I Am Here: Using Clarity Mapping to Move from Fear to Freedom

by Ashley LeMieux

Learn to move through pain to find clarity and healing using author, entrepreneur, and social media influencer Ashley LeMieux’s unique “Clarity Mapping” tool that will inspire and empower you to chart a course toward the future you deserve.

In her debut memoir, Born to Shine, founder of The Shine Project Ashley LeMieux shared life-changing lessons found in the darkest seasons of life. I Am Here continues her journey to healing and transformation using the process she developed called “Clarity Mapping.” This tangible tool walks the readers through setting intentions, understanding why they are worthy of the life of their dreams, identifying the things they carry that no longer serve them, noticing the people they can serve, and finally, identifying the truest version of themselves.

I Am Here will help women reframe their thoughts, reimagine their lives, and reclaim their power,  helping them determine priorities and create a plan to start moving toward their dreams. 

Genres: Self Help, Nonfiction, Personal Growth, Memoir

243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 4, 2021

About the author

Ashley LeMieux is the founder and CEO of The Shine Project and author of Born to Shine. Her company, The Shine Project, is an online community for women to find support, resources, motivation, and encouragement to triumph over the challenges in their lives. Her website is: www.ashleylemieux.com

Reviews

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher HarperOne in exchange for an honest review of this book.

Okay so here's the deal. I didn't expect to like this book. I didn't prepare myself for a social media influencer to leave my soul feeling fed and loved and empowered - YET HERE I AM. (No pun intended).
I have known about Ashley for forever. But only have followed her for about a year on social media. I know her last book was really successful but I never read it personally. I thought I knew her story because I know people who know her personally. But when the opportunity arose to read an ARC copy through NetGalley (thank you!!) I couldn't NOT check out what all the new excitement was about.

I honestly expected this to be just a memoir of all the difficult things Ashley has been through (because holy s#'+ she's been through the ringer) but I was so impressed by this book. She shares her heart and her love for her readers and followers. I kind of love her alot more after reading this book. I feel more loved and empowered by her in these pages than I do watching her stories on Instagram. But this may be due to the way I connect!

Here's what I can tell you about this book- it provides tools and strategies to build a strong powerful self and it helps you work out the mechanics of it all to help you step away feeling empowered and full of self love.

I know it's a good book when I take notes and I took PAGES.

I was given the opportunity to read this book for free and less than half way through I pre-ordered it at my local shop because I knew I would want to read it again. I even bought the audio version because that is my preferred method of reading these days.

What I can say is this book is POWERFUL. If you are looking for ways to grow and develop personally and really not just relate to an author but TRANSITION and go through a METAMORPHOSIS - this book is going to be the step in the right direction.

IF you listen to the audio- which you should- Ashley narrates it herself and she does a great job! Be sure to grab the physical book too and read along because there are multiple incredibly impactful moments that are worth your time highlighting, rereading, and noting for yourself.

You know what, go ahead and buy the workbook that is coming out for it too. Trust me this is a book that takes you from listening to participating. It's worth the time to put in the work to truly grow.

I am so excited to take the keys Ashley has given me and put them to use. I am ready to be loud and proud and loved and safe. I am worthy of this love and I am grateful for her willingness to share her story with the world so we can benefit from her resilience and love.

[Holli · Rating 2 out of 5]

This didn't work for me and I'm not exactly sure why.

Here's what I liked:
- I appreciated that the author was honest and raw with sharing difficult experiences in her life
- The formatting/organization of the book made sense.
- It's an easy read.
- You can tell the author has put in a lot of work on her own personal growth.

Here's what I didn't like:
- Many of the ideas and so much of the writing were redundant.
- I don't follow Ashley LeMieux so I wasn't aware of what her situation was with "losing her kids." It alluded to it several times but I didn't know what actually happened. It required some extra research to understand what she was talking about.
- This felt like one looooong influencer post. It felt branded, overwritten, overwrought, and overly familiar. For example, starting paragraphs with "Listen, sister..." Please don't. I'm not your sister.
- I didn't find any of the ideas new. Repeating mantras, asking yourself deep questions -- this has been done. The clarity mapping felt very similar to other intention-based goal-setting ideas that I've read.
- This felt VERY Rachel Hollis to me. And, I'm not a Rachel Hollis fan. If you are, then this would be something you'd like. For me, it was a turn-off.
- The author pulls from her life experiences to give advice. I think this works sometimes (ie Glennon Doyle) but in general, I think I prefer self-help books where the author is qualified to give advice in a certain area and the book provides additional research and fact-based information. (ie - Burnout, Necessary Endings, etc.)

