Many have asked and wondered how the ol’ hip replacement is healing. The hip is eh…the arm is not.
I have gone back to work and mostly doing what I want to be doing….however the pain is still very prominent. I adjust things constantly and have adapted almost everything in my life so that I can carry on. It still takes great effort to do everyday things. I stopped using a cane awhile ago because it was aggravating my arm…more on that.
I will see the infectious disease doctor later this month to check status of the infection.
When the infection arose I had a picc line (IV) placed and that caused a blood clot in my arm. Then my body made more clots. The blood clots in my arm have taken up space and seem to like living there rent free. Sadly, after a recent ultrasound it shows the veins are chronically inflamed and damaged from the DVT and superficial clots. The solution is finding comfort and not aggravating it. She suggested not lifting anything heavy or doing heavy work and minimize stretching it.
She also said this is permanent damage that rarely resolves.
So there is that.
It seems my adult life has been one opportunity after another to show up, to be strong and forge through challenges.
I am so so so grateful that I have the strength I do.
They say it takes twenty one days to create a new habit. I am not sure who “they” are but it seems like a logical and probably pretty true statement. Years ago when I had my great wake up and decided that I needed major changes in my life, I wanted the results to happen immediately but was kindly reminded by a friend that for as long as it took to get unhealthy, it would take that long to get healthy. And, it really did.
What began for me as a weight loss program became a life changing experience that altered the path that I was on and opened hundreds of doors for me. I not only lost the 80+ pounds and created many healthy habits I also discovered a holistic approach to living and an incredibly grateful heart.
One of the biggest game changers came by learning the beautiful practice of Yoga. After a few years of practicing I became a Yoga teacher and sixteen years later, here I am. I teach many classes a week but have honestly lost much of my personal practice. I am like anyone else and make a million excuses as to why I don’t “have the time” to unroll my mat or pull up a chair. I decided it is time for that to change!
I am inviting anyone to join me in sharing accountability to practice Yoga consistently(again). Each day I will send out a 15-30 minute Yoga gentle session directly to your inbox that you can do on your own time and not have to worry about logging in at a certain time. Knowing that I have people like you counting on me to get on the mat, I am hoping to cultivate that glorious habit of practicing Yoga consistently again. If you need help creating a home practice time and space, check out this blog post.
Will you join me in this habit creating Yoga accountability month? It is simple to sign up!
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 E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.
Stacie brings her personal life experience of raising a daughter with a disability and over 12 years working in special education to her everyday Yoga classes.
In addition to teaching classes at a variety of local centers and health clubs, Stacie also continues to offer Yoga and Wellness coaching individually to those seeking private sessions.
“Summer afternoon to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” —Henry James
Have any of you noticed how much nature reminds us of the bounty that is available? The constantly changing and growing plants tell me that the same extraordinary potential exists within me. I see how the animals gather and forage what they need and this reminds me that everything I need is right here. I am grateful for the rain and the amazing colors that surround me. My garden is a perfect example to me of “more than enough”– the green beans and cucumbers this year are starting to really take shape and I moved the pumpkin patch to a new location this year and they are all very happy! I am planning to soon make chokecherry jelly and peach jam this year and share with my neighbors! With my bounty of cucumbers I am also going to make some pickles, again. You can find my recipes at the bottom under the DIY section.
For years I have focused on creating a more abundant life and the ways in which that has all happened marvels me on a daily basis. Some may think of abundance as simply financial bounty, but I have come to see it as so much more.
For me abundance shows up in the random acts of kindness I receive, the support I consistently have for my classes, my friendships, the magnitude of joy in my life, colors everywhere, laughter that fills a room, a belly full of food, and enough money for me to live happily and generously.
As we come into the long, and usually hot month of August, I encourage you to look for the bounty in your life….things like lemonade, lazy afternoons in the hammock, delicious ice cream, sunflowers, sweet watermelon, a basket of veggies and much more.
