Tag: in her own ink

Case Study: Ashley Smith Part Three

Case Study: Ashley Smith Part Three

Give us ideas on how to cope with setbacks and bounce back. It couldn’t have been all sunshine for you every day. How can we survive the rainfall to see the rainbow?

When I was diagnosed, my doctor recommended two pieces of advice: 1) control my stress and 2) take my medication. Over the years, I’ve worked closely with doctors and therapists to uphold effective treatment plans. In addition to working with my health team I’ve developed self-care rituals to help me stay accountable to my wellness demands.

I encourage you to consider counseling and practicing a wide range of those stress reduction techniques that works for you to minimize daily stressors. For instance, exercising, getting enough rest, journaling, talking to someone, listening to inspiring talks, meditation, taking care of a pet, and working on personal hobbies and projects.

To overcome my bad days I take a moment to reflect on my issues then practice healthy coping tools to reset and restore my energy. This helps a lot and demands commitment. Sometimes after I’ve utilized a lot of coping skills I still can’t manage. Then I go back to my treatment team to tweak my medication regimen in order to get back on track. This might not work on the first attempt, but I’ve kept at it and right now I can say I’m in a good mental space.

Also, self-awareness and self-care routines are essential to mastering recovery. When you can identify your triggers and warning signs you can better equip yourself and loved ones on how to best support you on bad days. Developing plans that help restore better days by examining what works for you to recover from medical setbacks. I hope you will continue to use your coping strategies even when you’re feeling well. Recovery is a lifestyle.

I’d like to end here by having you give followers a favorite positive affirmation.

“We can. We will. We must.” – Eric Thomas

Then tell us how they can buy your new and other books and read your blog.

After self-publishing seven books, I wrote: In Her Own Ink an author’s guide to achieving a well-crafted manuscript. After publishing my first blog book, What’s On My Mind? A Collection of Blog Entries from Overcoming Schizophrenia, Foreword by Christina Bruni (2014) a few people approached me with their book projects. Ever since then I’ve facilitated writing workshops.

What distinguishes this creative workbook, In Her Own Ink is I’ve interviewed five authors who share their writing secrets at developing books. The objectives of In Her Own Ink are to help writers minimize the many challenges to creating, organize manuscripts, structure their chapters and keep readers hooked with our quality material.

I offer tips on creative ways to engage readers and to enrich the book development process with a friendly approach to creating your rough drafts. I encourage you to purchase In Her Own Ink. Take the leap to thrive in 2025 with your book design. In 2025, I started In Her Own Ink Publishing to resume my book coaching classes. Here are some ways to stay connected:

Case Study: Ashley Smith Part Two

Case Study: Ashley Smith Part Two

Do you think peers can succeed as Entrepreneurs with their own businesses and why?

I believe everybody can manage their own businesses and be successful at it including my peers in recovery. Managing our own businesses will help us juggle wellness and work schedules better. Also, because we are capable and competent to enhance work performance. It’s better to work harder for ourselves making money based on something we love, are skilled at and can manifest.

Currently, I’m working as an independent contractor and peer counselor (certified peer specialist). I work with individuals who have a diagnosis and encourage them to tackle health and personal goals. I’m able to create my own work routine and avoid being micro-managed.

In fact, I start my day with self-care practices. I get ready, worship and listen to motivational speakers to boost my energy. I dive into my work in the afternoon. Then rest. Return to work for a couple of more hours in the evening. Afterwards, I shut down my workday and regroup in order to do it again the next day. Having control over my time throughout the day allows me to incorporate self-care and aim to find a balance between work and personal plans.

As entrepreneurs we can properly dictate our work schedules, recovery and lives. Working helps build skills which can boost self-confidence. Peers would be successful at entrepreneurship because we will master a skill that we created and control the work day. Permitting time to include wellness habits. That way we can maintain our wellbeing and strive for ongoing success.

What specific habits and skills should a peer utilize to earn an income on their own?

To be a great entrepreneur we must uphold a strong mindset. Valuing determination, self-motivation and have a thick skin. We must be able to accept “no” and keep going despite setbacks. Therefore, we must master the skill of resiliency.

Being self-aware and holding a wellness routine helps me press forward through my work days. Specifically, I use various productivity tools. I keep an agenda and organize my thoughts early on in the day.

I manage my wellbeing and work progress by keeping a “realistic journal.” Aside from the typical Things to Do List. In the realistic journal I record accomplished tasks. Opposed to be overwhelmed by my long Things to Do List. The realistic journal motivates me to keep striving to complete duties. It’s a confidence-booster. Also, a record that we can refer back to. I might note I’ve responded to certain emails, printed documents in preparation for review and took a walk – those activities among others helps me stay productive, focused and well.

I’ve coined the term that you can Be Your Own Boss even if you work for another company not your own. What can you tell peers from your own experience as a paid Peer Specialist about how to survive and protect your mental and physical health when you work for and with others?

Finding balance between wellness demands and work is still something I’m working on. However, I’ve improved at it over time, and you can too. Here are some tips you might consider practicing in the workplace.

Sometimes I take a quick walk to transition from one task to another. In the past, I’ve done that in the parking lot of my employer. Other times I’ve journaled. Get to work a little earlier and journal prior to the start of your work shift. That way we can regain clarity to proceed with different assignments. Also, I’ve had office accountability partners. Checking in with them helps because it can be therapeutic for oneself to reflect on emotional concerns and daily wellness goals.

Identifying stressors before they become significant obstacles is key to overcoming daily challenges. Knowing when to pause, take a moment to digest your day and reset can increase productivity. You can reset within a small amount of time. For example, taking a brisk 10 minute walk on your break, journaling before starting work or on lunch. Sitting in meditation or prayer at your desk for a moment at work can help reset and recharge energy and focus. Develop self-motivation skills. I do this with affirmations and listening to motivational speakers daily. By taking care of our needs throughout the day we can be more efficient at work and feel good about it.