Self-Care Strategies

From Fracture to Function: My Liver’s Unexpected Role in Recovery

From Fracture to Function: My Liver’s Unexpected Role in Recovery
Two weeks after my wrist fracture was surgically repaired, I got my post‑op labs back—and honestly, I was expecting to see my bone markers doing a victory lap. Instead, my liver enzymes were flirting with the danger zone. 

Who knew that anesthesia, pain meds, and healing byproducts could turn your liver into the unsung hero (or unexpected overachiever) of recovery? It was my wake‑up call: healing isn’t just about bones knitting back together—it’s a full‑body production, and my liver deserves a standing ovation...
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Emotional Wellness for GenX: Overcoming Overwhelm and Finding Balance

Emotional Wellness for GenX: Overcoming Overwhelm and Finding Balance
Life often throws unexpected challenges our way, making it essential to prioritize emotional wellness. Navigating through trying times—such as losing a loved one or dealing with significant health issues in the family—highlights the importance of managing emotional stress effectively. For me, this journey has involved learning to acknowledge my emotions, focusing on self-care, and leaning on my support system.

Emotional wellness is about more than just an absence of stress; it requires proactive steps to maintain a positive mindset and balanced life. Simple self-care acts, like enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of tea or engaging in creative activities, can significantly impact our well-being. It's also crucial to set realistic expectations and seek professional help when necessary.

In future blogs, I plan to explore the role of essential oils and aromatherapy in enhancing emotional wellness, particularly their effect on the limbic system—the emotional center of our brain. Stay tuned as I delve into this subject and share practical applications of essential oils to support emotional health. Let's build a community that prioritizes mental well-being and learns to navigate life's chaos together.
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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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