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

Note to Self: Don’t Live Inside Your Head

Note to Self: Don’t Live Inside Your Head
The other day I was folding my laundry, music playing in the background — just one of those quiet, ordinary moments where life is calm enough that your thoughts get a little space.

Then a song came on. A song from a time that still feels warm when it first brushes past me — until the warmth reminds me those moments aren’t here anymore.

For a second, it felt like I was back in it — that easy, familiar happiness.
And then… that quiet catch in my chest.
That reminder of what’s gone, and the way even the sweetest memories can carry an ache now...
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The Time to Make Up Your Mind About People — Is Never

The Time to Make Up Your Mind About People — Is Never
There’s a line from an old movie that’s been hanging out in my head lately:

The time to make up your mind about people, is never.” — Philip Barry



It’s from The Philadelphia Story — the play Philip Barry wrote for Katharine Hepburn before she starred in the film version. Her character says it right before her second wedding, basically hinting that life — and people — don’t always follow the script we’ve written for them.

And honestly? That line feels just as true in real life as it does in a black-and-white movie.

Sometimes the wisest thing we can do is hold off on deciding who someone is — because people are constantly in motion, whether we see it or not.
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Speaking Life: The Power of Words to Heal Others—and Yourself

Speaking Life: The Power of Words to Heal Others—and Yourself
Ever catch yourself saying something and instantly thinking, “Well… that came out wrong”? Yeah, me too. Sometimes my words skip the quality-control checkpoint before leaving my mouth.

Lately I’ve been realizing just how much power our words actually have. They can calm a storm or stir one up. They can build someone up—or quietly chip away at them. And listen up, because this part is important: it’s not just about what we say to other people. It’s about what we say to ourselves, too.

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How Joy (and Even Laughter) Might Strengthen More Than Just Your Spirit

How Joy (and Even Laughter) Might Strengthen More Than Just Your Spirit
You ever notice how someone’s good mood just seems to lift the room? Or how, when a loved one is stressed, you somehow feel it too — even from a distance? As a mom (and Nana), I've felt it more times than I can count.

Well, there’s science to back that up. And it’s absolutely fascinating...
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Why Surrendering Control Might Be the Best Sleep Aid You Haven’t Tried Yet

Why Surrendering Control Might Be the Best Sleep Aid You Haven’t Tried Yet
You know those nights when your brain just refuses to clock out? You’re exhausted, eyes heavy, but your mind’s wide awake running staff meetings about everything from tomorrow’s to-do list to that thing you said in 2014.

I’ve started realizing that sometimes, the problem isn’t just the caffeine, or the screens, or even stress. It’s control.

Falling asleep is an act of surrender. You can’t plan it, force it, or power through it. You have to let go. And for those of us who like to feel on top of things (hi, fellow control enthusiasts), that can be harder than it sounds.
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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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