Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley L Fields.
Hi Ashley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Although born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Texas stole my heart ten years ago when I chose to attend and run track and field at Baylor University. I graduated with both Bachelors’s and Masters in Psychology and Educational Psychology, respectively. I went on to work in both university academics and the K-12 system, which inspired me to pursue more graduate training to become a school psychologist. Orphan•ish is an Instagram blog and community that holds space to normalize conversations and thoughts around grief and loss. In 2019, grief knocked on my door after my parents passed away less than three months apart, shattering my identity and life as I knew. Because there is no proper way to grieve, I share my experiences as an only child navigating the world as an adult orphan and my journey to keep on. Resources, strategies and activities that have helped me, I share in hopes that I can be hope for someone else on their grief journey.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I lost both my parents in 2019 and as an only child, grief has impacted every single part of my life. Holidays, birthdays and certain dates will never be the same. With their death anniversary approaching, I am still in shock that they are no longer on this earth. If my mind tries to block that out, my body will physically remind me of this fact every day. Nausea, migraines, insomnia, loss of appetite, the list could go on. I have never felt so disconnected from my body. I struggle to show up for myself every day. Grief is an active process of relearning the world after loss reshapes your life.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I post authentically to show others navigating through their grief journey, they are not alone. Because the world doesn’t stop when we grieve, it is important to figure out how to continue through life with grief. I highlight the importance of taking care of yourself, making sure your cup is full before pouring it into others. My blog also serves as a safe space to honor and celebrate my parents.
What matters most to you? Why?
Faith and family are the roots of my foundation and enables me to keep on. Putting one foot in front of the other each day.
Contact Info:
- Email: orphan_ish@yahoo.com
- Website: https://orphan-ish.medium.com/
- Instagram: @orphan_ish
