Healthy Lifestyle

Do Not Let Your Strength Get in the Way

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Long ago, while volunteering in hospice—quietly rubbing people’s feet near the end of their lives—I met one of my greatest teachers.

She was almost breathtaking in her vibrancy. An angel in human form, luminous even as her body was preparing to let go. In our brief time together, she offered me a message that has stayed with me for years. One I still return to. One I am still learning.

My Teacher

When I noticed that we shared the same birthday, her eyes flew open with delight. Without missing a beat, she began listing the qualities of a Capricorn: strength, independence, tenacity, hard-working, task-completing, don’t-take-anything-from-anyone attitude—basic bad-ass energy.

We laughed instantly, recognizing ourselves in each other. Our shared stubbornness. Our headstrong resolve.

As I rubbed her feet, she mostly kept her eyes closed, her face soft and peaceful. The room felt calm, sacred. When I finished and began to stand to leave, she suddenly reached out and grabbed my arm.

With unmistakable Capricorn fierceness, she locked eyes with me and said:

“Do not let your strength get in the way.”

The silence that followed was vast. The words hung in the air, echoing long after they were spoken.

Moments later, her beloved partner walked past the bed. My patient gestured toward her and explained, “She’s a Cancer.” Then she turned back to me and said,

“We are Earth dwellers. Sometimes we have to carry the water of others.”
(She nodded gently toward her love.)
“And sometimes, we must allow the water to wash over us.”

Her eyes closed again. A soft smile appeared on her face.

A few moments later, she opened her eyes once more and asked me a question that caught me completely off guard:

“What do you want your kids to know before you die?”

Without hesitation, I told her that I wanted them to know—deep in their bones—that they are loved unconditionally and accepted for exactly who they are.

She smiled and said, “They already know that.”

The room grew quiet again. Still. Tender. As we said goodbye, tears streamed down both of our faces. In less than an hour, I had received more wisdom than I could have ever hoped for. Holding her hand, I thanked her—filled with gratitude.

Once more, she repeated:

“Do not let your strength get in the way.”

The Part I Didn’t Expect

The most startling part of this experience?

That very morning, I had tattooed the word “strength” on my ribs—after asking my boys to each offer one word they associated with me.

Strength.

Perhaps what I have called strength has also been a wall. A protective barrier. A survival strategy born from necessity and resilience.

And maybe—just maybe—while that strength has served me well, it has also gotten in my way.

Because strength, when held too tightly, can block tenderness. Independence can resist receiving. Resilience can forget how to rest. And self-sufficiency can quietly keep love at arm’s length.

As Rumi reminds us:

“Your task is not to seek love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”

I still carry her words with me.
Still practicing.
Still softening.
Still learning how to let the water wash over me.

Turning 55: 55 Pieces of Wisdom Gained Through Living, Healing, and Presence

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Turning 55 feels less like reaching a milestone and more like arriving home.

Home to myself.

With each year, life has gently—and sometimes not so gently—polished the rough edges, softened my grip on what doesn’t matter, and strengthened my trust in what does. Wisdom, I’ve learned, isn’t about having answers. It’s about learning how to listen: to the body, the heart, the breath, and the quiet voice within.

Here are 55 pieces of wisdom that 55 years of living, loving, healing, and beginning again have taught me.

