Friday, May 29, 2015

Day 59 - Breathe Bravely Challenge

Finding the beauty in every breath.

I close my eyes for a moment to try and keep the tears from falling, that somehow I can keep these subtle tears from turning into the "ugly cry." I take a breath hoping that it will remain smooth, calm, and steady. My hand moves towards my mouth, touching my fingers to my lips as to hold in any overwhelming emotion. For once I begin down such a path, it's hard for me to regain my composure. 
 
When I look at my life not only am I overwhelmed by the beauty that surrounds every breath, but by the generosity I have been shown by the incredible people that fill my life. I simply have no words for the amazing generosity and kindness I have been shown. My heart is filled with the sincerest love and gratitude for each of you. My greatest wish is for you each to see how much your goodness has impacted my life, how each of you is the beauty on which every breath I take is built. I hope that I may so live a life worthy of the graciousness you have each shared with me: that I may so impact a single life the way you have impacted mine. Love to you all.

FIGHT CF –

Walk with us. 9 a.m. Spencer Park. Team Ashley

Thursday, May 28, 2015

Day 58 - Breathe Bravely Challenge


Finding the beauty in every breath.

Some of my earliest memories as a child are of standing in front of our television, watching MTV music videos, and dancing uncontrollably. I think about how I would spend countless hours bouncing up and down, never able to sit still. Not much has changed: my lack of ability to sit still, my love for music (specifically 80s music), and my love to flail my arms in the air, bounce around, and dance. I've learned to control the bouncing and flailing, and my lungs don't exactly allow dancing like they used to, but I am still filled with as much life today at 28 as I was at the age of 2. 


While it seems in 26 years I have not changed all that much, there is a tremendous amount that has changed in my life. I watch this video and wonder if my parents knew the life that was ahead for them. That just 10 years later they'd be burying their first child because of Cystic Fibrosis, and be forced to helplessly watch it steal the breath of their second child.

When I was born the life expectancy wasn't past 20 years old. I catch myself sometimes thinking about what I could do if I didn't have CF. At a friend's wedding dance a few weeks ago the music began and I had mixed emotions. Could I dance? Could I carelessly flail my arms in the air and jump around the dance floor, singing? Would I pass out? Flashbacks of six months ago were prevalent in my mind. I found myself desperately wishing I could just carelessly dance: no thoughts of not being able to catch my breath, or my heart and head pounding, reminding me of the reality that is my life. I think back on my life and think of all those moments I danced without care or worry. I took so many of them for granted. But then I was overwhelmed with gratitude. So very grateful for just being gifted another day and merely breathing. So, I danced. I danced as much as I could, begging my body not to betray me, to give me just a few hours of freedom from CF. I danced, my lungs always reminding me that CF was present in every breath I took. But I danced and gave a ravishing performance. I dream of the day that I can dance without a care in the world. 


But to be dancing at 28 is pretty incredible. To be breathing is a beautiful gift. To have this amazing life is beyond a blessing. This year I celebrated 28 beautiful years. I watch this video and think about the 17 years my brother, Nathan, had the chance to live. That simply wasn't enough. I think about all the experiences he didn't have the chance to live. I think about all the other kids, adults, families affected by CF. I think of them wishing they could dance without care or worry. I have been so graciously given 28 years: filled with wonderful people who share with me this beautiful dance of life. 


Put some 80s music on and dance with me: celebrating these wonderful 28 years that CF has not won, and for the memory of my first dance partner, Nate. If you have not, please consider donating $28, a $1 for each year of life I have so graciously been given. Please walk with us or donate to Team Ashley: Great Strides - Team Ashley. Love to you all. 

FIGHT CF -
For the 28th day in May, please consider donating $28 dollars to the fight against CF in honor of every year that I've been given: Donate Here


Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Day 57 - Breathe Bravely Challenge



Finding the beauty in every breath.

I shall not merely tell you my dreams, but show you and make you a living breathing part of them. 

There's no lie that CF has affected my dreams, the pursuit of them, and my ability to see them through. There's no lie that CF has forced my dreams to change. But little did I know that they would transform into something greater than I could originally envision. CF has made me more determined, more tenacious, and more accountable to my dreams. My dedication is the simplest, yet greatest thing that I can share of my self: I am only as strong as the word I give and the actions I execute.  If I say I am going to do it, I am going to do it. Never will CF stop me from realizing my dreams and pursing them in whatever way I can.  

The most incredible thing, however, is the realization that none of my dreams would come to fruition if it weren't for the amazing people my life is composed of. Without each of you, no dream is possible. Without your kindness, support, and endless grace my dreams would simply live in my heart and head, but not come to be by my hands. They'd just be words without life. Thanks to each of you they are living, breathing, and flourishing. Thanks to you my words and dreams have wings and are able to take flight. 

An incredible gift to come into my life is an amazing woman who has showed me what it means to live with purpose: not to just tell of your dreams but to live them passionately. Stephanie, an incredible visionary for Say Anything Jewelry is passionate about creating lasting memories through her impactful business. 

Graciously Stephanie created a custom Breathe Bravely jewelry line where 40% of proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I am so very grateful. I am excited to share the new pieces added to the Breathe Bravely line today. Remember, each is hand made and as unique and beautiful as you.  Click on the link to view and order your piece: Exclusive Breathe Bravely Jewelry. Love to you all.


Fight CF -


Order your custom Breathe Bravely Jewelry today!