Wellness Words
Clean beauty,
nourishing routines, and
everyday wellness.
New Year, New Boundaries: How Illness Forced Me to Slow Down
I didn’t start the new year with a vision board or a burst of motivation. I started it with a cough. A relentless, rib-rattling cough that forced me to stop, listen, and finally honor what my body had been trying to say for weeks. This wasn’t the reset I planned, but maybe it’s the one I needed. Rest, hydration, boundaries, and the quiet courage to choose healing over hustle. This year, I’m listening. Not perfectly, but faithfully.
The Fast That Rose From Fever
I didn’t plan to start the year with a fast. RSV had me coughing through Christmas, and by the time a fever hit, my body quietly opted out of food. What followed was a 26-hour fast I didn’t choose, but deeply needed. No cravings, no drama. Just hydration, rest, and a surprising sense of clarity. As the fever broke and my symptoms softened, I realized this was more than a sick day. It was a reset. A soft beginning. A reminder to listen inward.
Fasting Forward
After a year that tested me deeply, I’m stepping into 2026 with a 90-day intermittent fasting commitment as a purposeful reset. This isn’t my first time fasting, but it’s the first time I’m doing it gently, sustainably, and with full support. Bone broth, butter, salt, coffee, and tea will carry me through fasting days. Movement, hydration, and emotional awareness will guide the rest. If your body’s asking for a rhythm, a reset, or a fresh start, this blog is your invitation to begin again with clarity, strength, and intention.
Coffee, Ashes, and Wildflowers
There’s a particular kind of quiet that arrives with the first sip of coffee—a small ceremony to begin the day. For survivors, this ritual carries extra meaning: warmth in the hands, steadiness in the body, and a return to what feels familiar.
Rituals don’t demand drama; they invite presence. The kettle’s whisper, the bloom of grounds, the inhale of steam—each motion signals that you are here, and the day is beginning.
On the back porch, sunlight meets the warmth of the mug. This isn’t multitasking—it’s a pause. A sanctuary. A rhythm that honors both healing and hope.
Let this moment welcome the day.
Relaxation Rituals: Evening Routines for Healing
Evening isn’t just a time of day—it’s a threshold. A quiet invitation to return to yourself. In this post, I’m sharing a gentle guide to crafting non-toxic nighttime rituals that soothe the body, calm the mind, and cradle the spirit. Whether you’re a parent seeking peace after bedtime or simply someone longing for deeper sleep, these practices are designed to help you exhale and feel held.