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 creative 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."

Our podcast is all about our passion for history, genealogy, and uncovering the fascinating local legends of our community. But the real inspiration behind it? A need for self-care. For years, Jennifer and I have both been busy being the rock for our families—juggling the roles of wives, mothers, and grandmothers. We were so wrapped up in everyone else’s needs that we barely left time for ourselves. And, after cocooning myself away for most of the winter, I’ve learned that sometimes the hardest part of self-care is simply giving yourself permission to do something just for you.

Creating this podcast has been our way of saying, “It’s time to pause, breathe, and enjoy a little guilty pleasure.” It’s not just about sharing cool historical stories; it’s about making room in our lives for creativity and curiosity. We realized that we deserve a moment to indulge in what makes us happy—whether it’s diving into old maps and records, exploring forgotten local lore, or simply laughing together about some of the outlandish stories we uncover.

While we are focusing on digging up the historical facts, we're not ignoring the creative aspect of podcasting. Tickling both of those parts of our brains with one project is like striking gold! 

Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s a powerful self-care tool that helps reduce stress, improve mindfulness, and support emotional healing. Studies show that being creative can benefit your well-being.

Here are some ways I've found that adding a bit of creativity to my self-care routine can be healing:

Engaging in creative activities like writing, drawing, or even cooking allows you to express emotions that might be hard to articulate otherwise. It can be incredibly cathartic and a natural stress reliever.

Creativity often requires you to focus on the present moment, whether you’re mixing colors or crafting a story. This mindful engagement helps quiet the noise of daily stress and brings clarity to your thoughts.

When you create something—even if it’s small or imperfect—it will boost your self-esteem. Every creative act is a reminder that you have the power to make choices, take action, and shape your environment.

Creative activities give you a chance to try new things without the pressure of being “good” at them. It’s a safe space where mistakes are part of the process, helping you learn and grow. 

Sometimes, stepping into a creative mode can help you see challenges and opportunities in a fresh light. It’s like taking a little mental vacation, which can ultimately lead to better problem-solving and a more positive outlook.

Adding creativity to your self-care routine doesn’t require a huge time commitment or a special skill set—it can be as simple as:

• Journaling for 10 minutes in the morning

• Rearranging your living room for a fresh feel

• Experimenting with a new recipe or essential oil blend

• Creating a vision board for personal goals

• Taking 15 minutes to doodle, knit, or play an instrument

I’d love for you to join me on this journey of self-care and personal growth. What little acts of self-care have helped you grow? Do you have a creative hobby or side-gig? Drop your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories!

If you’re curious about our podcast, check out Folklore & Facts: Grandmas Getting to the Bottom of It—it’s our way of blending history, storytelling, and the kind of self-care that comes from laughter, curiosity, and a good mystery.