Holistic Living

Weird Until It Works: Why I Started Questioning ‘Normal’

Weird Until It Works: Why I Started Questioning ‘Normal’
This blog is a bit of a followup on a recent one I wrote about 10 things that I used to think were woo-woo - until they actually worked. All of the comments and emails I got afterwards got me to thinking. Why do we think that stuff is woo-woo in the first place? 

Remember the movie "White Nights" with Mikhail Baryshnikov,  Gregory Hines, Isabella Rossellini, and Helen Mirren? I used to play that soundtrack over and over and can still remember the lyrics to Lou Reed's song "My Love is Chemical" from it. Their meaning is actually more metaphorical than I understood back then when I took them quite literally...
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Navigating Parasites: A Guide for the Wiser Generation

Navigating Parasites: A Guide for the Wiser Generation
The blog post delves into the often-overlooked issue of parasites and their impact on human health, shedding light on the grain of truth in old warnings about undercooked meat and unwelcome guests. It explores the evolution of human-parasite relationships, revealing that while some parasitic threats have diminished with advances in urbanization and agriculture, others have surged, underscoring the persistent need for vigilance and knowledge in managing these risks. The discussion includes a look at different cultural practices for combating parasites, contrasting traditional remedies with Western medicine's approach, and highlights the subtle yet significant ways in which parasites can undermine health, from hormonal imbalances to nutrient deficiencies.

Highlighting common parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, and protozoa, the post presents a comprehensive overview of the symptoms and health issues these organisms can cause. It urges readers not to dismiss symptoms like chronic fatigue, digestive issues, and unexplained weight changes as mere signs of aging but to consider the possibility of a parasitic infection. Diagnosing and treating parasitic infections are discussed, with an emphasis on consulting healthcare professionals for proper care, while also mentioning natural defense strategies, including products like Young Living's ParaFree, for those seeking a gentler approach to parasite prevention.

As the post concludes, it stresses the importance of prevention, lifestyle changes, and addressing the psychological impact of dealing with parasitic infections. It advocates for awareness, proactive health measures, and the integration of natural solutions like essential oils and herbs in maintaining health and vitality. By embracing informed choices and active prevention strategies, individuals can better protect themselves from the hidden risks of parasites, underscoring the critical balance between natural living and modern conveniences in the journey to wellness.
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Unlock the Power of Weekly Detox Baths for Body Rejuvenation

Unlock the Power of Weekly Detox Baths for Body Rejuvenation
Discover the art of rejuvenation with a weekly detox bath. Dive into the benefits of essential oils, baking soda, Epsom salts, and peroxide in this spa-like experience for body and mind.
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Travel, Hotels, Bad Smells, and Making a Shift in the Right Direction

Travel, Hotels, Bad Smells, and Making a Shift in the Right Direction
In a recent blog post, the writer shares their eye-opening experience while traveling and staying in hotels with harsh chemical cleaners and air fresheners. They express their relief at not having to deal with the overwhelming scents and headaches associated with those products since they made the switch to Young Living's natural alternatives. The writer praises Young Living's Thieves Household Cleaner for its effectiveness and safety for their family and the environment. They encourage readers to consider making the switch to natural alternatives and even provide a link and coupon code for ordering Young Living products. The writer invites readers to stay updated on their wellness and holistic living journey by signing up for blog notifications.
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Exploring the Power of Frequency and Essential Oils

Exploring the Power of Frequency and Essential Oils
Explore the power of vibration frequency and essential oils in this informative blog post. Discover how Young Living's high-quality oils can elevate positive emotions, balance energy centers, promote purification, provide grounding, and enhance spiritual connections. Begin your holistic living journey today.
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✨ 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.

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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