Breathing Into Success: Ashlyn Green on Choosing Soft Life Over Burnout

Image Credit: Ashlyn Green

In a world that glorifies hustle, Ashlyn Green is championing a different path; one rooted in rest, self-connection and faith.

The Hustle That Nearly Broke Her

For decades, hustle culture has been celebrated in Black communities; seen as the key to survival, generational progress and breaking barriers. But for Ashlyn Green, it nearly cost her life.

In 2022, after years of pushing through exhaustion, she hit a wall of burnout so severe it left her depleted, disconnected and questioning whether this was the life God intended for her.

“I had reached a point where I was completely drained,” she recalls. “I wasn’t showering, I wasn’t brushing my teeth, I wasn’t taking care of myself. I just kept thinking, this can’t be the life God would want me to live. That’s when I knew the hustle wasn’t it.”

Redefining Success Through Soft Life

For Green, the soft life isn’t about luxury or leisure—it’s about breathing.

“To me, soft life means staying connected with my breath, staying connected with myself, even while living in a fast-paced world,” Green said. “Sometimes it’s as simple as pausing to take a deep breath and checking with God and myself before letting the world tell me what I should or shouldn’t be doing.” 

Paying homage to her dear friend Kiuna Hines has also helped her focus on breathing and being more in tune with herself. 

The Pandemic as a Turning Point

When the world shut down in 2020, many young Black professionals had no choice but to slow down.

“It sat our asses down,” Green said, “It was one of the best things that could have happened—not just to Black professionals, but to the world. It gave us space to realize we already have everything we need within—through God and through ourselves.”

Thriving vs. Surviving

While hustle culture has deep roots in Black resilience, Green believes the soft life offers a new blueprint for success.

“We don’t have to work ourselves into the ground,” she says. “We can use our gifts, slow down and truly thrive.” She’s even seen this mindset inspire older generations to rethink their own relationship with work and rest.

Privilege, Perspective, and Reclaiming Worth

To critics who argue that the soft life is only for the privileged, Green offers a different lens. She cites lyrics from “Lucky” by Tish Hyman:

“I got air in my lungs, I’m so lucky.

I got water to drink, I’m so lucky.

I got shoes on my feet, I’m so lucky.

I got food to eat, I’m so lucky.”

“She’s talking about the everyday blessings we overlook,” Green said. “Being able to go outside and receive energy from the sun—that’s a privilege. Being able to wake up and connect with God every single day—that’s a privilege. Once we see what God considers a privilege, what critics say won’t bother us.”

Learning to Set Boundaries Without Guilt

Green admits she still wrestles with the pull of hustle culture—especially on social media. But she’s learned to protect her energy.

“When my cup is full, I can give without losing myself. God told me, ‘Who told you to tip the cup in the first place? If I give from overflow, I can say no without guilt,” she says.

A Path to Systemic Change

When asked if the soft life mindset could transform how workplaces view Black professionals, Green says it starts with how individuals show up.

“If you don’t set your boundaries and model what working without self-sacrifice looks like, the system will keep suppressing us,” she says. “You have to show up boldly yet softly—willing to work, but never at the expense of yourself.”

Advice for the Overworked

For anyone afraid to step back from overwork for fear of falling behind, Green’s advice is simple: pause.

“It doesn’t have to be a week or even a day—though I recommend taking one if you can. Sometimes it’s just stepping away to your car, breathing, and coming back. If you’re that drained, your body is telling you something is wrong. Listen. Rest. Regulate your nervous system so you can operate from thriving, not surviving.”

An Affirmation to Hold Onto

At the heart of Green’s message is a truth she wants every reader to remember:

“I am still worthy, even if I don’t have anything to give. My worth is not determined by what I can do, but by who I am.”

In a culture that still rewards overwork, Ashlyn Green is proof that success can be measured in deep breaths, quiet mornings, and the courage to slow down.