55 Pieces of Wisdom

  1. Your body is not the enemy; it is the messenger.
  2. Rest is productive.
  3. Healing is rarely linear—and that’s okay.
  4. Presence changes everything.
  5. You don’t need permission to change.
  6. Boundaries are an act of love, not rejection.
  7. Silence can be deeply nourishing.
  8. Slowing down often gets you where you need to go faster.
  9. Comparison steals joy.
  10. Breath is always available—use it.
  11. Strength looks different in every season.
  12. Asking for help is a skill, not a failure.
  13. The nervous system remembers kindness.
  14. Small rituals can anchor big lives.
  15. Not everything needs fixing.
  16. Trust builds through consistency, not perfection.
  17. Pain can be a teacher without being the definition of your life.
  18. You are allowed to grieve what never was.
  19. Hope can be quiet and still be powerful.
  20. Listening is more transformative than advising.
  21. Your worth does not decline with age—it deepens.
  22. Energy is precious; spend it wisely.
  23. Being gentle is a form of strength.
  24. The body responds to safety before effort.
  25. You can begin again at any moment.
  26. Joy doesn’t need a reason.
  27. Saying no creates space for a truer yes.
  28. Wisdom often comes from lived experience, not books.
  29. The present moment is enough.
  30. Consistency beats intensity.
  31. You don’t have to carry everything alone.
  32. Compassion includes yourself.
  33. The way you speak to yourself matters.
  34. Growth sometimes looks like rest.
  35. Trust your intuition—it’s been practicing longer than you think.
  36. Letting go creates room to breathe.
  37. Aging is not something to resist; it’s something to inhabit.
  38. Stillness is not stagnation.
  39. Love expands when it’s shared freely.
  40. Being embodied is a lifelong practice.
  41. Progress can be subtle and still meaningful.
  42. You don’t owe anyone your depletion.
  43. Presence is more valuable than productivity.
  44. Wisdom often whispers.
  45. Adaptation is a form of resilience.
  46. Your story matters, exactly as it is.
  47. Living slowly is a radical act.
  48. Patience is built through practice.
  49. There is beauty in becoming.
  50. What you nurture grows.
  51. You are more than what you do.
  52. Trust takes time—especially with yourself.
  53. Meaning often lives in the ordinary.
  54. Your breath can always bring you home.
  55. It’s never too late to live with intention.

Closing Reflection

At 55, I’m no longer chasing life—I’m meeting it.

With curiosity. With compassion. With a deeper trust in my body and my becoming.

May we all honor the wisdom that comes not just from years lived, but from moments fully felt.

Gentle Detox Tea

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I don’t know about you, but this holiday season felt a little extra indulgent for me. The cookies, the stuffing, and all the festive treats added up, and I’m feeling a bit fluffier than usual—ready for some gentle support.

I’ve never been one for extreme cleanses that involve skipping meals, harsh restrictions, or pushing my body into exhaustion just to “undo” a few joyful weeks. That approach doesn’t feel nourishing or sustainable to me.

Instead, I believe in a gentle reset—simple practices that support the body naturally. A daily tea I can sip mindfully, knowing I’m offering my body warmth, hydration, and care, feels like the perfect place to begin.

Gentle Daily Detox Tea

This tea is supportive, not forceful. It’s meant to be a comforting ritual you return to—not a quick fix.

Ingredients

  • 1 quart (4 cups) water
  • 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
  • ½ lemon, sliced or juiced
  • 1 cinnamon stick or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional add-ins (choose 1–2):

  • Fresh mint leaves (cooling, digestive support)
  • Dandelion root tea bag (gentle liver support)
  • Fresh turmeric slice or pinch of ground turmeric

Instructions

  1. Bring the water to a gentle boil.
  2. Add ginger and cinnamon. Reduce heat and simmer for 10–15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and add lemon and any optional herbs.
  4. Steep for 5 more minutes.
  5. Strain and sip warm—or let cool and enjoy iced.

How to Use

  • Drink 1–2 cups in the morning or mid-afternoon
  • Sip slowly and mindfully
  • Can be made fresh daily or enjoyed chilled

A Gentle Reminder

This tea supports your body’s natural detox systems—your liver, kidneys, and digestion—without forcing or deprivation. True detox happens through hydration, nourishment, rest, and presence. Small, consistent acts of care often have the greatest impact.

How to Store Your Detox Tea

Short-term (best option):

  • Allow the tea to cool completely
  • Strain out herbs, citrus, and spices
  • Store in a glass jar or bottle with a lid
  • Refrigerate for up to 24 hours

Glass is ideal, as it doesn’t absorb flavors or react with lemon.

If You Want It Ready for the Morning

  • Brew the tea the night before
  • Store it in the fridge
  • Gently reheat on the stove in the morning (avoid microwaving if possible)

The Omen Days

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I recently discovered that the days between Christmas and New Year’s—through January 6th, the Epiphany—are called the “Omen Days.” I had no idea there was an actual term for this period, yet it has felt sacred to me for nearly two decades. Once the mayhem of Christmas settles, these days offer a quiet, introspective space that can hold deep clarity—if we choose to listen.

Why They’re Called Omen Days

In Celtic tradition, this time is considered “time out of time.” Each day represents a month of the coming year, and observers watch for signs in nature, dreams, or daily experiences for guidance.

