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in Marriage

Perfect Birthday Gift for an Introvert

Neal celebrated his 38th birthday this past weekend! Months ago I started thinking of ways to celebrate him, but quickly realized that most ideas were things I’d like to do. When I really thought about it, what Neal treasured the most, was time to write.

Neal is a published author and is currently working on his 5th book! Since having our second child, it has been really hard for him to find the time to write. He writes here and there, but as most writers know, writing for 30 minutes here and there just isn’t the same as having 4 uninterrupted hours to just write.

My husband is an introvert, so aside from writing, the gift of peace is one of the greatest things I can gift him. That’s one of the reasons Neal stays up so late most nights. The hours after the kids and I go to bed are his chance to think, write, and rest while the house is quiet.  While we’ve enjoyed some amazing birthday weekends over the years, I realized that the perfect birthday gift for an introverted Dad was 24 hours away.

Some of my friends thought I was crazy, but this year I sent Neal away for his birthday weekend. To write, to sleep, to go to a movie, and to just be alone.  In preparation for the night away, I reserved a hotel room at the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner, which is connected to Tysons Mall. I wanted to find him a hotel that was in the DC area, but was close to shops, restaurants, and a movie theater.  I also packed him an overnight bag, bought him a ticket to a movie at Tysons, packed him drinks and snacks for him time in the hotel, and bought him a gift card to a restaurant by the hotel.

Hyatt Regency Tyson's Corner
Saturday, the day before his birthday, we spent the morning at home before driving over to Tysons. Neal still had no idea what his birthday gift was, so just before lunch I asked him to pack up everything he needed to be able to write.  Confused as ever, he packed up his laptop, books, and research material.  We loaded up the car and drove to Virginia.

Hyatt Regency Tyson's Corner
I threw quite a few white lies into my story, so he really had no idea what we were up to. As we pulled into the mall I told him I thought it be good to let Magnolia burn off a little steam before we needed to be somewhere at 1PM. As we pulled into the Hyatt’s reserved parking area, I spilled the beans! He was so shocked, surprised, and touched. Whether he’ll admit to his or not, his eyes watered a little! I think he was just so touched by the opportunity to write and for me to take on both kids and our pooch for the night.

Hyatt Regency Tyson's Corner
We got Neal checked into his room and made our way upstairs to drop off his bags as a family. The room was absolutely gorgeous and I admit, I was a little jealous!

Hyatt Regency Tyson's Corner
Hyatt Regency Tyson's Corner
Hyatt Regency Tyson's Corner
We then made our way downstairs, ran around the mall for a bit, and then grabbed lunch from Shake Shack. We took our lunch back up to the room and enjoyed lunch together before I headed back to Maryland with the kids.

Hyatt Regency Tyson's Corner
Before leaving, I gave Neal his birthday cards, which contained the movie ticket, gift card, and extra cash for his stay. He was just so excited, which made my heart melt.

Hyatt Regency Tyson's Corner
The time at home with the kids was pretty good, but boy did I miss Neal. That time away from him made me realize how much we rely on each other to raise our children. I am very, very thankful for him!

Lost Dog Cafe
Sunday, Neal’s actual birthday, we picked him up from the hotel around 12:30PM and then headed over to Lost Dog for his birthday lunch. The rest of the day was pretty mellow, with a Costco trip thrown in between naps.

Lake
I was so glad the birthday gift worked out and I have a funny feeling it’s what we’ll want to gift each other each and every birthday! It was different gift, but exactly what my husband needed. 24 hours away, in a beautiful hotel, was the perfect birthday gift for an introvert!

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I'm Ashley, a full-time working mom who lives in the Washington, DC area. Balancing Today is all about learning to balance family, work, wellness, and most of all, life's simple joys! Read More!

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1 year ago I was severely depressed, lonely, and l 1 year ago I was severely depressed, lonely, and lacking purpose! Finding CBD and Green Compass changed everything. I am filled with joy and peace, I have become friends with women who really care about me, my life, and my goals, and I have a crystal clear purpose! 

Today is the Green Compass Play Big Conference and I’m so excited! New products are launching today!! 

If you’re feeling empty, lack purpose, need to make extra money, or would benefit from all the ways CBD helps the human body, trust your gut! Send me a message and let’s talk!
I’m so thankful for this little girl and getting I’m so thankful for this little girl and getting to be home with her. I will never take this time for granted. My eyes have been opened to how much I’ve missed along the way and I don’t ever want to go back to a lifestyle where work was before my family. I am treasuring each day and soaking up the little moments. Today was a good day.
I need to be honest... -It’s terrifying seeing I need to be honest...

