​"Ang Aking Munting Himig" - Isang awitin na nilikha ko para sa aking anak. Ang bawat linya ng kantang ito ay naglalarawan ng pag-ibig, pangarap, at pag-asa na nais kong ibigay sa kanya.

 As a mother, you learn that loving your child is not just a feeling; it's a promise. It's a vow you make the moment they're born to be their strength, their constant, and their greatest defender. But what happens when you're the one who needs saving?

That's the story behind "Ang Aking Munting Himig," the song I wrote for my son, Miguel. It's a melody born from the deepest part of my heart, a melody that became my reason to keep going when I felt I had nothing left.

Life has a way of testing you, and there were times when the road became so heavy that I almost gave up. In those moments, when I felt like I couldn't go on, I would hold on to a single promise—a promise that lives in the heart of this song:

• "Kahit anong mangyari, hinding-hindi ako susuko / Para sa 'yo, anak, lahat ay gagawin ko." (No matter what happens, I will never give up / For you, my child, I will do everything.)

This is more than just a line in a song; it is the ultimate vow of a mother. It holds more weight now than ever. It's my unwavering commitment to Miguel, a promise that remains true even as our roles have changed and he is now a man.

Miguel is no longer the little boy whose hand I held. But in my heart, he remains the light that cuts through the darkness. His existence is a constant reminder that my life is a gift to him, a purpose worth fighting for. My love for him is a powerful force that has carried me through the darkest days. It is my purpose.

I wrote this song for him, but I share it with you in the hope that it can reach anyone who is struggling. It is a reflection on the beautiful, and often difficult, journey of motherhood. My son is my reason for hope, and my love for him is what keeps me going.

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I hope this song reminds you to cherish the deep love you have for your children and to remember that your life is a beautiful gift to them.

A mother's love is not just a feeling; it is the unbreakable promise that holds you to the world when you have almost let go. -MM

#TagalogSong #OPM #OriginalSong #ParaSaAnak #HeartfeltSong #MothersLove #EmotionalSong #Inspiration #Hope #MentalHealthAwareness #YouAreNotAlone #ParentLove #MotherAndSon #FamilyLove #AngAkingMuntingHimig

A Journey to Freedom: Breaking Out of the "Glass Cage"

 

I'm so excited to share the song I wrote, "Glass Cage," with all of you. It's a song that speaks to a journey many of us are on—the path to breaking free from the expectations and pressures that can hold us captive.

The "glass cage" is a metaphor for all the ways we can feel trapped: by the need to be "well behaved," to stay quiet, and to conform to what others expect of us. This song is about the powerful moment when you decide to shatter that cage and embrace your true self. It's a reminder that your voice isn't meant to be a whisper; it's meant to be a "battle cry," a fierce declaration of who you truly are.

"Glass Cage" is an anthem of rebellion, but not in a destructive way. It's about choosing your authentic chaos over a "pretty prison." It's about finding the courage to let your inner storm rage and to stand tall, unapologetically yourself.

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"Glass Cage": A Health and Happiness Booster

Why is this song more than just a piece of music? Because I believe it's an anthem for all of our health and happiness boosters. It's easy to think of these boosters as just meditation or exercise, but they are also acts of self-liberation.

Breaking out of the "glass cage" is the ultimate act of self-care. It's about letting go of what no longer serves you—the pressure to be quiet, the need to please everyone, the feeling of being trapped by a life that looks good from the outside but feels empty inside.

The moment you decide to shatter that glass, you are practicing powerful self-love. You are choosing your own fierce truth over a comfortable lie. Every time you listen to this song, I want you to be reminded that finding your voice and living authentically is one of the most powerful things you can do for your well-being. It’s a bold step toward a life that truly feels like your own.

Sometimes the prettiest prisons are the hardest to escape, but the freedom found in shattering the glass is worth every shard. -Ashley Goodale

#HealthAndHappiness #GlassCage #OriginalMusic #AuthenticSelf #FindYourVoice #BreakFree #NewMusic #Songwriter #MentalHealth #Wellbeing #Empowerment

A Message of Love: My Music for Children with Disabilities

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share a very special project I’ve been working on, something that’s been created from a place of pure passion. Many of you know my love for music, and I’ve been using that love to create original songs for children with disabilities, including those with Down syndrome and other PWDs.

