keeping them to myself, I decided to share them. Here are 3 life lessons (plus a bonus one) that I’m finally learning:

1. Your body will betray you.
Getting older means realizing that your body isn’t invincible. The aches, pains, and slower recovery times are real. If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to move more, stay active, and take health seriously before it became non-negotiable.

2. F*ck the haters—they suck.
I spent too much of my life worrying about what other people thought of me. Truth is, the haters will always hate, and their opinions don’t matter. Life feels lighter when you stop performing for others and start living for yourself.

3. Put your phone down and actually enjoy your life.
Scrolling is easy, but it doesn’t feed the soul. These days I’m learning to find joy in the little things—like walks in nature, good food, or just noticing the world around me. Life is too short to miss it because of a screen.

✨ Bonus Lesson: Don’t just survive—live!
It’s not enough to just make it through the day. As I enter my 38th year on Planet Earth, I want to create moments worth remembering, embrace joy where I can, and make the most of this one life.

🎥 Watch the full video here: Birthday Wisdom from an Old B*tch 🎉 3 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way

So here’s to another year older, hopefully wiser, and definitely bolder! If any of these lessons resonate with you, I’d love to hear which one hits home the most.

#lifelessons #birthdayreflections #selfgrowth #gettingolder #authenticity #selfcare

Skin, Hair, and Healing: Reflecting on August & Resetting for September

Posted in She. Me. Her. by

August was… a lot. Some months just feel heavier than others, and this was definitely one of them. Professionally, emotionally, mentally—it stretched me more than I expected.

When life feels overwhelming, I’ve learned that my daily habits—like caring for my skin and hair—can make a big difference. They’re routines that ground me, remind me that I deserve love and care, and help me feel centered again.

In my latest video, I share:
💆🏽‍♀️ My daily skin and hair care routines
🌧️ A little honesty about why August was rough
🌱 The goals I’m setting for September to help me reset and move forward

It’s part self-care, part life update, part fresh start.

🎥 Watch the full video here: Self-Care + Real Talk: Daily Routines, August Struggles & September Intentions

If August wasn’t your best month either, maybe September can be our chance to reset together. ✨ Here’s to new goals, gentler self-talk, and giving ourselves the space to grow!

#skincareroutine #haircareroutine #monthlyreset #septembergoals #selfcarejourney #healing

Smoothie Bowls & Self-Compassion: Notes from a Recovering Perfectionist

Posted in She. Me. Her. by

This month, I filmed something a little different: a quick video from my car talking about something that’s been on my heart lately—perfectionism.

More specifically: recovering from it.

Perfectionism has been a quiet thread in so many parts of my life—how I show up, how I measure success, even how I speak to myself. And while I’ve gotten better at noticing it, unlearning it is still a process.

If you’ve ever felt like your worth is tied to your performance, or like you’re never doing quite enough—this one’s for you.

🎥 Watch the full video here: Smoothie Bowl Therapy: Letting Go of Perfectionism

It’s not polished. It’s not planned. But it’s honest—and that feels like a step forward.

#recoveringperfectionist #selfcompassion #imperfectionism #carvlog #slowgrowth #mentalhealthblog #blackwomenover30 #blackgirlmagic

A Quick Walk, a Little Library, and a Tiny Burst of Joy

Posted in Normal People Things, She. Me. Her. by

Sometimes, all it takes is a short walk to reset your energy—and that’s exactly what I needed when I filmed my latest video.

In this vlog, I take you with me on a brief stroll around my neighborhood. Nothing fancy, just a moment to breathe, stretch my legs, and reconnect with the world around me. Along the way, I passed blooming flowers, smiling neighbors, and one of my favorite things: a little free library.It’s a simple video, but it reminded me how much beauty exists in the everyday—how just 10 or 15 minutes outside can shift your mood in the best way.

Did I find a literary gem I simply HAD to take home? You’ll have to watch to find out! 📚😉

🎥 Watch the video here: The Walk I Didn’t Know I Needed

If you’ve been feeling drained or stuck lately, I highly recommend taking your own short walk. You never know what small magic you might find!

#neighborhoodwalk #slowliving #littlefreelibrary #dailyvlog #simplejoys #mindfulmoments

My Cowboy Carter Tour Experience: Delays, Chinatown Adventures & Beyoncé Magic in Chicago

Posted in entertainment by

I finally got to see Beyoncé on her Cowboy Carter tour—and wow, what a ride. From exploring Chicago’s Chinatown to weather delays and merch struggles, this trip was definitely one for the books.

In my latest video, I share a full recap of the experience:
✨ Wandering through the Chinatown district of Chicago (our home base for the trip)
⛈️ The 3+ hour weather delay that had us waiting and hoping
👕 My chaotic attempt to get concert merch
🎤 And of course… footage from the show itself, which absolutely blew me away

Even with the delays and a few hiccups along the way, Beyoncé delivered a performance that made every minute worth it. The Cowboy Carter era is powerful, bold, and everything I didn’t know I needed.

If you’re curious about what the tour experience is like—or just want a peek into the vibe, the visuals, and the energy of the night—I’d love for you to check it out.

🎥 Watch the full video here: Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour: My Experience on the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit

Whether you’re a fellow member of the Beyhive, planning to see the tour, or just living vicariously, I hope you enjoy this trip to the rodeo! 💫

#CowboyCarter #BeyonceTour2025 #ConcertVlog #ChicagoTravel #Beyhive #ChinatownChicago #LiveMusic

Coping with My Father’s Death, Re-Parenting My Inner Child, and Choosing to Heal Out Loud

Posted in She. Me. Her. by

After almost a year away from this blog, I’m returning with a topic that’s deeply personal and incredibly important to me: healing from parental loss and learning how to re-parent my inner child.

In my latest YouTube video, I open up about my father, who passed away when I was young. His birthday recently came around, and with it came a wave of reflection—about grief, memory, and the impact his absence (and his struggle with alcoholism) has had on my life.

If you’ve ever lost a parent, especially one you had a complicated relationship with, you might understand how grief can resurface in quiet but powerful ways. In the video, I talk about how I’ve carried that loss, how it shows up in my adult life, and how I’ve been working to heal through the practice of re-parenting.

What is re-parenting the inner child?
It’s a form of self-care and emotional healing that involves nurturing the younger parts of yourself—especially the ones that didn’t get the support, protection, or love they needed growing up. For me, it’s become a core part of how I’m learning to feel safe in the world again, to be gentle with myself, and to process grief in an intentional way.

This video is one of the most vulnerable things I’ve shared, but I believe in showing up honestly. If you’re navigating your own grief, healing from childhood trauma, or exploring how to reconnect with your inner child, I hope it resonates with you.

📺 Watch the video here: YouTube | Ashley Litsey
📌 Topics covered in the video:

  • Coping with the death of a parent
  • Grieving an alcoholic parent
  • Healing through re-parenting
  • Emotional self-care and inner child work
  • Navigating grief anniversaries

Trigger Warning: This video includes mentions of alcoholism and the death of a parent. Please prioritize your wellbeing as you watch.

Thank you for being here. Whether you’ve been following my journey or just found this post through a search, I hope it offers something gentle and real.