About
I grew up in idyllic small-town America – the kind where front doors are left unlocked and kids spend summer days chasing adventures, not electronics. Long bike rides to the corner store for popsicles and stayed out chasing fireflies until my mom’s voice echoed from down the street signaling it was time for dinner. Even then, I’d beg for ‘just 10 more minutes!’ as my best friend and I devised elaborate plays or choreographed dances for our families. At home, my mom, an elementary school teacher, cultivated my curiosity about the world. Her hands-on, inventive lessons made me fall in love with learning. I’ll never forget the week I discovered the wonders of simple machines by building a mini pulley system together, or the morning she turned making pancakes into a science experiment. Thanks to her, I saw teachable moments everywhere I looked. Weekends often found us checking out books from the public library downtown or exploring nature preserves to learn about birds and trees native to our state. However, as I joined college, I encountered new perspectives and philosophies that challenged my existing views. Engrossed in lively debates and passionate discussions over steaming cups of coffee, my world expanded beyond the confines of my previous understanding. It was in one such unexpected space – a philosophy elective – that the man destined to be my husband walked in late, took the seat behind me, and jokingly began arguing my points. We stayed up into sunrise trading truths that ran soul-deep and dreams that we eventually made reality – marriage, a family, purposeful work.
With the arrival of two high-spirited, headstrong kids, daily life morphed into a perpetual hamster wheel. Balancing daily chores and work drained my energy, and as the years passed, the kids became more independent with their homework but still wanted my help. I found myself rushing from one responsibility to another until one afternoon, I plopped down on the backyard grass with nowhere else to go. Taking a deep breath, it felt like the first time in ages. Just five minutes of contemplation made a big difference. I rediscovered forgotten parts of me – the person who loved adventure and couldn’t stay still, someone who appreciated nature and connections. I prioritized moments of self-care that over time transformed my family, teaching my kids and showing my husband that sometimes saying no or pausing amid the chaos leads to a better life.
After that, I decided to make intentional changes in our family routine. I began incorporating small but meaningful rituals into our daily lives. I introduced fun ways to make vegetables appealing to the kids. Quick stress-busters became a family affair, with impromptu dance parties or nature walks becoming our go-to activities. As a result, word spread among our friends about the positive transformations in our family dynamic. Curious and seeking advice, they began approaching me for tips on quick stress relief and finding time for self-care. Initially, I shared my insights casually, but as more friends sought guidance, I realized the value of a broader platform. My blog was born from a desire to motivate individuals to nurture their health and spark. So, here I am, with my blog full of healthy tips, travel experiences, and lifestyle choices.