I have lots of fun classes this month and chances to connect with yourself and with others. To me, that is just another great form of abundance. Be sure to check out my returning 30 Days of Yogastarting August 1st and get it delivered right to your inbox!
Love and gratitude,
Stacie
PS. Have you subscribed to my podcast? Each Monday I drop a new episode and we cover just about anything and everything! Check it out!
Did you hear I am embarking on 30 days of Yoga this month?? Yep! Each and every day you will get a fresh video to practice in your own time! There is still time to sign up! Watch this short video to learn more!
Wellness Coaching
I am currently accepting two new wellness coaching clients. This program can be done virtually or in-person and includes a personalized plan, mindset coaching, nutrition, mindfulness, accountability, weekly coaching and more. Reach out to me if you are ready to focus on YOU.
Yoga Teacher Mentoring
Are you a current or aspiring yoga teacher? I am offering a yoga teacher mentoring program to help yoga teachers learn how to modify and teach to those with different abilities. This program includes shadowing me in my assisted living settings and seeing hands-on the magic that happens! Ask me more!
I would love for ANYONE to consider tagging along to see what a day in my life in Assited Living is like. Just think–you may find a deeper calling to serve and be open to spending an hour or two a week a facility near YOU! Spending time with those in need simply requires a loving heart.
Wellness Education
This month I am also offering my wellness education through the platform of a beautiful freeeboos that you can keep for reference. Be sure to bookmark this as it are packed with information.
Looking for more? I have all seven chakras broken into lessons, a toxic free living guide, a basic essential oil guide and much more on my storefront. Check it out here!
Many of you know that I use and rely on essential oils to maintain the health of my mind, body, and spirit. I use them throughout my home from cleaning, to pain management, energy, sleep, mood and much more. One of my favorite things is helping others get started using natural remedies and plant medicine. Right now you can get a free wholesale membership when you customize your own bundle or choose from a perfectly pre-chosen bundle. Either way you get 25% off retail prices for one year and there is never a commitment, just the same savings as me!
You will also get an awesome welcome package from me, access to my VIP community group, education and mentoring and much more. It is easy to get started! I am also happy to chat personally with you to find the perfect options for your needs.
i offer FREE wellness consultations to talk about your goals and desire for a healthier, mind, body and spirit virtually or over coffee. Together we will create a personalized plan. Schedule yours today!
This beautifully crafted blend of essential oils, gemstones and flowers is earthy, spicy and full of magic. Just one whiff and you will be transported to a place of abundance and appreciation for the fullness of life. Order here.
Recipes & DIY
Did you know you can use essential oils to make some awesome summer treats? Not just will the flavor be amazing but you’ll also get the benefit of the essential oils!
Fresh air, sun, trees. Nature is a magical thing, and according to some studies, can have strong healing powers — such as improving mood, boosting the immune system and increasing anti-cancer proteins.
Being outdoors in nature can be healing and beneficial for the body and mind. Whether at the beach, forest or in a neighborhood park, nature offers a calming effect. And when we combine nature with physical activity, it can help fight depression and anxiety.
Being outdoors can improve your health and well-being in the following five ways:
Lowers your blood pressure and reduces stress — Spending time walking among or simply looking at trees lowers blood pressure and reduces the stress-related hormones cortisol and adrenaline.
Improves mood — Researchers have found that nature simply makes us happy. Anxiety, depression and anger are notably decreased after spending time outdoors.
Improves focus — Studies show that both adults and children who have difficulties focusing or controlling impulses are better able to concentrate after being in nature. The natural world allows our brains to take a break from all that mentally drains us, and even reduces symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Helps us heal quicker — Illness and surgery can be painful and frightening, which can increase stress and slow healing. However, researchers discovered that patients who spent time outdoors during their recovery required fewer painkillers, had fewer complications and experienced shorter hospital stays.
Supports graceful aging — According to a study in the Journal of Aging and Health, adults over 70 who spent time outdoors experienced fewer sleep difficulties, complained less about aches and pains, and enjoyed improved mobility and ability to perform daily activities.
