Healthy Lifestyle

Rustic Sourdough Strawberry Pie

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Rustic Sourdough Strawberry Pie (AKA: Sourdough Discard Strawberry Galette)

There’s something magical about taking a humble sourdough discard and turning it into a buttery, flaky crust for a rustic strawberry pie. This recipe is the perfect way to use up that leftover starter while indulging in the sweet, tangy goodness of fresh strawberries. With a touch of vanilla and a hint of lemon zest, this rustic sourdough strawberry pie is sure to steal the show at your next gathering.

The best part? It’s as easy as it is delicious—no fancy pie pan required, just a bit of love and a whole lot of flavor!

Crust Ingredients:

• 120g all-purpose flour

• 113g unsalted butter, cold and cubed

• 1 tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp salt

• 60g sourdough discard (unfed)

• 1–2 tbsp ice water, as needed

Filling Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

• 2 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot powder

• ½ tsp vanilla extract

• Zest of half a lemon (optional)

Topping:

• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

• Coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions:

1. Make the crust:

• In a bowl or food processor, mix flour, sugar, and salt.

• Cut in the cold butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

• Add sourdough discard and mix until combined. If dry, add a little ice water until the dough comes together.

• Shape into a disk, wrap, and chill for 30–60 minutes.

2. Make the filling:

• Toss strawberries with sugar, cornstarch, vanilla, and lemon zest. Let sit for 10 minutes.

3. Assemble the galette:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

• Roll out dough on parchment into a rough circle (about 12 inches).

• Pile strawberry mixture in the center, leaving a 2-inch border.

• Fold edges over the filling, pleating as you go.

• Brush crust with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

4. Bake:

• Bake for 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and bubbly.

• Cool slightly before slicing.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just treating yourself to a slice of homemade comfort, this rustic sourdough strawberry pie is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

The combination of tangy sourdough crust and sweet, juicy strawberries creates a balance of flavors that’s simply irresistible. So go ahead, grab a fork, and savor every bite of this delightful, seasonal treat. After all, good things—like this pie—are meant to be shared and enjoyed.

Happy baking!

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. 

Daily Mindfulness Routine

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“As you walk and eat and travel, be where you are. Otherwise, you will miss most of your life.” — Buddha

A Day in the Life: My Mindful Routine

Mindfulness is more than a practice—it’s a way of living that allows us to stay present, reduce stress, and embrace each moment with intention. Over the years, I’ve developed a daily routine that supports my healing, fosters inner peace, and helps me move through my day with more awareness and gratitude. In this post, I’ll walk you through my mindful routine, offering practical tips that you can incorporate into your own life. If you’d like a deeper dive, be sure to check out my podcast episode on this very topic!

Morning Mindfulness Rituals

The way we start our day sets the tone for everything that follows. Instead of rushing into the morning, I take time to ease in with intention.

  • Breath Awareness: Before getting out of bed, I take a few deep breaths, tuning in to my body and setting an intention for the day.
  • Gratitude Practice: I reflect on three things I’m grateful for, which shifts my mindset toward appreciation.
  • Gentle Movement: A short stretching or chair yoga practice helps awaken my body and ease any stiffness.
  • Mindful Sipping: I make my morning tea or coffee a ritual, savoring each sip instead of mindlessly drinking while multitasking.

Try This: Before reaching for your phone in the morning, take five deep breaths and set an intention for your day. Notice how it shifts your mindset!

Midday Practices for Presence and Grounding

The middle of the day can often feel hectic, so I incorporate small mindful moments to stay balanced and centered.

  • Mindful Eating: I slow down and focus on my meals, appreciating the flavors, textures, and nourishment they provide.
  • Stretch Breaks: Gentle stretching or a short movement break helps prevent stiffness and resets my energy.
  • Fresh Air & Stillness: Stepping outside, even for a few minutes, to breathe deeply and notice my surroundings keeps me grounded.
  • Pause & Reset: If I feel overwhelmed, I take a few conscious breaths to recenter.

