But first, a story of how this recipe came to be…

Working at a farmstand during harvest season has its perks.

For one, I get to connect with people about one of my favorite topics (eating real food). Oh, and I get to be surrounded by gorgeous produce. Andddd I also get a pretty amazing discount on said produce.

So after a full day spent on the farm, I came home with the ripest tomatoes I think I’ve ever seen! I knew immediately what I’d be making for dinner that night. Fresh pomodoro sauce. I’m Italian after all, so when I have gorgeous tomatoes staring back at me, 9 times out of 10, you can best believe I’ll be making some sort of Italian dish 🤌🏻

I love pomodoro sauce. It’s something I used to make for myself all the time in college. 1) because it’s delicious, and 2) because it’s ridiculously easy to make.

All you do is take fresh tomatoes (keyword fresh), fresh garlic, good olive oil, sea salt and some herbs. Throw them into a sauce pan and let them simmer away. That’s really it. So this isn’t much of a recipe, if I’m being honest 🫣 but it’s something I think everyone needs to know how to make, hence why I’m sharing it here! Oh, and because so many of you asked for the recipe when I posted a pic of it on my Instagram stories 🤭

And…because I also made it again last night…but this time I ladled it over gnocchi 😍

But not just any gnocchi. Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi, which is gluten and dairy free and one of my freezer staples.

But not just any Trader Joe’s cauli gnocchi. I’m talking perfectly crispy and golden brown on the outside and pillowy soft on the inside. Which you absolutely will not achieve if you follow the stovetop instructions on the bag!!

Instead, I gave these beauties a fried kiss inside my Our Place Wonder Oven (aka my favorite kitchen gadget ever). If you aren’t familiar with the wonder oven, it’s a non-toxic air fryer that also roasts, toasts, broils, bakes, and even reheats without the microwave. It’s so much faster and easier than using the oven and I’m obsessed with it. Confession: I use it daily! And, it’s so aesthetic!! It’s gorgeous on my counter!

Variations & how to enjoy this Trader Joe’s Air Fried Cauliflower Gnocchi and Fresh Pomodoro Sauce

If you have fresh tomatoes lying around, you have to make this!! And if you aren’t blessed enough to live near a Trader Joe’s, no worries. You can serve this over anything, really. A different kind of gnocchi (homemade even, like my Grandma used to make). Whatever kind of pasta you want. Over grilled, baked, or roasted fish or chicken. Dip fresh bread into it. Or top it onto crusty bread like a cooked bruschetta. Top a baked potato with it. Heck, you can even eat it with chips like an Italian salsa (I’ve been known to do that with potato chips btw 😅). The possibilities are endless!

Don’t have fresh tomatoes? Maybe it’s not summer when you happen to stumble upon this recipe? Try good quality canned tomatoes instead. San Marzano are my favorite.

Don’t have fresh herbs? That’s totally ok. I ideally like to add fresh basil into the sauce + add more on top but I didn’t have any last night. And we don’t wait for things to be perfect around here (otherwise we’d be forever waiting!), so I skipped it and still loved every bite! But the fresh basil is chefs kiss 🤌🏻🤌🏻 So if you have it, use it!! And if not, just use dried basil. I also love adding dried oregano.

Can you substitute the garlic in this recipe? Honestly, no. If you don’t have fresh garlic, dried just doesn’t cut it here. And if you’re allergic or sensitive to garlic, forget about it. The garlic is absolutely necessary, IMO.

Want to add some extra nutrients? Throw in some greens to wilt with the sauce. I like to add fresh arugula (spinach would also be great). Or leave them out. Totally up to you!

✨Pro Tip: Bookmark this post (or pin to your Pinterest board)!

So you can make it whenever the craving strikes!! 🍅🧄🌿

Trader Joe’s Air Fried Cauliflower Gnocchi and Fresh Pomodoro Sauce

Serves 2

Ingredients:

Gnocchi

• 1 package Trader Joe’s Cauliflower Gnocchi

• Avocado oil spray

• Our Place Wonder Oven or your fave air fryer

Fresh Pomodoro Sauce

• A nice pour of good olive oil (I personally love this one from Oliveda or this one by Lucini. They’re both organic and third-party tested for purity). I say a nice pour because I’m not great at measuring, so you’ll need a few tablespoons olive oil ☺️

• 1 large garlic clove or 2 small, minced

• 2 fresh tomatoes, diced (on the vine, or heirlooms would be perfect) or 2 cups canned diced tomatoes (ideally San Marzano)

• A handful of fresh basil, chopped. Or a few generous shakes of dried basil, if you don’t have fresh.

• A few generous shakes of dried oregano

• Sea salt to taste

Instructions:

Gnocchi: if using the Our Place Oven

1. Preheat on roast mode at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. *Note: I personally like using the roast mode for these gnocchi instead of air fry mode because they get a nice golden brown crispiness this way, but stay soft on the inside!

2. Lightly spray the Our Place Oven baking sheet with avocado oil

3. Add gnocchi (directly from the freezer) onto the tray. If some are stuck together, that’s ok.

4. Once the oven is preheated, spray the tops with some olive oil and pop them in and cook for 10 minutes. After a few minutes, pull apart any that were stuck together so they can brown evenly.

5. Once the 10 minutes is up, take them out and flip them over. Reduce the heat to 350 and cook for 10 additional minutes until golden brown.

Gnocchi: if using a different air fyer

1. Air fry at 400 degrees for about 15 minutes until golden brown

Fresh Pomodoro Sauce

1. Add olive oil to a medium skillet (I love the Our Place Always Pan because it’s non-stick and non-toxic!) and turn on the heat to medium, low

2. Add minced garlic

3. Gently stir the garlic for about 1 minute so that it starts cooking without getting brown

4. Add tomatoes

5. Season with sea salt

6. Add herbs

7. Stir everything together (with lots of love 🥰), turn the heat to low, and allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring every so often

8. Gently mash the tomatoes with the back of a wooden spoon to help them release their juices into the sauce

9. If adding fresh greens (like arugula), add them in now

10. Cover with a lid and continue to simmer on low for 5-10 more minutes

11. Taste and add more sea salt if needed

12. Top gnocchi (or whatever you’d like) with pomodoro sauce, garnish with fresh herbs if you have them, and serve! I also suggest serving with a side of protein (fish, chicken, ground turkey or chicken, meatballs, etc.) for a balanced meal!

How to store and reheat Trader Joe’s Air Fried Cauliflower Gnocchi and Fresh Pomodoro Sauce

Store the gnocchi and fresh pomodoro sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. The pomodoro honestly tastes even better as leftovers!

You can also freeze the pomodoro once it’s cooked: Pour into freezer bags or airtight containers and leave some space at the top since liquids expand when they freeze. Squeeze out the extra air, seal tightly, and lay freezer bags flat to save space. You can also pour into these silicone molds. I love using these for leftover broth, soup, or any kind of sauce! You just fill them up, freeze them, then pop out like ice cubes and store in a freezer bag. The sauce will last frozen for up to 3 months.

To reheat gnocchi: Pop them into the wonder oven on reheat mode at 350 degrees for a few minutes. You could also microwave them for a few seconds, but they won’t be as crispy.

To reheat the fresh pomodoro sauce: Heat in a saucepan or microwave until warmed through. You can also enjoy the sauce cold. Trust me, it’s actually really good cold!!

If you try this recipe…

I’d love to hear what you think and your favorite way to enjoy it! Let me know in the comments 😋

And if you have any recipe requests (I love cooking gluten-free and dairy-free), please let me know!

In love & being,
Chelsea

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support by using my links — it helps me continue sharing resources with you and pouring into this space with my full heart.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This information does not provide medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition under any circumstances. I am not a doctor or therapist and should not be construed as one. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

I wanted to create this separate space within Unfiltered where you would have somewhere to return to when you need a little extra support…

Think of this as a space filled with practices, rituals, reflections, and resources to help you reconnect with yourself and your body. A space where you can turn to when life feels heavy, when your body feels like a scary place. when you’ve lost your spark, or when you feel your spark is lit the f*ck up and you want some inspo for how to channel that energy (I know my ADD girlies get it).

For $8 a month (aka the cost of a monthly latte), or $80 for the year, you can unlock the full Sacred Sisterhood Vault. You’ll also get all of the other magic that’s waiting for you as a paid Sacred Sisterhood Member:

• Access to The Somatic Sisterhood Vault — 🎧✍️ A growing collection of somatic practices, rituals, and wellness resources to help you feel safer in your body, awaken your inner wisdom, and reconnect with yourself through every season. This alone is pure gold!

• Be a Part of The Sacred Sisterhood Community — 👯‍♀️ Feel seen and heard within a community of sensitive, truth-seeking women walking a similar path. No fixing. No pressure. Just presence, honesty, and support.

• In depth, raw, honest, behind-the-veil posts — On wellness, mental health, womanhood, identity shifts, nourishing recipes, and more 💫

• Instant, forever access to my entire library of paid posts, somatic practices, rituals, journal prompts, and private reflections.

For free + paid subscribers:

• The Monthly Unfiltered Recap — A once-a-month love letter from me to you 💌 Filled with honest reflections, lessons, what’s been bringing me medicine lately, and the behind-the-scenes of my inner world.

• Occasional free posts, musics, and things I’m loving — Sprinkled in when inspiration hits

Subscribe now

Imagine we’re gathered together in this cozy, dreamy nook — soft, grounded, and unhurried. This is the energy I intend for you to feel when you step inside The Sacred Sisterhood Vault: held, supported, resourced, and at home 💫

Inside the Vault, you’ll find the tools I come back to again and again in my own life and in my work:

• Guided somatic practice recordings for when your nervous system needs support

• Rituals and practices for moving through transitions, seasons of change, and challenging moments

• Journal prompts for turning inward and awakening your own inner knowing

• And wellness resources for nourishing and caring for your physical body and mental health

Think of this space like your library of support. You don’t need to consume everything or keep up with anything here. You can simply show up and ask yourself: what do I need right now?

Maybe you need to move some stuck energy through your body. Maybe you need to ground and feel a little safer within your body and within the present moment. Maybe you want to reconnect with your intuition or hear your own inner wisdom more clearly. Maybe you want some inspiration for nourishing your body and caring for yourself. Or maybe you feel ready to take messy action in an area of your life but you want some inspo for how to get started.

That’s exactly what this space is for 🤍

Here’s a peek at what’s waiting for you inside the Vault:

🎧 Somatic Practice Recordings — guided practices to help you regulate, ground, release, reconnect with your body, and create more capacity for whatever life is asking of you.

• A Loving Invitation to Return Home To Your Body (10 minutes): Return to your body, reconnect with your inner wisdom, and regulate your nervous system

• Awakening Pleasure (15 minutes): Gently reconnect with pleasure and feel safe to experience goodness

• Resting in Enoughness (12 minutes): Release pressure, soften urgency, and come home to your body

🌙 Rituals, journal prompts, wellness resources & more — intentional practices and resources to help you move through transitions, honor different seasons of your life, deepen self trust, and support your body

• How to Honor Subtle Progress + a Somatic Way to Look Back on the Year

• How to Support Yourself Through Expansion

• How to Support Yourself Through the Holidays When They Feel Anything But Magical

I can’t wait for this library to continue to grow over time so you can return to it again and again, whenever you need it! It feels like a beautiful garden I’m tending to. Sharing little (and not so little) pieces of support that have helped me along my own journey in hopes they’ll help you too 🫶🏻

One thing you’ll notice about the Vault is that I don’t follow a rigid content calendar here…

I’ve learned that creating from a place of I have to post this because I said I would, really doesn’t work for me. Like reallyyyyy doesn’t work for me 🤭

Sometimes inspiration comes pouring through me and I’ll have several practices, rituals, or resources I can’t wait to share with you. Other times, I might spend more time sharing what’s on my heart through my writing rather than bringing resources into this space.

And I honestly don’t think it serves you, either. There is such a thing as information overload. And I never want you to feel rushed or pressured to perform here. So more isn’t always better.

Rather than promising you a specific number of resources every week or month, my promise to you is this: I’ll continue to add things to this library as they are organically created, inspired and called forward within me 🕊️

Ready to step inside?

Enter the Sacred Sisterhood Vault below 💫

This is where the deeper work truly begins 🪞

Read more

I wanted to film a day in my life while my hubby was out of town for work and I honestly had so much fun doing it (and editing it)!

I teased that I was filming this on Instagram and so many of you there said you wanted me to post it, so I’m sharing it with you in this post!! Keep scrolling below to watch it and be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for future vlogs! 👀

Why I’ve felt called to create and share vlogs with you…

Most of the vlogs I see on socials aren’t actually real life 🤭

Yes, they’re aesthetically pleasing to watch. But are they authentic and real? Do they show the creator’s messy house behind the scenes? Their emotions, symptoms, and real life challenges they’re navigating?

Heck no. They’re usually curated. Staged. Rehearsed. Perfected.

Well, not on my corner of the Internet 😝

Sure, I like sharing aesthetic cozy spaces within my home. I love showing you how I decorate, clean, and organize.

But I also want to show you the mess behind the scenes. Like my dishes piled high in the sink because maybe I’m too tired, symptomatic, or struggling with my mental health to do them that day.

I love sharing when I’m having a good day, and the glimmers and joy I’m experiencing in my life.

But I also want you to see the trauma, the grief, the anger, the anxiety, and the flood of emotions that I often feel as a woman in my late 30’s navigating CPTSD and health challenges, and how I move through them in real life.

I like showing you my makeup and skincare routines. My outfits. My meals. And I love talking about all things health and wellness.

But I also want to show you my imperfections. My meals that don’t always look so pretty. And how to incorporate wellness into your life through a realistic lens so you can actually practice it in a way that fits into your life.