I am so blessed that I can continue to share my passion and touch your life. It means a lot to me that you know that you are very important to me, and I am incredibly grateful that our paths have crossed.
As always, it is my hope that you stay healthy and happy in your mind, body and spirit.
I have been teaching all month long the idea that if we were using a monocular to view our problem(s), we would be blocking out everything else. Including any sort of possibilities of beauty, solutions, hope and much more.
How many times in your life can you recall being so focused on the problem that you may have missed everything else? You might have even missed a solution to the problem.
You may have been following along the last six months I have been struggling with a hip replacement that has been anything but easy. If I use a monocular to stare at my hip all day long and focus on the pain, limitation and fear, I would miss everything else in my life.
Certainly there are moments when the hip is so distracting this is challenging. Even in those moments, I still have choice as to what I focus on. When I begin to widen my lens a bit I can see possibilities, beauty, and what lies in my vision.
When it comes to seeing more than the problem, I have found the following ways to help me put down the monocular:
Gratitude. I say it over and over, but it really is the fastest way to broaden your view on life. Shifting from “I have” to “I get” immediately opens you to a better place.
Take a deep breath. Simply closing your eyes and taking 3-5 long meaningful breaths can start to open up your perspective to something bigger.
Spend time outside. Taking a few minutes to notice the textures, colors and shapes of your outside environment can move you from the feeling of tunnel vision to a larger view.
Habits are often described as good or bad. I say a habit is neither. Habits truly are the foundation of building and creating a life you want. Would you like a different outcome? Look at your habits and see which ones are directing you to that dream, and which habits are getting in the way. Do habits change your mindset? Let’s take a look.
“Whenever you want to change your behavior, you can simply ask yourself: How can I make it obvious? “
How does your day begin? Do you grab your phone and begin scrolling? That may or may not be a good thing. If you find it triggers anxiety or sucks you into online debates, then it probably isn’t a great idea. If it inspires your work, feeds your soul or informs you with information that serves you, then it might be a good idea. Do your habits feed your soul?
Do you have a habit of doubting yourself? How does that serve you? Is that self doubt fueling you to do better? Or does that habit bog you down where you can’t proceed with a direction?
Have you found yourself mindlessly eating? Is that a habit that could be replaced with someone healthier? Mindlessly going through your day can lead you to a very dissatisfying outcome.
How to Change or Build Habits
Building in a few simple supports to increase helpful habits and eliminate less helpful habits may be helpful.
Decide what habits are working and what aren’t. Are your daily habits leading you to the life you want? Adjusting your daily habits to serve you puts you in control for creating your life. A stable mind and an open heart is available, unless your habits are preventing that from happening.
Creating a visual schedule. Checklists, sticky notes, or a calendar can be a powerful tool to making it happen.
Accountability Partners. Find a friend who has similar goals and desires and use each other to keep you on the track. Relying on someone or being relied on by someone can be a game changer.
When Habits Play with Our Mindset
Sleeping late is fine unless it creates an internal dialogue of negativity about yourself. Evaluating what daily habits are working for you and tweak the ones that aren’t. Staying confident, grounded and centered is the mindset goal. Establishing what IS working for you is the way that you can stay in control of your daily destiny and how this leads you to your dreams.
Not all habits are “bad” and not all are “good. Habits are just part of our routine that establishes a pattern to our life. Finding what daily things you want to do and what you need to do is where you find the mindset to forge ahead.
Bottom Line
Do what works for YOU. Make some changes to your life in small ways and see if you can tweak a few things so that you feel better about yourself, how you spend your days and your overall outlook on life.
Take a listen to this short podcast to learn more!
Yes, that is right! I am a believer in body butter for my skin and it is the only thing I use! Adding in some flower power just makes it better! Marigold petals are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect cells from free radical damage. They also contain compounds that can help stimulate collagen production in the skin, which can reduce the signs of aging. So why not add some marigold to my already amazing body butter!