Try This: Set a reminder on your phone to take a deep breath and stretch mid-afternoon. A few mindful moments can bring a fresh sense of clarity to your day.

Evening Wind-Down and Reflection

As the day comes to a close, I focus on slowing down and preparing my mind and body for rest.

  • Digital Detox: I set aside my phone at least an hour before bed to reduce stimulation.
  • Journaling: I write down a few reflections on my day, focusing on what brought me joy and what I learned.
  • Restorative Yoga or Breathwork: A few minutes of gentle stretching or deep breathing helps signal to my body that it’s time to relax.
  • Gratitude Reflection: Before closing my eyes, I think of three positive moments from my day.

Try This: Before bed, take a few moments to reflect on something that went well today. It can be a small win, a kind interaction, or a moment of peace.

Encouraging Your Own Mindful Routine

Mindfulness isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. Your routine doesn’t have to look exactly like mine; the key is to find small, meaningful ways to weave mindfulness into your day. Whether it’s taking deep breaths in the morning, savoring your meals, or ending the day with gratitude, every mindful moment adds up to a more intentional life.

If you’re curious to hear more about how mindfulness supports my journey, tune in to my podcast episode, A Day in the Life: My Mindful Routine. I’d love to hear about your own mindful practices—feel free to share in the comments!

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. 

The Power of Scent: My Signature Essential Oil Blend for Mind, Body, and Spirit

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“The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind.” — Caroline Myss

The Power of Scent: My Signature Essential Oil Blend for Mind, Body, and Spirit

For many years, I have worn a signature blend of essential oils that has become more than just a fragrance—it’s a daily ritual, a source of balance, and a reflection of my journey. This unique blend of tangerine, wild orange, patchouli, lavender, and Roman chamomile supports my emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being in profound ways. Each oil contributes its own therapeutic benefits, creating a harmonious synergy that uplifts, grounds, and soothes.

Emotional Benefits

The emotional power of scent is undeniable. Essential oils can directly impact our mood and emotions, providing comfort, inspiration, and peace.

  • Tangerine & Wild Orange – These citrus oils are known for their uplifting properties. They promote joy, creativity, and a sense of positivity, helping to dissolve feelings of stress and stagnation.
  • Patchouli – This deep, earthy scent is grounding and stabilizing. It helps ease anxiety, encourages self-acceptance, and fosters emotional resilience.
  • Lavender – A universal oil for relaxation, lavender calms the nervous system, reduces feelings of tension, and promotes inner peace.
  • Roman Chamomile – Known for its gentle yet powerful soothing effects, Roman chamomile supports emotional balance and helps ease irritability, restlessness, and worry.

Spiritual Benefits

Essential oils have been used for centuries in spiritual practices, meditation, and rituals. My blend enhances my spiritual connection by fostering mindfulness and presence.

  • Citrus oils (Tangerine & Wild Orange) encourage openness and creativity, making them excellent for setting intentions and manifesting positivity.
  • Patchouli is often associated with grounding and connecting to the earth’s energy, deepening meditation and promoting spiritual awareness.
  • Lavender & Roman Chamomile help cultivate a sense of serenity, aiding in deep breathing and enhancing moments of stillness and reflection.

Physical Benefits

Beyond their emotional and spiritual impact, these oils provide tangible physical benefits that contribute to overall well-being.

  • Citrus oils are rich in antioxidants and support immune function while promoting a sense of alertness and mental clarity.
  • Patchouli has anti-inflammatory properties and supports skin health, making it a great addition to a personal fragrance.
  • Lavender & Roman Chamomile are well known for their ability to ease muscle tension, support restful sleep, and promote relaxation.

How I Use My Blend

I apply this blend daily as a personal fragrance, diffusing it in my space, and using it as part of my mindfulness rituals. Whether I’m preparing for a meditation session, winding down for the evening, or simply looking for a boost of joy and balance, this blend is my go-to companion.

