Self-Care Practices

The Body Keeps Score: How Stress, Grief, and Everyday Habits Show Up in Our Health

The Body Keeps Score: How Stress, Grief, and Everyday Habits Show Up in Our Health
We often think of our bodies as separate from our emotions—until they remind us they’re not. Whether it’s stress, grief, or years of go-go-go living, our bodies quietly keep track of everything we don’t deal with. This mind-body connection can show up in subtle but powerful ways. Here’s what I’ve been learning about that unspoken tally...
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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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Boosting Brain Health by Accident (Literally): My Left-Handed Survival Guide

Boosting Brain Health by Accident (Literally): My Left-Handed Survival Guide
Well, I didn’t plan on breaking my right wrist in several places, but here we are. If life is about learning, then let’s just say I’ve been given a crash course in left-handed survival. 

How's it going, you ask? Let’s just say Stress Away and Valor have been in heavy diffuser rotation in recent days—especially when I drop the peanut butter jar trying to open it one-handed. But as much as I’d love to sit here and complain to you about how hard it is to apply peanut butter to toast with my non-dominant hand, I’ve decided instead to take this as an unexpected opportunity to grow—because apparently, forcing your brain to do things differently has some serious perks. Who knew?

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Dear Younger Me: Here’s What Really Matters

Dear Younger Me: Here’s What Really Matters
When I was younger, I had this vision of what life would look like by now. I’d be effortlessly successful, totally put-together, and somehow still look 25—but better. My house would belong in a magazine, my life plan would be rock solid, and I’d be one of those people who just knew what they were doing all the time.

Fast-forward to today, and… well, let’s just say reality had other plans. Turns out, some of the things I thought would be important don’t actually matter at all. And the things that do? Yeah, I never saw those coming...
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How Creativity Supports Healing: A New Chapter in Self-Care & Growth

How Creativity Supports Healing: A New Chapter in Self-Care & Growth
Since Eric passed away last November, I’ve been navigating grief and personal growth, learning how creative self-care and mindfulness can help with healing. Taking better care of myself—physically, mentally, and emotionally—has become a priority, and I’ve discovered that midlife reinvention often starts with small, intentional changes.

Writing about all of this in my blog has been a big piece of the puzzle for me and I don't see myself stopping anytime soon... so I hope you enjoy! Recently, my friend Jennifer and I decided to dive into another project that feels like a breath of fresh air for both of us: we started a podcast called "Folklore & Facts: Grandmas Getting to the Bottom of It."

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*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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