My goal with this music is simple: to offer comfort, support, and a little bit of joy to children and their families. Each song is designed to be gentle, engaging, and to hopefully make a positive difference in their day.

I'm sharing this with you today not to ask for likes or subscriptions. My only hope is to reach the families and children who might truly need these songs. I believe that if the music can help even one child feel comforted, then it has served its purpose. 

You can find the music here: https://youtube.com/@hersheybby6829?si=psWwY5ZiZRXwQBQC

Thank you for being part of this and for helping me share this message of music and kindness.

With gratitude,

Ashley Goodale

#InclusionMatters #MusicConnectsUs #DownSyndrome #Autism #DeafCommunity #DisabilityAwareness #Kindness #SpecialNeeds #LoveAndKindness #MusicIsLove #AllAbilities

A Song for My Special Brain: My Journey of Love and Understanding

My boyfriend and I have been together for almost a year, and it’s been a beautiful, eye-opening journey. He’s autistic, and through him, I’ve come to understand the struggles he faced growing up in a world that didn't always get him. This is why I wrote this song. It's a way for me to process his story, to honor his experiences, and to share a message of empathy.

I've been thinking about how to create a more understanding world, and for me, that starts with a song. I poured all my heart into "A Song for My Special Brain," a song I hope will help people see the world from an autistic perspective. It’s my way of using music as a health and happiness booster—not just for him, but for anyone who feels misunderstood.

The lyrics were inspired by everything he's taught me, and everything I've learned from research. I describe a mind as a "super computer" that perceives the world with amplified senses, where for some, a simple hug can feel like a "big tight squeeze" and loud noises can be overwhelming. Luckily, my boyfriend doesn't have a problem with me hugging him, or him hugging me, which is something I know isn't true for everyone. I'm thankful for the small things and how much we've learned together.

This song is my gift to him and to everyone else out there who wants to feel seen and heard. It's a testament to the idea that love and understanding can truly change how we see the world.

You can watch the video and listen to my song here: https://youtube.com/shorts/rX-8F22dW48?feature=shared

Sometimes, the fastest way to understand a different mind is through a song that comes straight from the heart. -Ashley Goodale

#Autism #AutismAwareness #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #LoveStory #HealthAndHappinessBoosters #OriginalSong #Songwriter #ASongForMySpecialBrain #Empathy

The Ultimate Health and Happiness Booster: Loving Completely

 

The scariest and most rewarding act of letting go isn't about a career or a project; it's about opening your heart to someone else. The message is simple, yet profound: don't be afraid to love someone totally and completely.

Think of all the ways we try to "force the swipe" in relationships. We build walls, we hold back our true selves, we protect our hearts because we are terrified of getting hurt. This constant fear keeps us from a flow state of honest connection.

But a truly healthy and happy life isn't built in isolation. The most fulfilling connections happen when we choose vulnerability—when we let go of the need for control and the fear of a negative outcome. By being open and honest, we align with the natural magnetism of the relationship. We stop pushing, and we start allowing a deeper, more beautiful connection to unfold.

There is risk, yes. But the rewards are never so great as what love can bring. The joy, the support, and the profound sense of belonging that come from a deep connection are essential health and happiness boosters. They lower stress, build resilience, and can be the most profound source of peace and purpose in your life.

So, get involved completely. Enjoy the possibility that what happens might just be the only real source of happiness. It's the ultimate act of trusting the process.

Effortless love is a flow state—letting go of the fear of being hurt to find the ultimate source of health and happiness -Ashley Goodale

#lovestory #vulnerability #trusttheprocess #loveisajourney #relationshipgoals #authenticlove #healingtogether #unconditionallove #findinghappiness #embracevulnerability

The Healing Power of Memory: Why Honoring a Loved One Is a True Health Booster

 "The stars are beautiful, because of a flower that cannot be seen."

