28: A Life of Adventure & Travel with Ashleigh Mills

Welcome! My guest today is Ashleigh Mills, who originally trained
as a social worker in Australia. She worked in clinical mental
health and policy for over 10 years, but then followed her heart
to begin writing creatively at age 32. Ashleigh began her blog on
life, love, travel, and her crazy cat lady stories.  She
later started a freelancing writing business focusing on
adventure and travel articles. In 2015, she traveled to Bali and
the Philippines to write stories with her husband, who is a
fashion and travel photographer. Ashleigh is always busy planning
her next adventure. 


In this episode, you’ll learn:


How this podcast has been encouraging and refreshing for
Ashleigh, hearing other women’s perspectives, and knowing she
isn’t alone in her journey

How Ashleigh’s childfree life is a choice that resulted from
ambivalence toward motherhood, even though she always assumed she
would have “the urge” someday.

Ashleigh has seen the “bad” side of family from her social
work experience; she believes that unless you are 120% committed
as a couple, you shouldn’t undertake parenting.

Like others, Ashleigh has experienced insensitive questions
and comments about her life choices.

She finds creative and nurturing outlets through her writing.

How being childfree allows you to nurture relationships with
other children and support other family members who are parents.

How Ashleigh was privileged to experience several positive
childfree role models in her childhood that made it a valid
option for her.

How Ashleigh has experienced the myths and stereotypes, “that
life is meaningless and empty without a child”


“Our lives are full. We have plans together to travel
and share common goals. I don’t feel like anything is
missing.”

How Ashleigh encourages women to be supportive in whatever
decisions they make and not pass judgment upon others who chose a
different pathway than your own

How the change must start with the media and how “the ideal
life” is portrayed

You can find Ashleigh’s blog at
www.mymeow.com.au.  



If you find this episode helpful then please share with a friend
who would enjoy! For more episodes go to
www.michellemariemcgrath.com