I have been collecting marigolds all month before they freeze outside and infusing oil with them. This has been the BEST body butter I have ever made. It’s creamy, soothing and don’t worry, it loses the marigold smell which can be super pungent. What you don’t lose is the powerful benefits.
If you are not a fan of DIY projects I probably will have 10-15 more jars before it’s all gone. Get on the list! Just email me!
Marigold works best with most skin types. It can help with skin prone to dry spells, eczema and psoriasis. It can also help skin that is experiencing inflammation, sun burn, rashes and redness and even more!
Due to its antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties, marigold is something that should make its way to everyone’s home apothecary cabinet.
You’ll need to plan a little ahead for this body butter so be sure to read this first and then get going. The first step is to gather marigold blossoms and let them dry. Pick the blossoms off and set on a cookie sheet or tray to dry outdid, but not directly in the sun. Once they get a little dry, pull the green part off and gently remove the seeds (they look like tiny match sticks). Continue to let them dry for 2-3 days. Grab a pint size mason jar and add the dried flowers and seeds.
You’ll need about one cup of infused oil so be sure to add enough almond or grapeseed oil to completely submerge the flower parts and give enough extra for the body butter. I let mine sit for three days before I made the butter.
• 20-30 drops of your fave essential oils For this butter I added ylang ylang, magnolia and peppermint.
• Put all of the ingredients except the essential oils into a mason jar. Place the jar in a pot of simmering water until it melts. Once it is all melted together, pour into a glass bowl to become hard again. I even put the bowl in fridge for a while. Once it is hard, add the essential oils and whip with a hand mixer until fluffy. Store in glass jars. ENJOY!
And just like that you have marigold infused body butter packed with skin supporting ingredients!
Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming but when you put a few tools into your toolbox you can start to feel empowered versus defeated. I have found combining traditional treatment with some holistic approaches is the perfect balance for living with chronic pain.
When I was first referred to a pain management specialist I was in my mid-thirties and had no real idea what it all meant. I knew that I was there to address chronic and ongoing back pain but was a little clueless about empowering myself with a few tools to help manage the pain. Over time I have gathered quite a bit of knowledge and found what works for me.
Tools for Living with Chronic Pain
A holistic approach to living with chronic pain means you bring together a variety of tools to help support you. Being open to trying things is key when looking for the right tool for you. Here are my top four tools in my toolbox.
Please don’t skip past this part because you think that there is no way gratitude can help your physical pain. Hear me out. Gratitude CAN in fact reroute your thinking from dwelling on pain to a better place. Get yourself a small notebook, a free app, or a document section on your computer and start with 3-5 things each day you are thankful for, and why. Listing off your family, friends, house and dog is fine and dandy, but discovering the feeling that is evoked in your is where the magic really is. Next, do a quick google search on the benefits of gratitude and you might just be convinced to give it a try. It is my #1 tool I reach for time and time again to help me live my best life while also living with chronic pain.
Self-Care
Find something, anything, that gives you comfort and joy. Allow this self-care practice to evolve and change over time and circumstances, but no matter what, you MUST care for yourself. This can be something like a bubble bath, a special cup of tea, a massage, learning a new skill, reading a book, buying yourself a special lotion, or anything else that comforts you. This is a daily requirement.
Movement
Nearly two decades ago, my rheumatologist told me that if I don’t move it, I will lose it. While there are some days living with chronic pain it seems inconceivable that moving would make me feel better, but it truly does. I have a little rule I follow–if I sit for 30 minutes, I must move for 15 minutes. A lap around the block usually does it. This constant motion keeps my joints lubricated and my muscles supple. I also incorporate water exercises, yoga, and mild strength training into the mix. Motion is lotion and I am firm believer in that. Those individuals who succumb to the aches and pains and opt to binge on Netflix day after day are probably in more pain than they would be had they chosen to move a little more. Try it and you might be surprised.