I think the author is probably a really nice person with good ideas and a heart to help people. All good things. But, this wasn't for me.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the publisher.
Rating this book was hard for me. I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it either. It contained some valuable information but I just didn’t fully agree with all of the information shared. The author is open, honest, and raw which I loved. This definitely qualifies as a self-help book.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book a million stars I would😭😭 this book came during a particularly rough time in my life and it’s exactly what my heart needed. I was sobbing by the end hearing Ashley’s message and how to believe in yourself and tools given during hard times. It’s definitely a book I’m going to be re-reading when I need it. Highly highly recommend❤️❤️

[Suzanne Kramb · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the longest time, I've struggled with how to think about my future. Whenever anyone asked me, "where do you see yourself in five years?" I was always at a loss, because I didn't even know what I'd be doing, let alone who'd I'd be tomorrow. But Ashley LeMieux has helped me find a new way to think about my past, present, and future. If we stay too focused on yesterday, who will we end up being tomorrow? I have a lot to ponder now, but this is definitely the next step I needed.

[Brynlee Child · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was life changing! Ashley gives each reader the tools to evaluate and change our lives in the best ways.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been following Ashley on Instagram off and on for about a year now. I'm rating this book four stars not because of the writing, and not because of its few simple and common tools, but because in this book she is incredibly vulnerable and honest. It's her story. That makes it valuable and worth reading. Her brave example is more empowering than any of her words.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though not as good as her first book, this is everything it claims to be: a story of healing.

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Took quite awhile to finish this one however, plenty of amazing insights, little nuggets and moments that I loved to help us all get unstuck.
“Reframe thoughts, reimagine your future and reclaim your power”. “Embrace your mountain” “Each new experience is working for me” “my anger, my passion, and my voice are important and have permission to express them”

[Rashae · Rating 3 out of 5]

*audiobook* Maybe I just wasn’t in the right frame of mind for this book, but it didn’t quite touch me like I thought it would. I think for some, it can be so helpful and profound, and I think the clarity mapping is awesome, but I’ve found other self help books that speak more to me.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I Am Here: The Journey from Fear to Freedom by Ashley LeMieux
Publisher: HarperOne
Genre: Biographies & Memoirs | Nonfiction (Adult) | Self-Help
Publication Date: May 4, 2021

I Am Here: The Journey from Fear to Freedom by Ashley LeMieux is part memoir, part self-help book.

Prior to reading this book, I had not heard of the author or her work. I found the book to be very interesting and had some great tips! I can definitely see myself using some of the tips in my own life.

I'm so grateful to Ashley LeMieux, HarperOne, and NetGalley for providing me with a free copy of this ARC ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Yvonne Reynders · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ashley LeMieux is an extraordinary person. I am grateful for the good she is striving to do in this world. She is a great source of comfort and encouragement. This book is a great tool for helping people take ownership of their lives. I strongly believe we are agents made to act not to be acted upon.

I'm in a good place. I have room to improve but luckily I've never felt as lost as Ashley has. Man she was put through a wringer more than once but I appreciate how she saw her hard times as opportunities to improve.

It is powerful for us to be able to see our struggles as opportunities to grow. It is powerful to acknowledge we wouldn't have learned all we have without the struggles.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I read Born to Shine, I laughed and cried and really identified with Ashley's grief. I was excited to ready I Am Here after seeing her speak in person a few weeks ago.

I can't remember the last book that I marked up and took as many notes as this one!! There are SO many incredible takeaways and tools for moving through grief and finding freedom wherever you are on your journey.

I've already started working on the Clarity Mapping exercise and I'm already seeing a difference in my productivity and motivation.

If you're stuck somewhere in your life, going through a hard time, or just want tools to help you move forward in your life, this is the book for you!

[Gemini · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is not what I expected when I read this book & frankly found it confusing & kind of depressing. Yes trauma affects everyone & one goes through it differently but the story itself was pretty non-linear & at times hard to follow. I don't understand the purpose of what the author was doing in writing this book. I was not connected to it nor could I really empathize w/ her story. So I was not really happy reading this & actually wanted to stop but pushed through anyway. I guess you have to make the decision yourself on whether it might move you or something cause it did nothing for me.