It’s not about predicting the future, but about noticing potential omens. Each of the twelve days—December 26 through January 6—corresponds to a month ahead:

  • December 26: January
  • December 27: February
  • …and so on

For me, these days are a time to quiet down, go inward, and ask questions—then truly listen.

For almost twenty years, I’ve chosen a single word as my intention for the coming year. This word becomes a thread woven into the tapestry of my life. Discovering it requires attentiveness—paying close attention to the subtle “omens” that appear around me.

How I Observe the Omen Days

When I seek my word or intention, I follow practices that encourage quiet awareness and receptivity:

  • Focus on Receiving: Gently notice without forcing predictions or outcomes.
  • Go Into Nature: Walk, observe, and pay attention to what draws you—a bird, the wind, a patch of earth.
  • Note Omens: Watch for recurring images, unusual signs, or strong feelings.
  • Record Your Findings: Keep a journal to capture reflections and insights.

Often, my word appears weeks before the Omen Days, and paying attention helps me become curious about the intentions and signs around me. Once Christmas passes, I enter fully into this sacred period of receiving messages.

Why This Matters

This practice isn’t about goals, resolutions, or achievement—it’s about becoming the most authentic, present version of yourself. By honoring these days, I set the tone for the coming year into alignment with awareness, intention, and quiet guidance.

I invite you to settle, listen, and observe during these sacred Omen Days. Notice the subtle guidance that is always present—and allow it to shape the path ahead.

Protein Chia Seed Pudding with Kefir & Almond Milk

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Protein Chia Seed Pudding with Kefir & Almond Milk

This protein-packed chia seed pudding is more than just a delicious grab-and-go snack—it’s a nourishing way to start or fuel your day. Chia seeds are tiny powerhouses, loaded with fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein to keep you feeling full and energized. Pairing them with kefir adds probiotics for a happy gut, while almond milk keeps it light, creamy, and plant-based. It’s the perfect balance of taste and nutrition in every spoonful.

Trying to hit my protein and fiber goals is a big deal to me these days. These make it easier!

Benefits of Protein
Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting strong muscles, and keeping your metabolism active. It also helps stabilize blood sugar, curbs cravings, and keeps you feeling satisfied longer. Adding protein to meals—like in this chia seed pudding—turns a simple snack into lasting fuel for your body and mind.

Benefits of Chia Seeds
Chia seeds may be tiny, but they’re packed with powerful nutrition. They’re a great source of plant-based protein, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and antioxidants. These little seeds help keep you fuller longer, support digestion, balance energy, and even promote heart and brain health—all in just a spoonful.

Benefits of Kefir
Kefir is a probiotic-rich fermented drink that supports a healthy gut and strong immune system. It’s loaded with beneficial bacteria and yeast, along with vitamins, minerals, and protein. Regularly enjoying kefir can improve digestion, boost nutrient absorption, and help maintain overall wellness.

Protein Chia Seed Pudding with Kefir & Almond Milk

Ingredients (Makes 5 half-pint jars)

  • 2 ½ cups unsweetened kefir
  • 2 ½ cups unsweetened almond milk
  • 11 ? Tbsp chia seeds (about 2 Tbsp + 1 tsp per jar)
  • 5 tsp agave syrup (adjust to taste)
  • Optional: 1 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of cinnamon, or cocoa powder.

Instructions

  • 1. In a large mixing bowl or measuring pitcher, whisk together kefir, almond milk, protein powder, and agave until smooth.
  • 2. Stir in the chia seeds and mix well to prevent clumping.
  • 3. Divide evenly into 5 half-pint jelly jars.
  • 4. After 10 minutes, stir each jar again (this keeps the chia from settling).
  • 5. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight, until thick and pudding-like.
  • 6. Top with fresh fruit, nuts, or granola before serving, if desired.

Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a midday pick-me-up, or even a healthy dessert, this pudding is a simple way to fuel your body and support your well-being. Each jar is a reminder that eating well can be both effortless and delicious. Nourish yourself, savor the goodness, and let this little pudding keep you going strong.