Reframing Your Thoughts
It is a slippery slope to think about, talk about and identify with a diagnosis. Learning to be mindful in the thoughts and words we chose as it relates to our pain is a powerful tool. I have found that catching my self saying things that “feed” the pain and diagnosis is something that I needed to nip right away. Rather than saying, “my pain is killing me”, I opt to think or say “my pain is present and I need to do something about it”. Or I simply feel it and then move on. Becoming consumed with the details of the diagnosis can overwhelm you and you can quickly sink into identifying as the diagnosis and lose yourself.
Listen to this podcast for more details about the power YOU have to build your holistic toolbox because you are so worth it.
Back when I was young, married and raising three people I was completely asleep when it came to self love. I was overweight and miserable. I was extremely heavy in all areas of my life. I did not like who I was. I was also very unaware at how much heaviness I was carrying in the terms of emotion. It became clear that when you love yourself, you take actions that care for yourself. I never connected that the heaviness I was in my body was a direct link to the heaviness in my emotions.
Losing Heavy Emotions
When I began to what I like to refer to as “wake up” and get healthy, I started to actually like who I was. I shed layers and layers of heavy stuff that was either put on me, or I put upon myself. Labels, disappointments, regrets, anger and so much more. I was finding dark shadows that were lurking in my heart that were asking to be let out.
Besides the practical tools I began to actually losing the physical weight, I also forgave others and accepted my circumstances. I began to surround myself with people who honored me and were good influences to a positive outlook on life. In doing this, I lost so much of the heavy feelings that were literally weighing me down.
Losing the Weight
The practical ways in which I lost weight were simple–I changed my habits. Recognizing what wasn’t working and learning to make a very conscious decision to change it was my new way. I swapped mindless habits for mindful living and the game changed.
Some of my strategies were:
Eating meals on small plates
Chewing gum while I cooked
Teaching others to do their dishes
Putting trigger foods out of sight
Making sure my walking shoes were always with me
Changing routines to avoid mindless eating (taking long baths, going for a walk, learning to garden)
You see these simple changes were to avoid be being unconscious. This influenced my snacking, my portions, and my then sedentary lifestyle choices. Many of these changes still remain part of my life.
By swapping out the mindless munching on snacks for bubble baths or a short walk, my mind was beginning to see the value in me. It is extraordinary what happens to a person’s soul when time is spent consistently alone on a walk. The changes that occurred both on the inside and outside were amazing.
I began noticing myself.
I have spent a decade and a half living like these habits; mindful eating and multiple daily walks. I even became a yoga and meditation teacher. Basically transformed myself from an angry obese woman to a healthy and happy woman.
A vibrant life was mine. Once all the BS labels were shed, I found the true me and I found purpose.
Maintaining a light life.
While I have maintained a healthy weight for over 20 years, I have struggled with trusting my body. The multiple diagnoses I have received and the countless surgeries felt at times like a betrayal. In truth, I spent a solid 10 adult years living on double cheeseburgers, fries and chicken nuggets without a stitch of pain or health issues. Once I lightened up health issues began to surface.
I often ask myself how did I begin to develop inflammatory issues when I was now living my best life? My body’s ability to climb mountains, race bicycles, practice endless hours of yoga, walk miles and miles each day was endless.
And yet, my body was struggling.
I have since learned to accept what is. Learning to continue on living an extraordinary happy and healthy life despite pain.Making daily choices around movement vs sitting. Or ice cream vs a single bite of dark chocolate. And binging on stupid tv vs a long bubble bath. I’ve been extremely happy with the self love I have discovered by nurturing myself.
Amazing how much healing can happen when you say yes to YOU.
Whether it is food choices, walking, yoga, mindfulness or even getting down with lifting weights learning to love myself has been a journey I am so grateful for. Listening to the inner calling of my purpose elevated my game beyond any number on a scale could have.
I have found trust in myself. And isn’t trust a much needed part of loving this life?
Take a listen to this podcast I recently did that expands on these ideas. I would love to hear how YOU have lighted up and lost heaviness.