Essential oils hold the power to transform our mood, enhance our energy, and create a sense of inner harmony. My signature blend is more than just a scent—it’s a reflection of my journey and a tool for supporting my mind, body, and spirit each day.

Do you have a signature blend that you love? I’d love to hear about the scents that bring you peace and joy.

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. 

The Healing Power of Giving: How Baking Bread Connects Me to Kindness

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“The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away.” — Pablo Picasso

The Healing Power of Giving: How Baking Bread Connects Me to Kindness

Pain has a way of making our world feel small. When we’re struggling—physically, emotionally, or spiritually—it’s easy to become consumed by what we’ve lost or what feels out of reach. For me, my journey with chronic pain and the inability to work in assisted living has been a deeply challenging transition. But I’ve found that one of the most powerful ways to shift my focus away from what I can’t do is to pour my energy into something kind, something bigger than myself. For me, that something is baking bread.

Every week, I bake fresh sourdough loaves for a church that feeds the homeless. There is something profoundly healing about mixing just three simple ingredients—flour, water, and salt—into a wholesome, nourishing loaf. But the true magic lies in the love and intention that go into each batch. With every stretch and fold of the dough, I pour in my care. As the bread rises, so does my heart. And when I place those warm loaves into the hands of someone in need, I feel a connection that transcends my own struggles.

Science supports this too.

Acts of kindness release endorphins, reduce stress, and even lower levels of pain. When we give from the heart, we create meaning in the midst of our own suffering. Baking bread has become more than just an act of service; it’s a form of therapy, a way to stay connected to purpose when my body limits me in other ways. It reminds me that even when I can’t show up in assisted living facilities like I once did, I can still contribute in a meaningful way.

I talk more about this on my podcast, where I share how acts of kindness can be a profound part of our own healing. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your own pain, I invite you to listen and explore ways to shift your focus outward. Maybe for you, it’s writing letters, making meals, or simply offering a kind word to someone in need. Whatever it is, I promise—it will not only lift others but will also lift you.

So, the next time you’re feeling lost in your own pain, ask yourself:

What can I do for someone else today? The answer might just bring a little healing to your own heart.

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. 

Resetting the Nervous System

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Resetting the Nervous System: A Daily Practice for Balance and Well-Being

In our fast-paced world, our nervous systems are often in a state of overdrive, leading to stress, fatigue, and emotional imbalance. I have personally experienced two significant times in my life when my nervous system went haywire—once due to extreme emotional stress and once due to intense physical stress. The first time, during a particularly challenging period of emotional upheaval, my body responded by holding onto weight, despite my efforts to maintain balance. The second time, just last year, my body went into survival mode again during a period of physical stress, leading to similar results. Both experiences highlighted how closely the nervous system and cortisol levels are tied to overall well-being.

The signals sent to my body to be in constant fight or flight have wrecked havoc on my physical body. Thankfully, I was able to have the awareness to make some changes before it was too late.

However, by incorporating simple daily practices, I am now actively working to reset and regulate my nervous system, bringing myself back to a place of balance and resilience. Through affirmations, breath practices, essential oils, circular movements, and self-love, I am supporting my body in lowering cortisol levels and fostering a sense of inner peace and stability.

1. Daily Affirmations for Nervous System Support

Our thoughts have a profound impact on our nervous system. When we speak kind and reassuring words to ourselves, we activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which promotes relaxation and healing. Try starting your day with affirmations such as:

  • “I am safe, supported, and at ease.”
  • “My body knows how to heal and restore balance.”
  • “I choose peace in this moment.”

2. Breath Practices to Activate Calm

Breathwork is one of the most effective ways to regulate the nervous system. Conscious breathing techniques stimulate the vagus nerve, helping to shift the body out of fight-or-flight mode and into a state of relaxation. Consider practicing:

  • Box Breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four. Repeat.
  • Extended Exhale Breathing: Inhale for four counts, exhale for six to eight counts, encouraging deeper relaxation.

