Mindset Shifts

It’s Not a Conspiracy. It’s Just History... How Natural Healing Was Pushed Aside

It’s Not a Conspiracy. It’s Just History... How Natural Healing Was Pushed Aside
Let’s be real: I didn’t always read ingredient labels. I didn’t think twice about popping an over-the-counter pill when something hurt. I didn’t really think much at all about a time when healing looked different.

But now? I’m asking a lot more questions. And I’m slowly finding my way back to something that feels... simpler. A little slower. A lot more intentional.

If you’ve read my post on how petrochemicals changed medicine, you know that the way we do healthcare today didn’t just happen. It was steered, hard, by some very powerful (and very rich) men with profit in mind.

And ever since I learned about that shift, I haven’t been able to unsee it...
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Unimportant Hills I’m Willing to Die On

Unimportant Hills I’m Willing to Die On
There are a few things in life I feel very strongly about. Family. Good friends. Real butter.
And then there are the other things. The little, possibly irrational, completely unimportant things that I’ve somehow formed deeply rooted opinions about over the years. Things no one asked me to have an opinion on. Things that probably wouldn’t make a dent in anyone else’s day.
But for me? Oh, I care.
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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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10 Things I Thought Were Woo-Woo—Until They Actually Helped

10 Things I Thought Were Woo-Woo—Until They Actually Helped
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...
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10 Weirdly Specific Things That Make Me Feel Better (And Might Work for You Too)

10 Weirdly Specific Things That Make Me Feel Better (And Might Work for You Too)
You know those days when you’re overwhelmed, under-caffeinated, and about one dumb comment away from losing it? Yeah. I’ve had some of those lately. And while deep breathing, journaling, and drinking water are technically helpful… sometimes what I really need is to wipe down my counters and cabinets with Thieves Cleaner while listening to some 80s power ballads. Odd? Probably. Helpful? Definitely. 

So today, I’m sharing a list of 10 weirdly specific things that make me feel better—tiny, random things that bring a little joy, calm, or just make me feel more like myself. Maybe one or two of them will work for you, too. Bonus points if they inspire you to come up with your own little reset rituals.
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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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