All of that to say…

My hopes in sharing these vlogs is to show you my real, uncurated, non-aesthetic, often messy AF life…in hopes it helps you feel seen, heard, and understood in your own 🤍

Inside This Vlog…

• Morning stretch routine from in bed to support sore and stiff muscles and joints

• The facial massage I do to support lymphatic flow and circulation

• How to stimulate your vagus nerve to soothe your nervous system

• My morning routine

• What somatic embodiment work is and why it’s been so supportive for me

• Realistic what I eat in a day

• My supplements + a chat about being on an SSRI while also being holistic minded

• How I make my coffee

• My non-toxic makeup routine

• Girl chat about trauma, anxiety and panic attacks

• Real life chat about dishes and chores + clean my kitchen with me

• Get cozy for bed

Watch the vlog below or click here for the direct link on YouTube ↴ And let me know what you think in the comments!

🔗 For links to everything mentioned in this vlog, click here or tap the button below ↴

🔗 Everything mentioned in this vlog!

Final Thoughts

If you enjoy the vlog, tell me your favorite part in the comments! And if you have vlog requests, let me know what you’d like to see more of!

And be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for future vlogs because I had so much fun making this!!

In love & being,
Chelsea

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support by using my links — it helps me continue sharing resources with you and pouring into this space with my full heart.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This information does not provide medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition under any circumstances. I am not a doctor or therapist and should not be construed as one. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

Fifteen years. Wow.

I’ve said this here before, but I feel like trauma has a way of making time feel so warped. Like time feels so short and fleeting, like it’s only been a brief moment. While also feeling like it’s moved painfully slowly. Do you know what I mean? Maybe that’s how time in general feels whether you’ve experienced trauma or not?

Fifteen. When I see that number written here on the page it feels both accurate and incorrect at the same time.

On one hand, it feels like there’s no way it’s been that long. Like how was that only 15 years ago?! While simultaneously feeling like it’s been a long, long time.

There are moments when it feels like we’re still those two young kids nervously shaking at the alter, holding each others hands, and looking into each others eyes with so much child-like excitement mixed with fear of the unknown. And then there are moments when it feels like we’ve lived several lifetimes together.

And I’m sorry, but I can’t seem to think about or talk about the word “marriage” without also thinking about this scene from The Princess Bride…

🤭🤣😝

I met Chris when I was eighteen and had just graduated high school. And Chris was twenty.

We were young enough then to believe that love alone could carry a relationship and inexperienced enough to think that finding the person you wanted to spend the rest of your life with was the hardest part.

When I look back on that time, I smile at those younger versions of us. They had no idea what life had in store for them. And they certainly had no idea that the real work of marriage wouldn’t begin when we exchanged vows. It would begin the moment life started keeping score.

If I’m being honest, our relationship has never felt easy. When a Cancer and an Aquarius somehow get together, that’s to be expected 😅

We argued often. We pushed each other’s edges to the limits. Said things we regretted. And often found ourselves wondering if we were just too different to make it work.

We were young. And even though we were in love, we were also just two people carrying stories we hadn’t yet unpacked. Wounds we hadn’t yet acknowledged or even realized. And nervous systems that were shaped around protection and survival.

We didn’t have language for trauma back then. I had never even really heard the word, to be honest. We didn’t understand attachment patterns or emotional regulation, or the ways childhood follows us into adulthood. All we knew was that something about being together felt both so good and so incredibly hard. Not all of the time, but honestly, a lot of the time.

When I look back over the years, I have always felt like there was something that kept drawing us back toward one another. At the time, I thought maybe that was just love. But now, fifteen years later, I think it was something much deeper.

I think it was the decision. The choice. To stay.

When I think about marriage, I realize how differently I define it today than I did when I was twenty-four years old standing at the alter in a white dress.

Back then, I thought marriage was about finding the person you wanted to spend the rest of your life with. Now I think marriage is about choosing your person. Again. And again. And again.

The truth no one prepared me for is that the person you marry will not remain the same person looking back at you fifteen years later. And they aren’t supposed to stay the same. Because we as humans, are designed to change. To grow. To evolve. To adapt.

Life, joy, grief, success, failure, trauma, healing… It all changes us.

When you’ve known someone for two decades, you don’t simply witness them growing older. You watch them become entirely different versions of themselves over and over again. And they watch you do the same.

I don’t think the greatest challenge in marriage is avoiding or accepting change. I think it’s learning how to keep choosing someone while they’re changing.

Every season of marriage (and there are many) asks the same question: Can you fall in love with this version too?

Can you love the version of your partner who is grieving? The version who is anxious or depressed? The version who is exhausted? The version who suddenly wants different things than they did five years ago, or who has wanted them all along and is just now finding the courage to voice them?

Can you become curious instead of defensive? Can you make space for growth without interpreting it as rejection? Can you allow yourselves to evolve without believing you have to evolve in exactly the same way?

Some of the biggest ah-ha moments I’ve had in fifteen years of marriage…

1 // Growing together doesn’t mean growing identically.

It means honoring who each person is becoming while intentionally continuing to walk in the same direction.

2 // I also think we underestimate what we bring into a marriage.

What I mean by that is: We don’t just marry another person.

We marry the family they grew up in. We marry the beliefs they absorbed as children. We marry the ways they learned to survive. The stories they tell themselves when conflict arises. The fears they carry within themselves. The places where love (and life) has wounded them. The ways their nervous system responds when it no longer feels safe.

And they marry ours.

Some of these things are glaringly obvious. But many of them (most of them, in my opinion) remain hidden until life applies just enough pressure to bring them to the surface.

For us, that pressure came almost immediately.

At the tail end of our honeymoon, I became incredibly ill. And before I knew it, just three months after our wedding day, I was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease.

We had no idea that chronic illness would become one of the defining threads woven throughout our marriage and there’s no way either of us could have imagined just how quickly the vows “in sickness and in health” would have taken on a new meaning and become our everyday reality.

Chris didn’t just become my husband. He became my caretaker. And what I now know is this: Those are two very different things.

Our newly wed years weren’t filled with the carefree adventures we imagined or the dreams for our future we envisioned. Instead, they were filled with appointments, medications, and procedures. Mixed with so much uncertainty and long stretches of trying to just make it through each day.

Looking back now, I had no idea at the time what that season truly asked of Chris. When you’re the one whose body feels like it’s falling apart, your attention naturally goes toward surviving (or at least that’s how my experience felt).

It wasn’t until years later (honestly, just very recently) that I could finally recognize the immense burden Chris had been carrying beside me, just in a different way. In the way of being the only one who could provide for us at the time. And the only one who could not only work, but take care of us and our home. The chores. The responsibilities. All of it. In the way of feeling like he had to keep us afloat. Like he had to hold everything together. And in the way of carrying the sense of helplessness that comes from loving someone you can’t fix. Chris carried all of that on his own, for years.

After a few years of deeply struggling with my health, I began to experience a shift. Thank God 🙏🏻 But what didn’t shift were the roles we had each fallen into.

Me still stuck in survival mode, but instead of through chronic illness, I channeled it through my work. And Chris still assuming the role of caretaker, even though chronic illness wasn’t consistently present.

Me staying oblivious to Chris’ caretaking (or maybe I just chose to ignore it). And Chris growing more and more resentful as each year went on. With both of us pushing it all down. Ignoring it. And going about our days as if it wasn’t there brewing beneath the surface.

And then, when we thought life couldn’t have asked for even more of us, it suddenly did.

Three years ago, we lost our pregnancy.

Even now, it’s still hard to write out those words, and I think it always will be. It was a time in my life where my whole world felt completely shattered. At the time, I didn’t realize just how deeply grief would settle into my body or in how many ways. My physical health declined. My mental health unraveled. Anxiety, panic, and depression wrapped itself around me so tightly that I honestly didn’t think I would ever feel like myself again.

But what surprised me the most wasn’t just the grief itself. It was what the grief revealed.

It exposed every crack that existed beneath the surface of myself and of our marriage. It magnified every difference and challenge between us.

But in the end, I believe in my heart that it happened for us. Because it forced us to confront patterns we had spent years unconsciously repeating.

One of the hardest parts for me was how different that period of grief felt for each of us.

I thought that if Chris loved me the way I loved him, he would grieve the way I was grieving. I thought we would cry the same tears. Have the same conversations. Feel the same intensity. And move on the same timeline.

It took me years to understand that expectation had very little to do with him and everything to do with me.

It was codependency disguised as closeness.

Somewhere along my lifetime (probably somewhere as far back as in my childhood), I realized I had unknowingly equated love with sameness. I believed that if someone truly loved me, they would experience life exactly as I did. They would hurt when I hurt. Feel what I felt. And carry the same emotional weight that I carried.

But what I’ve learned is: That isn’t love. That’s enmeshment.

Love allows two people to remain individuals. It recognizes that two nervous systems can experience the exact same event and process it in completely different ways. Love doesn’t require identical grief or experience in order to validate its depth. It makes room for difference without assuming difference means disconnection.

That lesson transformed our marriage. It gave me permission to stop trying to force us to become the same person and instead begin honoring each other as two individuals walking through the same storm with different umbrellas.

Before coming to this realization, there was a season when separation became a frequent topic of conversation for us.

Writing those words here feels vulnerable but it also feels freeing to voice out loud. Because it’s not something I want to hide or keep a secret from the world. It’s something I’m actually now proud to admit.

When talks of separation filled our home, we weren’t threatening to leave out of anger. We weren’t playing games with one another. We were just two exhausted people who had spent years carrying more than either of us ever knew how to hold. And we wondered if maybe being in separate spaces would somehow hurt less than continuing to struggle together.

The truth is, neither of us actually wanted to separate.

What I think we both wanted was relief. And that’s a big difference.

So instead of choosing distance, we chose the harder path.

We chose therapy. Separately and together. We chose to have the incredibly uncomfortable (and oftentimes, painful) conversations that would have been so much easier to avoid. We chose accountability over blame. We chose to stop asking how the other person needed to change and began asking what change looked like within ourselves. We chose to sit in rooms where mirrors were held up to the truth. And we chose to tell the truth even when it was messy, even when it was humbling, and even when we weren’t sure what that truth would mean or what would happen next as a result.

But most of all, we chose to stay. And I think that’s what marriage truly is. To me, marriage is choosing to stay.

Not because staying guaranteed we would be able to work it all out and continue our lives together. But because staying gave us the opportunity to co-create what we each wanted out of life. Both individually and together.

If there’s one thing these fifteen years of marriage have taught me, it’s this…

I don’t think marriage is measured by how little you’ve struggled. I think it’s measured by how many versions of each other you’ve been willing to love. How many difficult conversations you’ve chosen to have instead of avoid. How many times you’ve looked across the room after a season that could have broken you and decided: I’m still here. I’m still in this.

Marriage has never been about finding someone who completes you. It’s about walking alongside another imperfect human being while each of you slowly becomes more whole. It’s about learning when to lean on each other and when to step back long enough to let the other person do their own work. It’s about discovering that love isn’t proven by the absence of hardship, but by the willingness to keep showing up when hardship inevitably arrives.

To my husband…

Chris,

Thank you for choosing me even when I wasn’t easy to choose. Thank you for carrying burdens you never expected to carry. Thank you for sitting beside me in doctors offices, therapists offices, and some of the darkest chapters of my life. Thank you for giving me the space to become someone different than the woman you married fifteen years ago.

I hope I’ve done the same for you. It’s something I know I can continue to work on.

Thank you for doing your own work. For becoming a man who can feel his emotions and who can hold space for me to feel mine. For working so hard to create the life you want, despite the discomfort that can bring.

Thank you for laughing with me, crying with me, and for living this wild thing we call life, with me.

If I could go back in time and tell the younger versions of us what to expect after they say “I do,” I’d tell them this…

Marriage isn’t going to be easy. Of course there will be beautiful and joy-filled times. And in those times, allow yourselves to truly experience and be as fully present in them as you possibly can be! But there will also be dark and challenging times. And in those times, marriage is going to ask everything of you.

Then I’d smile. Because I’d know something they don’t yet.

That fifteen years later, even after chronic illness, grief, loss, and everything in between…

They would still be choosing to stay.

Happy anniversary, my love. I love you more than words can ever express 🤍

I celebrated my 39th birthday 🥳 along with America’s 250th birthday. 🇺🇸 Made lots of summer themed meals. Fell in love with some new hobbies. Wore lots of real clothes (aka not just leggings and sweats, although those are always a fave in the rotation!). Went on lots of dates with my Hubby and girlfriends. Started my freelance writing job and accepted another new job. And even got a new tattoo!

And of course mixed into all the goodness were some real, raw and challenging moments 😮‍💨 which you know I’ll tell you all about here! One of my greatest intentions with this Unfiltered Recap series (along with my entire Substack and Instagram too) is to show you my unfiltered reality (like the challenges I experience with my physical and mental health, and just being a woman living an authentic human experience), so you can feel less alone in the messy, non-aesthetic moments of your own life 🤍

This series is my unfiltered look back at each month.

The things that lit me up, brought me magic, and offered me medicine. And the things that didn’t — because part of sharing the unfiltered aspects of life means sharing the things that didn’t quite land, didn’t feel aligned, or that I just downright disliked.

It’s part reflection, part curated recommendation list, and part honest storytelling. Which in a nutshell is the way in which I love to share!

🎧 I also share a Somatic Practice recording to help you close out this month and step into the next — find it at the very end of this post!

PS: If you’re reading this via email: I suggest clicking the “Read in app” button at the very top of this post for a more ideal reading experience, or click the link at the bottom of the email that says “View entire message” — as this is an in depth post!

PPS: If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to (so you can join our community + never miss a post from me): Enter your email & tap the “subscribe” button below → from there you will have the option to learn more about each subscription type (Free or Paid) and choose the one that feels like the best fit for you!

Wellness

Supplements, gadgets, practices, rituals & routines, etc.

