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...

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."

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.

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.

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.