— The Little Prince

Our journey to health and happiness often focuses on the future—on new goals, new habits, and new beginnings. But sometimes, the greatest strength we can find comes from looking back. From honoring the people and moments that have shaped who we are.

This is a very personal lesson I learned recently while creating a tribute for my brother's birthday. He passed away in 2013, but the day remains deeply significant, especially for his twin brother, Ben. As I looked for a way to celebrate their bond, I found myself drawn to the timeless story of The Little Prince.

The Little Prince’s timeless message about seeing with the heart and the stars we can’t forget felt like the perfect way to honor his memory. Just as the Little Prince left his planet, my brother left ours, but his presence, his laughter, and his love remain.

Creating this video was my personal health booster. It was an act of love, a moment of reflection, and a way to channel my feelings into something beautiful. I hope this musical tribute inspires you to find your own way to celebrate the love that remains, whether it's for a person, a memory, or a part of yourself that needs healing. The act of remembering, of truly seeing what is essential, is a powerful path to inner peace and lasting happiness.

The most important lessons are to see with your heart, not your eyes, and that love is a wonderful surprise that lasts forever. -Ashley Goodale

#GriefHealing #EmotionalWellness #MentalHealth #LittlePrince #Love #Hope #RememberingYou #HealingJourney #SelfCare #HealthAndHappiness

Feeling Overwhelmed? 5 Small Acts That Will Change Your Day

It’s easy to feel stretched thin, isn't it? The world moves fast, our to-do lists are endless, and sometimes, a wave of stress, guilt, or frustration just washes over us. But what if the secret to feeling better wasn't about adding another chore to your list? What if it was about doing less, but with more heart?

Here are five small, powerful ways you can shift your energy from tense and tired to calm and happy.

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1. Perform a Radical Kindness

Think about this: The quickest way to get out of your own head is to get into someone else’s. Whenever you see an opportunity to do something that brings peace or kindness, seize it. It doesn’t have to be grand. Smile at a baby. Hold a door open for a stranger. Or, better yet, do something nice for someone you love without them asking. The trick is to do it with a willing heart. When you give happiness freely, you get to feel it, too.

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2. Release the Guilt

We all carry around a little baggage. That conversation you wish you handled differently, that promise you couldn't keep—it all adds weight. It's time to let it go. Imagine you can take one specific feeling of guilt and let it go up in the air like a bird. Watch it fly away on the wind. This simple mental exercise is incredibly freeing and allows you to be fully present in your own life again.

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3. Master the Power of "Thank You"

We say it a hundred times a day, but how often do we actually mean it? The next time you're at a coffee shop or a grocery store, simply say "thank you" from the heart. You'll be surprised by how differently even total strangers will respond to these words when they are spoken with real meaning. It’s a small ripple of positivity that you create in the world, and it comes right back to you.

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4. See Everything as a Gift

Try this simple mental exercise: For a few minutes, devote your free time to seeing everything in your life as a gift. The coffee in your mug, the sunshine on your face, the sound of music. Once you adopt this perspective, you'll find it's easier to find the positive lessons, the good outcomes, or the potential in even the most frustrating situations you face. It’s a shift from a mindset of lack to one of abundance.

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5. Let Go

Some situations and people are beyond our control. When you feel frustrated or overwhelmed, try to simply let go. Imagine your frustration as a tight fist, and then picture your hand slowly opening, releasing the tension. By letting go, you're not giving up; you're simply choosing not to let that situation or person steal your peace.

Happiness is a daily practice, not a destination. Find it in the small, simple acts of letting go and giving - Ashley Goodale

#Happiness #Wellbeing #SelfCare #Mindfulness #Kindness #EmotionalHealth #HealthyHabits #PositiveVibes #PersonalGrowth #ActsofKindness #LettingGo #Gratitude #MentalHealth #JoyfulLiving #DailyPractice

A Sweet Escape to Filling Station

 The last time I was here at Filling Station, it was with Eddie when he visited me from London last month. But the last time I had a banana split here, it was with my brother, Ben. It’s funny how a single spot can hold so many different sweet memories.

