Intentional Wellness

How Joy (and Even Laughter) Might Strengthen More Than Just Your Spirit

How Joy (and Even Laughter) Might Strengthen More Than Just Your Spirit
You ever notice how someone’s good mood just seems to lift the room? Or how, when a loved one is stressed, you somehow feel it too — even from a distance? As a mom (and Nana), I've felt it more times than I can count.

Well, there’s science to back that up. And it’s absolutely fascinating...
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Why Surrendering Control Might Be the Best Sleep Aid You Haven’t Tried Yet

Why Surrendering Control Might Be the Best Sleep Aid You Haven’t Tried Yet
You know those nights when your brain just refuses to clock out? You’re exhausted, eyes heavy, but your mind’s wide awake running staff meetings about everything from tomorrow’s to-do list to that thing you said in 2014.

I’ve started realizing that sometimes, the problem isn’t just the caffeine, or the screens, or even stress. It’s control.

Falling asleep is an act of surrender. You can’t plan it, force it, or power through it. You have to let go. And for those of us who like to feel on top of things (hi, fellow control enthusiasts), that can be harder than it sounds.
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Everyday Boldness: Shining Light, Not Scoring Points

Everyday Boldness: Shining Light, Not Scoring Points
For most of my life, I've filtered almost everything I said and did through one silent question: “But what will people think?” 

Sound familiar?

And if I’m being honest, I'm sure that most of the time people weren’t thinking about me at all. They were too wrapped up in their own lives. Still, that question has been like a leash keeping me from speaking up about things that matter to me—my faith, my wellness choices, even little everyday opinions that I worry might rock the boat.

But here’s what I’m learning: everyday boldness doesn’t have to mean standing on a soapbox or shouting over people. It’s not about volume. It’s about alignment. It’s the daily choice to let my inside convictions match my outside actions.

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Girl Talk Lowers Cortisol and Raises Sanity—Science Says So

Girl Talk Lowers Cortisol and Raises Sanity—Science Says So
Turns out, that heart-to-heart with your bestie is basically brain medicine.

I saw this meme the other day claiming that when women vent to each other, it actually helps us lower cortisol, boost serotonin, and build stronger neural pathways. At first, I laughed and thought, Well that explains a lot. Then I did a little digging—and guess what? That meme wasn’t just internet fluff. It was onto something...
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Stillness Like I Remember It

Stillness Like I Remember It
I saw this meme the other day that hit me right in the soul:

“I love calmness in my life. I love not having to rush in the morning and being able to take my time. I love those moments of silence and peace where there's just stillness and me. I love having time for intentional slowness and gratitude. I love when my nervous system is at ease.”

I read it once… then read it again. And I just sat with it for a minute...
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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.

*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 a GenX empty-nester - and recent widow - who had a wake-up call about the hidden toxins in everyday products we used growing up. Our parents didn’t know, and honestly, we were clueless too. But now, I’m all about sharing the details and helping others kick those sneaky chemicals to the curb for a healthier, happier life. 🌿

Life threw us a curveball in 2018 when my amazing husband, Eric, was diagnosed with leukemia. And then a second type of cancer in 2023.  Supporting him through his treatments was challenging, but it also inspired us to make some positive changes. We embraced holistic wellness practices, worked to transform our home into a toxin-free sanctuary, and incorporated relaxation techniques like meditation, music therapy, and aromatherapy into our daily routine.

Caring for and supporting Eric deepened my commitment to living well. From choosing natural products and prioritizing nutritious foods to finding strength in vulnerability, we built a daily routine focused on positivity and wellness. 

I’m passionate about sharing our story, the lessons we learned, and the simple steps we took to enhance our overall well-being.


Creating a Nurturing Space Together

We focused on creating a nurturing environment where both of us could thrive. It was a process of resilience, love, and continuous learning that I'm determined to carry forward from here. I’m eager to share our experiences, the lessons we picked up along the way, and the small changes that made a big difference in our lives. Whether you’re looking to make minor adjustments or dive into a complete wellness transformation, I hope our story can inspire and support you on your own path.

Here’s to embracing change, supporting each other, and living our best lives—together! ✨

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