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

You’re Not Addicted to Dopamine: How to Boost It Naturally Without Cheap Hits

You’re Not Addicted to Dopamine: How to Boost It Naturally Without Cheap Hits
Ever notice how an hour disappears—scrolling on your phone, munching chips you didn’t even want, or clicking ‘next episode’ on a show you weren’t that into? People often say we’re addicted to dopamine—but that’s a myth. You can’t be addicted to something your brain needs every day. What we really get hooked on are the cheap, quick hits of dopamine—like endless scrolling or junk food—that feel good for a moment but don’t give us the steady motivation dopamine is meant to provide. 

What’s your version of the ‘cheap hit’? For me lately, it’s YouTube videos. I tell myself just five minutes, and suddenly half an hour’s gone.

Learning how to support healthy dopamine levels the right way can help you feel motivated, balanced, and more energized without needing those constant quick fixes...
Read more...

Hot Flashes, Brain Fog, and Sleepless Nights… Is It Just Me?

Hot Flashes, Brain Fog, and Sleepless Nights… Is It Just Me?
The weird thing about this stage of life—whether you call it menopause, perimenopause, or “whatever’s happening to me right now”—is that it sneaks up on you. One day you’re fine, and the next you’re standing in the kitchen thinking, “Wait… why am I here again?” while wondering if it’s normal to be sweating through your T-shirt at 9 a.m.

It’s subtle at first. A few nights of restless sleep. A little more irritability than usual. Brain fog that makes conversations feel like a mental obstacle course. Then suddenly you’re Googling things like “natural hot flash relief” or “how to sleep better in menopause.”
Read more...

The Beauty of Background Character Energy: Lessons from Everyday Encounters

The Beauty of Background Character Energy: Lessons from Everyday Encounters
A few weeks ago, I was unintentionally part of someone's mini photo shoot while at the park watching my grandkids play. I had no idea I was in the background of their perfectly posed moment until it was too late—and now, somewhere out there, I’m forever captured mid-sip of my chocolate milkshake, (which, for the record, I ordered with zero shame at 10:30 a.m. because adulthood has to have some perks) in their photo album as “random lady living her best life.”

It got me thinking: How many times have I been a background character in someone else’s story without even realizing it? Not the star, not the villain—just the extra who happened to walk by, hold a door, or make a random comment that may or may not have stuck with them. You know what I mean?
Read more...

Girl Talk Lowers Cortisol and Raises Sanity—Science Says So

Girl Talk Lowers Cortisol and Raises Sanity—Science Says So
Turns out, that heart-to-heart with your bestie is basically brain medicine.

I saw this meme the other day claiming that when women vent to each other, it actually helps us lower cortisol, boost serotonin, and build stronger neural pathways. At first, I laughed and thought, Well that explains a lot. Then I did a little digging—and guess what? That meme wasn’t just internet fluff. It was onto something...
Read more...

Stillness Like I Remember It

Stillness Like I Remember It
I saw this meme the other day that hit me right in the soul:

“I love calmness in my life. I love not having to rush in the morning and being able to take my time. I love those moments of silence and peace where there's just stillness and me. I love having time for intentional slowness and gratitude. I love when my nervous system is at ease.”

I read it once… then read it again. And I just sat with it for a minute...
Read more...
 
Read Older Posts

✨ 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! ✨

Contact

Copyrights © 2025 held by respective copyright holders, including AJ Flanagan.