Shedding what no longer fits 🐍
Welp, we’re officially back in Taiwan. I’m writing this from my usual work cafe, soaking in the not-so-cold winters here, 70s during the day and high 50s at night. Meanwhile, it looks like Boston just got hit with a pretty intense snowstorm, so I hope everyone back home is staying warm and safe.
Being back here feels grounding in a way I didn’t realize I missed.
✨ TLDR ✨
🇹🇼 We’re officially back in Taiwan and settling back into our routine
🌀 Visiting home surfaced old identities that no longer fit
🦋 Returning to Taiwan feels like finally having space to expand again
💼 I’m stepping fully into my Ops & Systems Strategist role and releasing the tech VA label
🌿 Recommitting to self-care, faith, and more intentional rhythms
✨ Claim Your Magic is getting a thoughtful upgrade
Life Lately, Shedding Old Skins 🐍
This season has been teaching me a lot about letting go of identities that no longer fit. And how fitting as we are on the cusp of ending the year of the Snake. #synchronicities ✨
Visiting home and staying with my parents brought up an old version of myself, being their daughter under their roof, which naturally clashes with who I am now. I’m married, I make my own decisions, and I live a very different life than I did years ago. On top of that, Vinny and I were squeezed into my old bedroom, with half the storage still filled with my parents’ things, which felt like a physical manifestation of how I felt on the inside. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE my parents however I can't unsee that fact that I need my space.
To protect my energy, I started working out of libraries and cafes a few days a week, just to give myself room to breathe and think. I also found myself letting go of more physical possessions, either donating what no longer needs to take up space or being honest about what’s worth bringing back to Taiwan.
Coming back to our apartment in Kaohsiung felt like a full exhale that I didn't realize I was holding in. Like I could finally expand into a fuller version of myself again. The trip back to the States felt like being a caterpillar stuck mid-cocoon, wings caught before they could fully form. Since returning, I’ve been sitting with myself more intentionally, and just yesterday I started mapping out what my next business chapter really looks like, including redefining my role and my offerings.
I’ve finally had to be honest with myself about something long overdue. I’ve already been operating as an Ops and Systems Strategist or Fractional Director of Ops for some clients, but I’ve been holding onto the tech VA title out of familiarity. It’s time for the title and compensation to finally match the work I’m already doing.
And if I’m being really real, I’ve noticed how easy it is to slip into autopilot and then wonder why I feel exhausted or disconnected. What I actually need is to show up for myself again, getting back into my health routines, reading more, and returning to Bible study plans that ground me.
Business Update 💼
Claim Your Magic is getting a facelift. Maybe not a dramatic rebrand, but definitely an upgrade.
I’m refining my offerings, creating more clarity around how I partner with clients, and building resources that better reflect where I’m headed. If things feel a little quiet on that front, it’s because I’m rebuilding with intention instead of rushing. Stay tuned!
What I’m Loving 💫
Tech:
I’ve been loving Lofi Town, and yes, the Instagram ads absolutely got me into this one. This is the cutest lil cozy virtual cafe where you can listen to lofi, set tasks for yourself, and can dress up your lil animal avatar while co-working with other people online. If you want to play, it's totally free! You can go to www.lofi.town and use my referral code below:
5Ab8vJprplbsTp5ZYGz9lOu5rrPqbSJQgdnUYcfyAhZjfYCli
Personal:
I’m starting the 75 Soft Challenge as a gentle way to recommit to my self-care and create systems that actually support the life I want to live, not just the one I’ve been pushing through. Here are my modified rules and the tracker I created for those curious:
You can also steal my 75 Soft Tracker template on Canva too 😜
If this season resonates with you, whether you’re shedding old roles, redefining your work, or just trying to breathe again, you’re not alone. I’ll be sharing more as this next chapter unfolds.
With love & magic,
💙 Ashley