1 // I met with my GI Dr. and scheduled my routine colonoscopy 💩 — This definitely wasn’t a highlight of my month 😅 but I wanted to share it here because it’s a big life event I have coming up, and I’m so proud of myself for getting this scheduled despite the fear and CPTSD I experience around it.

If you’re new here, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease in 2011 and have colonoscopies every couple of years to check in. My last one was in 2022. This upcoming one is scheduled for mid-August, so please send me all the good vibes and prayers that it goes well 🙏🏻💫🪽

2 // Cooling blanket for fur babes 🐶 — This cooling blanket has been helping Olive cool down after walks in the summer heat. I highly recommend it if you have fur babes. She loves the way it feels!!

3 // Homeopathic mosquito cream 🦟 — This cream has been saving me in the summer! It’s made out of natural herbs and homeopathics and helps so much with stinging, itching and swelling. Especially if you’re a histamine sensitive girly and get welt-sized bites like me 🙋‍♀️

Mental Health

Somatics, nervous system practices, resources & tools, etc.

1 // I experienced what felt like a mini mental breakdown while Chris was out of town — While this moment felt nothing like what I used to experience, it was still a challenge to experience. But as with all challenges, I personally believe they’re here to help us in some way, shape, or form.

I shared all about it in this post ↴

Foodie Things

Recipes, restaurants, foods, ingredients, etc.

1 // All the summer-themed foods — Just like in June, this month I continued to love summer themed meals like grilled grass-fed burgers, rotisserie-style chicken made on the grill (this turned out sooo good!!), potato salad, fresh fruits, and farmers market produce filled salads. And dairy-free soft serve because duh! 🍦

2 // Picnic style snacks — Every afternoon around 3pm I find myself putting together a picnic style snack spread on my kitchen counter. My fave Castelvetrano olives from Costco (I’m seriously obsessed with these!!), Boulder Canyon olive oil potato chips, hummus, and whatever fresh fruit I have on hand.

3 // Iced decaf lattes — I’ve been so into Primitive Grounds in Downtown Meridian, if you’re a local. They have organic, Idaho-roasted coffee (and they also have the best decaf!), with lots of speciality add-in options, and clean ingredients.

4 // Summer produce — I’ve been making it a point to shop local and seasonally since it’s so much better for you (it’s much more nutrient-dense)! Peaches have been insanely good here!! I’ve also been making a big batch of soup (even though it’s so hot here) with summer produce to enjoy for lunches each week.

Home

Decor, projects, cleaning, and little touches that brought peace & joy to my home

1 // Vacuuming my mattress — Ok, if you didn’t know that mattress vacuums existed (I certainly didn’t), I need to share this PSA with you!! 1) Yes, they’re a thing, and 2) you absolutely need to get one! I saw someone on Insta talking about this recently and thought it was just a gimmick or some extra gadget I wouldn’t really need, but no, I need it, and you do too!

I bought this mattress vacuum and tried it for the first time on my brand new mattress (it’s only a few months old) with the mattress protector over top… when I tell you the amount of dust and who knows what else got sucked up into the vacuum 😳🥴 And I’m someone who washes my sheets once a week, so to see so much dust, I was pretty shocked. Then when I took the mattress pad off and vacuumed again… oh my. Even more got sucked up!! I’ll share a video on my Instagram soon so you can see, but wow.

Needless to say, ever since that first time using it, I’ve now been vacuuming the top of my mattress pad on the day I wash my sheets once a week. I also take the mattress protector off once a month, wash it and vacuum underneath of it on top of the actual mattress. And I’m telling you… our allergies have been so much better since!!

What makes the vacuum extra special is it has a UV-C light with ultrasonic waves and a HEPA filter to remove 99.9% of fine particles (like dust, skin flakes, and dust mites 🤢).

2 // S Hooks — I organized my closet this month and these S hooks are amazing for hanging up jeans! Instead of keeping my jeans folded up and stacked on a shelf where I end up just wearing the first couple pairs on top, I bought these S hooks and hung up all my jeans. Now they’re so easy to see and take up so much less space! These are the exact ones I purchased (under $10!!).

3 // Repaired artwork — As a little girl, I loved this piece of art my Nan had hanging in her bedroom, so when she passed away, I was so thankful to keep it as a memory of her. The only problem was it had a huge rip in it. My in-laws gave me such a special gift for my birthday this year by having the piece repaired 🥹 I cannot believe it was able to be repaired so beautifully! You can’t even tell the rip was ever there (and it was a really big tear). Not only did they have it repaired, but they also had it matted and framed!! I can’t wait to hang it up in my office to think of my Nan every day 🤍

Fashion

Clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.

1 // Ripped jeans + cropped tees on repeat — Nothing new here. This has been my favorite outfit combo of the summer! My favorite jeans are linked here and these are the cropped tees I have in so many colors!

2 // The perfect oversized vintage tees — I’m obsessed with these t-shirts!! They’re the perfect boyfriend style size, are super soft, with the prettiest vintage wash, and come in a pack of 4!! I’ve been loving them with leggings (because duh, I’m a millennial 😜) or sweat pants, but they’d also be with biker shorts or jeans. If you like a roomy, super soft tee, you really need these!!

3 // Dad sneakers — I’ve been loving these from Walmart and these from Amazon! So cute and comfy and affordable, too!

4 // New thrifting finds — I’m still really into thrifting and this last month, I found some amazing finds! My favorites were a pair of black Abercrombie jeans. a gorgeous sweater dress that’s typically sold at Abercrombie 😍, and a Chris Stapleton tee.

5 // Tank tops with wide straps — I’ve been loving these tanks!! They’re ribbed, nice and soft and have the perfect width straps so you can’t see your bra straps. So cute tucked into high rise jeans! I also love these ones with a high neck and they have cute rouging on the sides, too.

Beauty

Skincare, makeup, etc.

1 // Reordered my favorite no-makeup foundation — I’ve been religiously using this foundation for a while now (I’m a Shade 4). The formula was recently revamped to make it even better and I’m obsessed with it. I love the no-makeup glow it gives me thanks to the serum base infused with olive leaf extract. It just feels like having skincare on my face, not makeup, which I love!! It doesn’t break me out and also works great for my sensitive skin. I also love the serum concealer as well! I use a lighter shade (F1) for highlighting and my regular shade (FL1) for concealing.

2 // Sculpted Face Stick Bronzer — I also reordered this sculpted face stick. I loveeee the color Amber for a creamy bronzer. I just apply it with the stick in a line around my hairline, cheekbones, and jaw bone and then blend in with my fingers.

3 // Multi-Oil Body Wash — I wanted to upgrade my shower gel to something more moisturizing and more like skincare for my body. After reviewing tons of options, I settled on this one and I love it so far! It’s so hydrating and feels sort of like an oil cleanser for your body, really luxurious. Highly recommend if you have dry, sensitive skin!

Entertainment & Learning

Books, podcasts, shows, movies, music, Substack & social posts, etc.

1 // I realized I don’t want to become a better version of myself anymore — This one feels huge for me. I feel like I’m finally beginning to rewire the belief I’ve held my entire life that I always need to be doing, producing, creating, sharing, helping, and healing.

If you have trouble with resting or you’ve ever felt like you need to heal one more thing, understand one more pattern, or become one more version of yourself before you can finally feel safe in your own life… I think this post will really resonate with you. I wrote all about it in this post 🤍↴

2 // The Hawk on Netflix — I love Will Ferrell and this series was absolutely hilarious!

Experiences & Lessons

Activities/things I did, learned, and explored

1 // I turned 39 — Birthdays are typically hard for me. They remind me of my childhood and bring such a duality of good memories with my parents, mixed with not so good ones. I often find myself feeling a type of grief that’s hard to put into words. It feels like missing someone and wanting to pick up the phone and call them, while feeling like I can’t at the same time. I’ve also navigated some traumatic experiences with my health around my birthday in the past, so historically it’s a time that brings up moments of CPTSD, fear, and grief for me.

And while that was all still present this year, there was something about this birthday that felt different, in such a good way. I felt at peace. Happy. Grounded. Looking forward to the year ahead. And what a breath of fresh air that felt like 🙏🏻

The morning of my birthday, I was cracking myself up because as a true Cancer ♋️ and Projector in Human Design 💫, I spent the morning writing a deep essay on my current thoughts around the meaning of life 😅↴

The Hubs and I celebrated with a steak dinner at home (one of my favorite things), my favorite dairy-free soft serve, and I felt spoiled with the prettiest flowers 🌸

2 // I got a new tattoo — I added to my tattoo collection with a new fine line wave 🌊 to remind myself that waves ebb and flow, they don’t last forever, and they always recede.

3 // I started my freelance writing job — I shared this news in my June Recap and officially started in July! I’m contributing to a weekly Substack article for a dream woman owned wellness brand and I absolutely love it so far 😍

4 // I accepted another new job — Read all about the news here!! I’m super excited about it!

5 // I filmed my first vlog — I randomly decided to film a vlog in July and had so much fun with it! I shared a teaser reel with you on Instagram and so many of you there said you’d love to see it. I’m working on editing it and will share it soon!!

I have no idea how to edit vlog videos btw so it’s been a new hobby/labor of love I’m exploring 🤪. If you have any tips or editing sites/apps you like, please let me know in the comments!

6 // Date nights with The Hubs — We’ve been making it a point to go out for date nights at least once a week now and it’s been so restorative for our marriage! After the last couple of years (the miscarriage we experienced, my health challenges that flared up after, and so many big things in life), we’ve been focused on reconnecting 🤍

On one of our dates last month, we had a moment where we were both laughing (about I don’t remember what) and then we caught each other’s eye and both felt flooded with emotion. It was like a silent mutual understanding and acknowledgement of how hard life has felt for the last couple of years, and how thankful we both are that we’re beginning to come out on the other side 😮‍💨

In that moment, Chris took my hand and said “I’m so thankful I have my girl back.” And I can’t even tell you how hard it was to not break down sobbing in the restaurant 🥹

I can’t even put into words what life’s been like the last couple of years (although I’ve tried to here on Substack and it does feel good to share). And I really can’t put into words how beyond thankful I am that I experienced that hardship. As hard as it was. It has truly changed me. And it’s set me free. In so many ways 🕊️🙏🏻

While I know it doesn’t feel that way when you’re IN it… I do fully believe once we’re on the other side of challenges, we can experience so many blessings because of those challenges. And for that, I’m so thankful.

7 // Flower picking — We went flower picking at Lovely Hollow Farms and had such a lovely day!! The farm was beautiful. There were local vendors to browse and shop. We sipped some fun summer themed mocktails. And, of course, picked gorgeous blooms!

8 // One of my Substack articles was featured in a publication — I’m so honored to share this!! One of my favorite posts I’ve ever written here was featured here on Materia+ I’ve linked the full post below for you, if you’d like to give it a read ↴

Things I Didn’t Love

The real tea on the things that didn’t land for me, didn’t feel aligned, or that I downright disliked

1 // The air quality in Idaho — The second half of July we’ve had awful air quality here in Boise, and it’s honestly still going on now that we’re in early August!! There have unfortunately been so many wildfires near us and in neighboring states with smoke blowing down to the Treasure Valley. While I’m incredibly thankful our home is safe from the fires, the smoke has been really getting to me. At one point, the AQI reached 514 here 😳

If you’re experiencing smoky air too, I shared an article here on how I’ve been supporting myself through wildfire smoke season in this post ↴

2 // The summer heat — It’s been hot here in Boise!! 🥵 We had one day where it got up to 109. I’m definitely not a fan of the heat, so that hasn’t been fun.

3 // Chris traveling to India — It was definitely tough for me to have Chris feel so far away with 12 hour time difference for 10 days!! And to worry about him on his very long travel days. But I also had a good time finding things to do solo while he was gone, and it was a great growth opportunity for me, even though it felt challenging.

Somatic Practice: Closing One Month & Opening the Next

I invite you to take a moment to pause and connect inward with your body.

I created a gentle somatic practice to support you at the threshold between one month and the next — a soft moment to honor what you’ve lived, what you’ve carried, and what your body may still be holding.

Let this be your grounding breath before stepping into a new beginning.

Listen to it below ↴ And let me know how it feels for you in the comments!

How was your July?

What sparked joy, brought magic, and offered you medicine this month (and what didn’t)?!

Leave a comment below to share with me and within our community 👯‍♀️💕

Leave a comment

I hope you have a beautiful August!

In love & being,

Chelsea

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support by using my links — it helps me continue sharing resources with you and pouring into this space with my full heart.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This information does not provide medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition under any circumstances. I am not a doctor or therapist and should not be construed as one. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

Even if you live in a humid climate (like on the East Coast or in the South) and are miles away from an active fire, you may still be impacted by wildfire smoke since it travels through the wind!

PS: If you’re ever curious about the current state of wildfires, you can visit the National Interagency Fire Center to view wildfire maps of the US and Canada. As of July 29, 2026, both countries are unfortunately lit up with active fires 🔥

Before moving to Idaho, I lived in Southern California, so I’m no stranger to wildfire season. And while this time of year always feels like a challenge, this year honestly feels particularly intense!

We’re going on day 11 of wildfire smoke here in Boise 😳, and while I’m incredibly thankful our home is not immediately near any of the active fires, the smoke is really getting to me. I’ve been experiencing headaches, congestion, itchy eyes, fatigue, brain fog and worsened allergy and histamine symptoms 😩 And I know I can’t be the only one across the US (or Canada, if I have any Canadian friends here 👋🏻) who is really struggling with the smoke exposure, which is why I wanted to share this post!

As a Holistic Health Practitioner, I’ve gathered several tips, tools, and supplements in my toolkit over the years to support cleaner indoor air, detoxification, and symptom relief during wildfire season. I’ll be sharing them all inside this post!

The Impact of Wildfire Smoke on Our Physical and Mental Health

While the purpose of this post is not to induce fear, I know reading about things that can impact your health can be a bit (or more than a bit) dysregulating for your nervous system. My hope in sharing this post with you is to educate and inform you in a way that empowers you vs. induces fear.

