Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability: My Journey of Love, Spirituality, and Self-Discovery
Hey hey, beautiful soul! It’s Lauren Ashley here, and today we are closing out the series on covering my Saturn Return, divorce, new love and the challenges that came with it. We’re diving into how embracing my authenticity and vulnerability has impacted my growth and helped me move forward in meaningful ways in my business. This blog post is summarized from a recent podcast episode where I had the pleasure of chatting with my friend and former coaching client, Jenna. Jenna asked some of the questions that my clients and community were curious about, and some of their own too. The goal was to bring a full picture perspective to my journey and ask the hard questions I maybe missed in telling my story. Together, we delved into some of the most pivotal moments of my Saturn Return, exploring themes of love, spirituality, and the power of following your intuition. So, grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s dive in!
Listen to the full episode on my podcast below, on Apple here or Spotify here.
The Unexpected Path to Love and Marriage
One of the most significant chapters in my recent life has been my journey to finding true love and embracing a unconventional path to marriage. As you might know, I went through a divorce, which was a challenging but ultimately transformative experience. What you might not know is the beautiful and unexpected way I found love… The very love I had been manifesting for years.
My now wife, Alexis, and I had been talking about getting married… but there were complications. I was still legally married in Mexico, going through a lengthy divorce process that took about a year. And I was worried about what my family and friends would think of me. Looking back, I’m grateful for that delay because it allowed everything to unfold in its perfect timing.
Our journey took an unexpected turn when we invited a shaman to our home for a spiritual cleansing. Alexis had been experiencing some intense negative energy, manifesting in physical symptoms that were truly concerning. This specific shaman told her during her first massage with him that she needed a limpia (an energy cleansing). This experience opened up a whole new level of spirituality for us, one that goes beyond what we can see with our physical eyes.
During this cleansing ritual, something magical happened. The shaman, seemingly out of nowhere, asked if he could marry us right then and there. It wasn’t planned, it wasn’t traditional, but it felt absolutely right. In that moment, we said yes, embracing a Mayan wedding ritual that was intimate, spiritual, and perfectly aligned with who we are as a couple.
Following the Signs: Trusting the Universe’s Plan
This experience really highlighted a significant shift in my approach to life. I used to be very practical and logical, always planning and overthinking. But over the past few years, especially since moving to Mexico, I’ve embarked on a journey of following signs and trusting my intuition.
I’ve learned to tap into my heart, get clear on what I truly want, and then follow the breadcrumbs that the universe lays out for me. This approach has led me to some of the most beautiful experiences of my life, including my relationship with Alexis.
It’s not always easy to trust this process, especially when it goes against conventional wisdom or societal expectations. But I’ve found that when I listen to my inner guidance and follow what feels right for me, everything falls into place in the most magical ways.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing Authenticity
One of the biggest challenges I faced in this journey was overcoming my fear of judgment. Coming out and embracing my true self was a significant edge for me. I worried about what my friends and family would think, how they would react to my divorce and my new relationship.
I come from a family where everyone knows everyone’s business, and there’s an expectation to share everything. Learning to set boundaries and keep some things private was a crucial part of my growth. I had to learn that it was okay to cherish certain moments for myself, to not immediately share every detail of my life with the world.
This process also taught me the importance of connecting with myself and finding inner validation. As I worked on this, I found that external judgments affected me less and less. I reached a point where I could confidently say, “I’m happy, and that’s what matters.”
The Power of Authenticity and Vulnerability in Business and Life
As I’ve embraced my authentic self more fully, I’ve noticed a significant shift in my business and personal life. Being honest, real, and vulnerable has a magnetic effect. People are drawn to authenticity and vulnerability, and when we open up about our experiences, it creates a space for others to do the same.
I’ve seen this play out in my coaching business and now with my podcast. The response I’ve received since starting to share my story more openly has been overwhelming. People are reaching out, connecting, and resonating with my journey in ways I never expected.
This experience has reinforced my belief in the power of vulnerability. When we share our stories – the good, the bad, and the messy – we create connections and opportunities for growth that go beyond what we could achieve by presenting a perfect facade.
Spirituality: A Journey of Continuous Growth
My spiritual journey has been a cornerstone of my personal growth. It’s funny to think back to a conversation I had with Alexis in the dog park, where I declared I was ready for my “next level of spirituality.” Little did I know what the universe had in store for me!
The experience with the shaman, a few plant medicine ceremonies I took part in and other experiences opened up a whole new world of spirituality for me. It showed me that there’s so much more to our existence than what we can perceive with our physical senses. This journey has taught me to be open to experiences and beliefs that might seem unconventional or even a bit “out there.”
I’ve learned that spirituality is deeply personal and that it’s okay to explore and embrace practices that resonate with you, even if they don’t fit into traditional religious or spiritual frameworks. This openness has led to profound healing and growth in my life.
Turning Challenges into Golden Nuggets
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned through this journey is the art of turning challenges into opportunities for growth. Every difficulty, every moment of pain or confusion, has the potential to become a “golden nugget” of wisdom and strength.
This perspective has been transformative in how I approach life’s challenges. Instead of seeing obstacles as roadblocks, I now view them as stepping stones to personal growth and deeper understanding. This shift in mindset has not only helped me navigate difficult times but has also allowed me to help others do the same through my coaching and podcasting.
The Importance of Support Systems
Throughout my journey, I’ve come to appreciate the immense value of having a strong support system. When I was going through my divorce and coming out, I reached out to trusted friends and mentors. Their support and understanding were crucial in helping me navigate those challenging times.
I’ve learned the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift and support you, especially when you’re going through significant life changes. These supportive relationships provide a safe space for growth, self-discovery, and healing.
At the same time, I’ve also learned the importance of setting boundaries with those who might not be as supportive. It’s okay to be selective about who you share your journey with, especially in its early stages. This selectivity isn’t about secrecy, but about protecting your energy and giving yourself the space to grow and change without constant external input or judgement.
Embracing an Unconventional Path
My journey has been anything but conventional, and I’ve come to embrace that fully. From my approach to spirituality to my views on marriage and relationships, I’ve learned to honour what feels right for me, even if it doesn’t align with societal norms or expectations.
This unconventional path has led to a life that feels authentic and aligned with my true self. It’s taught me that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to life, love, or success. What matters most is staying true to yourself and following your own inner guidance.
Join the Journey of Embracing Authenticity and Vulnerability
As I continue to share my story through my podcast and other platforms, I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and growth. Whether you’re facing similar challenges, exploring your spirituality, or simply looking for inspiration to live a more authentic life, I hope my experiences can offer some guidance and support.
Remember, your journey is unique, and there’s no right or wrong way to navigate life’s challenges. Trust your intuition, be open to the signs the universe sends your way, and don’t be afraid to embrace the unconventional if it feels right for you.
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Listen to the full episode on Apple
Listen to the full episode on Spotify
Ready to discover how to use your intuition as your #1 guide so you can get back on track to creating success on your terms? Jump into my Own Your Intuition Workshop here. This 60-min workshop will help you go from feeling overwhelmed, lost and stuck in analysis paralysis to knowing the aligned steps you need to take to follow your intuitive guidance!
To wrap up, I want to express my gratitude to all of you who have supported me on this journey. Your love, understanding, and encouragement mean the world to me. Remember, we’re all in this together, and by sharing our stories and supporting each other, we can create a more authentic, compassionate world.
Until next time, beautiful souls. Keep shining your light and embracing your unique journey!
With love and gratitude,
Lauren Ashley