-It’s terrifying seeing DC shut down and filled with troops. I am scared for my friends and colleagues in the District. 
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-I wish my kids could just go back to school and spend time with their friends 
-I want to just lay down and binge watch Bridgerton again 

This is my reality this morning. This is how I’m really feeling. So I took my CBD, put both Focus and Calm on, ate a filling breakfast, spent time with my kids, cleaned up my to do list, sat outside for a few minutes, and cleaned my desk before starting the work day. 

Do what you can. Take care of yourself. You’re not alone!
One thing on my heart this year is to start each w One thing on my heart this year is to start each week with a reading. To take a few moments to sit, to take weight off my shoulders, and to focus on my root, heart, and crown. 

Crown Card (top) represents the part of me that wants to reach beyond myself. It can give you an idea of how to serve others✨The Orphan - We are in a time of universal orphanage - of nature, of each other, of our own hearts. The Orphan is to study the deep challenging energy of our time. 

Heart Card (middle) represents what is currently residing in my heart and tells of deep longing, calling, or conflict✨The Tear - Droplets of letting go! Appears when there is grieving yet to do, and once acknowledged, will bring a shimmer of clarity to our dewy eyes.

Root Card (bottom) represents my grounding and current state✨The Pilgrim - Seeks wisdom, experience, and meaning. The outward journey is always an inward journey.
Some of my goals for this year included saving mon Some of my goals for this year included saving money, planning out dinners for the week ahead, and getting back to the simple things that spark joy. Tonight’s dinner was the perfect culmination of all 3 goals.  I loved BLTs growing up, they’re easy on our budget, and my family loved them! What’s a dinner from your childhood you remember fondly?
Has my life changed since I started using CBD??? 1 Has my life changed since I started using CBD??? 10000%! CBD gave me the head space, freedom from anxiety, and control back to be able to focus on ME!! Did taking CBD cause weight loss, no!, but with the absence of stress, anxiety, and pain from using CBD I could focus on my body, health, wellness, and fitness. CBD has been a big piece of my puzzle these past 10 months. This time last year I was miserable and now, I’m thriving!
The past month has been one of the most fulfilling The past month has been one of the most fulfilling months for me personally in who knows how long! On December 1, I took a leap and decided to start a business selling Green Compass CBD after 9 months of using CBD to reduce my anxiety, lessen feelings of panic, and to manage my stress and body aches/pain (and boy has it changed my days!!). 

Over the past 46 days I have made incredible new friends, have helped men and women start using an organic CBD they can trust, made enough money to pay for an Airbnb getaway for my family, and have seen first hand how many people out there just need help! 

Help with anxiety. Help with the burnout they’re experiencing. Help with being overwhelmed from this pandemic. Help with managing the feelings of stress from virtual learning and work. Help finding a way to make an extra income. Help with joint and muscle pain. And help with needing a community. 

If you’re wanting to know how CBD can help you, take a leap and send me a note! 

If you’re needing to make extra money and don’t know where to start, let’s talk! 

I hope that all of my friends and followers here on IG know I’m an open book and love helping people reach their goals! If you’re even just a little curious about CBD or Green Compass, I’m here for you!
Start a side business for YOU! Start a side busin Start a side business for YOU! Start a side  business to invest in YOURSELF! Start a side business to make YOUR own money! Start a side business because YOU want the joy that comes from helping others! 

Investing in yourself and joining Green Compass could truly be the best decision you ever make for yourself. Is it normal to be scared, nervous, and even insecure before starting a side business? 100%! What I can reassure you is that I’m going to help you every step of the way! You will have a mentor, a friend, a business partner, and a cheerleader from the moment you message me! 

If additional income would help you, let’s talk. If a community of friends would help you, let’s talk. 

Take a leap! I’m here for YOU!!
One thing on my heart is to start each week with a One thing on my heart is to start each week with a reading. To take a few moments to sit, to take weight off my shoulders, and to focus on my root, heart, and crown. 

Crown Card (top) represents the part of me that wants to reach beyond myself. It can give you an idea of how to serve others✨The Stone - “The stone tethers us to Earth, helping to ground and connect us to stillness, quiet, and peace. 

Heart Card (middle) represents what is currently residing in my heart and tells of deep longing, calling, or conflict✨The Prayer - “Prayer leads us beyond our ego. We are in a state of prayer any time we are not the center of our own thoughts.”

Root Card (bottom) represents my grounding and current state✨The Shaman - “This card reminds us that the force of healing is ultimately not our own. We must shape it and share it with the world.”
Starting the week off with some fresh flowers. The Starting the week off with some fresh flowers. They bring me joy, make me happy, and bring life to my desk. Is there something you do for your work space/home environment that brings you joy each week?

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