With that said, let’s unpack why wildfire smoke can impact our health…

The main health concern with wildfire smoke is the fine particle matter it’s made up of, which can place extra stress on the body. If you regularly experience or have a history of experiencing asthma, allergies, autoimmune conditions, histamine intolerance or MCAS, or POTS, smoke exposure can sometimes amplify symptoms even more.

Think of it like adding fuel to the fire 🔥 See what I did there 😅 PS: One thing to know about me (if you’re new here) is I like to bring a little bit of humor and lightheartedness into my writing, especially when it can be on heavy topics like our health 🤍

When most of us think of wildfire smoke, we think about the impact it can have on our lungs…

While tiny particles can absolutely affect our longs, they can also create oxidative stress and inflammation throughout the body, which is why symptoms often present beyond just a cough or sore throat.

It’s also important to remember that everyone’s body is so different, and we each have our own unique triggers! While one thing may impact me a certain way, it may impact you completely differently.

Possible symptoms of wildfire smoke exposure (depending on the person):

• Headaches (this is a big one for me, personally!)

• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue

• Itchy, watery, red, or burning eyes

• Nasal congestion or sinus irritation

• Sore throat

• Coughing or wheezing

• Shortness of breath

• Increased allergy or histamine symptoms/flares

• Flare-ups of asthma or other respiratory conditions

• Flare-ups of autoimmune conditions

If you’ve been a part of my community for a while, you know I believe we’re multi-dimensional beings, which means we don’t just experience shifts physically. We experience shifts physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Being stuck inside for days (or even weeks), watching the air quality remain poor and worrying about the long-term effects can also take a toll mentally and emotionally. If you notice yourself feeling more anxious, restless, irritable or just “off” during wildfire season, that makes so much sense…especially if you’re someone like me who is highly sensitive both physically and emotionally 🤍

While we can’t control what’s happening outside in our environment, and we also can’t control what’s happening inside our bodies (focusing on control during times like this honestly just makes things worse IMO), there are absolutely ways we can reduce our exposure and give our bodies extra support while they’re working harder than usual. It’s not about “fixing” or “correcting” something that’s “going wrong”…it’s about supporting and meeting our body exactly where it’s at.

Below, I’m sharing exactly what I’m doing in my own home and to support my own body during wildfire season.

Inside this post, we’re going to explore…

• How to reduce your smoke exposure

• Ways to support your body’s natural detoxification pathways

• Nutrients and supplements that may help calm inflammation and support your histamine response

• My favorite tools for relieving common wildfire smoke symptoms

• Gentle practices to nurture your nervous system during the stress of wildfire season

✨Pro Tip: Bookmark this post (or pin to your Pinterest board)!

So you can return to this Wildfire Smoke Survival Guide whenever you need it 🤍

A word before we dive in…

Please do not think of this as a rigid protocol!!

Think of it more as a holistic toolkit.

You don’t need to do all of these things and you don’t need to rush out and purchase anything listed here.

The goal also isn’t to chase the perfect detox protocol or try to eliminate every toxin and particle of smoke from wildfires. It’s to reduce what you can, support the incredibly intelligent systems your body already has in place, and offer yourself a little extra love and care while your environment is asking more of you.

Even implementing just a few of these practices can help lessen your overall exposure and support your body’s ability to adapt 🕊️

Now, let’s dive in…

Holistic Support For Wildfire Smoke

Reduce Wildfire Smoke Exposure At Home

The best way to support your body during wildfire season is to reduce the amount of smoke you’re exposed to in the first place. While we can’t control the air outside, there are lots of ways you can help keep your indoor environment cleaner and minimize your smoke exposure!

1 // Keep Windows Closed and Limit Time Outside — This sounds like a no brainer, but be sure you keep your windows closed and limit your time outside during wildfire smoke!

I love using my red light for all kinds of things from pain and inflammation support to mitochondria support but during wildfire season I’ve been using it (and my fur babe loves laying in front of it too!) to support my body’s mitochondria, since we haven’t been getting outside to charge them up with the sun!!

These are my favorite red light products (💸 Use Discount Code: CHELSEATURNERWELLNESS). I personally use the Tri-Lite Red Light Panel) and love that it’s a soft panel I can place directly on my body or can prop up and sit in front of it.

2 // Air Purifiers — This is the best way in my opinion to help clean and filter the air inside! I have Air Doctors in my home as well as Levoit purifiers. The Levoit brand is more affordable compared to Air Doctor and still works well in my opinion!

3 // Monitor AQI — Air Quality Index (AQI) is a measurement that tells you how polluted the air is in levels and what those levels can mean for your health. You can look up your local AQI by checking the AirNow website or app. This gives you real-time air quality information across the US! You can also use the weather app on your phone to check AQI levels.

4 // Use KN95 Masks Outside — A mask like this can prevent you from breathing in particles in the air. I’ve been wearing one whenever I take our dog outside to do her business!

5 // Keep Your Home Clean — This can help reduce dust, smoke particles, and other irritants in your home. It’s especially helpful if you’re someone (or if you have someone else in your home) who is sensitive to allergens, mold, or histamine triggers.

Simple things like wiping down surfaces with cleaner (this is my favorite non-toxic cleaner), vacuuming regularly with a HEPA vacuum (this is the one I use), mopping your floors (I’m obsessed with this wet/dry auto mop!), dusting surfaces with microfiber cloths (these are my favorite ones for trapping dust), and washing your bedding frequently can go a long way to prevent exposure!

6 // Remove Shoes — When you do go outside (even if you’re just going from your house to your car and into work, etc.), remove your shoes at the door to avoid tracking outdoor particles inside. This is something we do all the time in my home to keep dust and toxins at bay, but it’s especially helpful during wildfire season!

7 // Burn Beeswax Candles — Conventional candles actually contribute to smoke, but beeswax candles burn clean and can actually help clean the air from pollution! I love my beeswax candle by Sweet Origins Co. which is a local Boise, Idaho company! Their candles are available to purchase on their website or if you’re local, you can find them at several of the local markets.

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Support Your Body’s Natural Detox Pathways

Your body has a naturally ability to detoxify (yes, even if you have MTHFR, because I know someone out there reading this is asking that question 🤍). Sometimes your body just needs some extra love and care, which is where these tools come into play!

The tools below are ways to give your liver, kidneys, digestive system, and lymphatic system a little extra love while they’re working harder than usual.

1 // Stay Hydrated With Minerals — Hydration (with mineral support) is so important for helping your body to flush out toxins, balance your electrolytes to support stress and keep every system in your body running smoothly, and support proper kidney function.

These are my favorite macro + trace minerals to add to water! I also love these adrenal cocktail packets with electrolytes and whole food vitamin C (for stress, nervous system support, and immune support)! And this is a great capsule mineral support if you prefer a capsule (to access it, use my practitioner code: msMnkL1T)!

2 // Prioritize Antioxidant Support — Wildfire smoke impacts the body by increasing oxidative stress. But what does oxidative stress actually mean? Oxidative stress is a fancy way of saying there’s an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants in the body. This imbalance can lead to cell and tissue damage and inflammation. The good news is that antioxidants can neutralize the effects of free radicals!

One of the best ways to support antioxidants is to take a food as medicine approach!

• Enjoy plenty of colorful fruits and vegetables in your diet. Some of my favorites: berries (all kinds), cherries, pomegranates, red/purple grapes, oranges, kiwis, plums, broccoli, kale, bell peppers, beets, carrots, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, mushrooms, flaxseeds, chia seeds.

• Limit inflammatory and processed foods (which contribute to free radicals)

• Use antioxidant-rich herbs and spices in your cooking, like turmeric, ginger, oregano, rosemary, cilantro, and basil

• Incorporate a high-quality reishi mushroom supplement into your routine. Reishi mushroom provides antioxidant, inflammation, immune system and nervous system support. This one is my favorite. It’s a bit pricey but it’s the highest quality one I’ve ever tried. When I was using bioresonance testing in my holistic health practice, I can’t even tell you how often this supplement would resonate on client’s scans (meaning their body really wanted this as a support)!

• Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over your meals, use in your cooking, or drink like a shot 🫒 This is my favorite high-quality organic olive oil (I personally consider it medicinal grade)!

• Incorporate a high-quality microgreens powder 🌿 Keyword “microgreens,” not just any ol’ greens powder!! Microgreens are so special because they actually have a much more concentrated nutrient and antioxidant profile than fully grown greens!! This one is my favorite because the only ingredients are raw, freeze-dried microgreens (grown in an indoor, fully controlled farm without pesticides) and that’s it! (💸 They typically have a deal to save a big discount on your first order 🙌🏻 but if they don’t, use Discount Code: CHELSEATURNERWELLNESS)

3 // Liver Support — Your liver is one of your body’s main detox organs. During times of increased exposure (like wildfire smoke), giving your liver some extra love can help your allergies and histamine response, hormones, digestion, and detoxification pathways to run smoother.

Castor oil packs are one of my favorite simple ways to support your liver! Just apply castor oil over your right upper abdomen. I also love this roll on because it’s so easy to apply and less messy! Then throw on an old tee-shirt overtop or wrap a castor oil pack overtop and leave it on for about 20-60 minutes (start with 20 if you’re new to castor oil).

Eating liver-loving foods can also be a great natural support! My favorites are: dark leafy greens, cruciferous veggies (broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage, bok choy, arugula, radishes), Vitamin C-rich foods (lemons, oranges, kiwi, berries, bell peppers), garlic, onions, turmeric, ginger, cilantro, parsley, rosemary.

Supplements are another way to show your liver some extra love. IMPORTANT: I would not add all of these supplements!! I would instead choose one of these (if you’d like) to layer in for added support.

This Liver Juice is a gentle herbal liver support tincture. It’s a great one to start out with if you’re new to liver support!

And this tincture is my absolute favorite liver support! (💸 Use Discount Code: CHELSEATURNERWELLNESS) It has liver-loving herbs, reishi mushroom, and additional herbs and nutrients to support inflammation and the immune system, while enhancing detoxification and bile flow!

I also love this capsule supplement (To access it, use my practitioner code: msMnkL1T) It combines herbs and nutrients to support kidney and liver health.

4 // NAC — This is technically a liver support, but it’s also an incredible support for your lungs and for keeping airways clear of mucus and debris! It also provides antioxidant support to protect against oxidative stress. This brand is great!

5 // Lung Support — NAC is a great support for your lungs and respiratory system, but so is this herbal tincture! (💸 Use Discount Code: CHELSEATURNERWELLNESS) It helps support your immune system to naturally clear your lungs.

6 // Bowel Regularity — If there’s one thing I wish more women understood about detox, it’s this. If you’re not having regular bowel movements (ideally 1-3x/day), your body is not effectively eliminating what it’s processing. Which means toxins, hormones, and waste that your body is working hard to break down can be reabsorbed back into circulation. This can show up as: bloating, skin issues, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, and that heavy, or “backed up” feeling.

Supporting bowel regularity isn’t about forcing or relying on harsh interventions like laxatives (even the herbal kind) or coffee enemas…

It’s about supporting your body’s natural ability to have a bowel movement 💩

This includes:

• Adequate hydration and minerals — see above!

• Eating enough fiber — from whole foods, like: avocados, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squashes, artichokes, carrots, bananas, figs, berries, apples, pears, peaches, kiwis, chia seeds, basil seeds, flax seeds, cruciferous veggies (brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc.), beans. You can also supplement with a fiber blend like this one!

• Proper nourishment — Under eating or over eating can slow digestion

• Nervous system support (keep reading) — your body needs to feel safe and in flow in order to eliminate

If you’re very constipated (and have already tried the strategies above), this magnesium citrate is a great gentle bowel support when taken before bed. Or this natural laxative is stronger if you’re feeling really backed up (to access it, use my practitioner code: msMnkL1T).

Pro Tip: I also highly recommend using a Squatty Potty (this one is cute and aesthetic!) to improve bathroom posture and comfort

7 // Lymphatic System Support — Your lymphatic system is one of your primary drainage pathways. It’s responsible for moving waste, toxins, and excess fluid out of your body. But unlike your cardiovascular system, it doesn’t have a pump — which means it relies on you to move it!

Without regular movement, the lymph system can become stagnant. And when this happens, you might notice: puffiness or swelling, bloating, low energy, brain fog, headaches, joint/muscle pain, a feeling of heaviness in the body, and histamine intolerance.

Gentle lymphatic supports:

• Walking

• Stretching

• Dry brushing (this is my favorite dry brush!)

• Gua Sha (my favorite way to support lymph flow in my face!! this is my fave gua sha stone)

• Rebounding — on a mini trampoline like this one

• Gentle shaking or intuitive movement

In addition to physical movement for your lymphatic system, adding in a lymphatic support supplement can be helpful. This one is my favorite! I also love this capsule supplement if you prefer a capsule (to access it, use my practitioner code: msMnkL1T).

8 // Mop Up Toxins With a Binder — Think of a binder like a sponge that helps “mop up” toxins so they can leave the body instead of being reabsorbed.

This one is my favorite since it also supports cellular repair and increased energy production (to access it, use my practitioner code: msMnkL1T)! And this is another favorite!

Support Histamine Balance & Calm Inflammation

One of the biggest things I personally notice during wildfire season is an increase in my histamine symptoms.

Common histamine intolerance (HIT) symptoms can feel like:
*Note: Experiencing these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have HIT, but they are common symptoms of HIT

• Headaches/migraines

• Dizziness

• Anxiety/panic

• Diarrhea, constipation, bloating

• Rashes, hives, skin flushing

• Nasal congestion and allergies

• Itchy skin/throat

• Dizziness

• Insomnia

• Nausea

• Painful periods

• Rapid heart beat

These tools can help give your body some extra support to calm mast cells and soothe histamine.

