Curating Life, GenX Style*: Healing, Growth, and Finding What Works

The Beauty of Background Character Energy: Lessons from Everyday Encounters

The Beauty of Background Character Energy: Lessons from Everyday Encounters
A few weeks ago, I was unintentionally part of someone's mini photo shoot while at the park watching my grandkids play. I had no idea I was in the background of their perfectly posed moment until it was too late—and now, somewhere out there, I’m forever captured mid-sip of my chocolate milkshake, (which, for the record, I ordered with zero shame at 10:30 a.m. because adulthood has to have some perks) in their photo album as “random lady living her best life.”

It got me thinking: How many times have I been a background character in someone else’s story without even realizing it? Not the star, not the villain—just the extra who happened to walk by, hold a door, or make a random comment that may or may not have stuck with them. You know what I mean?
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Girl Talk Lowers Cortisol and Raises Sanity—Science Says So

Girl Talk Lowers Cortisol and Raises Sanity—Science Says So
Turns out, that heart-to-heart with your bestie is basically brain medicine.

I saw this meme the other day claiming that when women vent to each other, it actually helps us lower cortisol, boost serotonin, and build stronger neural pathways. At first, I laughed and thought, Well that explains a lot. Then I did a little digging—and guess what? That meme wasn’t just internet fluff. It was onto something...
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Stillness Like I Remember It

Stillness Like I Remember It
I saw this meme the other day that hit me right in the soul:

“I love calmness in my life. I love not having to rush in the morning and being able to take my time. I love those moments of silence and peace where there's just stillness and me. I love having time for intentional slowness and gratitude. I love when my nervous system is at ease.”

I read it once… then read it again. And I just sat with it for a minute...
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It’s Not a Conspiracy. It’s Just History... How Natural Healing Was Pushed Aside

It’s Not a Conspiracy. It’s Just History... How Natural Healing Was Pushed Aside
Let’s be real: I didn’t always read ingredient labels. I didn’t think twice about popping an over-the-counter pill when something hurt. I didn’t really think much at all about a time when healing looked different.

But now? I’m asking a lot more questions. And I’m slowly finding my way back to something that feels... simpler. A little slower. A lot more intentional.

If you’ve read my post on how petrochemicals changed medicine, you know that the way we do healthcare today didn’t just happen. It was steered, hard, by some very powerful (and very rich) men with profit in mind.

And ever since I learned about that shift, I haven’t been able to unsee it...
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How Family History Keeps Me Grounded (Especially During Life’s Hardest Moments)

How Family History Keeps Me Grounded (Especially During Life’s Hardest Moments)
It hit me recently that I’ve never really stopped living in the past—and I mean that in the a good kind of way.

I’ve always been the one in the family who asks about the great-grandparents no one remembers. The one who pulls over for historical markers, gets lost in old newspaper clippings, and secretly prefers a vintage map over GPS. Some people collect souvenirs when they travel—I like to collect stories...
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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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