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5 Joys of Being a GenXer: Why I Wouldn't Trade It for Anything

5 Joys of Being a GenXer: Why I Wouldn't Trade It for Anything

So, here I am, a card-carrying member of GenerationX, sandwiched between the Boomers and the Millennials. And you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. 
Why? 
Because being a GenXer is pretty darn awesome... here's why I'm glad to be one of the crew:

"We may not have had trust funds, but we can balance a checkbook better than a Kardashian."

1. We're Financially Savvy (Mostly)

Thanks to growing up in a time of economic ups and downs, we've learned a thing or two about being financially responsible. Sure, we might splurge on fancy coffee now and then, but we know the importance of saving for a rainy day and planning for the future. It's all about that balance, right?


"We prefer face-to-face over FaceTime any day. We actually know what our friends look like without a filter."

2. We Value Real Connections

While we might spend a little too much time on social media (who doesn't?), we still value real, face-to-face connections. We know the power of a good conversation over a cup of coffee or a beer with friends. Plus, we can actually hold a conversation without staring at our phones the whole time. Impressive, right?


"We didn't need participation trophies to show up every day. We just did it because that's what you do."

3. Our Work Ethic Is Rock Solid

We grew up in a time when hard work was the name of the game. We've carried that strong work ethic into our careers, and it shows. We're not afraid to roll up our sleeves and get the job done, and that's something to be proud of.

"We were the original latchkey kids. We learned independence by figuring out how to work the microwave before YouTube tutorials."

4. We've Mastered the Art of Tech

Okay, so maybe we didn't grow up with smartphones, but that doesn't mean we're clueless when it comes to technology. We've adapted like champs, embracing new tech while still holding onto our sanity. We can navigate social media, but we also know when it's time to unplug and enjoy the real world.

"We can recite '80s movie quotes like it's our job. Which, let's be real, would be a dream job."

5. We're Unapologetically Ourselves

One of the best things about being a Gen Xer is our unapologetic individuality. We grew up in a time when it was cool to be different, and that's stuck with us. We're not afraid to be ourselves, and that's something to celebrate... usually with an obscure classic movie quote!



So, there you have it. Being a Gen Xer might mean we're sandwiched between two big generations, but it also means we've got a lot to be proud of. Here's to embracing our Gen X awesomeness and rocking it... just like we always have!





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.


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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.

✨ 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 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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