You have certainly heard the term “good vibes only”, right? I actually have a T-shirt that says it! Learning how to raise your vibration and live at a higher state of being is not easier than you might think. In fact with some simple adjustments to your attitudes, behaviors and choices you could easily raise your vibration and live in the good vibes only place.
What Does Raising Your Vibration Mean?
Just as music has various pitches and frequencies, we, too, emit vibrations that affect our mood, health, and overall wellbeing. Raising your vibration means increasing your frequency to a more positive, healthier level. Everything in the universe, including us, is made up of energy vibrating at different frequencies.
The Scale of Vibration Frequencies
The lower end of the scale includes emotions like fear, anger, guilt, shame, grief and sadness. Mid range emotions are things like contentment, courage, willingness, and neutrality. Higher frequencies include emotions like love, peace, joy, happiness, and gratitude.
As we go about our days the more we tend to land in the mid and upper frequencies the better we will feel and the higher our vibration will consistently remain.
How to Raise Your Vibration
There are several natural ways to raise your frequency and like anything, the more we practice the easier it becomes to consistently be in the “good vibes” zone.
Connect with Nature
Spending time in the great outdoors, or even tending to houseplants, can raise your vibration. Being with living things like trees, flowers, grasses, plants and animals provides an unparalleled source of high frequencies. Being exposed to the pure essence of life can do wonders for your frequency.
Change Your Thinking
Using positive affirmations, redirecting your thoughts from negativity to positivity, and becoming mindful of your everyday thoughts is a great starting point to raising your vibration. A gratitude practice has been shown to be a great source of wellbeing and can increase your vibration in a very short time. Also limiting negative influences can have a powerful impact on your thinking.
Movement
Consistently moving your body can positively impact your vibration.Exercise plays a critical role in stress management and as a result, when we are less stressed we are more resilient to the usual triggers that might shift us into fear and other low end frequencies. Regular physical movement can help clear mental clutter, allowing for a more focused and positive mindset.
Aromatherapy and Colors
Aromatherapy uses natural plant extracts, typically essential oils, to promote health and well-being. Different scents have different effects; for example, lavender can be calming and relaxing, helping to reduce stress and elevate your vibration. Citrus scents, like orange or lemon, are known for their uplifting and energizing properties. I often say the plants that become oils that grow close to the ground will be calming. The plants that are higher up on the tree, typically elevate our mood and help us to feel higher up on the frequency scale. Likewise colors can impact your mood and energy. Colors are light of varying wavelengths; each color has a unique vibrational frequency. Bright, warm colors like yellow, orange, and red are often associated with energy, joy, and vitality, whereas cooler colors like blue and green are linked to calmness, relaxation, and rejuvenation.
Feeding Your Body Well
Choosing to eat healthy and fresh foods are a great option for raising your frequency. The fresh plants that you eat are high-vibrational foods as they are those that are alive and full of natural energy. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables. Processed and packages foods have lost that vibrational essence and as a result can bring us down as they can contribute to feelings of lethargy and negativity due to the lack of nutritional value.
Want to learn a little more? This short YouTube video is a brief introduction to how to raise your vibrational frequency! Listen and let me know what you think!
Authenticity has been on my mind for the last few weeks. I often ask myself how authencity shows up in my daily choices, especially lately.
Am I trying hard to be something I am not? Am I revealing the honest parts of myself?
Truth is I have been emotionally absent to many for quite some time. I haven’t taught my special students with dementia since January. I have been unable to host yoga in my studio and feel that human connection until just very recently.
I find myself overwhelmed with the demands of each day while simply trying to heal. The healing process has been so challenging and energetically consuming.
You might see that I am doing work, or creating things, and continuing on “as if”.
Truth is, the “as if” is what helps me cope. The major lifestyle change and everyday pain I experience overcomes me. The effects of the surgeries and medications are grueling. Every little task takes so much effort.
Each day I choose to function as best I can and put in a solid amount of time “working “ on other areas of my business and finding things that bring me joy.
