Ashley Pollard

Regional VP, Marketing and Communications. Wife, mommy, dog lover, tech nerd. {Views are mine}

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

Of all the things I’ve seen and read lately - this is my favorite. Do yourself a favor and start from the beginning. ❤️

[Nick Gray @nickgraynews]

We're up early for one last sushi breakfast. Maybe a walk

I have a headache. It's probably the melatonin I took last night to help me sleep. But I’m determined to make the morning right

We arrive at the best spot in the old fish market. Hours went into finding this place but she doesn’t need to know that

Over a piece of tuna I ask: Do you even like me?

She smiles. "I'm still here, aren't I?"

// We walk in shops I otherwise would not

We stay out longer than I usually would

We sit to watch the city on a bench meant for two

We talk about the trip, what's back home, our past relationships

We search for ice cream and fake-fight about who should get the last bite

This is traveling together

// The train ride to Narita Airport seems shorter this time

She's at the window staring out. I am beside, typing these notes and thinking about how this whole thing got started

Posting my Tokyo Blind Date seemed like a fun excuse for me to go back to Japan

Maybe when you first heard about it you thought it was a gimmick or ridiculous

And I fully acknowledge that I am ridiculous

But I also got a look at something very real here. And stories that start ridiculous can end up very real and very deep

// There is no grand plan for an airport goodbye

We hug one last time as they call my flight for boarding

It is a good hug, a full body embrace that holds and lingers, and I know I will see her again

// Perhaps my story resonated with so many because we want the Internet to be a good place and we want people to find love

I mean, you don’t read my posts and say, “Yes I remember the time that I, too, solicited strangers on the Internet to go to Tokyo.”

Now I know a lot of people are hoping that this story ends with a proposal

Or that we both declare our love and I’m typing this in bed beside her right now

But I understand enough about relationships to know that a long weekend together is not enough for a lifelong commitment

And what this represents is a beginning

I first said that I just wanted to travel to Japan with someone cute

But I think I could not fully admit that I wanted to find a girlfriend

I could not admit that even to myself

I realize now that it is four years since my last serious relationship ended

I am getting older and wiser and yet I guess I have been alone for a very long time

This trip made me realize what I’ve been missing

Maybe I’m finally ready to share my life with someone again

// A beginning is a beautiful, wonderful thing

Whether that leads to Happily Ever After or it ends in an amazing blind date that I’ll remember for the rest of my life... I’ve at least learned that I’m ready to find that right person

If there is anything to take away from this experience it's this:

Please live a good story

Do it for the plot. I’m telling you it is worth it

And find someone to do it with you, because it is way more fun when you’re not alone

If you’re a person who is alone or afraid to step out into the world to find your person, know that for the last four years, that has been me

On this trip I’ve learned how foolish I was to wait for so long

So take my advice and learn from my example. Don’t think that you can’t seek someone special in the world and maybe find your person

There are people out there who are waiting for their beginnings with you, too

Seeking a beautiful beginning is what we should all be looking for

Because eventually beginnings lead to Happily Ever Afters

[Amanda Goetz @AmandaMGoetz]

In 2002 I almost died in a car accident.

I was in high school.
It was homecoming week.
I was student body president.
And captain of the cheerleading squad.

I stayed up late every night decorating lockers, floats, the gym while practicing dance routines and doing my homework.

Saturday morning (before the homecoming dance) I took a nap on the couch after staying up late decorating the gym after the football game.

My mom woke me and reminded me I would be late for my hair appointment.

So I grabbed the keys to my Ford ranger and took off on the quiet country road.

Only to fall back asleep 1 mile later.

I woke up heading straight to a telephone pole so I did what every 16 year old, inexperienced driver would do and slammed on the brakes while yanking the steering wheel.

My truck flipped 3 times end over end.
I shattered the window with my head.
I woke up upside down and crawled out the window.

I couldn't find my phone so I walked home - a mile - knowing it would be hours before anyone would find me.

I was in shock.

20+ Years later I remember that day vividly and use it as a reminder:

I'd worn myself out so much it almost killed me.

