Tea with a Taurus

What happens when the reset you've been looking forward to doesn't go as planned? After weeks of teaching, house sitting, and pet sitting, I finally carved out a few days to recharge at the North Carolina coast with my youngest son. But before we even reached the beach, our trip took an unexpected turn when we were involved in a hit-and-run accident. Thankfully, we were safe—but the questions, fru...

Have you ever caught yourself thinking, "I'll be happy when..."? When the debt is paid off. When the business grows. When life finally slows down. When you reach that next big milestone.  In this episode of Tea with a Taurus, we're talking about the space between here and there, the season of becoming that so many of us rush through while chasing what's next.  If you're someone with big dreams and...

After a few months away from the microphone, I'm back. Not in the way I originally planned.  In this episode, I share why recording felt impossible for a season, what happened after my last episode on burnout, and how I finally found my way back to this space. Between finishing another school year, building side businesses, paying off debt, house sitting, pet sitting, and chasing long-term dreams,...

When the noise of life gets loud, how do we stay aligned with the values that guide us? In this episode of Tea with a Taurus, Ashley reflects on a question that sparked a deeper conversation about educator wellbeing. After weeks filled with snow days, testing schedules, field trips, guest speakers, and even a power outage, the constant schedule changes have made it difficult for both teachers and...

When I saw a campaign sign in town that read “Common Sense and Local Values,” it made me pause. What does common sense actually mean — and is it truly something we all share? In this episode, I explore the idea of common sense through the lens of lived experience, education, and critical thinking. We’ll discuss how judgment is developed, why shared experience isn’t always universal, and how langua...

This week I had to tell my son to wait. He’s starting college prep and, like most big life transitions, it comes with forms, deadlines, and decisions. The catch? Every time he needed help, it was right when I was sitting down to write or record. And I realized something important: I can only hold three things well in a day. The fourth one? That’s when I start to unravel. In this episode of Tea wit...

Are you consuming media… or is it consuming you? In today’s episode of Tea with a Taurus, I share my experience participating in the “Anti Brain Rot Reading Challenge” created by Jananie from the YouTube channel This Story Ain’t Over. While the challenge includes multiple guidelines, my focus has been on two major shifts: • Building consistent, focused reading habits • Widening the range of books...

In this episode of Tea with a Taurus, we’re talking about a fear many of us quietly carry: What if I become like my parents? After joining a library book club (yes, they read spicy romance 😌) and discussing Lights Out, a theme stood out — the fear of inheriting darkness, addiction, or destructive patterns from family. If you grew up around addiction, emotional instability, anger, or unhealthy cop...

What’s the difference between a boundary and a habit — and why does it matter? In this episode of Tea with a Taurus, I’m reflecting on a recent conversation sparked by a comment that questioned whether boundaries can exist without involving other people. Instead of getting stuck in definitions, we widen the lens and talk about how boundaries often begin internally — with our time, energy, and bodi...

Public education — and caregiving work of any kind — asks for so much. It’s easy to keep giving, telling yourself it’s for the students, the work, the people who need you… until you realize you’re running on empty. In this episode of Tea with a Taurus, I’m talking honestly about learning to set boundaries in small, steady ways. From stepping back when daily episodes became too much, to recognizing...

Why do we put things off — even when we know they would help us? In this episode of Tea with a Taurus, a simple dinner conversation turns into a deeper reflection on procrastination, task paralysis, and what’s really happening beneath the surface — especially for those of us with ADHD. We talk about why “just do it” isn’t always helpful, how overwhelm and perfectionism can freeze us in place, and...

I took a step back… and now I’m stepping back in—more gently. This new season of Tea with a Taurus is slower, cozier, and more honest. This week’s episode is about a health wake-up call, ADHD, and learning how to make small changes without burning out. No perfection. Just real life and warm tea. 

Life gets busy. Responsibilities pile up. But our children shouldn’t have to compete with our to-do lists. Today’s reflection is about reclaiming moments of connection before they slip through our fingers.

Today’s reflection centers on one simple truth: your presence is more powerful than any expensive outing. Kids remember how you made them feel, not how much money you spent. Let’s talk about reconnecting without pressure, perfection, or price tags.

This week’s episode is a deeply personal reflection on growth, parenting, and the moments that show us how far we’ve really come. Inspired by a conversation with my son—a conversation no sixteen-year-old should ever have to navigate—I found myself revisiting an old phrase from my days working in education: “Once you know better, you do better.” In this episode, I share: ✨ A difficult moment my so...

Today we’re talking about small but powerful shifts — the tiny pivots that change how we parent, how we love, and how we show up. They may seem insignificant, but they are the building blocks of doing better.

Today’s reflection sits in the tender space where your heart aches because someone you love is aching. Here’s a reminder that your presence matters more than perfection.

This reflection is for anyone who looks back at old versions of themselves with regret or embarrassment. Today, we’re shifting into compassion — because those past versions carried us to where we are now.

Today’s reflection is about presence — the kind that doesn’t try to fix or control. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most healing thing we can offer someone is simply our steady, nonjudgmental presence.

Today’s thought is for anyone trying to raise whole humans while also trying to heal themselves. Parenting while unlearning old patterns is one of the hardest kinds of growth — but it’s also some of the most meaningful work we ever do.

In today’s reflection, I’m thinking about the quiet parts of growth — the moments no one sees except you. The softer reactions, the deeper breathing, the small pauses before responding. These tiny shifts matter more than we give them credit for. Let’s take a moment to honor the progress that isn’t loud but still changes everything. The softer reactions, the deeper breathing, the small pauses befor...

In this episode of "Tea with a Taurus," we delve into the importance of surrounding yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Discover how your inner circle can shape your energy, influence your mindset, and define your growth. Learn to set healthy boundaries and make conscious choices about who you allow into your life. Join us for a daily boost of clarity, courage, and intention to start...

In this episode of "Calm and Collected," Ashley invites you to explore the transformative power of slowing down and setting boundaries. Through personal stories and reflective journaling prompts, discover how taking a step back can lead to greater clarity, presence, and balance in your life. Join Ashley as she shares insights on prioritizing what truly matters and encourages you to embrace the cou...

In this uplifting episode of "Tea with a Taurus," Ashley invites us to become a beacon of joy in our daily lives. Through small, intentional acts of kindness, we can create a ripple effect of positivity. Join us as we explore the power of spreading joy through our actions and words, and discover how even the simplest gestures can brighten someone's day. Tune in for your daily boost of clarity, cou...

In this episode of "Tea with a Taurus," we explore the transformative power of gratitude. Join Ashley as she guides us through a journey of noticing the blessings in our everyday lives, even amidst challenges. With a focus on intentional living, this episode encourages listeners to pause, reflect, and embrace the abundance around them. Tune in for your daily boost of clarity, courage, and intentio...