1 // Temporarily Reduce High Histamine Foods (if needed) — If you’re having a big histamine symptom flare, reducing high histamine foods can sometimes be helpful, depending on the person. The keyword here is temporarily! The intention here is not to get into a restrictive or fearful mindset. The intention is to mindfully reduce these foods temporarily to see if you feel a difference in symptoms.

High histamine foods (this is list is very individual and depends on each person’s histamine triggers): avocados, tomatoes, spinach, eggplant, strawberries, cashews, walnuts, dried fruits, chocolate, bone broth, collagen, processed/smoked meats, aged dairy, alcohol, fermented foods, vinegars, pickles, cinnamon, heat inducing spices (cayenne, paprika, nutmeg, chili).

2 // DAO — Supplementing with a DAO enzyme (especially when eating high histamine foods) can help your body to properly break down histamine. This is my favorite DAO to take before meals!

3 // Vitamin C — Can also be helpful for breaking down histamine. It’s also an antioxidant and is a great support for reducing oxidative stress from wildfire smoke! This one is my favorite in capsule form, or this one is my favorite liquid tincture which also contains additional antioxidants, or vitamin C is already included in these adrenal cocktail mineral packets.

4 // Histamine Supportive Supplements — This is my absolute favorite herbal tincture for histamine support! I swear by it!! (💸 Use Discount Code: CHELSEATURNERWELLNESS).

These Nettle Leaf capsules or this nettle tea can also be really helpful for reducing histamine.

When in doubt, do what you need to do and take a Benadryl to see if that helps calm histamine symptoms during a flare. There’s definitely a time and a place for conventional supports IMO!

Soothe Common Wildfire Smoke Symptoms

I mentioned the symptoms I’m personally feeling and common symptoms of wildfire exposure earlier in this article. If you’re experiencing an increase in symptoms right now, it’s definitely not all in your head!

I encourage you to think about symptom support as exactly that…support. Not symptom fixes or symptom solutions, but symptom support.

These are the things I reach for when wildfire smoke has me feeling bleh 😩

1 // Reduce Histamine — This will in turn support allergy symptoms, so see the histamine supports above!

2 // Allergy Symptoms — In addition to supporting histamine, these homeopathic allergy relief tablets are so helpful!!

3 // Throat Symptoms & Coughing — This is my favorite soothing throat spray with added propolis for a boost of allergy and immune support! This one is also great.

These lozenges are so good! This throat coat tea is so soothing when your throat is sore. And this is my favorite natural cough syrup!

4 // Sinus Congestion — This nasal spray is seriously so good!! These homeopathic sinus relief tablets are also great!

And I love these shower steamers with eucalyptus for opening up your sinuses! They’re made with clean ingredients.

5 // Headaches — This tincture is my favorite natural pain reliever and anti-inflammatory support (💸 Use Discount Code: CHELSEATURNERWELLNESS).

I also love this headache hat, which might sound silly but it’s so helpful if you ever have a really intense headache or migraine!

Nurture Your Nervous System

Lastly, wildfire smoke isn’t just physically stressful. It can also feel emotionally heavy and overwhelming.

Especially if you’ve lived through fires or evacuations, or have spent weeks of not being able to go outside, or if you’re just highly sensitive and pick up on all the emotions and energy swirling around you (like me!) 💫 There’s definitely a lot right now! 😮‍💨

1 // Reduce News & Social Media — I know, it feels necessary to stay informed, but constantly refreshing socials and the news is just contributing to stress!

2 // Somatic Embodiment Practices — Somatic work can help us reconnect with our bodies, release built up stress and emotions, and create moments of regulation even when life (and our environment) around us feels overwhelming. I have several Somatic Practice Recordings 🎧 posted right here for you!

3 // Herbal Stress Support — One of my all time favorite supplements to reach for if I want a little extra support through stress, anxiety, and/or depression is this tincture! (💸 Use Discount Code: CHELSEATURNERWELLNESS) It contains soothing nervines and adaptogens to physically help your body work through stress as well as saffron for mood support.

I also love this stress support spray since it’s an easy to use spray you can keep in your purse or whenever you’re on-the-go! Or these capsules are a great option if you prefer a capsule! I love that they contain amino acids and other nutrients along with adaptogens to support stress.

4 // Teas For Your Nervous System — Lemon Balm tea is one of my favorites for calming my nervous system and digestion (whenever I get an anxious stomach)! I also love this Chamomile Lavender.

5 // Do Things That Bring You Joy — Indoors of course! Listen to your favorite playlist, watch a nostalgic show or a movie you love, play and snuggle with your fur babe, or dabble in some fun hobbies. I’ve been really into paint by number lately!

SHOP THIS ENTIRE POST

Final Thoughts

I hope this post leaves you feeling empowered vs. overwhelmed! There is honestly so much we can’t control when it comes to wildfire season, but there are so many ways we can reduce our exposure, nourish our bodies and help our systems when they’re working harder than usual.

Remember: You don’t have to do every single thing on this list (and I don’t recommend you do that!). Choose the tools you feel most drawn to and that feel most supportive for you and your family, listen to your body (always!), and trust that even small shifts can make a big difference.

Your body is incredibly wise and she’s always working for you 🤍

In love & being,

Chelsea

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support by using my links — it helps me continue sharing resources with you and pouring into this space with my full heart.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This information does not provide medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition under any circumstances. I am not a doctor or therapist and should not be construed as one. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

I came across a reel like that a few months ago. It showed a woman moving about her day. Waking up, getting herself ready, getting her kids ready, cooking breakfast, eating, driving her car, working, playing with her kids, talking to her husband, going to bed at night.

All the usual things we go about in our day. But what was unusual was the fact that she was simultaneously bopping a blown up balloon in the palm of her left hand. All throughout her day. At the same time as she was doing all of these other things. Even while she was sleeping (or trying to sleep, I should say).

The caption talked about how that’s what it’s like to live with trauma. And I could not agree more. That’s exactly what it’s like.

Some days it’s easier to bop the balloon and keep it afloat in the palm of your hand while juggling everything else. And other days it’s nearly impossible.

That’s what trauma feels like.

It feels like moving through your day, all the while constantly and simultaneously holding space for this persistent weight. Sometimes it’s quieter and other times it’s louder. But it’s always there.

And if you’re anything like me…

You’ve learned adapted to be so damn good at doing all the things in life, while simultaneously bopping that balloon, and somehow keeping everything together…without anyone even realizing.

Until one day your body whispers screams at you to cut it the fuck out 😅

Because here’s the thing…

In the 1840s two brilliant men (Julius Robert Mayer and James Prescott Joule) came up with the First Law of Thermodynamics, which stated that “energy cannot be created or destroyed; it can only change from one form to another.”

Where am I going with this?

As humans, we each only have a set amount of energy available to us at any given moment. We cannot actually gain or lose energy. Meaning, the total energy we have can only be redistributed.

Think about that for a second…

Energy cannot be gained or lost, it can only be redistributed.

So when we’re navigating this wild thing we call life all while simultaneously carrying trauma…

Let me tell you this from my own personal experience: It takes a massive amount of our energy.

When the majority of your energy is being distributed to constantly be on the lookout for potential threats, brace for impact, and just survive…

That doesn’t leave much left for living. For being creative. For feeling joy. For being present. Let alone getting ready for our usual tasks and responsibilities.

We might be able to get by with the first half of our life burning the candle at both ends and somehow balancing it all, but eventually something has to give.

I experienced a very real moment like this last week.

My husband was out of town on a work trip. But not just any work trip. He was nearly 10,000 miles away in India.

I’m already someone who experiences anxiety and the feeling of being overwhelmed. Thankfully, ever since starting an SSRI in December, it’s been so much less and when it does show up, it’s so much more manageable 🙏🏻 But it’s still a part of my reality and honestly, probably always will be. Even with the extra support of an SSRI. Why? Because of a little bitch called trauma 🤭

So if I’m being honest, I already feel like a hot mess most of the time in my life 🤪 but when my husband is gone, I tend to feel it more than usual. He’s such a steady, grounding presence to me, so when he’s gone, I definitely have a harder time feeling anchored. I don’t sleep as well. And I just feel a bit (or sometimes more than a bit) unhinged.

Couple that with the fact that I was also in my late luteal phase and wow, that feeling of overwhelmed amplified ten fold.

Have you been here before?

It’s this feeling of generally being ungrounded. Mixed with a tired but wired energy. You’re not sure if you want to cry or scream. Everything is overwhelming you, even the simplest tasks. You can’t make a decision to save your own life. You feel like you have so many things to do but can’t take any action. You’re overstimulated by light, sound, and your own body’s sensations and thoughts.

Sound familiar?

Well, that’s where I found myself on Wednesday morning.

Chris left on Saturday so I was on 4 days in a row of way less sleep and being a single dog parent.

Let me just pause here real quick: I know all the moms of kiddos reading this are probably laughing at that statement right now. And I get it, being a dog mom is not the same thing as being a mom to kiddos. But to all my fur moms out there, let me just validate you: it is hard being a single dog parent when your partner is typically home but is out of town. It really is. Especially when your partner is your dogs person, like my husband is to our wild little mini dachshund 😜

So I was feeling the overwhelm. And of course, I have my own things going on too. I was on a deadline for my weekly freelance article, I’m studying for my Idaho driver’s license test (so fun, not!), and working on some projects for my own brand.

And then there’s that little b called trauma, right?! The weight I constantly and simultaneously carry, like bopping a balloon in my hand.

It’s all the background noise around my health, questioning everything, overthinking, carrying invisible worry and fear underneath the surface. Along with all my past experiences and all the subconscious things and emotions rolling around in my mind and being held in my body that I’m not even aware of.

My nervous system was definitely feeling extra on edge.

That morning, I got Olive settled with her breakfast then prepped my own, which took more effort than usual. I sat down to eat and realized there was a dead caterpillar in my food. wth?!

I knew it was probably just from the local arugula I added to my ground beef while cooking it, but still. I was super grossed out 🤢 I thought about picking it out and eating around it, but just couldn’t get past it.

I knew I had to throw it out and start ALL OVER. Which doesn’t seem like that big of a deal, but when you already haven’t slept well, you’re exhausted, and you’re stretched thin from carrying all these invisible things, it is a big deal. You know??

So I started prepping a new breakfast. In that same moment Amazon dropped off a package and Olive started barking for like 5 minutes straight.

It was enough to set me straight over the edge. I snapped at Olive stop barking!!! then sat down on the kitchen floor and just sobbed.

And in that moment, something deeper dropped in…

I remember thinking, fuck, I’m becoming just like her. Her being my mom. That thought hit me like a ton of bricks.

I grew up witnessing her have moments just like this one, especially when my dad was out of town. Moments where everything she was juggling in her life and the trauma balloon she was bopping all became too much, and everything fell apart. She either completely froze, disconnected, and shut down. Or became incredibly anxious, angry, and lashed out. And we (my sister and I) never knew which version we would get.

Now as an adult, sitting on my own kitchen floor, I felt terrified of that thought. Then another dropped in after I text Chris about this freak out while he was all the way in India: what if Chris leaves me because I can’t keep my shit together, just like how my dad left my mom?

More and more tears came and flashbacks of my childhood popped into my mind, like watching a movie inside my own head.

But then came a realization that surprised me…

I felt a wet lick on my face and suddenly was back in the present moment. I realized Olive was licking me because I was crying. I picked her up in my lap and gave her a snuggle. I told her I was sorry for yelling, what a good girl she is, and how much I love her.

I realized Chris had text me back. He lovingly told me I was ok and that it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. Then he said something that really struck me: You are loved and you are special, try to be nice to yourself and love yourself like we all love you.

That’s when the realization dropped in. The truth. I’m not becoming my mom. I’m learning from her experiences. I’m choosing to do the hard work to repattern and reprogram my conditioning. And Chris isn’t my dad. He’s not going to leave. We’ve both put in the work to support ourselves individually and as a couple.

This moment on my kitchen floor wasn’t proof that I was broken. Or that I was becoming my mom. It was proof that I was carrying too much and I just needed to allow myself to crumble. To stop trying to hold it all together and to just fall apart onto the kitchen floor.

And most importantly, to repair. To hold and talk to myself as I would a child: I’m so sorry you’ve had to carry so much for so long, I told myself.

We spend so much of our lives judging the moment the balloon finally falls. We call ourselves weak or think we’re being too emotional or too sensitive. That we should be stronger, tougher, or have more grit.

But in reality, we need to give ourselves more grace and show ourselves more compassion. This life is hard. And it’s even harder if you’re someone who’s experienced trauma (and the truth is, most of us have in some way or another).

We don’t give ourselves enough credit. We think we can do all the things 110% all while somehow simultaneously bopping this trauma balloon. But eventually, something has to give. We can’t do it all. And that’s what makes us human. We are not machines. We are not AI. We cannot have endless ideas, productivity, and perseverance. We only have so much energy. It can’t be gained or lost. It can only be redistributed.

All we can do is the best we can with that we have, I thought to myself.

That’s when my next realization dropped in…

She (my mom) was doing her best, too. And while her best wasn’t enough, and it wasn’t what we needed, that’s all that she could do.

And in that moment I felt so much compassion for her. Because I feel like I now understand the weight of what she was carrying.

I wish I could wrap my arms around that version of her and tell her how sorry I am that she had to carry so much for so long…just like I told myself while sitting on my kitchen floor.

And maybe that’s what healing really is…

Maybe it’s not doing everything we can to keep ourselves from ending up on the kitchen floor. Maybe it’s knowing that at some point we will, and when we do, we have the opportunity to meet ourselves there with compassion instead of shame. Just like we’ll have the opportunity to repair. To reprogram. To repattern. To continue breaking the cycle, moment by moment. And maybe, we’ll realize that the people who came before us were carrying balloons of their own.