3. Essential Oils for Grounding and Soothing

Aromatherapy can support nervous system regulation by engaging the senses and promoting calm. Essential oils like basil, thyme, lavender, copaiba, chamomile, and frankincense have been shown to reduce stress and anxiety. Try:

  • Diffusing oils in your space.
  • Applying diluted oils to pulse points.
  • Inhaling deeply from a drop on your palms before meditation or sleep.

4. Circular Movements to Release Tension

Gentle, circular movements help release stored tension in the body and regulate the nervous system. Movements like spinal rolls, shoulder circles, and gentle rocking motions encourage relaxation and fluidity. You can incorporate these into your morning routine or use them as a midday reset when stress arises.

5. Daily Self-Love Practices

Self-love is the foundation of a regulated nervous system. Taking time to nurture yourself through small, intentional acts creates a sense of safety and inner harmony. This might include:

  • Journaling love letters to yourself about what you’re grateful for.
  • Taking mindful walks in nature and loving on your ability to move mindfully.
  • Practicing self-compassion and speaking kindly to yourself.

Bringing It All Together

By weaving these practices into my daily life, I am creating a powerful toolkit for nervous system regulation and cortisol balance. Each small action—whether it’s an affirmation, a breath practice, or a moment of self-care—helps me build resilience and restore balance. Over time, these mindful habits are supporting my well-being, allowing me to move through life with greater ease, clarity, and inner peace. And, I just might release the extra weight that has made its way back.

Watch this vulnerable video on how the unsettled nervous system has affected me this last year.

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.

Golden Turmeric Latte

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Cozy & Nourishing Golden Turmeric Latte

As we transition through February’s chilly days, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, nourishing drink. This Golden Turmeric Latte is not only cozy but also packed with anti-inflammatory benefits, making it perfect for supporting your body—especially if you’re on a healing journey.

Why Turmeric?

Turmeric is a powerhouse spice known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Curcumin, its active compound, can help reduce pain and inflammation, making this latte a great addition to your daily routine—especially if you’re dealing with recovery, joint pain, or simply the winter blues.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup milk of choice (almond, oat, coconut, or dairy)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch black pepper (enhances curcumin absorption)
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil (for a creamier texture)

Instructions:

  1. In a small saucepan, warm the milk over medium heat. Do not boil.
  2. Add the turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, and coconut oil (if using). Whisk well.
  3. Let it simmer for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and sweetener of choice.
  5. Pour into a mug, sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon, and enjoy!

Variations:

  • Extra Healing: Add a small scoop of collagen powder for added joint support.
  • Spicy Kick: A pinch of cayenne pepper can boost circulation and warmth.
  • Iced Version: Blend with ice for a refreshing golden milk smoothie.

This latte is a simple yet powerful way to support your well-being and embrace the last weeks of winter with warmth and care. Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear your thoughts! ??

From “I Can” to “I Can’t”—And Learning to Be Okay with That

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For most of my life, I have been an “I can” person. I can push through. I can figure it out. I can keep going, no matter what. That mindset carried me through challenges, fueled my passions, and shaped the way I moved through the world. But this past year—facing three hip surgeries, constant pain, and now preparing for yet another grueling surgery—has taught me a lesson I never expected: it’s okay to say “I can’t.”

At first, those words felt foreign, almost like giving up. I resisted them, believing that if I just tried harder, pushed a little more, I could still do everything I used to. But the reality of my healing journey forced me to pause.

I began to recognize that saying “I can’t” wasn’t about weakness—it was about truth.

It was about listening to my body instead of fighting against it. It was about setting boundaries, asking for help, and honoring what I needed, not just what I wanted to be able to do.

Learning to accept “I can’t” has brought an unexpected sense of peace. It has opened the door to self-compassion, allowing me to focus on what I can do in this season of life—whether that’s gentle movement, meaningful connection, or simply resting without guilt. It has shown me that strength isn’t measured by how much we push through, but by how well we adapt, accept, and allow ourselves to be human.

