The Quiet Joy of Being Right Where You Are
Happy Wednesday, Fam!
I don’t know about the rest of you, but 2026 came in a little too hot for my liking. I usually ease back into work the first week of January, but the universe had other plans.
I got sick my very first week back, and the requests kept coming at lightning speed. Even though I knew I needed rest, I kept pushing. By midweek, I had completely lost my voice.
Score: Universe 1, Ashley 0.
Even as someone who cares deeply about wellness, I still need reminders sometimes. Your body will always tell you when it’s time to slow down. Whether you listen…well, that part’s optional, until it’s not.
A couple of weeks later, a friend invited me to Tampa for the Black Arts Gala Foundation. Even though I had just come off vacation, my mind needed a reset, and I didn’t realize how much I needed that space until I was in it.
I grew up navigating predominantly white spaces as a Black woman. And while I met some wonderful people along the way, there was also a constant, quiet pressure to assimilate. As I continue learning more about who I am and fully stepping into my identity, I’m realizing just how much energy that navigation requires.
Sitting in a room filled with unapologetically, joyful, brilliant Black excellence was deeply affirming. It reminded me how much unconscious bias I navigate every single day. And honestly, it made something click: of course I feel exhausted sometimes.
The next day included yoga, a sauna, and a polar plunge with complete strangers (a detail conveniently left out lol thank you, Jamie). Normally, that would send me into fight-or-flight mode. But this time, I leaned in. After stretching, sweating, then freezing while making new friends, I couldn't even think about work even if I tried.
Am I in my Gwyneth Paltrow era? Possibly.
What I do know is this: I am incredibly grateful.
Being in a space that allowed me to feel safe in my skin..so that the effects of these mindful practices actually worked..propelled me into an aura of gratitude. I'm grateful for this space we're creating together. I'm grateful for your emails, texts, and notes telling me you enjoyed the blog and affirming that we're all a lot closer than we think. I'm grateful for where I am in my life right now. I’m also grateful for friendships with people who truly see me. And speaking of friendships — I am ever so grateful for my friend and Social Media Manager, Shannon. Working behind the scenes, Shannon is editing, thinking, planning, and helping bring structure to the beautiful chaos that is my brain. I always say that even if nothing ever comes to fruition with Butler & Co., I will forever be grateful to her for helping my dreams and ideas come to light.
For so long, I lived focused on what’s next. Coming home from this trip, I’ve felt something different: stillness. Contentment. A quiet joy in being right where I am.
And fam, I want that for you too.
This week, pause. Stop thinking about what’s next. Stop focusing on what needs fixing. Take a moment to admire what you’ve already accomplished. What comes to you when you feel safe enough not to worry, plan, think ahead? And if you’re in a season where that feels hard, I see you. If you need resources, support, or just someone to talk it through with, we’re here for you at Butler & Co.
Life isn’t perfect, and the world can feel heavy. So, take time this week to do something that sparks joy. Lean into the people and spaces that fill your cup. And if you don’t have anyone to lean into right now, lean in here. We’ll help connect you with the right people.
With love,
Butler & Co.
