Curating Life: Healing, Growing, and Finding What Works

Exposing the Hidden Oasis: Why I'm Spilling the Tea

Exposing the Hidden Oasis: Why I'm Spilling the Tea
In a world where the really good secrets can be as elusive as water in the desert, I've made it my mission to share the hidden oasis of natural living. Imagine holding back the knowledge of a life source – that's just not my style.

Synthetic chemicals might be the quick fixes of the times - beginning back when we GenXers were kids, but I've found a richer, more sustainable wellspring of well-being. Picture this as me leading you to the ultimate chill spot, where the air is fresh, and the vibes are all about a healthier, happier life.

www.ajflanagan.com

Join me on this journey of ditching the synthetic and embracing the natural. Let's cultivate a lifestyle that's not just about surviving but thriving. Cheers to a life filled with good vibes and the refreshing flow of well-being! 

Click here and register for information via email,  blog notifications, and more. I look forward to sharing what I've learned with you! 




If you’ve made it to the bottom of this post, I’m guessing something here resonated—whether it’s navigating grief and growth, diving into natural wellness, or just trying to live a more intentional life in a fast-paced world.

This space is where I share what I’m learning (and unlearning), the tools that are helping me along the way, and the little things that bring joy, healing, and clarity—even on the hard days.


Want in?

You’re invited to join my newsletter, Finding What Works—a weekly-ish note from me with practical wellness tips, nostalgic nods for GenX souls, and honest reflections from someone who’s still figuring it all out (but loves sharing the good stuff along the way).

This isn’t about perfection or pressure. It’s about finding what supports us, what lights us up, and what brings us back to ourselves—together.

 Click here to subscribe and come along for the ride. I’d love to have you in my corner.

Have a question or something to share?

✨ 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.

Mixtape Makeover: GenX's Transition to a Natural Lifestyle

Mixtape Makeover: GenX's Transition to a Natural Lifestyle
In this blog post, we take a trip down memory lane, reflecting on our past choices and the unintended consequences of using toxic products. As we enter the midlife stage, it's time to embark on a natural wellness journey that prioritizes our health and well-being. By making practical changes and swapping out chemical-laden products for eco-friendly alternatives like Young Living's Thieves Household Cleaner, we can create a healthier living space and improve our overall health.

Embracing natural wellness is more enjoyable when shared, so let's build a community of fellow GenXers who can support and inspire each other along the way. Together, we can laugh at our past fashion choices and celebrate finding non-toxic solutions that actually work. As we look ahead, let's remember that our choices today not only impact our own well-being but also leave a legacy for the next generation. So, let's embrace change with a smile, take small steps towards a toxin-free lifestyle, and groove to the beat of a healthier and happier life.
Read more...

Together Again: Nurturing Your Love in the Empty Nest Phase

Together Again: Nurturing Your Love in the Empty Nest Phase
In the empty nest phase of marriage, embracing change and reinventing your relationship becomes essential. By facing the evolving circumstances as a united front, you can ensure that your connection remains resilient. Rediscovering your partner through shared interests and dreams reignites the spark that may have been overshadowed by parenting responsibilities. It's important to tend to the emotional flame and keep the bond strong and supportive.

Real-life stories of love evolution showcase how couples have embraced these changes. From exploring shared hobbies, like cooking classes, to embarking on jet-setting adventures, couples have found ways to deepen their connection. Communication tune-ups and attending workshops tailored for couples have also strengthened relationships. Practically, initiating honest conversations, prioritizing quality time, trying new activities together, and incorporating aromatherapy can all contribute to a successful relationship reinvention.

For further guidance, there are plenty of resources available. Books and blogs focusing on relationship dynamics offer practical advice and real-life stories. Consulting marriage and family therapists can provide personalized guidance, while online communities dedicated to relationship growth offer valuable insights and support. Embrace the necessity of relationship reinvention in the empty nest phase, and emerge with a connection that deepens with time.
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Embracing the Empty Nest: A Chat About Coping Strategies

Embracing the Empty Nest: A Chat About Coping Strategies
This blog post offers practical coping strategies for parents experiencing empty nest syndrome. It encourages readers to acknowledge and embrace their feelings of loneliness and sadness while also finding the silver lining in this new phase of life, such as personal growth and reconnecting with a partner. The post suggests various coping strategies, including picking up new hobbies, joining social groups, practicing self-care, and rekindling relationships. Additionally, the article highlights the benefits of aromatherapy, specifically using lavender, chamomile, and bergamot oils to promote relaxation and emotional well-being. The post concludes by recommending resources such as books, online communities, therapy, and further exploration of essential oils for support during this transitional period.
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Empty Nest Home Transition: Transforming Spaces for a New Chapter

Empty Nest Home Transition: Transforming Spaces for a New Chapter
"Embrace the next chapter of life with the benefits of an empty nest home transition. Downsizing, redecorating, and reorganizing offer numerous advantages for empty nesters seeking a fresh start. Downsizing allows for a more efficient and manageable use of space, while redecorating injects new energy into the home. Reorganizing creates a functional and personalized environment, fostering a sense of renewal. Practical tips for downsizing include evaluating necessities, optimizing storage, and digitizing documents. When redecorating, consider choosing a theme or color palette, investing in artwork and décor that reflect your personality, and opting for flexible furniture. Reorganization tips include reevaluating room functionality, utilizing closet systems, and making use of vertical space. Real-life examples showcase different possibilities, such as creating a minimalist oasis, a creative haven, or a tranquil retreat. Embrace the empty nest home transition as an opportunity to curate a living space that aligns with your current lifestyle and fosters comfort, functionality, and personal expression."
Read more...
 
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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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