The Benefits of Accepting Limitations

Accepting our limitations doesn’t mean giving up—it means making space for a different kind of growth. Here are a few ways this shift has been a gift in my life:

  1. Less Pressure, More Peace – Releasing the need to always push forward has allowed me to be more present. Instead of feeling like I’m falling short, I’m learning to embrace where I am.
  2. Deeper Self-Compassion – Saying “I can’t” doesn’t mean I’m failing; it means I’m honoring my needs. This mindset shift has allowed me to treat myself with the same kindness I would offer a loved one.
  3. More Meaningful Connections – When I let go of the need to do everything on my own, I opened myself up to receiving help and support from others. That vulnerability has deepened my relationships in ways I never expected.
  4. Redefining Strength – True strength isn’t about endurance at all costs; it’s about knowing when to pause, when to ask for help, and when to let go.
  5. Finding New Possibilities – While I may not be able to do certain things the way I used to, I’ve discovered new ways to move, teach, and connect. Accepting my limitations has made room for fresh opportunities.

If you’re struggling with your own limitations—whether physical, emotional, or something else entirely—know that “I can’t” is not the end of your story. It’s an invitation to shift, to soften, and to embrace life as it is, rather than how we think it should be. And sometimes, that shift brings more healing than any amount of pushing ever could.

For me, I have even learned that saying “I can’t” to mowing the lawn or doing heavier house work has brought so much freedom into my life. I never thought I would be okay with handing over the reigns of the lawn mower to a paid yard boy but it is truly amazing!

Have you ever had to learn to be okay with saying “I can’t”? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. ?

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. 

February

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February is a month of transition, love, and quiet resilience. The shortest month of the year, it carries the lingering stillness of winter while hinting at the promise of spring. It’s a time for warmth in small moments—steaming mugs of tea, cozy blankets, and heartfelt connections.

Symbolically, February is tied to love and self-compassion, with Valentine’s Day reminding us to nurture not just relationships with others, but also with ourselves.

Nature remains in hibernation, yet subtle shifts begin—a slightly longer day, a gentler breeze, the first signs of renewal. February teaches us to embrace patience, self-care, and the quiet beauty of growth beneath the surface.

A Month of Self-Love & Sweet Moments

February is a great time to focus on heart centered thoughts and actions. For many this includes showering others with love. This is also a great time to love on yourself. This month, I intend to plan a lot of fun online offerings around what it really means to live a heart centered life.

What is Heart Centered Living?

Heart-centered living is a way of approaching life with awareness, compassion, and authenticity. It means making choices based on love, kindness, and inner wisdom rather than fear, external pressures, or ego-driven desires. When you live heart-centered, you prioritize emotional well-being, meaningful connections, and alignment with your true values.

Some key aspects of heart-centered living include:
 Self-awareness & intuition – Listening to your inner voice and making choices that align with your soul’s truth.
 Compassion & kindness – Treating yourself and others with understanding, love, and non-judgment.
 Gratitude & presence – Appreciating the present moment and cultivating a sense of joy in everyday life.
 Authenticity – Living in alignment with who you truly are, without pretending or people-pleasing.
 Connection – Prioritizing deep, meaningful relationships with others and the world around you.

Final February Thoughts

As we enter into this finally month of winter and focus on love, let’s remember these simple ways to practice self love.

Self-Love Reminder: You deserve rest. You deserve joy. You deserve to treat yourself the way you would a dear friend.

Have a Mindful Treat: Whether it’s a piece of dark chocolate, a homemade baked good, or a warm cup of cocoa, take a moment to truly savor something sweet—without guilt, just love.

Gentle Affirmation Practice: Try placing a hand over your heart, closing your eyes, and whispering:
“I am worthy, enough and I am loved.”

What is on tap for your February? Here is more inspiration and tons of recipes!

Spring Cleaning

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In order to grow we must first remove what it is in the way.

