Curating Life, GenX Style*: Healing, Growth, and Finding What Works

Things Everyone Is Obsessed With Right Now—And Why I’m Not

Things Everyone Is Obsessed With Right Now—And Why I’m Not
Every once in a while, something becomes so popular that it’s impossible to avoid. It’s everywhere—online, in stores, in conversations—and people genuinely love it.

And then there’s me, standing off to the side thinking… am I missing something?
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The Best Relationships Aren’t Equal… They’re Complementary

The Best Relationships Aren’t Equal… They’re Complementary
Last week I was sitting at my laptop with headphones on, editing audio for an upcoming podcast episode. If you’ve ever edited audio, you already know it’s about as glamorous as filing receipts in your pajamas — but I genuinely enjoy it. Somewhere between...
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How Needing to Pee Became My Best Strategy for Reprioritizing Life

How Needing to Pee Became My Best Strategy for Reprioritizing Life
I was in the kitchen the other day, staring down a pile of dishes, reminding myself of three emails I hadn’t answered yet, and trying to remember where I put the shopping list… when suddenly my bladder chimed in with:

“Hi... yeah... Whatever we were doing here? Cancel it. We have a new plan.”

And just like that...
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One Small Move Today Makes January Way Easier

One Small Move Today Makes January Way Easier
Don’t Wait for January

Every year, it’s the same routine: January 1st rolls around, and we all make these bold, shiny promises to ourselves. This is the year. New habits. New routines. New me.

And then by February? Most of those grand declarations are already gathering dust.

But here’s the thing nobody tells you:
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Teach Your Children… and Let Them Teach You Back

Teach Your Children… and Let Them Teach You Back
I heard an old song the other day... one I’ve heard a hundred times without ever really paying attention to the lyrics. But this time, I actually listened. I had one of those "Oh! So THAT'S what I've been singing about all along," moments. It was one of those times that the meaning of the lyrics actually landed.

I’ve actually had a few of those moments. They sneak up on you—not with fanfare, just with a soft tap on the shoulder—reminding you that your perspective changes over time. What didn’t make much sense in your thirties lands differently at sixty. And the older you get, the more you realize how much of life is something you learn as you go, not something you arrive at a certain age just magically knowing.
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✨ My blog exists because I know what it feels like to keep everything jumbled in your head — like a messy pile of clothes you can’t sort through.

 Writing it all down brings clarity, calm, and sometimes even healing answers I didn’t know I was looking for.


Honestly, that’s why I keep showing up to write — it helps me make sense of things. 

 Even if you have no intentions of ever publishing your work, I highly recommend writing stuff down. It doesn't have to be a literary masterpiece or even full, grammatically correct sentences... just dump those random thoughts onto paper... you'll see what I mean.

*This blog centers the GenX experience, simply because that’s the lens I live through—but anyone looking for connection, natural wellness, grief support, or a little real-talk in this messy stage of life is more than welcome.

Hi! I'm AJ Flanagan.

 
Hey there! I’m a GenX empty-nester - and recent widow - who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products we used growing up. Our parents didn’t know, and honestly, we were clueless too. But now, I’m all about sharing the details and helping others kick those sneaky chemicals to the curb for a healthier, happier life. 🌿

Life threw us a curveball in 2018 when my amazing husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia. And then a second type of cancer in 2023.  Supporting him through his treatments was challenging, but it also inspired us to make some positive changes. We embraced holistic wellness practices, worked to transform our home into a toxin-free sanctuary, and incorporated relaxation techniques like meditation, music therapy, and aromatherapy into our daily routine.

Caring for and supporting Eric deepened my commitment to living well. From choosing natural products and prioritizing nutritious foods to finding strength in vulnerability, we built a daily routine focused on positivity and wellness. 

I’m passionate about sharing our story, the lessons we learned, and the simple steps we took to enhance our overall well-being.


Creating a Nurturing Space Together

We focused on creating a nurturing environment where both of us could thrive. It was a process of resilience, love, and continuous learning that I'm determined to carry forward from here. I’m eager to share our experiences, the lessons we picked up along the way, and the small changes that made a big difference in our lives. Whether you’re looking to make minor adjustments or dive into a complete wellness transformation, I hope our story can inspire and support you on your own path.

Here’s to embracing change, supporting each other, and living our best lives—together! ✨

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