Sometimes when I look back, I can see myself moving from one busy moment to the next without taking time to go about anything with intention. Feeling like I was on autopilot or just along for the ride was my normal - I don't think I ever realized it in the moment. 

With three busy kids who enjoyed being involved in EVERYTHING and knowing I wanted to be the most supportive mom I could be, I didn't often take time to stop and think, or plan anything more than the logistics of how to get everyone where they needed to be and back home to be fed before going to bed - just to begin again the next day. No regrets - I loved that part of being a mom and wouldn't change any decisions Eric and I made so that we could make it work. I loved being there for my kids. Still do, even though what that looks like has changed a lot since then. 

Looking back, aside from the intentional choice for Eric to be our breadwinner and for me to stay home with the kids, I don't know that very much else happened intentionally. We were winging it... along for the ride.

Grief is a complex and personal journey that doesn't follow a linear path. Cocooning, or taking time to pause and heal, is essential for processing grief deeply without external pressures. During this time, one can rest, reset, set new boundaries, and reflect on emotions to better understand the grieving process.

As grief transforms us, it changes our needs, boundaries, and goals. We may find that previous priorities shift, and new ones emerge as part of our growth. Balancing the stillness of cocooning with the desire to re-engage with life involves setting small, achievable goals and gently reintroducing old passions while maintaining healthy boundaries.

Embracing life beyond loss means integrating grief into a broader narrative of growth and transformation. Honoring the past, living authentically, and pursuing new dreams allow us to create a future that respects our loss while opening up space for new opportunities. Grief changes us, but it also provides the courage to set new goals and embrace a life filled with both remembrance and possibility.

Many of us find ourselves burdened with a never-ending list of "shoulds," such as the need to be more productive or lead a healthier lifestyle. These expectations often originate from society, family, or our inner critic rather than from our genuine desires. By pausing and questioning the source of these "shoulds," we can liberate ourselves from unnecessary pressures and live more authentically.

Instead of accepting these societal pressures, we can reframe them to align with our true needs and values. For example, instead of feeling compelled to work out daily, we can choose ways to move our bodies that genuinely feel good. By shifting focus from external expectations to what genuinely serves our well-being, wellness becomes a supportive practice rather than a burden.

Challenging the spiral of unrealistic "shoulds" involves recognizing what's genuinely important to us. By asking "Says who?" we can start to dismantle the self-imposed pressures that don't serve us. Ultimately, this shift allows us to pursue a life that feels more authentic and fulfilling, free from the constraints of unnecessary expectations.

Feeling stuck between inspiration and exhaustion is a common experience when motivation wavers, especially amidst life's challenges. The desire to transform your living space into a peaceful sanctuary can be daunting without the energy to follow through, likened to grief anchoring you down. But here's an encouraging thought: we don’t need to tackle everything at once. By breaking tasks into manageable chunks, each small achievement—like tidying a drawer or folding laundry—can spark a sense of progress without the overwhelming pressure of completing everything simultaneously.

Transforming housework from a chore into an opportunity for personal satisfaction can change how we approach our spaces. It's not merely about cleaning but creating an environment that feels comforting and welcoming. Simple shifts, like clearing a bedside table for a favorite book or organizing the kitchen counter, can contribute significantly to a fresher, more inviting atmosphere. By associating these actions with positive feelings, the process becomes less of a burden and more of a pathway to a happier home life.

On days when energy levels are low, it's important to start small and find joy in simple things, pairing tasks with enjoyable activities like listening to a favorite podcast or music. Progress thrives in these moments of simplicity; even small efforts count significantly toward our goals. By granting ourselves the grace to pause and rest, we acknowledge that rest is an integral part of progress. Embracing a slower pace allows us to move forward on our terms, ready to tackle life's challenges with intention and peace.

Navigating life changes can be challenging, but embracing a mindset shift focused on small, intentional progress can make a significant difference. Instead of striving for perfection, celebrating small wins and finding joy in everyday actions helps maintain consistency with wellness goals. Simple actions such as drinking an extra glass of water or diffusing calming essential oils can contribute to positive changes without feeling overwhelming.

The lesson of "done is better than perfect" encourages letting go of the all-or-nothing mindset. By avoiding the trap of perfectionism, progress becomes more attainable through manageable steps. It's about starting where you are and using each step forward as a building block towards improved wellness.

Embracing imperfections allows for finding joy in life's small moments and reinforces the power of simple, grounding habits. By focusing on natural and intentional choices, such as healthy eating and using supportive products, these deliberate steps shape a path toward lasting change. Recognizing that wellness doesn't have to be overwhelming and can be achieved one intentional choice at a time creates a transformative journey rooted in progress and personal growth.