I am starting to believe gaslighting gets a bad rap. Now, hang on and hear me out. It’s generally defined as manipulating someone into questioning their own perception of reality. Obviously, doing that to another person is not great. But I’ve discovered that a little self-inflicted gaslighting can occasionally make life better. Call it self-deception.Continue reading “A Very Responsible Parenting Guide to Gaslighting”
Author Archives: Ashly P Ash - crutchprints
Walking the Plank
Lately, my son has been watching Peter Pan on repeat. He loves the flamboyance and eccentricity of Captain Hook. Apparently he has chosen the pirate with dramatic feathers and questionable judgment as his role model. I wish I could say I was different as a child and teenager. The other day, I happened to glanceContinue reading “Walking the Plank”
Keep or Toss, no stories.
My 30-year-old sister recently came and did something no one should attempt without a strong relationship: she helped me clean out my closet. By “helped,” I mean she took everything out and then proceeded to ask questions I apparently wasn’t prepared to answer. “When was the last time you wore this?” “Why are you keepingContinue reading “Keep or Toss, no stories.”
I am Still Here
Four Years. That’s a long time to be quiet. The last time I was regularly writing here, I was dreaming about becoming a mom. Then, in June 2022, my son arrived—and suddenly life became very, very busy. Somewhere between diaper changes, toddler years, doctor appointments, family life, and simply figuring out how to do motherhoodContinue reading “I am Still Here”
Sentimental Surprises
One of the messages that I have so carefully guarded on Crutchprints is the fact that there are times God chooses not to answer our prayers, for whatever reason, and that is ok. There are times that no matter how much we pray, fast, read scripture, believe, and cling – the answer is no. UnderstandingContinue reading “Sentimental Surprises”
The Space Between a Heartbeat and Heartbreak
“I’m not finding a heartbeat.” The five words I am now certain every expecting parent finds tosses their joys, their hopes, and their excitement as effortlessly as one flipping a coin. Those five words existed between expecting a heartbeat, and experiencing heartbreak. It didn’t make sense to me. My body was still acting like IContinue reading “The Space Between a Heartbeat and Heartbreak”
Self Reflection Workbook: Fires and Burnout
This workbook is for a four-week look at fires and burnout in our lives. This is an opportunity for self-reflection, gaining new skill sets, and analyzing the things in our lives that may be consuming too much time, relationships, our health, or our careers. This printable four week study guide is packed with exercises toContinue reading “Self Reflection Workbook: Fires and Burnout”
A Day in the Life of a Legless Farmer
I glanced down at my fit-bit in the sun, using my hand to shade the screen. I had 360 minutes of cardio and peak activity that day. The day before I had 240 minutes. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association recommend moderate-intensity activity for roughly 150 minutes per week.Continue reading “A Day in the Life of a Legless Farmer”
Fostering the Road to Nowhere (A Short Story)
Authors Note: Dear Reader, Atypical to the Crutchprints blog, this post contains a short story which will take the average reader about 25 minutes to consume. It is well worth your time, I assure you. This fiction is meant to highlight the difficulties and lapses that exist within the parameters of the existing American fosterContinue reading “Fostering the Road to Nowhere (A Short Story)”
The Kindness Circle
My Dad was sitting across the table from me with a cup of coffee, smiling. At 60 years old, his white hair and wrinkles still didn’t hide the spark of youth lingering behind his eyes. “You know, when I was a little kid, I made this wooden cross in Oxford with some church thing. IContinue reading “The Kindness Circle”
