personal growth

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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Still Growing, Still Grieving: Reflections at the Almost Six-Month Mark

Still Growing, Still Grieving: Reflections at the Almost Six-Month Mark
Standing at my kitchen window, I noticed tiny buds forming on the apple trees. The grass is finally greening up, birds are making their way back from their winter homes, and the sun is shining again with that unmistakable promise of Spring.

This is our favorite time of year.

Was...

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“Why Can’t I Just Do the Thing?” Signs of Adult ADHD in Women We Don’t Talk About Enough

“Why Can’t I Just Do the Thing?” Signs of Adult ADHD in Women We Don’t Talk About Enough
You know those days where everything is set up to go smoothly—and then somehow, nothing does? Yeah. I just had another one of those mornings.

I had my water bottle prepped. I had my essential oils right there on the kitchen counter—Peppermint for focus, Citrus Fresh for a mood lift. My to-do list was written out the night before (a rare win!). But instead of starting my day with intention and clarity, I stood in the kitchen watching videos about productivity hacks while the diffuser sat there... bone dry.

I knew exactly what would help me feel better. So why couldn’t I just do the thing? And how does one little deviation from my morning routine throw me so totally off track for the rest of the day?
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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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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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