Seeing the View from Your Shoes: My Journey with Empathy (and My First Video with Visual Effects!)

 

Hello, amazing community! Today is a special day, as I get to share something deeply personal that I hope serves as a true Happiness Booster for you: a visual journey into the heart of empathy.

We all move so fast. The world is a blur of hurried feet, and it's easy to live safe within our own spaces, building up what I call "walls of judgment." But behind every hurried step and every quiet smile is a story—sung either in minor or in sweet.

The Power of the Silent Strain

This realization inspired the lyrics for my new piece, "The View From Your Shoes."

We hear the words they're saying, but the silent strain is weak. We build up walls of judgement, safe within our little space Never stopping to imagine the lines drawn on their face.

My goal with this song is simple: to shift our focus from judgment to genuine connection. True empathy isn't a quick glance; it's the willingness to put yourself in that worn-out leather—to feel the thin, cold air and the heavy weight another person bears. That connection is a profound lesson that a lecture can never teach.

Introducing Visual Effects to My Music!

I'm thrilled to announce the release of the music video for this song. While I've done music videos before, this one marks a major milestone: it is my first music video featuring sophisticated visual effects!

Creating this video was an artistic challenge and a huge learning curve. I used striking visual metaphors—from digitally split screens showing two sides of a story, to the journey of hikers climbing a steep mountain path—to bring the lyrics to life. The visual effects underscore the central message: that empathy is about showing up and holding a gentle space.

It's about seeing "the reflection, the light and the storm combined," and truly believing you can "leave no soul behind."

Your Health & Happiness Booster Challenge

My hope is that this video encourages you to drop your own wall. Empathy doesn't mean you have to fix someone's pain; it just means you hold space for them to be real.

Watch the full music video for "The View From Your Shoes" here: [Insert YouTube Link to your Video]

Take a few minutes today to practice this:

1. Stop: Pause during a busy moment.

2. Observe: Look beyond the surface of someone you encounter.

3. Imagine: Try to feel the weight of their current journey.

Thank you for being part of this community. I can't wait to hear what you think of the video and the new visual direction!

Empathy is the courageous choice to lower your map of the world and step entirely onto the terrain of another's worn path. It is not fixing their mountain, but feeling the thin, cold air yourself - Ashley Goodale

If You Feel Stuck, Please Remember This: You Are Still Moving

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If You’re Feeling Stuck, Please Read This: You Are Still Moving

My 1:05-Minute Reset for Finding Quiet Strength When You Need It Most

Listen, if you’re anything like me, you’ve had those days—or weeks—where you check everything off the list, you put in the hours, but you end the day feeling like you made zero progress. It’s exhausting, and it makes you question what the point is.

If you’re feeling lost right now, overwhelmed, or like your effort just isn't paying off, this post is absolutely for you. I was feeling that way too, so I sat down and created this little 1-minute, 5-second video as a reminder. I truly hope it helps someone else out there who is having a hard time.

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The Things We Forget When We're Struggling

The simple truth I keep coming back to is this: Progress doesn't always come with a huge fanfare. Most of the time, it looks like just choosing to continue.

Here are the three big reminders from the video that always help me re-center:

1. It’s Okay That You Don't Have the Map

We all start in that metaphorical dark forest. The most courageous thing you can do isn't to suddenly find the path; it's to simply accept that you can’t see the way right now. Don't waste energy beating yourself up for not having all the answers. Your strength is in the pause.

2. That Little Light Is Your Victory

When life feels like intense pressure—like you're stuck deep underwater—you have to protect the little glow near your heart. That's your will, your purpose, your you. It might feel tiny and fragile, but it’s persistent. As long as that flicker is there, you’re winning.

3. Being Stubborn Is Moving Forward

Think about climbing that huge wall. The little movements—the inhale, the tight grip, the next step—that's all it is. You're not just surviving; you're actively defying the pressure just by continuing to breathe and keep going. Your effort isn't wasted.

All of those quiet, relentless choices you make are stacking up and shaping the amazing person you're becoming.

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Your Happiness Booster Challenge

Before you click away, I have one small challenge for you:

What is the one small, quiet thing you did today that you haven’t given yourself any credit for?

Acknowledge it. Be fiercely proud of it.

You are still moving.

The true measure of progress isn't how fast you run, but that you refused to stand still when the world asked you to stop -Ashley Goodale

Solitude, Sweet Treats, and a Serendipitous Soundtrack: My Mall of Asia Escape

 

Sometimes, the best way to hit refresh is a quiet moment, just for yourself. And what better place to find a little peace amidst the bustle than a hidden gem within a familiar space? Today, my health and happiness booster came in the form of a delightful solo escape to Mall of Asia, and let me tell you, it was just what the doctor ordered!

My sanctuary for the afternoon? None other than Wildflour, a perennial favorite. There's something so comforting about their warm, inviting atmosphere, and today, it was the perfect backdrop for my chosen indulgences. First up, a heavenly Leche Flan Danish.

