I used to roll my eyes at a lot of things.

Putting oils on your feet? Tapping your face to feel better? Standing barefoot in the yard to “absorb the Earth’s energy”? Yeah, okay. I was polite about it, but internally? I was side-eyeing hard.

But somewhere between real-life stress, adulting, and trying to feel better without living at the doctor’s office, I got curious enough to try a few of those “woo-woo” wellness things. And to my surprise... a bunch of them actually helped. 

Like, really helped.

So here’s my very honest list of wellness stuff I once thought was weird, but now I swear by. Maybe a few will click for you too...

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...

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.

The blog post reflects on the journey of rediscovering oneself after the passing of a life-long partner. After nearly 40 years of shared life experiences, the author finds herself grappling with her identity as she transitions from being part of an "us" to being just "me." The feelings of being left half of a whole resonate deeply, underscoring the challenges that come with redefining roles and navigating life independently.

In this period of adjustment, the focus is on growth, acknowledging that life must continue moving forward despite the absence of a beloved partner. Embracing the values and lessons learned throughout their shared life, the author seeks to find a balance between holding onto cherished memories and making space for new growth. Essential to this process is maintaining her passion for natural wellness, which involves supporting healthy body systems and reducing toxin exposure—a philosophy reinforced by her shared journey with her partner.

Ultimately, the blog emphasizes that this journey is not about reinventing oneself but rather about evolving. It highlights the importance of taking small, intentional steps into the unknown while carrying forward the love and legacy built together. Through this process of rediscovery, the author conveys hope and resilience, encouraging others facing similar transitions to embrace their journey, acknowledging it’s okay to take time and feel unsteady while moving forward one step at a time.

Grief is a complex and unpredictable journey, weaving together moments of sadness, joy, and confusion in unexpected ways. It's not the linear, unending sorrow that many anticipate; rather, it oscillates between deep ache and fleeting peace. This duality of emotions, feeling both sad and okay at times, is a testament to the human capacity to hold space for multiple feelings simultaneously.

For those navigating the intricacies of grief, it can be unsettling to experience happiness or laughter amidst the sorrow, often leading to feelings of guilt. However, these moments of relief do not diminish the depth of one’s love or the significance of the loss. Instead, they coexist with grief, highlighting the resilience of the human spirit and its ability to find light in the darkness.

Embracing both sides of grief involves allowing emotions to flow freely, whether through crying or laughter, and understanding that each feeling has its place. Finding solace in writing, talking to others, and practicing self-kindness can offer comfort through the emotional rollercoaster. As the journey unfolds, these reflections and shared experiences reveal that navigating grief is not just about enduring sadness but also cherishing the joyful memories and moments of healing along the way.