Spring cleaning is not just about sparkly windows and clean cabinets. We can take spring cleaning into a personal level and clear out the mind, body and the spirit. When we think about spring cleaning for the spirit, we can turn to the principles of Yoga.

Patanjali, creator of the Yoga Sutra, wrote about how the practice of Yoga contains 8 “limbs”. The Yamas and the Niyamas are the first two limbs and help guide us to being the best version of ourselves. The yamas are guidelines for how to operate in society, while the niyamas show how to elevate our inner being.

Suacha is the second Niyama.

It is loosely defined as cleanliness or purity. I believe this is a time more than ever for Suacha. The post pandemic opinions that run rampant AND it being a presidential election year this may be a LOUD cry for a radical practice of Suacha, (that may be a little dramatic…). Sometimes we get so clouded by the opinions of others and the internal response that it gives us, that we struggle to remember what is our own truth because it becomes so muddied with clutter and then uncertainty. 

Suacha is a principle in which we literally clean up our lives, and I believe this all starts with our thoughts. If our inner landscape is a mess, it is likely the rest of life follows suit. Relationships are probably splintered, and our general happiness may be clouded if our inner world is cluttered. This principle encourages us to watch the unclean thoughts that enter into our mind–fear, worries, competition, anger and more. 

Of course this also can mean making time for cleaning up our environment. When our living space is orderly and tidy, it I likely we will feel more grounded and clear. The level of tidiness in our outer world can also make a substantial difference in how you feel. When your rooms are tidy, it has an influence on your unconscious. The less cluttered your environment — the less you have to think about — and the more you can ease into everyday life.

I love to think about a garden this time of year. We might see the beginnings of green shoots but we also see all of last years growth laying on top and around the attempt of new growth. In order for the green stuff to grow into amazing beauty, we must first pull out and throw away all of the old material that is in the way. Imagine if we got rid of the same old stuff in our and heads and hearts? Things like bitterness, the past, the hurt feelings, regrets, shame and the like. Without all that stuff in the way, it is likely you may have some amazing growth!

More than anything I believe, Suacha invites each of us to look at practicing a deep, soul cleansing. This is a time to ask ourselves what is bringing clutter into our hearts and minds. Is it the media? The gossiping and negativity? Perhaps it is the barrage of opinions that run rampart on our social media. The division we witness in our current world is evident as an apparent onslaught of emotions that clog the veins that lead to our spiritual self. And in turn, we have become hardened, angry, tarnished souls with little compassion for each other. Ouch…

This is a pivotal time in our own responsibility to ask ourselves hard questions. 

What is seeking to be released or cleansed from the very essence of our beings? Are there mental and emotional patterns that are no longer serving us? What is seeking to be cleansed on a micro (individual) and macro (global) level? How can we get curious about this deeper meaning?

Here are some tips to allow Suacha to become part of your practice for living your best life:

  • To cleanse the mind, meditate, pray and/or journal for 10–20 minutes each day
  • Purify the body with a yoga practice a few times a week
  • Sweat out those toxins–go for a hike, ride your bicycle, MOVE
  • Doodle in a journal and let your creative side process your feelings
  • Clean your entire home at least once a week
  • Burn incense, lay your crystals out in the moon, diffuse oils
  • Acknowledge all your emotions, positive and negative write them down, then tear the paper and release it.
  • Trust your intuition, it will guide you on what are the best Suacha practices for YOU

Suacha is not a one time thing or even a springtime thing. 

Suacha, like Yoga, is a way of being. Learning to begin watching your thoughts, you may find that your words and actions that follow may be in need of a little cleaning up.

Stay tuned for more springtime wisdom as we enter into the fabulous season of growth!

About Stacie

Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life. With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an experienced 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Certified Trauma Informed Coach, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor.

Pumpkin Peanut Butter Dog Biscuits

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Looking for a fun and healthy way to treat your furry friend? Try making homemade peanut butter pumpkin dog biscuits! These easy-to-bake treats combine two dog-approved flavors—peanut butter and pumpkin—into a wholesome snack that’s packed with nutrients.

