Pursuit of Happiness...

A smile on a sweet baby boy, a kiss on the forehead in the pouring rain with a sweet baby giggling in the background, the sound of bare feet pitter patter behind you, his arms wrapped around me tight, God's grace ever so present, a life long dream becoming reality, a life full of love and laughter, dancing in the street to the beat of your heart, snuggled beneath the stars, a giggle from his little tummy, a held hand through prayer, a kiss goodnight, a kiss good morning, an I love you at all the right times.....that's just a part of my happiness.

For the past year I have been on a serious self search, thinking that only God and my son would every truly bring me happiness again. Along with my family and friends...but what was I really looking for? I know and I have always known, who I am, what I want, where I want to be, and what I deserved...somehow settling for second best was always the better/easier option for me. I was on a mission to refuse to "settle" ever again. I was searching...I was looking for me, Ashley. I was looking for what made Ashley happy.

I never knew that in this pursuit of happiness I would find the real me, the person I knew and always knew I was. My happiness has completely re-defined me. It has made me a better mother, a better friend, a better sister, a better daughter, a better Christian, and a better lover. I am amazed daily at how truly being happy can make all other aspects of your life so much better. I feel like for once in a very long time, I am me. I was not looking for love...I was looking for something that just made me happy, that would just bring me back to reality and remind me that God has a plan for me......boy does he ever! God has really worked on me the last few years and I am surely glad that His plan is starting to see better days....

My pursuit of happiness is no longer a pursuit... I am living it daily. I am now a firm believer in love at first sight, truly having a soul mate, God's plan, and letting love find you. I find myself constantly telling my girlfriends..."Don't look for it, it will find you!" & "And true love will happen when you least expect it, trust me!"  This love has been the definition of my happiness....God has big plans for us...I can't wait!