I'm sitting here choosing my classes for the fall semester, and my mind is just... whirling.

Not because of the classes themselves, but because of how dramatically my life has changed.

There was a time when I genuinely felt like my entire world had crumbled around me. I didn't know who I was anymore, where I was going, or what my future looked like. Everything I had built felt uncertain, and I was left trying to figure out what came next.

Looking back now, I don't think my life was ending.

I think it was beginning.

I'm now halfway through my bachelor's degree in psychology. Before long, I'll be preparing to apply to the University of Iowa's Counseling Psychology PhD program, continuing toward a path I never imagined I would take.

Sometimes I have to stop and let that sink in.

What means the most to me isn't just earning a degree. It's knowing that every experience—the struggles, the trauma, the healing, the mistakes, and the years spent trying to understand myself—has shaped the person I am becoming.

None of it was wasted.

I'm learning how to transform my lived experiences into something meaningful. Something that can help others feel a little less alone, a little more understood, and a little more hopeful about their own journeys.

It's strange how life works. The moments that feel like everything is falling apart can become the very foundation for something you never imagined was possible.

I don't have everything figured out, and I know there is still a long road ahead.

But for the first time in a very long time, I feel like I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.

This is life in progress.

This morning, I found myself watching an argument unfold between two very different parts of my brain.

The creative side was awake and ready to go.

"Forget the assignment. Work on the website. The ideas are flowing! Let's create! Let's build! This is the exciting part!" 

And honestly? I understood where it was coming from.

The website represents so much of who I am becoming. It’s creativity, psychology, storytelling, and a place where all of these different pieces of myself get to exist together. When inspiration hits, it is hard not to chase it.

But then the logical side of my brain stepped in.

"You have two questions left on your Developmental Psychology assignment. Finish that first." 

Cue the dramatic teenage response:

"Ugh, you're not my mom!"

🚪 Imaginary door slam.

And yet...

I sat down and did my schoolwork anyway.

The funny thing is, neither side of my brain was wrong.

The creative side wasn't trying to sabotage me. It was excited. It was reminding me of something important: creating matters. Building something meaningful matters. Following curiosity matters.

That spark of excitement is part of what makes us human.

But the logical side wasn't the enemy either. It wasn't trying to take away the fun or tell me my ideas weren't important. It was reminding me that the future I want is built through the choices I make today.

Sometimes growth looks less like a huge breakthrough and more like negotiating with the different parts of ourselves.

The dreamer.

The planner.

The student.

The artist.

The part of us that wants immediate excitement.

The part of us that understands delayed gratification.

I think a lot of us struggle with this balance.

We live in a world that constantly encourages us to chase the next exciting thing — the next idea, the next project, the next burst of motivation.

But becoming the person we want to be also requires learning how to follow through when something isn't as immediately rewarding.

It requires patience.

It requires commitment.

It requires learning that discipline does not mean silencing the creative parts of ourselves.

Instead, discipline can become a way of protecting our creativity.

Because when we take care of the responsibilities in front of us, we create more freedom to explore the things that inspire us.

I've spent a lot of time learning how to work with myself instead of constantly fighting against myself.

For years, I thought becoming a better version of myself meant fixing the parts of me that felt chaotic, emotional, or easily distracted.

Now I'm realizing those parts weren't flaws that needed to disappear.

My creativity, curiosity, and passion are not problems to solve.

They are parts of me that need guidance.

The goal isn't to silence the creative voice.

The goal is to build trust between all the different parts of ourselves.

So this morning's lesson was simple:

Yes, chase the ideas.

Yes, create.

Yes, follow the excitement.

But also keep the promises you make to yourself.

Because becoming who we are meant to be isn't just about discovering our passions.

It's about becoming someone we can rely on.

The website will still be there.

The ideas aren't going anywhere.

But first...

I have two Developmental Psychology questions to answer. 😉

Life is messy, beautiful, complicated, and constantly changing. It's made up of the experiences that shape us, the relationships that challenge us, the moments that break us, and the discoveries that help us grow.

This isn't a personal diary, and it isn't a place where every detail of my life is shared. Instead, it's a collection of reflections, lessons, and observations from my own journey that connect to the larger human experience. My hope is that by sharing my perspective, you'll be encouraged to explore your own.