Nutrition approx. (per jar)

  • Calories: ~228
  • Protein: ~17.8 g
  • Carbs: ~17 g
  • Fat: ~9.1 g

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Sourdough Banana Crumble Bakery-Style Muffins

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Sourdough Banana Crumble Bakery-Style Muffins

If you’ve ever had a banana crumble bakery muffin — you know, the kind that’s perfectly domed, tender on the inside, and topped with that irresistible crunchy crumble — you’ll be thrilled to make these Sourdough Banana Crumble Muffins at home. The sourdough adds just enough tang and so much moisture the muffins are tender and delicious.

Making sourdough banana crumble muffins are the perfect way to use up overripe bananas and sourdough discard, and they stay moist for days. Pair with your morning coffee or enjoy as an afternoon treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bakery-worthy texture: tall, domed tops and tender crumb.
  • Sourdough flavor: discard adds subtle tang and depth.
  • Easy to make: no mixer required.
  • Freezer-friendly: great for make-ahead breakfasts.

Ingredients

Muffins

  • 1 cup (240g) mashed ripe bananas (about 2–3 bananas)
  • ½ cup (120g) sourdough starter discard (unfed)
  • ½ cup (120ml) melted butter
  • ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup (50g) white sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp nutmeg (optional)

Crumble Topping

  • ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
  • ¼ cup (50g) white sugar
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • 4 tbsp (55g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • ½ cup (60g) chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Make the Crumble Topping

In a small bowl, mix flour, both sugars, chopped pecans, and cinnamon. Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. Refrigerate while you prepare the muffin batter.

2. Preheat the Oven

Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or grease lightly.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mashed bananas, sourdough discard, oil, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Add the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few streaks of flour are fine.

5. Fill and Top

Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full. Sprinkle generously with crumble topping.

6. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Tips for Perfect Muffins

  • Room-temperature eggs help the batter mix more evenly.
  • Don’t skip the crumble — it’s the bakery magic.
  • For taller muffin tops, start baking at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes, then reduce to 375°F (190°C) for the remaining time.

Storage & Freezing

  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze muffins (without the crumble losing too much crunch) for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or warm in the oven for a few minutes.

If you love these you’ll also love this recipe for peach sourdough muffins!

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

A Mindful Path Through Healing

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A Mindful Path Through Healing
A New Offering from the Heart

Something meaningful is in the works. And it’s coming from a place that’s deeply personal—shaped by lived experience, rooted in compassion, and devoted to healing in all its forms.

Over the past several months (and really, over the course of many years), I’ve been gathering what I’ve learned—through my own healing journey, through teaching, and through deep listening to others—and weaving it into something I’ve long envisioned:

A Mindful Path Through Healing.

This upcoming program is a sanctuary for those navigating pain, recovery, life transitions, or simply the tender uncertainty of being human. It’s for those craving a reconnection with their breath, their body, their nervous system, and their inner wisdom.

This isn’t a quick-fix or a checkbox approach.
There are no promises of perfection here.
Instead, what you’ll find is a gentle unfolding. A space to soften into your healing, to explore supportive practices, and to remember that healing doesn’t have to happen alone—or all at once.

This program is being built on the pillars I return to again and again in my own life:

  • Mindful movement that meets your body where it is
  • Breath practices to soothe the nervous system and anchor presence
  • Nervous system support rooted in science and soul
  • Rituals and nature-based practices to remind you of what’s steady
  • Mindset and reflection to support inner clarity
  • And gratitude—because even in pain, there is always something worth honoring

Whether you’re healing from physical pain, moving through emotional stress, or just feeling disconnected and unsure of your next step, this space is being created for you.

I can’t wait to share more soon.
For now, just know: it’s coming.
And it’s being crafted with you in mind—gently, intentionally, and with so much heart.

You are not alone.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Stay Cool: Aromatherapy for Long, Hot Days

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Stay Cool: Aromatherapy for Long, Hot Days

Summer brings so much beauty — the garden in full bloom, light-filled evenings, fresh foods, and a slower rhythm. But with the brightness also comes the heat. And for many of us, that heat can leave us feeling fatigued, irritable, or just plain worn out.

Thankfully, nature gives us cooling allies in the form of essential oils. Whether you’re moving through hot days physically or emotionally, this blend is a gentle, refreshing way to come back to center.

Why Cooling Aromatherapy Works

Certain essential oils help calm the nervous system, reduce the sensation of heat, and bring a sense of lightness and clarity. Think of them as summer’s breath of fresh air.