Each bite was a delicate balance of flaky pastry and that rich, creamy, unmistakably Filipino Leche Flan goodness. Pure bliss! To complement this sweet treat, a comforting mug of ginger turmeric warm tea – a soothing, healthful hug in a cup. And as a cherry on top (or rather, a lovely bonus!), I even scored a Wildflour Plus discount card for free! Talk about a happy accident.

As I savored each moment, lost in my thoughts and the gentle hum of the café, a classic old song began to play. The melody was instantly recognizable, a nostalgic echo from another era. But it was the lyrics that truly caught my ear, pulling me out of my reverie:

"One step ahead of heartbreak... One step ahead of your arms."

Wow. Those lines resonated deeply. I found myself pondering the weight of those words, the incredible difficulty of being in a situation where you're constantly trying to outrun emotional pain or the pull of a past love. It felt incredibly poignant, capturing a very universal human experience.

My curiosity piqued, I quickly pulled out my phone and googled the lyrics. And that's when I discovered something interesting! While I had a specific artist in mind when I heard it, the search revealed that the song, "One Step Ahead," was famously sung by Aretha Franklin, but also by another iconic group: Split Enz. It’s fascinating how a song can be interpreted and delivered by different artists, each adding their own layer of meaning.

This little discovery added another layer to my already perfect afternoon. It was a reminder that even in our quiet moments, inspiration and unexpected insights can find us. A delicious pastry, a warming tea, a freebie, and a classic tune that sparked a moment of reflection – these are the simple, yet profound, boosters that truly nourish the soul.

What are your favorite "health and happiness boosters"? Share them in the comments below!

In the quiet of a bustling mall, I found that the sweetest treat wasn't just on my plate, but in the solitude that allowed a forgotten melody to become a profound discovery -Ashley Goodale

A Dream of a Better World: A Health and Happiness Booster

 

A Dream of a Better World" is a song I wrote and a video I created to capture a vision of hope and peace. This project has been a powerful reminder of how important it is to focus on inner peace to create outer happiness.

For me, this song is a personal health and happiness booster. It's a reminder that even in a noisy world, we can find a quiet place inside through meditation and visualization. By allowing ourselves to dream of a world filled with kindness and love, we're not just wishing—we're actively boosting our own spirits and contributing to a more positive world.

The lyrics and visuals in the video are a simple reflection of my belief that big change starts with a single thought. I hope this song inspires you to hold on to your own dreams for a better world, just as I'm holding on to mine.

I invite you to take a few minutes to listen and feel the message. Let it be a source of calm and a reminder that your dreams have the power to create a better world, one person at a time.

Peace is not a destination we travel to, but a dream we carry in our hearts until it becomes the world we walk on. -Ashley Goodale

The Best Kind of Push: From Manila to London, He Helps Me Find Happiness

It’s easy to feel stuck when you’re on the opposite side of the world from the person you love. I’m here in Manila, and he’s all the way in London. On the days when the distance feels heaviest and I just want to stay in bed, my boyfriend has a way of knowing exactly what to do.

He doesn't "come over," but he sends a message that instantly pulls me out of my rut. Our anthem, born from the song I wrote, feels more real than ever:

"Yo, you up?... Ditch the house."

It's a simple phrase, but from him, it's a call to action. He knows I need to get out of my head and mentally close the thousands of miles between us. It isn't about a specific destination; it's about the act of choosing to be together and leaving my worries behind.

This is the beauty of our relationship, and it’s what I love most about the song. It perfectly captures how he helps me find my happiness, even across continents. The lyrics that follow are what we live by:

> "Gotta get out, gotta have a chill day,

> Spend some time with you, doing whatever, just doing what we wanna do."

> 

It's a reminder that my happiness isn't something I have to find on my own. It's something we build together. Our favorite thing to do is for him to read a book to me. He'll read a chapter of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff About Love" by Richard Carlson, and with every chapter he reads, we share each other's insight. It’s a simple, intimate way to connect that makes the distance disappear. The song’s most honest and powerful line is:

> "Nothing could be better than just being together."

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My boyfriend is more than just my partner; he is my "health and happiness booster." He reminds me that the best things in life are simple and that the greatest moments aren’t planned—they just happen when you have the right person beside you, no matter how many time zones away they are. This song isn't just a mood; it’s our story, and it’s a constant reminder of how we find joy in the little things.

Our love story proves that distance isn't measured in miles, but in moments. The song I wrote and the book he reads are our bridges. - Ashley Goodale 

#OriginalMusic #Songwriter #NewMusic #AcousticSong #Lyrics #MusicForLife #Blogger #CreativeProcess #Creativity #WritingCommunity #BloggersOfInstagram #CreativeExpression #MusicAndMindfulness #MentalHealth #Happiness #SelfCare #WellnessJourney #PositiveVibes #HealthAndHappiness #Bloggers #OriginalContent #Manila #London #LifestyleBlog #CreativeExpression #LongDistanceRelationship #LDR #LongDistanceLove #RelationshipGoals #RelationshipAdvice #Couples

​"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