[Tabatha Bogue · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I didn’t love it but didn’t completely hate. For someone new to the self help and personal development world I think it’s a great tool with relatable stories. Overall I didn’t find anything grand or life changing. But I certainly respect the author and her story and her bravery to share it so authentically.

[Kim McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an easy-to-read (or in my case, listen) self-improvement book. I thought the author shared a good balance of her own stories with advice and inspiration for overcoming challenges and healing from trauma. I didn’t necessarily love her frequent use of the word ‘Sister’, but it was easy to overlook.

[Heather Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Ashley LeMieux and her uplifting content. Her podcast is incredible. I will readily admit I didn’t give this book enough of my attention by physically doing the activities/work suggested, but it was still an uplifting and helpful read that brought me to tears more than once. Highly recommend.

[Elizabeth Jordan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m not usually into like self help books BUT this spoke to me when I felt like things were crashing around so it was an eye opener for me. I’m a mom of 3; 4 if you count my husband and let me tell it’s an exhausting job being MOM/Wife! Highly recommend this book!!

[Caylee Connelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

Love the author on IG. But I just couldn’t get through the book. Sorry.

It feels like it’s just shy of reaching the gospel message which from a Christian perspective made me uncomfortable reading it. Same concept but no credit to God.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this book! Having been through trauma myself, this was such a personalized way to grow and overcome our fears. My journey to healing has been greatly benefited by reading this book! I highly recommend it!

[Shannon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not really a review. Thank you Ashley for telling your story and helping people heal. What she had to go through is heart wrenching. I am glad she is telling her story so that it can help others through their journey to heal. To feel worthy.

[Breeana · Rating 3 out of 5]

I follow Ashley on Instagram, and I enjoyed reading this book as an insight to how she has created her life after so much loss. I liked a lot of the concepts in here, and a few really resonated with me. I loved listening to the audiobook!

[Danielle Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy and great read. This is the perfect book for people feeling alone, powerless and who are looking forward to a better, more whole life

[Shawna Baker · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 45% I didn’t find this book helpful for me.

[Caila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read it in a day! Amazing read!

[Leona · Rating 2 out of 5]

[see Holli's review, she wrote the same review I would write-but she wrote it first!]

[Elisabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot and will definitely add some of her strategies into my life. But I felt uncomfortable with the use of the word tribe in reference to friends and family.

[Kandice Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a strong warrior! She is inspiring!

[Krystyna Salvetta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Isn’t it funny the way life works?

I started this book a year ago, when it was published. I read about 3/4 of it, and then, life. I picked up another book, then another, and another. And I never came back and finished this one.

Lately I’ve been struggling with the idea that I’m not done grieving my mother. She died three years ago and I’m feeling as though that proverbial shoe is going to drop: all of a sudden I’m going to just crash and burn.

Today I had a very light day at work, I had some extra time so I picked up this book again and I started reading on page 181, and on page 212, look what I found: “… maybe healing is more about relief. Maybe healing isn’t about what we don’t feel and, instead, it’s about what we do. Maybe in healing there’s room for grief and joy, sorrow and ecstasy, missing the ones you love and holding the memories close.“

And on page 213: “Healing doesn’t mean not hurting, it means we tend to the wound.”

God works in mysterious ways, and He sent these two quotes to me just when I needed them. I feel stronger, less overwhelmed with grief, more able to live with it, at least for the minute. The author has been through so much in her young life, she’s accomplished so much, and lost so much. And yet this book is positive, encouraging, transforming. #HighlyRecommend

[Meghan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was received as an ARC from HarperOne in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.

This book could not have come at a better time. After going through a tough week, I needed a form a reassurance of my purpose and positivity and I Am Here provided the relief. I love how Ashley expressed her spirit throughout the book even when times got tough and I admire that very much. I have read Born to Shine a while back and I am familiar with Ashley's The Shine Project and what it represents and I could not be more relieved myself so I became a member. It's always to comforting to have a group of supportive women on your side and have you feel empowered no matter what. I know there are a lot of people in our library community that really would benefit from this book and I can not wait to recommend it to them.

We will consider adding this title to our Self-Help collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.