Maybe that’s because life is starting to feel less dark for me. Thank you, God 🙏🏻

Or maybe it’s because I’m beginning to rewire the belief I’ve held my entire life that I always need to be doing, producing, creating, sharing, helping, and healing. Doing more. Being more. Becoming more.

All at the expense of what my soul is actually asking for…

The space to just be.

Without all the doing. Hustling. Changing. Growing. Evolving. Fixing.

I’ve been “brainstorming” what to write about here for the last couple of days, but nothing has come to me. I’ve started a couple of posts and only landed with a few words on the page before scrapping the idea.

Some may call it writers block. But I don’t think that’s what this is for me.

I think it’s because I haven’t listened to the urge to force myself to write. To show up. To be on. To produce. To share. To create. To perform.

Instead, I’ve been listening to the gentle whisper from my soul (before it becomes a demanding scream) to take space. To rest. To dream. To live. To play. To love. To laugh. To simply, be.

Tonight I sat here, drinking my tea before I planned to climb into bed, and this thought came to me…

Maybe this is what it feel like when you stop trying to constantly manage and control your entire existance?

And that’s when it hit me. The sudden urge to write. To pour my heart out onto the page. Not from a place of needing to. But from a place of wanting to.

Two completely different energies. The first being out of obligation. The second being out of pure desire and soul calling 💫

And that is exactly why I started this deeper layer of my Substack…to share more of that kind of writing with you.

So, it’s 9:30pm here. Way past my bedtime 🤭👵 But here I am. Letting the words flow. Because they feel like a true calling, not an obligation.

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how much of my life has been spent trying to become someone else.

Not because I had some clear or profound vision of who I was supposed to be or because I felt like there was some grand purpose I needed to uncover. Honestly, it was much more painful than that.

For most of my life, I genuinely believed I wasn’t good enough. And if I’m being really honest, it’s a belief I’m still learning to soften and let go of.

I always felt like there was something wrong with me. And I believed that I needed to be better in order to feel safe, loved, and worthy of being chosen.

I believed that if I could just become a better version of myself, maybe I would finally arrive at the place where I could relax and stop feeling like I was too much, not enough, or somehow fundamentally flawed.

And when I look back on my childhood, my teen years, early adulthood, and now, my late 30s…

I can see just how deeply this belief has shaped so much of my life.

It shaped the way I related to my body. To the world. To my healing journey. To the way I worked. The way I made decisions. The way I thought about my future. It shaped everything.

Simply put: I became a project for myself.

I genuinely believed that if I could just find the right cleanse, the right detox protocol, the right supplement, the right nervous system practice, the right therapist, the right partner, the right career, or the right piece of information…

I would eventually heal everything within me that felt broken.

And thank God, I am beginning to slowly release that belief.

Inside this post, we’re going to explore…

• How believing I wasn’t enough shaped my entire healing journey

• Why I’m starting to question the entire premise of becoming a better version of myself

• What this current season of my life is teaching me about joy, self care, and simply being a human

• The difference between endlessly trying to fix myself and my body vs. learning how to be with her

• Why I no longer believe there was ever anything fundamentally broken about me

• What I think it really means to come home to yourself

If you’ve ever felt like you need to heal one more thing, understand one more pattern, or become one more version of yourself before you can finally feel safe in your own life…

I think this post will really resonate with you 🤍

Becoming a paid subscriber gives you access to the full post below, plus all of my deeper personal essays and reflections on wellness, mental health, identity, womanhood, and awakening your inner wisdom 💫

The rest of this post continues below for the Sacred Sisterhood (my paid subscriber community) 👯‍♀️💕💫

I learned very early on that I needed to become someone else

I’ve shared pieces of this before here on Substack (especially when sharing about growing up as a child)…

The belief that I wasn’t enough has never been a subtle belief for me. It’s one of my deepest core wounds.

And if you’re reading this now, I have a feeling it may be one of your core wounds too 🤍

I learned very early on as a child that I couldn’t trust that I was inherently enough as I was. Instead, I internalized the belief that I needed to be better, different, easier, quieter, smarter, more deserving, and somehow more worthy, in order to feel safe and loved.

It was there in the way I looked at myself. In the way I thought about myself. In the way I thought about others and the world around me.

It was there in the way I questioned my own wants, beliefs, and choices. In the way I thought about my relationships and my work. And in the way I was constantly looking for the thing I needed to fix and change in order to finally feel safe, loved, and just, okay.

And I think when you grow up with that belief so strongly embedded inside of you, self improvement can really feel like survival.

Read more

Birthdays have always felt like a time for me to reflect.

Maybe it’s because my birthday is exactly halfway through the year. Or maybe it’s because I’m a Cancer ♋️ and it’s in our nature to reflect on the past…

Either way, birthdays are a time where I naturally feel invited to pause. To look backward, before I look ahead.

This morning as I sat in my somatic practice, my thoughts drifted to one of those questions we as humans have been asking ourselves for centuries…

What is the meaning of all of this?

Not in an existential, “nothing matters” kind of way. More along the lines of: What is the true meaning of life, and why are we here?

Before sitting down to write this post, I thought about posting a trendy birthday post, like: “38 things I’ve learned in 38 years.”

But if I’m being honest…

I didn’t have the desire (or want to spend my energy) coming up with thirty-eight life lessons. That sounds mentally and emotionally exhausting to me 😅

But more importantly, it didn’t feel true to where I’m at right now.

Because if I were to distill this season of my life into one realization, it wouldn’t be thirty-eight separate thoughts.

It would simply be this:

I’ve spent most of my life trying to become someone. And lately, I’m beginning to wonder if life was never asking that of me (or of humanity) in the first place.

The way my definition of purpose has changed over the years

If you had asked me ten years ago what the purpose of life was, I would have given you a very different answer than I would today.

I always thought the ultimate goal in life was to find my calling.

To find the right relationship. To find a career that brought me financial freedom and success. To build a successful business. To heal my body. To heal my nervous system. To become the healthiest and most emotionally regulated version of myself possible. And then eventually, to help other women find healing.

And while none of those goals were wrong, per say…

In my 38th year of life, I started to notice something brewing underneath the surface of those pursuits. Which was that somewhere along the way, I started believing that fulfillment and purpose lived on the other side of becoming.

That once I had learned enough. Found the right partner. Started the right career path. Made a name for myself. Built the right life. Healed enough. Regulated my nervous system enough. And helped others enough…

I’d finally arrive. I’d finally feel fulfilled. At peace. And living in my purpose.

Maybe you’ve felt that way too?

It’s such an easy trap to fall into since our world rewards becoming.

Become more productive. More successful. More attractive. More spiritual. More healed. Become the best version of yourself.

We’re constantly reaching toward the next version of who we think we’re supposed to be.

And while growth is such a beautiful part of being human, I’ve started wondering if we’ve confused growth with worthiness.

Somewhere along the way, we learned to abandon ourselves

I don’t think we’re born believing we’re broken. I think we’re born deeply connected to ourselves.

As infants, we innately cry when we’re sad. We laugh when we feel happy. We rest when we’re tired. We know when we’re hungry. We relieve ourselves when nature calls. We’re very tapped into our natural instincts to simply be and exist.

But somewhere along the way, we lose that sense of connection. For many of us, life begins to teach us that belonging often comes with conditions.

We learn which emotions are acceptable. Which parts of ourselves receive praise. Which parts are “too much.” Which part should be kept hidden.

I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that from a very young age, I learned how to pay close attention to the people around me.

I became incredibly aware of what made others comfortable and what didn’t. I learned to read the room before I learned to read myself. I learned to anticipate other people’s emotions and needs and abandon my own.

Looking back now, I don’t think I consciously decided to leave myself behind. I don’t think any of us do. I think it happens gradually.

Little by little, many of us begin abandoning pieces of ourselves in exchange for love, connection, approval, safety, or belonging (or all of the above).

We become experts at performing versions of ourselves that feel more acceptable than the truth. We become the achiever because achievement earns praise. We become the caretaker because being needed feels safer than having needs of our own. We become the perfectionist because mistakes feel dangerous. We become the people pleaser because we can’t bear other people’s disappointment.

And some of us become endlessly committed to self-improvement because somewhere deep inside we’ve come to believe that if we can just become wiser, healthier, more successful, more healed…we’ll finally deserve the peace we’ve been searching for.

I know that version of myself well.

And as painful as it is to sit with her, in many ways, I’m thankful for her. She got me here. She helped me survive. And I’ve learned to love her deeply.

But there’s also a part of me (a big part) that is utterly exhausted by her at times. Because no matter what she has accomplished, there always seems to be another finish line waiting.

Maybe the deepest form of purpose isn’t becoming…

If you’ve been here for a while, you’ve watched my own definition of purpose evolve in real time.

A few years ago, when I was working as a Holistic Health Practitioner, I would have told you my purpose was helping people find healing.

But then my world cracked open when I experienced my darkest night of the soul yet. My miscarriage. The constant anxiety and panic attacks. The physical symptoms that made me question everything I thought I knew about health.

Then I let go of an identity I had built for years by closing the doors to my 1:1 practice. I realized that healing wasn’t something I could think my way through. And it wasn’t something I could create for anyone else (like for my clients).

At first, I thought I was just changing career paths. But now I think something much deeper has been happening for me…

The more time I’ve spent learning to listen to my body instead of trying to outthink her, the more I’ve realized that embodiment isn’t about becoming someone entirely new or the next version of ourselves.

It’s about remembering the person who you’ve always been. The person who was there before life convinced you to leave yourself behind.

It’s about coming home to yourself. Not who you think you should be or who you need to be, but who you truly are underneath all the conditioning.

That’s what the meaning of life has come to mean for me…

It’s about coming home to yourself. But what does that actually mean?

It’s not about perfection. Or constant peace. Or having everything figured out.

It doesn’t mean you’ve stopped feeling anxious. It doesn’t mean you’ve healed every symptom or that your nervous system is perfectly regulated. And it doesn’t mean you never question yourself again.

It means inhabiting your own life again. Trusting your body’s innate wisdom. Making room for grief, symptoms, and discomfort, without believing you’re broken or immediately trying to fix them. Feeling joy without needing to earn it or waiting for the other shoe to drop. Allowing uncertainty without rushing to control or change it. Being with what is.

It means recognizing that your worth doesn’t rise and fall with productivity, healing, or even purpose.

And more than anything, it means belonging to yourself.

The beautiful thing about “coming home” is that it isn’t something you achieve, or somewhere outside of yourself that you go to. It’s somewhere you return to. Again. And again. And again.

This doesn’t mean we stop doing

I’m not trying to say that the point of life is to stop creating, dreaming, building, or growing. That’s not my message here at all.

I think we’re here to do and create beautiful things. To build businesses and careers that feel aligned. To raise children. To travel. To write. To dance. To heal. To laugh. To love deeply. And to experience this messy, miraculous human life as fully as we possibly can.

The doing isn’t the problem.

The question is: where is our doing coming from?

Are we creating because we’re trying to become worthy? Or are we creating because it’s a natural expression of who we already are?

Those are two completely different ways of living. One is driven by striving. The other is rooted in wholeness.

One says, “when I finally get there, then I’ll be enough.” The other says, “I already belong to myself, therefore, I’m free to create from that place.”

The external actions might look exactly the same. But internally, they’re worlds apart.

My current theory…

Have I figured out the meaning of life after thirty-eight years?

Definitely not 😅

But if I have a theory as of right now, it’s this…

I don’t think we’re here to spend our lives chasing the next version of ourselves.

I think we’re here to remember who we are underneath the conditioning, the striving, the doing, the fear, and the endless pressure to become.

Maybe the purpose of life isn’t to become someone at all. Maybe it’s simply to come home. To yourself. To your body. To your beliefs. To your truth. To the parts of you that have been patiently waiting for your return.

And maybe everything else (our careers, relationships, healing journeys, creative work, celebrations, and losses) are simply different roads leading us back to that same place.

So today, on my birthday, I’m not asking myself who I need to become this year. I’m asking myself: How can I come home to myself a little more deeply than I did last year?

Here’s to another year around the sun for me 🌞

And if you’re still reading this, maybe this is your invitation too. Not to become someone else. But to come home to the person you’ve been all along.

In love & being,

Chelsea

TBH I’m not a big summer lover. I much prefer the cool days and colors of fall 💛🤎🍁

But this summer has felt different so far.

Maybe it’s because we’re in a different environment (still loving living in Boise, ID!) 😍 Or maybe it’s because I started an SSRI in December 🤭

Either way, I’m actually enjoying summer so far!

It’s also my birthday month (if you know me, you know I’m a true cancer all the way!! ♋️) and for the first time in several years, I feel excited for it 🙌🏻 Do I have any other cancer friends here?!

This series is my unfiltered look back at each month.

The things that lit me up, brought me magic, and offered me medicine. And the things that didn’t — because part of sharing the unfiltered aspects of life means sharing the things that didn’t quite land, didn’t feel aligned, or that I just downright disliked.

It’s part reflection, part curated recommendation list, and part honest storytelling. Which in a nutshell is the way in which I love to share!

🎧 I also share a Somatic Practice recording to help you close out this month and step into the next — find it at the very end of this post!

PS: If you’re reading this via email: I suggest clicking the “Read in app” button at the very top of this post for a more ideal reading experience, or click the link at the bottom of the email that says “View entire message” — as this is an in depth post!

PPS: If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to (so you can join our community + never miss a post from me): Enter your email & tap the “subscribe” button below → from there you will have the option to learn more about each subscription type (Free or Paid) and choose the one that feels like the best fit for you!

Wellness

Supplements, gadgets, practices, rituals & routines, etc.

1 // Non-Toxic Allergy Support — I’m still not sure if I had a cold or virus of some sort or if I truly had allergies, but in the beginning of June I was on a struggle bus with allergy symptoms (this was after all, our first spring in Boise)! Coughing attacks, itchy/watery eyes, runny/stuffy nose, post nasal drip. These are the supports that carried me through!

