Category: Wellness in Nature
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Growing Through Grief: Losing a Parent, Loving His Memory, and Choosing My Own Birthday Card
Losing my dad, who struggled with addiction, has been a complicated kind of grief—full of love, pain, and unanswered questions. With my first birthday without him approaching, I’m feeling the absence deeply. Every year, he gave me a heartfelt card, always sweet, always sincere. It was his way of showing up, even when life made…
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Nurturing Growth: How Succulents (and a Little Dirt) Strengthened Our Bond
From one small succulent to a thriving collection, and from a patchy yard to lush grass—how gardening together helped us grow plants, a home, and a stronger bond.
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From Silence to Strength: My Journey
I work at a small café, tending bar, serving food, and greeting the familiar faces of our regulars. Most days, it’s a decent job — I get to connect with people, make a few smiles happen, and earn a living in a space that feels almost like a second home. But there’s always a shadow…
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Finding Light in the Darkness — How Journaling and Meditation Have Changed My Life
The last few months broke me open in ways I never expected. I lost a parent. I faced conflict at work. I questioned everything — including myself. But through that darkness, I found two practices that helped me find my way back to the light: journaling and meditation. What started as a desperate attempt to…
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A Meditation on Loving-Kindness and Self-Compassion
Excerpt: Meditation has a way of revealing truths we often overlook—especially when it comes to self-compassion. During a recent session, I focused on extending the same loving-kindness I give to others to myself—past, present, and future. I realized that the warmth and encouragement I receive from my partner, Jacob, have shaped me in ways I…
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The Power of Letting Go: Why You Don’t Have to Be Perfect Every Day
I used to think that if I didn’t do something every single day, I was failing. If I missed a journaling session, skipped meditation, or took a rest day from working out, I’d guilt-trip myself into thinking I wasn’t committed. But here’s what I’ve learned: perfection isn’t necessary for progress—and, in fact, it often holds…
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Preparing for Adventure: Lessons from TAC, Camping, and Hunting
Three years ago, I embarked on my first Total Archery Challenge (TAC) with excitement and anticipation. However, I quickly realized how easy it was to get hurt in the mountains. On the very first day, as I walked down the mountain to the lift to start the course, I injured my knee. My adventure ended…
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Unveiling the Journey Within: Embracing Self-Discovery and the Power of Self-Love
Embark on a journey of self-discovery with me, where I unveil the intricacies of a personal struggle many of us share – the art of talking ourselves out of life’s simple joys. From dismissing the therapeutic stroll to sidelining the gym and even hesitating at the thought of a leisurely coffee break, I found myself…
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Dealing with Seasonal Depression? You’re not alone, and I’m here to provide guidance on overcoming those depressive episodes and enhancing your mental well-being.
Are you struggling with seasonal depression? You’re not alone, and I’m here to offer some guidance on how to work through those depressive episodes and improve your overall mental health. One creative way to kickstart your mornings is by making Morning Tea Ice Cubes! These cubes are a convenient way to enjoy a revitalizing elixir.…
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Navigating Simulation Anxiety in Nursing School: It’s All Part of the Journey
I had a woman sit down at my bar the other day and ask me how I was doing, and I responded like I typically do when a customer asks, “Good, and you?” She responds, “I’m doing alright. I just got done with a simulation for nursing school.” When I hear her say this, I…
In Need of Nature 