Curating Life: Healing, Growing, and Finding What Works

My Journey From 80s GenXer to Scrunchy Empty-Nester

My Journey From 80s GenXer to Scrunchy Empty-Nester
Step back in time to the radical 80s, where big hair and chemical-laden products reigned supreme. Little did we know the potential downside of these synthetically-infused choices. But now, as empty nesters, it's time to wake up to the environmental impact and health concerns associated with these products. We can make small changes that have a big impact, steering clear of chemicals and reaping the awesome benefits.

First, let's revamp our beauty regimen with natural alternatives. Ditch the chemical-infused beauty products and embrace coconut oil, tallow, and DIY face masks. No more decoding mysterious ingredients - just pure, simple goodness and healthier skin. Next, it's time to toss out the arsenal of harsh cleaning products and opt for eco-friendly, toxin-free options. Achieving a sparkling clean home without harmful fumes is now possible.

We can also transition to an organic wardrobe made from sustainable materials like cotton and bamboo. This shift not only feels good against the skin but also aligns with a sustainable lifestyle. Embracing a farm-to-table approach to eating involves choosing organic, locally-sourced produce whenever possible, resulting in a tastier, healthier menu that reduces exposure to pesticides. Lastly, let's swap synthetic fragrances for essential oils and embrace natural fibers in home decor to transform our living space into a sanctuary free from unnecessary chemical overload. This scrunchy empty nest lifestyle is all about small, intentional changes that lead to a cleaner, healthier, and more mindful way of life.
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Unseen Pitfalls: 8 Mistakes Empty Nesters Make Without Realizing It

Unseen Pitfalls: 8 Mistakes Empty Nesters Make Without Realizing It
Discover the eight common mistakes that Empty Nesters often make without realizing it in this insightful blog post. From overlooking self-care and neglecting relationships with their partners to ignoring financial planning and clinging to the past, Empty Nesters may find themselves navigating uncharted waters. However, by prioritizing self-care, nurturing relationships, reassessing financial situations, embracing the present, maintaining social connections, seeking healthier coping mechanisms, understanding their adult children's independence, and pursuing personal goals, Empty Nesters can make the most of this transformative phase. With mindful navigation, the empty nest phase can lead to personal growth, renewed relationships, and exciting new adventures.
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GenX Unmasked: 12 Things Nobody Tells You About Us

GenX Unmasked: 12 Things Nobody Tells You About Us
GenerationX, the often overlooked generation born between the '60s and '80s, has some secrets and quirks that rarely get the spotlight. From being the original "Latchkey Kids" to being pioneers in the tech world before it was cool, GenXers are not just sipping coffee and watching the world go by. Sandwiched between Baby Boomers and Millennials, GenXers have a tough and resourceful vibe. They are masters of DIY, career switchers, and have paved the way for a better work-life balance. They have weathered economic downturns and shaped the cultural landscape with their music, movies, and TV shows. GenXers are all about collecting experiences and have made a lasting impact on the world. Cheers to GenX!
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GenX Reflections: Rediscover Your Past with Journaling and Nostalgia

GenX Reflections: Rediscover Your Past with Journaling and Nostalgia
Embark on a nostalgic journey with us, reconnecting with the vibrant era of leg warmers, cassette tapes, and neon colors. Nostalgia, for us GenXers, is not just a fleeting sentiment; it's a comforting embrace of our past, a warm blanket made of cherished memories from the music, movies, and moments that decisively shaped our generation. This revival of past glories offers more than just a trip down memory lane; it's an opportunity to rediscover the magic embedded in our youth.

The power of nostalgia extends beyond mere reminiscence, proving to be a beneficial force for our mental health and overall well-being. Research indicates that diving into our nostalgic past can elevate our mood, enhance self-esteem, and imbue us with a sense of belonging and purpose. Unpacking these memories does more than just make us feel good—it activates the reward centers in our brain, releasing dopamine and serotonin, and furnishes us with valuable insights and a deeper appreciation for the journey we've tread.

Journaling serves as a potent conduit for this nostalgic exploration, enabling a profound self-reflection and personal growth journey. By engaging with my GenX Journaling Prompt Calendar, you'll be introduced to a collection of prompts that awaken those neon-tinted memories, spark creativity, and foster an enriching process of self-discovery. This journey through the highs and lows of the 80s and 90s not only evokes nostalgia but also underscores the therapeutic virtues of journaling, from stress management to enhancing clarity and focus. Embrace the unique heritage that molded you and embark on a journey to rediscover and consolidate your GenX identity through the power of journaling.
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From Flower Power to Neon Sunglasses: Empty Nesters Embrace Retro Vibes

From Flower Power to Neon Sunglasses: Empty Nesters Embrace Retro Vibes
Discover how GenX empty nesters are infusing their lives with the timeless lessons, energy, and iconic flair of the 60s, 70s, and 80s. From drawing inspiration from cultural revolutions to creating spaces that embrace the bold aesthetics of these decades, empty nesters are crafting a lifestyle that harmonizes the best aspects of each era. With playlists featuring hits from all three decades, they are connecting past memories with present experiences, adding a dynamic rhythm to their unique journey. This holistic approach to living encapsulates the freedom, creativity, and rebel spirit of the past, guiding empty nesters through the next chapter with a blend of nostalgia, diversity, and timeless coolness.
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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.

Hi! I'm AJ Flanagan.

 
Hey there — I’m AJ.

I’m an empty-nester and a widow who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products most of us grew up using. Our parents didn’t know. We didn’t know either. But once you start paying attention, it’s hard to ignore.

Life shifted in 2018 when my husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia — and again in 2023 when we faced a second cancer diagnosis. Supporting him through treatment changed how we looked at just about everything, including how we cared for our home, our bodies, and our day-to-day routines.
We didn’t aim for perfection or extremes. We focused on simple, meaningful changes — reducing toxic load in our home, choosing better ingredients, prioritizing nourishing food, and building calmer rhythms into daily life. Tools like aromatherapy, music, meditation, and intentional rest became part of how we coped and stayed grounded.

Caring for Eric deepened my commitment to living well — not as a trend, but as a way of showing up with intention and grace, even in the hard seasons.

Now I share our story, the lessons we learned, the small changes that made a big difference, and how I'm moving forward. My hope is to make wellness feel more approachable, less overwhelming, and rooted in real life — especially for anyone who wants healthier options without pressure or perfection.

If you’re here to find what actually works for you, you’re in the right place.

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