I couldn't enjoy the dance I worked so hard for.
I had to take weeks off from physical activity.

Overwork can set you back further than you began.

In Japan they use the word: Karōshi - which can be translated into "overwork death". The most common medical causes of karoshi deaths are heart attacks and strokes due to stress.

Find a steady pace for your work life and stop trying to sprint from place to place.

The risk of overwork far outweighs the rewards.

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

@nickragone2 @martinkilcoyne2 @DannyMacTV 😂😂😂 I know how much this means to you!

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

Congrats to @SSMHealth for making the list. Love seeing the addition of 'America's Greatest Workplaces for Women' too. It is a great start to 2024! https://t.co/WF40dkEN1O

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

Great news! Congratulations to this amazing team. @SSMHealth Weight Management Services earns national accreditation https://t.co/g5VL0BB0jA

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

This is care for all! ⁦@SSMHealthSTL⁩ to provide two days’ worth of food to needy patients when they’re discharged https://t.co/pqA5aVZ01X

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

I am so excited about this!! Awesome news for St. Louis families.

[Cardinal Glennon @cardinalglennon]

SSM Health announced today that it will build a new, state-of-the-art children’s hospital at Chouteau Avenue and Grand Boulevard in St. Louis.

Read more: https://t.co/NMIC9flCvW

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

SSM Health is well positioned with this team. Great news for the St. Louis system and for all of the communities they serve.
https://t.co/5sICBh9YYf

[Amanda Goetz @AmandaMGoetz]

Last week I got a mammogram.
Today I have a colonoscopy.

Know when you will not be too busy to focus on your health?
When you are sick.

Please make time for your preventative health checks!

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

Being on this incredible list means so much. Being honored as a Team Leader means even more. It's not about me, it's about my team - serving them, supporting them - making awesome happen and earning their respect.

https://t.co/gdm2WOaxdZ

[Official Bluey TV @OfficialBlueyTV]

For all the Chillis out there 🧡 #Bluey #MothersDay

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

It doesn’t get better than this!! Only in Austin. Only at @dellchildrens.

[Dell Children's @dellchildrens]

Following two open-heart surgeries and 139 days in the NICU, baby Le'lani received a bubble-filled farewell parade from her Dell Children's care teams.

See more from @cbsaustin here: https://t.co/lBeKRubWXB

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

Our latest marketing campaign is live across Ascension markets highlighting the way our doctors, nurses and caregivers continue to lead the way in delivering advanced care. Ascension is your first choice for healthcare in many cities and towns across the US.

[Ascension @Ascensionorg]

With experienced heart, spine and orthopedic specialists dedicated to getting you back to the things you love, Ascension sites of care are your first choice for leading care.

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

Loved waking up to this news this morning. “Dare to dream! The more disadvantaged childhood you have, the more difficult and more challenges, the stronger you become!” - @DjokerNole ❤️🏆🎾

[Novak Djokovic @DjokerNole]

🏆2️⃣2️⃣🙏🏼❤️

[Tara Raeber @TaraRaeber]

Love, compassion and quality care from the voices of those we serve across Ascension sites of care - https://t.co/yx5jIDDhum

[Comparably @Comparably]

@Ascensionorg @JoinAscension Congrats on being named on @Comparably's Top 100 Best Companies for Women list, as rated by your employees. #comparablyawards https://t.co/WlKMw29xJC

[Ascension @Ascensionorg]

“If I could talk to them now, I would tell them, thank you for saving my life.” Stories like Tony’s remind us every day why we are so dedicated to our mission of compassionate care for all.

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

@nickragone2 @buildabear @ChiefExecBear This is awesome, Nick! Maxine is brilliant!

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

Delivering medical breakthrough, reshaping patient care. This is who we are, this is what we do. #WeAreAscension https://t.co/ttZ6eE7lIC

[Ashley Pollard @ash_pollard14]

Guilty! Thanks for the info, @Ascensionorg @StVincentIN
https://t.co/YKIn70knYA