Still Growing, Still Grieving: Reflections at the Almost Six-Month Mark
Standing at my kitchen window, I noticed tiny buds forming on the apple trees. The grass is finally greening up, birds are making their way back from their winter homes, and the sun is shining again with that unmistakable promise of Spring.This is our favorite time of year.Was...
Read more...
“Why Can’t I Just Do the Thing?” Signs of Adult ADHD in Women We Don’t Talk About Enough
You know those days where everything is set up to go smoothly—and then somehow, nothing does? Yeah. I just had another one of those mornings.I had my water bottle prepped. I had my essential oils right there on the kitchen counter—Peppermint for focus, Citrus Fresh for a mood lift. My to-do list was written out the night before (a rare win!). But instead of starting my day with intention and clarity, I stood in the kitchen watching videos about productivity hacks while the diffuser sat there... bone dry.I knew exactly what would help me feel better. So why couldn’t I just do the thing? And how does one little deviation from my morning routine throw me so totally off track for the rest of the day?
Read more...
Boosting Brain Health by Accident (Literally): My Left-Handed Survival Guide
Well, I didn’t plan on breaking my right wrist in several places, but here we are. If life is about learning, then let’s just say I’ve been given a crash course in left-handed survival. How's it going, you ask? Let’s just say Stress Away and Valor have been in heavy diffuser rotation in recent days—especially when I drop the peanut butter jar trying to open it one-handed. But as much as I’d love to sit here and complain to you about how hard it is to apply peanut butter to toast with my non-dominant hand, I’ve decided instead to take this as an unexpected opportunity to grow—because apparently, forcing your brain to do things differently has some serious perks. Who knew?
Read more...
Dear Younger Me: Here’s What Really Matters
When I was younger, I had this vision of what life would look like by now. I’d be effortlessly successful, totally put-together, and somehow still look 25—but better. My house would belong in a magazine, my life plan would be rock solid, and I’d be one of those people who just knew what they were doing all the time.Fast-forward to today, and… well, let’s just say reality had other plans. Turns out, some of the things I thought would be important don’t actually matter at all. And the things that do? Yeah, I never saw those coming...
Read more...
I’ll Deal With That Later” (A Lie I Keep Telling Myself)
You know that thing I said I’d deal with later? Yeah, me neither. Because "later" usually turns into a mountain of stuff I don’t even remember committing to.The other day, I came across a quote by Barbara Hemphill: “Clutter is nothing more than postponed decisions.” And wow, did that hit home. So much of the stuff surrounding me—both physically and mentally—ended up here simply because I kept putting off a decision...
Read more...
How Creativity Supports Healing: A New Chapter in Self-Care & Growth
Since Eric passed away last November, I’ve been navigating grief and personal growth, learning how creative self-care and mindfulness can help with healing. Taking better care of myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally—has become a priority, and I’ve discovered that midlife reinvention often starts with small, intentional changes.Writing about all of this in my blog has been a big piece of the puzzle for me and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon... so I hope you enjoy! Recently, my friend Jennifer and I decided to dive into another project that feels like a breath of fresh air for both of us: we started a podcast called "Folklore & Facts: Grandmas Getting to the Bottom of It."
Read more...
Taking Control of My Story
Sometimes when I look back, I can see myself moving from one busy moment to the next without taking time to go about anything with intention. Feeling like I was on autopilot or just along for the ride was my normal - I don't think I ever realized it in the moment. With three busy kids who enjoyed being involved in EVERYTHING and knowing I wanted to be the most supportive mom I could be, I didn't often take time to stop and think, or plan anything more than the logistics of how to get everyone where they needed to be and back home to be fed before going to bed - just to begin again the next day. No regrets - I loved that part of being a mom and wouldn't change any decisions Eric and I made so that we could make it work. I loved being there for my kids. Still do, even though what that looks like has changed a lot since then. Looking back, aside from the intentional choice for Eric to be our breadwinner and for me to stay home with the kids, I don't know that very much else happened intentionally. We were winging it... along for the ride.
Read more...
Slowly Unfolding: How Cocooning Helped Me Rediscover Life
Grief is a complex and personal journey that doesn't follow a linear path. Cocooning, or taking time to pause and heal, is essential for processing grief deeply without external pressures. During this time, one can rest, reset, set new boundaries, and reflect on emotions to better understand the grieving process.As grief transforms us, it changes our needs, boundaries, and goals. We may find that previous priorities shift, and new ones emerge as part of our growth. Balancing the stillness of cocooning with the desire to re-engage with life involves setting small, achievable goals and gently reintroducing old passions while maintaining healthy boundaries.Embracing life beyond loss means integrating grief into a broader narrative of growth and transformation. Honoring the past, living authentically, and pursuing new dreams allow us to create a future that respects our loss while opening up space for new opportunities. Grief changes us, but it also provides the courage to set new goals and embrace a life filled with both remembrance and possibility.
Read more...
It’s Not About Having All the Answers—It’s What You Do With Them
Navigating the world of wellness can often feel overwhelming with the sheer volume of information pushing us toward a healthier lifestyle. The real challenge isn’t a lack of information but rather the inundation of advice on what to do for optimal health. Wellness isn't about reaching perfection or jumping onto every health trend—it’s about gradual, manageable integration of beneficial practices into your daily life, one small step at a time.Start by embracing simple changes that won’t disrupt your routine entirely. From stepping outside in the morning to regulate your circadian rhythm to slowly switching out household products for toxin-free alternatives, these shifts can make a significant impact over time. Remember that wellness is a journey, not a destination; prioritize steps that fit into your life and evolve naturally.For those seeking guidance on where to begin, consider conducting a simple wellness audit to identify key areas for improvement. By making conscious choices, such as focusing on rest and stress management and exploring essential oil alternatives for artificial fragrances, you'll be on your way to a healthier lifestyle that’s both achievable and sustainable. Each small change contributes to a bigger transformation, so take action today and see how these shifts can enhance your well-being.
Read more...
You Don’t Just Lose Someone Once
Grief is not a singular event to be overcome, but a continuous process that reverberates through our daily lives. Each day brings new reminders and a fresh sense of loss as the realization that our loved ones are gone resurfaces repeatedly. This journey is a relentless cycle, where grief emerges unexpectedly, echoing with the memories and emotions tied to the ones we've lost.Navigating grief is about learning to live with these recurring waves rather than overcoming them. It highlights the importance of allowing ourselves to feel and accept this perpetual grief, acknowledging that there is no timeline or conclusion. The weight of loss may vary each day, but nurturing the capacity to stay afloat is a testament to both our resilience and the enduring impact of our memories and love.Embracing grief also means honoring the love and memories we continue to hold. Through each wave of sorrow, we find a reflection of the profound connections we have known, reinforcing that such bonds, although transformed by grief, remain steadfast. As we journey through this shared experience of loss, extending compassion to ourselves and others becomes crucial, offering a reminder that we are not alone on this path.
Read more...