By 2pm everyday I am shutting down. I don’t engage much with the world as I am trying my hardest to simple exist without agony.
From the outside looking in, I appear that I am doing so well. The inside however is grieving and scared.
Each invite is an emotional negotiation. If I say yes, I am risking overwhelm. If I say no, I am risking loss.
I want you to know I am sorry. I am simple acknowledging it and not justifying it.
I am truly doing my best. I am being my true self.
Hope is a function of struggle—we develop hope not during the easy or comfortable times, but through adversity and discomfort. Hope is forged when our goals, pathways, and agency are tested and when change is actually possible. ~Brené Brown
Hope isa wish for things to change for the better and sadly we have to be uncomfortable in order to have hope. Hope really doesn’t cultivate during times of ease and pleasure. Whether we hope our vacation is relaxing because our lives are stressful, or we hope we get better because we have fallen sick. Hope is hope and typically only comes when we are in a less than desired situation.
I have given it my all when it comes to looking this hip replacement recovery square in the eye and challenging it to knock me down. Each and every day I wake with hope and an attitude to go about as if.
As if my body will begin her sweet steps towards healing. Also as if the discomfort of constant pain will dissipate. And, we can’t forget the living as if everything is fine and dandy.
According to Dr. Randy Ross, hope is wildy misunderstood. It’s not wishful thinking or simply having a positive attitude. He has also isolated four elements of hope including positivity, responsibility, agility, and reality. These for elements have made up every day of my life long before the hip saga.
Raising three humans alone and navigating multiple disabilities in my daughter forced me for the last 30 years to remain positive, responsible, agile and have a great fortitude for the reality of my situation. Currently, my days are spent navigating the spectrum of reality and welcoming in the idea that my pain and recovery simply sucks. That is the reality.
So, as my BFF Brené says, I have been tested and I have changed. I believe in the end it will all be for the better because who wants to be the same person they were a year ago anyway?
Funny how the adversities of life can bring about the most pivotal changes in one’s life.
There’s something magical about lilacs in bloom as their fragrance catches on the breeze like a memory, soft and sweet, reminding us that beauty often arrives in the smallest moments.
Every spring, I find myself drawn to their delicate clusters—not just for their scent, but for the way they mark time. A fleeting season, a familiar rhythm, a sign that warmer days are finally here.
This year, I decided to capture a bit of that fleeting magic in a jar.
Making lilac jelly feels like bottling up spring. It’s subtle, floral, and just a touch old-fashioned—in the best possible way. Whether you’re new to floral jellies or a seasoned forager, this recipe is a lovely way to honor the season.
How to Make Lilac Jelly
First things first
Gather the blooms from your lilac bush
Pluck about 4 cups of flowers off the stems
Pour boiling water over the flowers to make a tea
I added a handful of blueberries to deep then color
Let it sit for 24 hours. You can keep it in the fridge up to 5 days if needed
Now you are ready
Get a large pot of boiling water or a water canning pot
Prepare your jars by heating them in the boiling water
Add the strained tea to a separate pot
Add 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Add 1/3 cup powdered pectin
Stir to remove clumps
Boil for one minute
Add 3 cups of sugar (one cup at a time)
Bring to a boil for one minute
Set aside for one minute, skimming off any foam
Let’s can the jelly
Scoop jelly into prepared jars
Wipe the edge of the jars and add lid and finger tight ring
Place in water bath for 10 minutes
Set jars aside somewhere to cool undistrubed
Can be stored up to one year (if they last that long)
How awesome is that? There is still time to make your own if you still have lilac blooms! Hurry, go!
There’s a quiet kind of joy in spreading something homemade onto warm toast, especially when it carries the scent of lilacs and the memory of spring mornings. Plus the pink color is just so amazing.
This jelly is more than just a sweet treat—it’s a way of slowing down, noticing what’s blooming, and savoring what won’t last forever.
Whether you gift it, save it, or spoon it straight from the jar, may it remind you to pause and find beauty in the simple things.