Pumpkin is great for your dog’s digestion, while peanut butter adds protein and a flavor they’ll love. The best part? You can control exactly what goes into the recipe, ensuring it’s free from unnecessary additives or preservatives. Plus, making these biscuits is a great family activity that your dog will definitely thank you for—with tail wags and happy barks! My picky little chihuahua loves these!

Peanut Butter Pumpkin Dog Biscuits ?

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered peanut butter

• 1 cup whole wheat flour (or oat flour for grain-free)

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin (unsweetened)

• 1/4 cup water (add more if needed)

Optional Additions:

• 1 tsp cinnamon (good for digestion)

• 1 egg (for extra binding and protein)

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a bowl, mix powdered peanut butter and flour.

Add pumpkin and water, stirring until the dough comes together. If the mixture is too dry, add a little more water, 1 tablespoon at a time.

Roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness and cut into shapes with cookie cutters (bones or circles work great!).

Place on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the biscuits are firm.

Let cool completely before serving to your pup.

Store in an airtight container for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Your furry friend will love these healthy, homemade treats! ?

Choosing a Word of the Year

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Set the tone for 2025 by selecting a word of the year that aligns with your goals, intentions, and desired feelings. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to pick the perfect word and implement it into your daily life to stay focused and inspired throughout the year. Watch the video below to learn how and why!

Steps to Choosing and Using Your Word of the Year:

  • ? Identify what you truly want to achieve.
  • ? Connect with how you want to feel in 2025.
  • ? Choose a word that embodies that feeling.
  • ? Define your word to solidify its meaning.
  • ? Keep your word visible (on your desk, phone, etc.).
  • ? Create an actionable plan to live by your word.

? Bonus: Share your word with others for added accountability and inspiration!

Why Choose a Word of the Year? It’s more than a resolution—it’s a guiding intention to keep you motivated and aligned. Whether your word is courage, balance, or growth, this practice will help you create a meaningful and purpose-driven year.

End of Year Ritual

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Every year I host an end of year ritual to release the year, look for lessons and growth, and find gratitude for what is. This year I was unable to host it so I recorded a sweet little ritual you can do in your own quiet space. I think reflecting on the year and closing it up is a powerful practice to then be open to new possibilities. Why carry over the things that no longer serve you into a new year?

An end-of-year releasing ritual can be a powerful practice for personal growth, emotional well-being, and setting intentions for the future.

Here are the key benefits:

Emotional Cleansing: Allows you to process and let go of emotional baggage, regrets, or disappointments from the year. Creates emotion space for new experiences.

Increased Clarity: Reflecting on the year helps identify patterns, lessons, and areas for growth. Clarifies what to release (habits, relationships, beliefs) and what to nurture moving forward

Stress Reduction: Symbolically releasing stress or negativity can bring a sense of relief and renewal. Encourages mindfulness and relaxation, reducing end-of-year tension.

Enhanced Gratitude: Reflecting on the past year often highlights moments of joy and gratitude. Focusing on what you value reinforces positive emotions and appreciation.

Intentional Goal-Setting: Letting go of what no longer serves you creates space for setting meaningful goals for the new year. Helps align actions with your values and aspirations.

Symbolic Closure: Provides a sense of completion, signaling the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Helps prevent carrying unresolved issues into the new year.

Spiritual Renewal: For those who are spiritually inclined, rituals can provide a sense of connection with something greater, enhancing inner peace and guidance.

You can find the video below, or on my youtube channel. Listen to it while you are still, or while you enjoy a walk outside. Either way I hope it brings you closure and hope.

I personally couldn’t have made it through this hard year without all of the love from my friends, my family, my community of people, and those who I don’t even know.

The generosity of love, support, coffee, encouragement, and pure goodness takes my breath away.

I truly couldn’t have made it without you.

Thank you and let’s close this awful chapter and turn a page for a new direction filled with hope, opportunities and joy.

xo, Stacie