I linked this nasal spray in my collection of supports above and swear by it!! I’ve tried a lot of nasal sprays, but this one works so well. It has saline + propolis + xylitol to really support allergies, sinus congestion, etc.

Mental Health

Somatics, nervous system practices, resources & tools, etc.

1 // Pregnenolone — It’s too early to tell but I started taking this supplement per the recommendation of my Functional Nurse Practitioner. My hormones have been imbalanced ever since having a miscarriage in 2023, and I personally believe that has played a big role in my mental health, as well as my physical health. Since starting this, I’m noticing a boost in my focus and mood. I’ll report back after I’ve taken it for a longer period of time!

Foodie Things

Recipes, restaurants, foods, ingredients, etc.

1 // Nourish Bowls — I’ve been really into bowls for lunch and dinner lately. AKA taking the prepped meal components in my fridge and throwing them into a bowl!

2 // My Obsession with The Our Place Wonder Oven & Always Pan — If you follow me on Instagram, you already know about my obsession with this multi-use air fryer and matching non-stick pan. It’s so pretty and aesthetic on my counter 😍, it can air fry, roast, toast, bake, and reheat without using the microwave. It’s way faster than the regular oven and it’s non-toxic!!

I purchased the Wonder Oven and fell in love with it so much that my in-laws got us the matching non-stick pan as a housewarming gift. If you like to cook, want to simplify your meal prep routine, and want to use non-toxic products, these are a must!!

3 // Air Fried Crispy Chickpeas — I shared this recipe over on Instagram this month because I’m obsessed with them! They elevate your salads, nourish bowls, and are even good as a snack right out of your hand.

4 // Soft Serve Without Junk Ingredients — I found the cutest soft serve ice cream spot that makes real soft serve without artificial colors/flavors, processed sugars, or seed oils. They even have dairy-free/vegan options and dye-free sprinkles!! If you’re local in Boise, check out Soft Landing!

Home

Decor, projects, cleaning, and little touches that brought peace & joy to my home

1 // Making Our House a Home — I’ve really been enjoying decorating and started sharing several of my decor finds on my Instagram and ShopMy since several of you asked for links! You can shop my home right here — it’s all organized for you by room 🏠

2 // Non-Toxic Dishwasher Tablets — I tried out these new-to-me non-toxic dishwasher tabs this month and loved them! I also paired it with this non-toxic rinse aid since we have very hard water in Boise.

Fashion

Clothes, shoes, accessories, etc.

1 // Mom Jeans & Straight Jeans — I’m a skinny jean girl all the way, but I finally started embracing this trend after a lot of reluctance. I’m happy to report that I actually love them! These are my favorite pair I own, followed by these, and these.

2 // Cropped Tee-Shirts — I’ve also been really into these cropped tees I found on Amazon. I have them in so many colors. They’re the perfect softness and I love the sleeve length. PS: They’re already a great price, but as of right now, it looks like they’re on sale!

3 // Thrifting — This may just be a new hobby of mine! I love grabbing a decaf coffee and walking around a thrift shop on the weekend now. I found a great pair of Abercrombie jeans for $10 this month.

Beauty

Skincare, makeup, etc.

1 // Badger Daily Mineral Sunscreen — Last year I tried out Primally Pure’s sunscreen, and while I did like that one, I didn’t honestly like how challenging it can be to squeeze out of the tube. So this year I wanted to try something different. I am loving this one from Badger. It’s very light, not greasy, super clean, and doesn’t leave a white cast or irritate my sensitive skin. They also make it in a face version.

Entertainment & Learning

Books, podcasts, shows, movies, music, Substack & social posts, etc.

1 // The Testaments — I loved The Handmaid’s Tale and I really love this new sequel. It can be hard to watch at times, but it’s so well written and such a captivating story/acting.

2 // Off Campus — Obsessed. This show gave me all the college love story vibes, and it’s a little (ok, maybe a lot) spicy 🌶️

Experiences & Lessons

Activities/things I did, learned, and explored

1 // Town & Country Market — I found the cutest new country market! I loved the nostalgic feel it had with local vendors, farm fresh produce, raw milk, eggs, pasture raised meats, local honey, fresh breads, a flour mill, and a bevy bar. Highly recommend if you’re local in Boise. I shared a reel all about it on Instagram if you want to check it out!

2 // I Finally Got My Hair Done — It’s been over a year since I’ve had my hair done in the salon, so it was time! I shared in my last recap that since starting an SSRI, I feel like I’m feeling the capacity to step back into the world again and it feels so good!! I can’t even tell you how nice it was to get my hair done, in a salon, with lots of bright lights/noise/people and to feel in my body and at peace vs. overstimulated and panicked. See my new hair reveal here! 💇‍♀️

3 // Puppy Yoga — You guys. This was soooo fun!! And honestly so therapeutic. A new friend of mine who I met in my neighborhood (look at me meeting friends IRL!!) invited me to go with her and we had such a great time.

4 // I’m Starting a New Job!! — This is a big one and one that I’m really excited about! I accepted a freelance writer position with a dream female-owned brand 🥳 I’ll be drafting a weekly wellness article for her website so it will be a consistent opportunity, which is great, but it has the flexibility of a freelance role, which will be a great way to dip my toe in.

Since closing down my 1:1 holistic health practice this year, I’ve been enjoying having the time and space to pour into myself and my little family, and to share here on Substack & Instagram! But I’ve also been craving an opportunity to step further into my writing career. If you’ve been a part of my community here on Substack for a while, you know writing is such a deep love of mine.

I didn’t go looking for this opportunity, I just happened to stumble upon it, and I’m so glad I did because it feels so aligned 🙌🏻 I personally feel like it’s proof that when you close doors that are no longer serving you (no matter how hard they can be to close), God/the Universe opens the next door you’re meant to walk through 💫

Things I Didn’t Love

The real tea on the things that didn’t land for me, didn’t feel aligned, or that I downright disliked

1 // Million Dollar Nannies — I tried to get into this new reality show but after the first 20 minutes, I had to turn it off. I love trashy reality TV, but I thought this was just way too overdone/fake TBH.

Somatic Practice: Closing One Month & Opening the Next

I invite you to take a moment to pause and connect inward with your body.

I created a gentle somatic practice to support you at the threshold between one month and the next — a soft moment to honor what you’ve lived, what you’ve carried, and what your body may still be holding.

Let this be your grounding breath before stepping into a new beginning.

Listen to it below ↴ And let me know how it feels for you in the comments!

How was your June?

What sparked joy, brought magic, and offered you medicine this month (and what didn’t)?!

Leave a comment below to share with me and within our community 👯‍♀️💕

Leave a comment

I hope you have a beautiful July! PS: It’s my birthday month!! ☺️🎂

In love & being,

Chelsea

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support by using my links — it helps me continue sharing resources with you and pouring into this space with my full heart.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This information does not provide medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition under any circumstances. I am not a doctor or therapist and should not be construed as one. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

Don’t get me wrong — I love a good deal.

But before I dive into my favorite picks from this year’s sale (I’ll be highlighting my favorites below 👀)…

I want to share something I think is really important when it comes to shopping sales…

If you want to step into this year’s sales feeling regulated AF…

Big sales like Prime Day can sometimes pull us outside of ourselves and out of our body.

From the fear of missing out to the pressure of countdown timers. It can definitely activate the nervous system — especially if you’re someone who’s healing from chronic stress, anxiety, trauma, or people pleasing.

So before you start scrolling the sales this week, I want to invite you to try something different…

First, pause. Take a deep breath. Close your eyes if that feels good for you. Place a hand over your heart or somewhere that helps you feel connected to your body.

And remind yourself that you don’t have to shop from a place of urgency, hypervigilance, or scarcity. You don’t have to buy something because you’re afraid you’ll miss your chance. You don’t have to earn your worth through productivity or convince yourself you’re “saving money” if it’s something you don’t actually want or need.

If you find something that will genuinely support your life, bring you joy, or make your days a little easier — add it to your cart from a place of intention. From a place of abundance. From a place of feeling grounded in yourself rather than swept up in the rush.

And if you do decide to partake in Prime Sales this year…

It would mean the world to me if you use my links! I’ve spent a lot of time curating my favorites for you and I do earn a tiny bit of commission from purchases made through my links 🤍

Now, onto my favorite finds…

These are just a few of my favorites highlighted below. For my full list, click here! I’ll also continue adding to this list throughout the week as deals come up.

Shop All My Prime Deal Picks!

Wellness, Detox & Movement

Meditation Pillow // This is in my cart right now! I love the neutral aesthetic color and have been wanting to add a meditation pillow to my somatic practice set up.

Magnesium Bath Flakes // These are the simplest low cost multi-use tool to keep in your bathroom and they’re 39% off right now! There are lots of brands out there, but this one is superior IMO. I’ve used them for years. They’re a ride or die fave for supporting detoxification, sleep, the nervous system, and soothing tension/pain.

Oura Ring // I’ve had an Oura ring for over a year now and have really enjoyed it. It’s on an amazing 51% off deal as of right now! I love the insights it provides into my stress, sleep, and hormonal patterns. It’s great for tracking your cycle and knowing when you’re ovulating (when you’re fertile)!

Vibration Plate // Such a great tool for supporting your lymphatic system. This is the exact one I have at home.

Squatty Potty // If you aren’t pooping with a squatty potty yet, what are you even doing?? It helps your body get into a more natural position to have better bowel movements. Such a great support for constipation too!

Mind Your Body by Nicole Sachs // I’ve talked about my experience with JournalSpeak in a couple of posts here on Substack, like this one. Nicole Sachs is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the creator of JournalSpeak, an expressive writing practice designed to allow repressed emotions and stored trauma to safely rise.

Castor Oil + My Fave Castor Oil Pack // Castor oil is my must-have product for supporting detoxification, hormones, skin, hair, and liver cleansing. My fave brand of oil is on sale at 32% off and my fave super affordable pack is also on sale!

Beekeeper’s Naturals Superfood Honey // I love keeping this on hand in our pantry. Not only does it taste delicious, but it’s truly a medicinal honey. Filled with propolis, royal jelly, and bee pollen for lots of antihistamine and nutrient benefits.

TheraGun // I swear by this for relieving pain and muscle tension! My husband loves it as well.

Acupressure Mat // I’ve had this exact acupressure mat for years now and it still works like a charm for neck, back, and shoulder pain, as well as supporting my nervous system. I love laying on it before bed or while meditating.

Self Care, Beauty & Makeup

Organic Cotton Rounds // I love these for removing makeup!! They’re 100% pure GOTS certified organic and great for sensitive eyes and skin.

Rahua Hydration Detangler + UV Barrier Leave-In-Spray // I haven’t tried Rahua yet but I’ve been wanting to once my current products run out. My hair would love this detangling spray and it’s 40% off right now!

Rahua Classic Shampoo // Rahua shampoo is also on my list of products to try out. I love the ingredients, love that it’s infused with palo santo (one of my fave scents), and have heard great things!

Ilia Eyeshadow Palette // I love that these shadows are low tox, talc-free, and highly pigemented.

Low Tox Self Tanning Lotion // This is a really clean self tanning option. I’ve been using it for years and love that it’s easy to use, stays on, and doesn’t have gross ingredients.

Dazzle Dry Starter Kit // I love this low tox nail polish! It lasts so long without chipping and keeps your nails healthy.

DIME Mineral Face Sunscreen // I haven’t personally tried this yet, but it’s been in my Amazon list for a while. It’s low tox, SPF 30, and is supposed to be non-greasy and not make you break out.

100% Pure Eye Shadow // I’ve used these eye shadows for years. As a former MAC girlie, I love the way these look/feel and love that they’re low tox, made with fruit pigment. Gilded and Cinnaban are my fave colors.

Shark RapidGloss Hair Dryer // I loath blow drying my hair. Like absolutely loath it. This has been on my wish list for a while. It’s supposed to dry hair really quickly and not cause heat damage, it’s light weight, and will look aesthetic in your bathroom 😍

Boka Fluoride Free Toothpaste // My fave toothpaste! I love the minty flavor. It’s made with the cleanest ingredients and it’s on sale for 20% off. I’ll be stocking up!

Thermal Brush // I’m obsessed with this thermal brush. As someone with super wavy and course hair, it helps me get a smooth blow out look without the blow out. Super easy to use and 37% off!

Whitening Strips // These strips are low tox and don’t make your teeth feel sensitive like other whitening strips can. So great for a summer glow up and 36% off!

OSEA Salt Scrub // Perfect for using before self tanning or any time you want to give your skin a glow. I love that it’s made from mineral salts!

Saie Foundation Brush // I’ve been wanting to try out this brush for foundation and blending. It’s supposed to have super soft bristles and be really great for blending liquid foundations or skin tints.

Home Decor & Furniture

Faux Sheep Skin Rug // I adore this rug! It adds the dreamiest aesthetic. It’s probably not low-tox but I don’t care because I love it and it brings me joy. I have one in our bedroom and love feeling the fur on my feet in the morning (it helps me come back into the present moment after sleeping) + one in my office that I love to sit and meditate on.

Farmhouse Wood Bench // This is in my cart right now. I’ve been wanting a farmhouse style wooden bench (they’re so in right now) and this is it! I love that it’s real wood and 28% off right now!

Linen Duvet Cover // Natural fibers like linen are in right now and they’re low tox. This one is 100% linen and on such a great sale!

Faux Olive Tree with Planter // I love faux olive trees. I have two in our home right now! This one is 6ft, has great reviews, comes in a neutral colored planter, and is 32% off.

Neutral Ceramic Lamp // This lamp is stunning and comes in several neutral colors.

Aesthetic Ergonomic Office Chair // I’ve had this in my wish list for a while. It’s so aesthetic, super plush, and is supposed to be nice and comfy for working and lounging at your desk.