The blend below is one I reach for on long afternoons, after gardening, or when I need to feel refreshed and grounded at the same time.

Cool & Calm Summer Mist Recipe

You’ll need:

  • 2 oz glass spray bottle (amber or cobalt blue is ideal)
  • Distilled water or rose hydrosol
  • 5 drops peppermint essential oil
  • 5 drops lavender essential oil
  • 3 drops spearmint essential oil
  • Optional: 1 tsp witch hazel or aloe vera juice (to help oils disperse)

To make:

  1. Add the essential oils to your empty spray bottle.
  2. If using witch hazel or aloe, add it next.
  3. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water or hydrosol.
  4. Shake gently before each use.

To use:
Mist over your face (eyes closed), neck, chest, or even the backs of your knees. Keep it in your bag or fridge for extra chill.

When to Use This Blend

  • After yoga or a walk
  • During hot flashes or overheated afternoons
  • While driving or commuting
  • At bedtime to settle the body
  • Any time you feel flustered or drained

The Energetics Behind the Blend

Peppermint cools and sharpens the mind
Lavender soothes agitation and brings emotional balance
Spearmint uplifts while grounding the breath

Together, they create a feeling of cool ease — like stepping into a shaded garden with your favorite iced tea in hand.

A Seasonal Reminder

Summer invites us to stretch out but also to soften back. To enjoy the warmth, but not burn out from it.

Let this cooling blend be your pocket-sized pause button. A breath of ease, a moment of relief — wherever you are.

With cool calm,
Stacie
Embracing Wisdom & Wellness

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Rooted in July: A Gentle Life in Full Bloom

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Rooted in July: A Gentle Life in Full Bloom

There’s something magical about July — the way everything stretches toward the sun, how the days linger a little longer, and how nature reminds us to both expand and rest. This is the season of ripening — in our gardens, in our meals, and within ourselves.

If June was the invitation, July is the deep breath in.

Life in the Garden

This time of year, my garden becomes both sanctuary and teacher. Each morning, I walk through barefoot, coffee in hand, gently brushing my fingers over the herbs and peeking at what’s ready to harvest. The basil is bold. The tomatoes are starting to blush. And the flowers — oh, the flowers — are singing in color.

There’s something deeply grounding about tending to growing things. The rhythm of watering, weeding, harvesting — it slows the nervous system and brings me right into the moment.

Even if you don’t have a garden, simply noticing the season around you — the smell of cut grass, the hum of bees, the heat rising off the pavement — can bring you into deeper presence.

Eat What the Earth Offers

In July, I lean into simple, fresh meals made from what’s in season. Think cucumber-mint salads, grilled zucchini, homemade pesto, berry crisps with just a hint of honey, and iced teas infused with lemon balm or lavender from the garden.

Here’s one of my current favorites:

Garden-Fresh Summer Bowl

  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Sliced cucumber
  • A scoop of quinoa or brown rice
  • Feta or avocado
  • Fresh basil or mint
  • Olive oil and lemon juice drizzle
  • Sprinkle of sea salt and cracked pepper

It’s light, refreshing, and packed with the vitality of the season.

Stay Cool, Stay Centered

While July can be expansive, it also brings intensity — in heat, energy, and pace. I’ve been reminding myself (and my yoga students) that staying cool isn’t just about air conditioning — it’s about staying centered.

Try this:

  • A short cooling breath practice like Sheetali or Sitkari
  • A few minutes with your feet in cool water
  • A walk at sunrise or just after sunset
  • A restorative yoga pose with a lavender-infused eye pillow

Let your daily rhythm soften with the season. Your nervous system will thank you.

Let Yourself Ripen

This season is not about pushing. It’s about becoming.
Let yourself bloom slowly. Rest deeply. Savor fully.

Whether you’re in your garden, on your mat, or at your kitchen table, may this month remind you that you, too, are a living thing — worthy of sunlight, nourishment, and ease.

With warmth from the garden and the heart,
Stacie
Embracing Wisdom & Wellness

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Diffuser Blend for for Calm & Clarity

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Some days call for quiet. For deep breaths. For a moment of stillness that feels like pressing your feet into the earth and letting the noise melt away.

This is where the Grounding Walk Diffuser Blend comes in. It’s inspired by that feeling you get on a peaceful walk through the trees—the earthy scent of soil and leaves, the whisper of wind, and the sense that everything is just as it should be.