I've been cooped up for days, writing lyrics, working on my blog, and managing my online store for kids' clothes. Eddie noticed I was stuck at home and, from all the way in London, told me to get out. So, here I am, taking his advice.

I’m in my favorite spot on the second floor, perched in a comfy chair by the big glass window. It’s the perfect place to watch the world go by. Right in front of my table, a couple in their 20s is sharing a moment. He looks British, and she, Filipina. From their nervous energy and the way they keep glancing at each other, it feels like it's their very first date. It’s a sweet thing to see, and it makes me think of you, Eddie. I miss you. I wish you and Ben were here with me now. They're the only ones who can help me finish this gigantic banana split!

I started with a delicious plate of pasta aglio olio, but now I’m on to the main event. As I dig in, the background music fills the air—Doris Day’s “Dream a Little Dream of Me.” With the classic tunes and the vintage decor, it feels like I've stepped into a time capsule from the 1950s. This ice cream is a sweet escape from a hectic week. It’s making me feel happy and just a little closer to the people I miss most.

This is a reminder that sometimes, the simplest things, like a banana split, are the best health and happiness boosters you can get.

"In the quiet comfort of being alone, the sweetest thing is feeling a little closer to the ones you miss most" -Ashley Goodale

To read more about my life with Eddie and our long-distance relationship, you can visit our Joined Journal.

#BananaSplit #FillingStation #Manila #SoloDate #HealthAndHappiness #JoinedJournal #Nostalgia #DorisDay #PastaAglioOlio #Philippines #Eddie #Ben #SweetTreat #CafeLife #VintageVibes #SelfCare

Pure Heart

Can you hear me? My soul needs you now. I'm at the end of my rope; I can't do this alone. I'm giving up, fading, and I can feel it.

But deep inside, there's a knowing—a feeling— that you are out there. That fate will bring you, and you will find me.

I need you now to save me, to pull me from the dark, to mend the broken pieces and light a brand new spark. I'm ready for that moment.

Can you save me? This is my desperate plea.

"For two decades, my soul whispered into the world, not for love, but for my lifeline. When you arrived, it wasn't a discovery—it was a homecoming." - Ashley Goodale

My Song, My Story: Giving Back to the World

I've found my special way to give back to the world, and it's a journey that starts with a single thought.

When I feel something deeply—whether it's hope, gratitude, or a lesson I've learned—I turn it into a song. It’s a song inspired by my own life, my own feelings. This isn't just for me; it's a way to take something personal and make it a message for everyone.

After the song is ready, I create a vlog. In the video, I share the song and the story behind it. I talk about what inspired the lyrics and why the message matters to me. This makes the song more than just music; it becomes a piece of my heart that I'm sharing with others.

This is my way of sending a positive message out into the world. I believe that my song, born from my own experience, might be exactly what someone else needs to hear. Maybe it will give them hope, make them feel understood, or simply brighten their day.

Creating and sharing these songs is my unique way of paying it forward and adding a little bit of good to the universe.

"I don't just write songs; I write a message. And when I share it in a vlog, I'm sending a piece of my heart out into the universe, hoping it finds someone who needs it." - Ashley Goodale

Edible Art and Soulful Moments; Finding Beauty in a Special Meal

In a busy day in Makati, we all need a break. For me, one of my favorite ways to find that break is at my favorite Japanese restaurant, Seryna.

I always love Seryna for its delicious and real Japanese food. I remember one time, when my tempura bento box came, I noticed something new. It wasn't just about the food; it was about how it was arranged.

The golden tempura was placed neatly next to the colorful pickles and rice. Everything had a place. This care, this way of making the food look beautiful, felt like a small work of art.

In our busy lives, we often rush through our meals. But this special bento box made me stop and look. It showed me that even when you eat something nice, you can find a quiet moment to enjoy the simple details.

Taking a second to look at how beautiful the food was made my day better. It was a good reminder to slow down and find joy in the care that people put into their work.

So, the next time you have a special meal, take a moment to really see it. You might find a small moment of art and happiness on your plate.

"The best feelings are not always in big moments. They are often in the quiet, simple parts of your day." - Ashley Goodale