Ashlee

Ashlee, 36
Chicago, IL

Determined, brave, compassionate
@ashleepiper
www.ashleepiper.com
Photographed in Chicago's Loop

“After spending the past few months balancing a full-time job, freelance gigs, and writing a 300-page book that will be out in June 2018 to the point of near exhaustion, I am proud that I'm finally loosening a lifetime of expectations I've placed on myself to please everyone and be as perfect at everything as possible. That mindset is so insidious, especially for women, and created an impossible standard that made me feel like I was failing at everything.

Now, I'm giving myself more permission to say no, to rest and have fun without guilt or shame, to not do every damn thing, and to feel worthy regardless of accomplishments or striving. Balancing being an ambitious person who wants to make a positive impact in all I do with allowing myself the grace to just be has helped me to actually accomplish more without burning out or wasting time on people and things that no longer add to my health, happiness, and joy. It's a tough process, but I'm glad I recognized that I needed to explore it.”