Joy is the antidote to stress. While stress shuts us down and sends negative signals to our HPA axis, joy opens us up and helps us to rest and digest. So often we get stuck in the same way of doing things, the work-eat-sleep repeat schedule, that we don’t make time for fun and joy! … Continue reading Brain Hack: Have Something to Look Forward To
I've been in a pantry cleaning mood lately. I didn't say organizing. You can ask my husband - organization is NOT my skill set. But I'm trying to make use of ingredients we have hanging out in the back of the pantry. You know those things you need for a recipe, you use a tiny … Continue reading Green Lentil Curry
The biggest transformation that happened for me this last year had nothing to do with my body and had EVERYTHING to do with how I see my body. If you want to lose weight this year, great. If you want to take a different approach to health by balancing things from the inside out, that's … Continue reading New Year, Same Me: And That’s Okay
Is it time for a change? I'm not talking about weight loss, or a new goal or resolution. I'm not talking about a diet. I'm talking about getting a new view of YOU in the new year. You probably have heard me say it - I'm a big fan of treating the root. And as … Continue reading Re-Focus 2020: See Yourself More Clearly
Carrot souffle and sweet potato bake that are grain free, dairy free, and refined sugar free? Yes, please! Now, before you head to the recipes, I have to say one quick thing. I know it's a pain when you are looking for a recipe and the blogger spends all this time with the description and … Continue reading Healthy Holiday Sides with Carrots and Sweet Potatoes
Nourishment comes in many forms beyond food. Being aware of triggers that negatively impact my mental and physical well-being (because they’re connected) is key. Your relationship with food affects your mental health as well. If you’re stressed about what you’re eating - or what you can’t eat - that sets off a fight or flight … Continue reading Eating for Mental Wealth
“Our discontent is fueled by the myth of more.” My brilliant dad, Gary Brandenburg, recently said that in a sermon. It hit me so hard I had to do some major self-reflection. I am a person who always wants more. This started at a young age: Why have one Whopper when you can have two? … Continue reading The Myth of More
Guest Contributor: Myles Wren We all go through various life seasons. Some are pleasant; some are not so pleasant. I asked my friend Myles to share about her experience with emotional wellness during those aching times of transition. Myles is one of my favorite people to "follow" on Instagram. She is so classy, fashion-wise and … Continue reading Tis the Season… for Transition
I taught public school for 11 years, and every spring we received a special training in "active monitoring." Nobody looks forward to active monitoring. It is the job teachers take on during the end of year state assessments. All certified teachers must stay on their feet during the majority of the test, walking up and … Continue reading Active Monitoring
Last weekend I spent time with a group of girls who have known me longer than anyone else besides my own family. We talked for hours and hours, laughing and sharing stories, erasing years and distance. It was refreshing and healing. The final morning I found our senior yearbook, from all the way back in … Continue reading I’m That Girl
