Tag Archives: mental health

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.

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.

The Power of Now: Actionable Tips for Living Your Best Life (from guest blogger Melissa Howard)

Posted in Normal People Things by


Photo by Freepik

In an era where life’s pace never seems to slow, finding your path to personal excellence might appear formidable. Yet, it’s the incremental changes to our everyday habits that can dramatically shift our trajectory toward success and fulfillment. This guide from Deep Curves Ahead provides actionable steps you can take to enhance your well-being, nurture personal growth, and achieve your aspirations.

The Essential Role of Quality Sleep

The cornerstone of a productive and fulfilling day begins with a good night’s sleep. Adequate rest is paramount, not merely for physical rejuvenation but for mental sharpness and emotional balance as well. When you commit to 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly, you lay the groundwork for enhanced focus, improved mood regulation, and overall physical health. It’s the fuel that powers your ability to confront daily challenges with vigor and resilience.

Navigate Stress with Grace

The presence of stress in our lives is a given, yet its impact is determined by our management of it. Identifying stress triggers and embracing coping mechanisms such as mindfulness practices, deep breathing exercises, and self-care rituals, transform stress from a hindrance into a catalyst for growth. This proactive approach to stress management not only alleviates immediate tension but also fortifies your resilience against future stressors.

Find Renewal Through Deep Cleaning

A cluttered environment often mirrors a cluttered mind, where both can significantly hinder your ability to focus and manifest your goals. Committing to a deep cleaning of your living space not only refreshes your surroundings but also declutters your mental landscape. Make this process easier by unearthing cleaning hacks and tips from reputable online sources. This act of renewal invites creativity, enhances focus, and cultivates a serene environment conducive to personal growth and productivity.

Become a Better Communicator

The art of communication is a pivotal tool in building and maintaining successful relationships. By enhancing your ability to listen actively, express yourself assertively, and extend empathy, you deepen your connections and navigate conflicts with ease. These communication skills are instrumental in cultivating a supportive network and advancing collaborative efforts, both personally and professionally.

Embrace Organization In All Aspects of Your Life

A well-organized life is a foundation for efficiency and clarity. Developing systematic routines and employing organizational tools like planners and digital applications streamline your daily tasks, thereby freeing up time for growth-oriented activities. This strategic approach not only minimizes stress but also aligns your daily actions with your overarching goals, ensuring steady progress toward your aspirations.

Use Your Vacation Time 

Embracing the full potential of your vacation time can be a transformative experience, not just a break from your daily routine. Instead of letting those precious days go unused, plan trips that you’ve long dreamed about. Whether it’s exploring the hidden gems within your own state, discovering the diverse cultures and landscapes across your country, or venturing into the vast and varied terrains of the world, each journey offers a unique opportunity for personal growth and enrichment. Traveling broadens your horizons, exposes you to new ideas, and fosters a deeper understanding of the world and your place in it.

Go Back to School to Boost Your Career

Going back to school is a strategic move for career advancement, and choosing an online degree program adds a layer of convenience and flexibility that can be pivotal for working professionals. For instance, if you’re a nurse, with a master’s of science degree in nursing, you can gain valuable skills designed to equip students with a range of competencies, from advanced patient care to healthcare policy and ethics, all of which are critical in today’s rapidly evolving medical field. The beauty of an online education format is that it allows you to balance your work and family life without compromising on your academic goals.

The path to living your best life is paved with intentional actions and mindful decisions. By embracing these strategies, you’re not merely dreaming of a better tomorrow; you’re actively constructing it. Each day presents a new opportunity to apply these principles, gradually steering your life toward a future brimming with success, fulfillment, and personal achievement. Start today, and with each step, you’ll move closer to realizing the life you envision.

Join the journey at Deep Curves Ahead, where engaging and uplifting stories await to guide and inspire you through life’s twists and turns. 

I Hate U, I Love U

Posted in She. Me. Her. by

Today depression took my heart in its claws and squeezed so hard the tears couldn’t help but fall.

Today I live in my head, repeating a litany of past mistakes and failures. Embarrassments and disappointments.

Depression purrs, “I love this song,” and cranks the volume up. Belts the chorus like velvet wrapped in barbed wire:

“You’re boring and stupid,

So ugly and useless.

Deep down inside you know it’s true,

And everyone else knows it too.”

Today I think a little too much. Speak a little less often.

(don’tletthemsee)

Laugh a little too loud. Smile a little too hard.

(don’tletthemseehowmuchithurts)

Today is a day I just need to get through.

Tomorrow will be better.

Depression coos with a sly smile, “We’ll see.”

The Crash (A Hate Poem for Depression)

Posted in She. Me. Her. by

The Crash is The Crash because it hits you.  Hard.

The Crash laughs at you for thinking everything would be okay. “When has it ever been okay?  When have you ever been okay?”

The Crash wakes you up exhausted after a full night’s sleep.  Keeps you up at night.  Turns your stomach.  Takes your breath.

The Crash begs you to stay inside.  “You’re too weak to make it through the day.  You can’t even get out of this bed.”

Sometimes, The Crash wins.  You stay.  Cry.  Dry your tears. Cry. Just…cry. 

Sometimes, you can’t (won’t) stay.  You get up because you have to, need to.

The Crash vows to destroy your day anyway.  

The Crash ruins your makeup before you finish putting it on, keeps a gleeful tally of how many times you cover the tracks of tears on your cheeks.

The Crash brings you to tears anywhere:  walking into work, in the produce section of the grocery store, on a treadmill at the gym.  The Crash hopes no one notices and smirks when they don’t.  “When has anyone ever noticed you?”

The Crash mocks the brave face you put on. Chuckles when you say, text, think, “I’m fine.” “You just keep on wearing that fake smile, girl. You may fool them, but you won’t fool me.”

You work through it. You always do. But…

The Crash always happens again.