Here you'll find conversations about healing, identity, communication, relationships, parenting, personal growth, and the everyday moments that quietly shape who we become. Some posts may begin with a story, others with a question, but they all share the same purpose: to encourage deeper understanding and authentic growth.

If you've ever felt like you had to hide parts of yourself, questioned where you belong, or wondered who you are outside of everyone else's expectations, you're in good company.

None of us have life completely figured out. I certainly don't. But I believe there is value in slowing down, asking better questions, and learning from one another along the way.

I hope you'll stick around as we explore what it means to live authentically, embrace our humanity, and continue becoming more ourselves.

Stay curious,

Ashley Franzen

I've always been fascinated by one question:

What makes us human?

That question has led me to study psychology, challenge assumptions, and develop a deep appreciation for the incredible complexity of the human mind.

Psychology gives us language for experiences we've often struggled to explain. It helps us understand why we think the way we do, why we react the way we do, how our relationships shape us, and how our experiences influence the people we become. More importantly, it reminds us that human behavior is rarely as simple as it first appears.

This space is dedicated to making psychology approachable, evidence-based, and relevant to everyday life. As I continue my education and eventually pursue a career in counseling psychology, I'll be sharing what I'm learning, breaking down research into practical ideas, and exploring topics through the lens of curiosity and compassion.

I'm not here to pretend I have all the answers. I'm here to learn alongside you, ask thoughtful questions, and encourage critical thinking. Together we'll explore psychology not as a collection of facts to memorize, but as a tool for understanding ourselves and the people around us more deeply.

If you've ever wanted to better understand your mind, improve your relationships, or simply become a more thoughtful observer of the human experience, I hope you'll continue learning with me.

Because understanding creates compassion.

Stay curious,

Ashley Franzen

Art has always been one of the ways I make sense of the world.

Sometimes words aren't enough. Sometimes a drawing, a design, a symbol, or even a splash of color can communicate something we've felt but never quite knew how to express.

This space is where creativity meets curiosity. You'll find illustrations, graphic design, sketches, branding projects, merchandise, and behind-the-scenes looks at my creative process. More importantly, you'll discover the stories, ideas, and emotions behind the work.

I don't believe art is only about creating something beautiful. I believe it's about creating something meaningful. Every piece begins with a question, an experience, or an idea worth exploring. Whether it's inspired by psychology, personal growth, or the human experience, my hope is that each creation invites you to think, feel, or see something in a new way.

If you're an artist, a creator, or simply someone who appreciates thoughtful design, I hope this space inspires you to embrace your own creativity and discover the value of making things that reflect who you are.

Thank you for stopping by my studio. I can't wait to share what I'm creating next.

Keep creating,

Ashley Franzen

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by the questions beneath the surface.

Why do we think the way we do?
Why do we become who we are?
How do our experiences shape the way we see ourselves, each other, and the world?

This space is a collection of the things I’m learning, creating, and discovering along the way. A place where curiosity meets creativity, where questions are welcomed, and where growth is viewed as a lifelong process.

I’m sharing the journey as I navigate life, study the human mind, create art, and continue learning what it means to be human.

I don’t have all the answers — but I believe there is value in asking better questions, having deeper conversations, and staying open to new perspectives.

I’m glad you’re here.
- Ashley Franzen

Every story starts somewhere. For me, it started with a journal, a few thoughts, and a desire to better understand myself and the world around me. This video explores how creativity, reflection, and curiosity shaped the person I am becoming today.

There are countless ways to explore what makes us human, but three perspectives have always stood out to me: life, psychology, and art.

Life represents the experiences that shape us — our relationships, challenges, memories, growth, and the moments that influence who we become. It is the story we are constantly writing.

Psychology helps us understand the science behind who we are — our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, connections, and the patterns that influence how we experience the world.

Art gives us a way to express what words sometimes cannot. Through creativity, we process experiences, share our perspectives, and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Together, these three areas create a space for exploration, curiosity, and understanding. They allow us to look at the human experience from different angles — what we live, why we think and feel the way we do, and how we express the stories we carry.

This is the foundation of this journey: exploring what it means to be human through curiosity, compassion, and creativity.