It’s peaceful. It’s steady. And it’s just what you need right now.

Grounding Walk Diffuser Blend

  • 2 drops Frankincense – for deep calm and spiritual grounding
  • 2 drops Lavender – to soften tension and promote peace
  • 1 drop Patchouli – to anchor you in the present moment
  • 1 drop Rosemary – to bring mental clarity and fresh perspective

Add to your diffuser with fresh water, settle in, and breathe deeply.

When to Use This Blend

  • During meditation or journaling
  • After a long or emotionally draining day
  • When you feel ungrounded, overwhelmed, or disconnected
  • While stretching, resting, or enjoying a cup of tea

Let this blend be your companion on the days when your nervous system needs a reset—no walk required, just the intention to come back home to yourself.

Want to Take It Outside?

You can also turn this blend into a DIY grounding perfume or a roller bottle using a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil. Just reduce the number of drops and keep the same ratio for a gentle, portable version of your peaceful forest walk.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Finding Joy in the Everyday: Why Simple Moments Matter

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I wasn’t headed anywhere special. Just me, my sporty blue Jeep, a wide stretch of road, and that particular kind of stillness that comes when you’re not rushing to get somewhere. It was one of those ordinary days that didn’t begin with a plan. But as life often reminds me, the most beautiful moments rarely need one.

I had driven past fields and fences, wildflowers and weathered barns, when I noticed a quiet little scene that pulled at my heart. I slowed down, pulled over, and let myself be drawn into a moment that asked nothing from me—just presence. There, on the side of the road, surrounded by sun and soil, was a glimpse of simple beauty. And it was more than enough.

This moment became a gentle reminder: joy lives in the everyday. Not just in the big celebrations or grand adventures, but in the pause. In the noticing. Paying attention to the way the light touches a leaf or how the wind plays with your hair as you drive with the windows down.

Since we live in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, be more, hustle more, we forget how healing it can be to simply be with what is. To let the road stretch out before us and not be in a rush to arrive. Joy is not something we earn. It’s something we allow. It meets us when we slow down long enough to see it.

The Benefits of Finding Joy in the Everyday

1. Reduces Stress
Pausing to appreciate small, joyful moments calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol levels, and supports emotional regulation.

2. Strengthens Resilience
When we train ourselves to find beauty in ordinary days, we build emotional endurance for the harder ones.

3. Improves Mental Health
Gratitude and joy are directly linked to increased life satisfaction, lower levels of depression, and improved outlook.

4. Enhances Presence
Joy brings us back to the present moment, grounding us in our bodies and our breath, rather than our to-do lists or worries.

5. Encourages Connection
Everyday joy invites us to share, to smile at strangers, to slow down with loved ones, to open our hearts to the world again.

So here’s my invitation: pull over sometimes. Let yourself linger in the unexpected quiet. Roll down the window. Let the sun warm your face. Let joy find you right where you are.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Post-Hip Replacement Rehab Part 4 | Gentle Stretching & Mobility for Healing

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Post-Hip Replacement Rehab Part 4 | Gentle Stretching & Mobility for Healing

If you’re in the midst of your hip surgery recovery journey and looking for a supportive way to restore flexibility and mobility—without getting down on the floor—this session is for you.

In Part 4 of the Post-Hip Replacement Rehab Series, we explore gentle, yoga-inspired movements using a chair for support. These mindful stretches are designed to promote functional movement, ease muscle tension, and encourage breath awareness for a grounded, healing experience.

What to Expect in This Video:

  • Seated and standing stretches to gently open and lengthen the body
  • Breath-led movement to calm your nervous system and invite awareness
  • Supportive transitions that build trust in your body’s strength
  • A compassionate pace for mid-to-late stage recovery

Whether you’re returning to movement after surgery or integrating a long-term recovery plan, this session invites you to move mindfully and with kindness.

Inspired by my own healing journey through multiple hip surgeries, I offer this practice as a tool for encouragement, stability, and deeper connection to yourself.

Follow the Full Rehab Series:
 YouTube Playlist Link

Let’s continue healing, one breath and one stretch at a time. Thank you so much for your continued support of me and my healing and work.

Much love, Stacie

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products on Buy Me a Coffee! Your support helps me continue creating. 

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

If you would love to be part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.