As someone who’s always been a bit of a perfectionist, I used to believe that switching to a more natural, healthier lifestyle had to be all or nothing. I thought that if I wasn’t going 100% non-toxic and organic in everything—from the products I used to the food I ate—then it wasn’t worth doing. But through my journey, I’ve realized that every small step toward a healthier life truly makes a difference, and it doesn’t have to be perfect to count.
Progress Over Perfection
I started with a couple of simple changes. First, I switched to diffusing essential oils instead of burning candles. That single swap cut out one of the biggest sources of indoor air pollution in our home—candles with synthetic fragrances release chemicals that I didn’t even realize were so harmful! I also replaced the harsh cleaning products under my sink with a natural, essential oil-infused cleaner. These two small changes eliminated a lot of unnecessary toxins from my everyday life.
But that was just the beginning.
Over time, I’ve been slowly switching out even more products. I now use natural options for personal care, makeup, laundry products, immune support, and even perfumes. And while some of these things may not have exposed my family to massive amounts of toxins, like saving pennies in a jar, every little bit adds up.
A Step-by-Step Approach to Healthier Living
When I first started learning about living a non-toxic lifestyle, I saw people who seemed to make huge changes overnight, swapping out every product in their home for natural alternatives. That approach works for some people, but for most of us, it’s just not feasible—whether for financial reasons, time constraints, or just feeling overwhelmed by all the changes. I had to remind myself that it’s okay to take it slow and make changes at a pace that works for me.
My journey has been more methodical, but the results are worth it. I didn’t dive in and overhaul my life all at once because I know that would have felt overwhelming. Instead, I’ve gradually introduced new non-toxic products over time, one step at a time. Whether you're starting with something as simple as switching to a natural cleaner or upgrading your skincare routine, every step toward a healthier lifestyle makes an impact.
Sometimes, relaxing your standards a bit is necessary for your sanity.
Cleaning Up My Diet: The Hardest Challenge
I’ll be honest—changing the products I use around the house was a lot easier than cleaning up my diet. For me, that has been the hardest part. Growing up as part of GenerationX, I was raised on microwaved meals and processed foods. Frozen dinners, instant noodles, and everything microwavable were the norm. It’s no surprise that making the switch to whole, unprocessed foods has been a challenge.
One of the first things I did was stop buying “baby” carrots. Did you know they’re not baby carrots at all, but just big carrots that are cut, shaved down, and bleached? Instead, I’ve started buying whole carrots, peeling and cutting them myself. Another step I took was cutting out canned soups and refusing to serve boxed mac & cheese in my home. These small changes add up, even though they didn’t happen all at once.
But let me tell you—I’m far from perfect. I’ve still baked cakes from boxed mixes, and I’ve indulged in chips and store-bought dip more times than I can count. And during these past few months, while staying in hotels for Eric’s cancer treatments, I’ve definitely had more pop than I’ve had in the last couple of years. Stress and emotions can do that to you, right? Sometimes, relaxing your standards a bit is necessary for your sanity.
The important thing is that I keep going. I don’t let perfectionism stop me from continuing to improve. It’s about making better choices when I can and not beating myself up when I slip.
Why Perfectionism Doesn't Work for a Healthier Lifestyle
Here’s what I’ve learned: trying to be perfect doesn’t serve me as well as it used to. When I first started this journey, I felt like if I wasn’t 100% natural, non-toxic, and organic all the time, then it wasn’t worth the effort. But that mindset isn’t realistic. In fact, it can be paralyzing.
I’ve seen people make big, expensive changes right away, and that works for some. But for most people, especially those like me who are juggling life, family, and everything else, making one small change at a time is a more sustainable approach. Over time, those changes compound, and you find yourself living a much healthier life than you were a year ago.
Whether it’s switching to a natural cleaner, diffusing essential oils instead of burning candles, or choosing whole foods over processed ones, every choice you make matters. And you don’t have to do it all at once.
Everyone’s journey is different, and the key is to focus on progress, not perfection.
Small Changes That Make a Big Difference
So if you’re just starting out on this path, know that it’s okay to take it slow. Everyone’s journey is different, and the key is to focus on progress, not perfection. Maybe you start by swapping out your hand soap for a natural alternative, or maybe you decide to cook one more meal from scratch each week. Those are all steps in the right direction.
Remember: it’s not about being perfect. It’s about doing what you can, when you can, and giving yourself grace along the way.
Common Mistakes (and Misconceptions) When Transitioning to a Healthier, More Natural Lifestyle
Making the switch to natural, toxin-free living is a journey, but it can be easy to get caught up in some common pitfalls along the way. Here are a few misconceptions I’ve come across (and even fallen for myself!):
1. Thinking It Has to Be All or Nothing
One of the biggest misconceptions is the idea that you need to overhaul every product in your home immediately to make a real difference. I used to feel that if I wasn’t 100% toxin-free, it wasn’t worth the effort. But that’s simply not true. Every small change adds up. Whether you start by swapping out your household cleaners or ditching those toxic candles for essential oils, each step contributes to a healthier environment for you and your family. The key is progress over perfection—small, sustainable changes make a lasting impact.
2. Assuming All “Natural” Products Are Safe
The word "natural" can be misleading. Just because a product is labeled "natural" or "organic" doesn't always mean it's free from harmful ingredients. Learning to read labels is crucial. A lot of products that claim to be "green" or "eco-friendly" still contain synthetic chemicals or irritants. I recommend looking for transparency in ingredient lists, doing your own research, and prioritizing trusted sources. One of my go-to swaps was a natural, essential oil-infused cleaner that’s free from harsh chemicals and safer for my family.
3. Trying to Do Too Much Too Fast
When you first start this journey, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of changes you *could* make—especially with food. I tried to overhaul my diet overnight, and it didn’t go as smoothly as I’d hoped. Instead of trying to eliminate every processed food at once, focus on smaller, manageable steps. For example, I began by eliminating artificial dyes and slowly switched from processed snacks to whole, unprocessed foods. Over time, this made the transition less stressful and more sustainable.
4. Not Prioritizing Budget
Another common mistake is believing that living naturally has to be expensive. While it’s true that some natural products can be pricey, many affordable alternatives can have just as much impact. I’ve learned to be strategic with my spending, focusing on products that reduce the biggest toxin exposures first. For example, switching to natural cleaners and skincare products can be an affordable way to start, while specialty items like supplements or organic foods can come later when your budget allows.
5. Forgetting That Everyone’s Journey Is Different
It’s easy to compare your progress to others, especially if you see someone else making changes faster than you. But everyone’s journey toward a healthier lifestyle is unique. For me, it’s been a gradual process of trial and error, and that’s okay. Different people have different starting points based on their priorities, abilities, and budget. What works for one person may not be the best route for someone else—and that's perfectly fine.
Your Next Step to Progress, Not Perfection
Ready to start making healthier choices for yourself and your family? Download my free guide, 5 Steps to Healthier Living, and get practical tips to help you make small but powerful changes in your everyday life. Click here to grab it now!
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