Vintage Gold Mirror // These are so in right now and this one is beautiful!

Linen Fringe Throw Pillows // These are so cute with a farmhouse boho vibe, come in lots of colors and sizes, and are on sale for 41% off!

Storage Ottoman Set // I love these!! The neutral color and fluting is gorgeous and love the storage option too!

Bamboo Sheet Set // If you haven’t tried bamboo sheets yet, you absolutely need to. They’re so great for regulating temperature (amazing for hot sleepers or if you get night sweats or hot flashes), they’re beautiful, and so soooo soft.

Real Wood Console Table // How gorgeous is this?! Would be so pretty behind your couch or in your entryway.

Light Filtering Linen Curtains // If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably seen me share these. They’re featured in this reel of my bedroom decor 😍 I’m obsessed with them and have them in several rooms of our home! The way they filter in the light is so gorgeous and they’re on sale right now for 36% off!!

Faux Fur Bubble Blanket // I love these bubble blankets. They’re so snuggly and aesthetic. Available in multiple colors and sizes and on sale for 38% off!

Non-Toxic Kitchen Favorites

Teak Wooden Utensils // Such a great upgrade for you non-toxic kitchen! I love that these are made out of teak wood, they’re really pretty, and they’re on sale for 37% off!

Our Place Wonder Oven // This air fryer is non-toxic and it’s so aesthetic on your counter. Along with air frying, it also roasts, toasts, broils, bakes, and even reheats without the microwave. It’s so much faster and easier than using the oven. If you follow me on Instagram, you know I’m obsessed with it and use it daily!

Our Place Always Pan // The matching non-toxic 10-in-1 ceramic nonstick pan is also on sale!! The nonstick is next level, it’s so easy to clean, and it’s made without PFAS, forever chemicals, or microplastics. Available in lots of cute colors and sizes.

Bamboo Cutting Board Set // Such a steal for this non-toxic cutting board set! This one also has amazing reviews.

Organic Cotton Flour Sack Kitchen Towels // I’ve had these for years and love them. They hold up amazingly well, are made of organic cotton, and are super absorbant for drying dishes/hands.

Lodge Cast Iron Dutch Oven // This is a great deal on a cast iron dutch oven and it’s such an aesthetic color!

Ceramic Dish Set for 8 // My in-laws just gifted us these as a house warming present and I love them!! They’re so pretty, I love the lip on the edges of the plates, and they’re durable and dishwasher/microwave safe + $100 for a 24 piece set is such a steal!!

Stainless Steel Baking Sheet Set // Ditch your coated nonstick baking sheets and opt for these stainless steel ones (Pro Tip: I just add a sheet of parchment paper for easy low tox clean up).

Instant Pot Duo // This is one of those things I feel like I couldn’t live without. I use mine so much for cooking and meal prep and it’s 41% off right now!!

Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker // I don’t own this, but how cool would it be (and cheaper than store bought or ice cream out) to make your own ice cream at home?! You can even make dairy free or protein ice cream with this!

Stone Dish Drying Mat // If you don’t have one of these yet, you need it. This is the best dish drying mat I’ve ever used. It’s super absorbent (keeps your containers from pooling water and prevents water stains and mold), it’s encased in silicone to protect your dishes and counter, and it’s beautiful!

Aesthetic Knife Set // These are so pretty and 37% off!

Ribbed Silicone Oven Mitt Set // These are just so pretty on my kitchen counter and they’re 66% off right now!!

KitchenAid Stand Mixer // What a steal on this mixer at 40% off!! And in such an aesthetic color?! Yes, please 😍

Non-Toxic Home Maintenance & Cleaning

Disinfectant Fogger // Another item I’ve had on my wish list. This little machine is a sanitizing sprayer that you can add any cleaner into. I highly suggest adding Force of Nature cleaner inside (also on a major sale and highlighted in the list below)!

Molly’s Suds Oxygen Whitener // Has a great lemon essential oil scent and gets your whites brighter without the toxins!

Bissell Little Green Machine // If you have kids and/or pets, you need this little machine. It’s a game changer for cleaning your couches, carpets, your car, etc. I like to fill it with this non-toxic carpet cleaner, also on sale right now!

Non-Toxic Dishwasher Tabs // I love these dishwasher tabs! They’re non-toxic and plastic free and on a great deal at 30% off!

Shark Robot Vacuum // I’ve had my eye on this for a while and it’s 44% off right now! Think of how much time you will save and how much cleaner your home will be with this little guy?!

Moisture Hanging Bags // If you want to prevent mold growth and moisture build up in your home, you need these little contraptions! You hang them up in your closets, bathrooms, and anywhere you want to suck up moisture in the air. You’d be amazed how much moisture they actually do suck up!!

Water Leak Detectors // These are a must if you want to be aware of leaks and prevent mold growth in your home! We added them to our crawl space and placed behind our washer machine, under our sinks, and near the refrigerator too. On sale for 27% off!

Mattress Vacuum // I’ve been wanting one of these. A designated vacuum for cleaning your mattress is such a smart way to prevent dust. It has a HEPA filter and also has a UV light to remove dust mites and skin flakes 🤢

Levoit Air Purifier // I love this Levoit brand for a more cost friendly but still high quality version (we do also have Air Doctors which were a splurge).

Microfiber Cloths // These cloths are an absolute must, especially if you have allergies or want to keep your home mold + dust free. They come in a package of 50!! They’re reusable (just wash in the washer machine) and are sooo good at trapping dust.

Shark Cordless Vacuum // I love this stick vac!! It has a HEPA filter and does such an amazing job picking up pet hair (and human hair too). It’s currently 43% off!! This Dyson Cordless Vacuum is also on a major sale at 31% off!

Baseboard Cleaning Tool // I purchased this recently and it’s been a game changer for my cleaning routine. Getting down on your hands and knees to dust your baseboards is such a chore, but not with this! So easy for cleaning dust and preventing mold growth in your home (PSA: mold loves dust!).

Force of Nature Non-Toxic Cleaner // I love this cleaner. It is so clean, odor free, and safe for pets and kiddos. I use it to clean and disinfect our home and swear by it as a bleach alternative.

Clothes, Shoes & Accessories

My Fave Oversized T-Shirts // I live in these! Throw over some leggings or french tuck into jeans for a casual but put together look. They come in so many colors.

Jelly Flats // These are all in right now and are 37% off!

Cropped Pullover Fleece Quarter Zip // Obsessed. If you see me running errands or out walking, I’m likely wearing this quarter zip.

My Favorite No Underwire Comfy Bras // These are incredible. I have them in so many different styles and colors. They’re so comfy, keep the girls held up, and look seamless under your clothes. I have them in this pushup option. This full coverage option. This deep V option. And this strapless option.

Levi’s Jeans // Are on a major sale at around 50% off!! I love these 726 high rise flares and these ribcage jeans.

My Fave Cropped T-Shirts // I also live in these! They’re so soft, are the perfect crop with high rise jeans, and come in so many cute colors.

Adidas Slides // These are 41% off right now, are so comfy, and come in the prettiest colors (I love the neutral clay brown).

Linen Maxi Skirt // How cute is this and perfect for summer?! Lots of color options, I love the dusty rose the best.

Genuine Leather Flat Sandals // These are supposed to be really comfy and are so in for summer! I love the beige leather neutral color and the gold buckles are such a pretty touch.

Pointed Toe Mules // I just bought these and freaking love them!! They’re so cute with any style of jeans or pants. I have them in leopard (so cute!!) but they also come in solid colors (I love the blush pink and taupe options too).

Tank Top with Built in Bra // I just bought this shirt and love it. Best believe I added more colors to my cart now that it’s 39% off!! The perfect tank top, seamless design, with smooth padding so you don’t need a bra. I’ve been loving this for summer tucked into high rise jeans or maxi skirts.

Dad Sneakers // These are so in right now. I love this neutral pair!

Workout Set // Who doesn’t love a cute workout set (I love the ivory apricot color). Also cute for lounging around the house and 37% off!

For my full list of Prime Deal Favorites…

These were just a few of my favorites highlighted above. For my full list, click here! I’ll also continue adding to this list throughout the week as deals come up.

Shop All My Prime Deal Picks!

Happy Shopping!

In love & being,

Chelsea

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support by using my links — it helps me continue sharing resources with you and pouring into this space with my full heart.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This information does not provide medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition under any circumstances. I am not a doctor or therapist and should not be construed as one. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

I see you.

This is a love note from my heart to yours 🤍

Today might not feel like a celebration.

Instead, it might feel anything but.

It might feel tender, raw, heavy, or even numb.

If that’s where you are today, I see you.

And I want you to know…

You didn’t choose the absence. The emotional unavailability. The inconsistency. The harsh words. The criticism. The silence. The love that came with conditions. Or the love that never came at all, or that came too late.

But you survived.

Still, you long for safety. For truth. Connection. Protection. Presence. Trust. Peace. Love.

And maybe, for the very first time…

You’re learning to offer these things to yourself.

The father wound can leave deep imprints.

It touches…

Your sense of worth. Your capacity to feel safe. Your ability to trust, receive, and be held.

It’s not just in the past…

It lives within your body.

Held within your heart. Swirled around inside your gut. Stitched through your fascia. Mirrored in your cells. Coded into your DNA.

But here you are…

Sitting beside the younger parts of you that once had to carry far more than they ever should have. Showing up for yourself in ways no one ever showed up for you.

Reclaiming your power. Reparenting yourself with tenderness. Breaking cycles you didn’t create. Releasing stories that were never yours to hold.

And that is powerful. That is sacred. That is deeply healing.

From one woman navigating the father wound to another, I want you to know…

You are not broken. You are not too much. You are not alone. You are not unlovable. You are not stuck.

You are becoming the safe space your younger self longed for, but never had.

And that, my love, is everything.

Know that I’m honoring you today.

I’m holding space for your ache, your grief, and your reclaimation.

And I’m reminding you…

You get to make this day yours.

Maybe today looks like spending time with people who feel safe. Maybe it’s staying off social media. Maybe it’s crying. Maybe it’s laughing. Maybe it’s taking yourself somewhere beautiful that lights you up. Maybe it’s simply making it through the day.

Allow yourself to feel what you feel. Be who and where you are. Without pressure or performance. Just permission — to honor your truth and your needs.

And know: you are deeply seen, heard, loved, and supported from my little corner of the internet 🤍

Let’s change that…

I haven’t shared a monthly Unfiltered Recap since January, so I thought with spring now coming to an end (how did that happen?!), this would be a good time to recap what I’ve been up to the last couple of months!!

Life has felt really full lately. Not in a stressful or overwhelming way (well, there’s always some stress in life, right?), but in a cup runneth over with gratitude kind of way. And that feels so damn good. If you’re familiar with my journey navigating my mental health and starting an SSRI recently, you can understand why I’m so thankful for fullness in my life right now 🙏🏻

It feels like this…

Let’s dive into the recap…

I typically share my Unfiltered Recaps as more of a curated post with a look at all the things that lit me up, brought me magic, and offered me medicine — from wellness to foodie things, fashion, beauty, experiences and lessons, and everything in between!

But since it’s been a while — I thought I’d just freestyle write whatever drops into my heart to share with you 🤍

The biggest news…

We moved into our new home!!

After moving multiple times over the last couple of years (from Orange County, CA to San Diego, and then to Temecula), it feels so grounding to put down roots in Boise, ID.

We made the big move to Boise last fall after both my husband and I quit our jobs 😳 and realized we wanted to finally make our dream of moving to Idaho a reality. We put just about all our belongings in storage, and moved into in a fully furnished rental, while we decided if we wanted to permanently live here and call it home.

So much has happened since then, but needless to say, we fell in love with Boise! And now, we’re piece by piece beginning to rebuild our lives into something new.

We moved into our house (which already feels like home) at the beginning of May. Since then, we’ve been unpacking, organizing, and working on projects here and there to make it our own.

There’s a big yard for Olive to run around, a gorgeous tub in our master bath, the stone fireplace and mantel of my dreams (I can’t wait to hang Christmas garland from it 🎄), and the kitchen is right in the middle with a big open space for a farmhouse style table.

But those are just the materialistic things about it. What’s priceless is the way I feel here, and the way we feel here as a little family.

Just a couple of years ago when I was going through my darkest night of the soul yet, I really didn’t think I could keep going. And to be here now, with my heart feeling so full, and my mind/body feeling so at peace and grounded in a way I’ve never felt in my entire life — I’m just forever thankful in a way I can’t even put into words.

If you’re into home decor, I’ve been sharing some behind the scenes of me decorating and creating cozy spaces over on Instagram.

Like these linen curtains I’m obsessed with 😍 I have them in our bedroom and my office. I love the way they filter in the light!

And the open fields just behind our house?! They’re STUNNING!! My nervous system feels so happy here.

The second biggest news…

I don’t have breast cancer, thank God!

If you’ve been following along here on Substack or over on my Instagram, you know I recently walked through a breast cancer scare.

I’m so incredibly thankful it turned out to be just that, a scare. But it still stirred so much within me 😮‍💨 In case you missed it, you can read more about my story on finding out I needed a diagnostic mammogram and biopsy here, and my story on receiving the results here.

While the results were benign, I’m definitely paying closer attention to supporting my breast health. Not in a hypervigilant way, but in a mindful way.

Some of the things I’ve been focused on have been eating more fiber, using castor oil packs on my breasts, and giving myself lymphatic drainage massages to support my lymphatic system and hopefully shrink down the very large cyst. The cyst is what first clued me into getting my breasts checked out in the first place.

One thing I’ve learned to love about the body is how it is always working on in our greatest and highest good — always letting us know when it needs support.

That’s exactly what my body did for me in this situation. She’s letting me know she needs my love and attention. And I’m listening 🤍

I also had a full functional health workup

Including lotssss of bloodwork (like 16 tubes!!) and a comprehensive gut health test with a functional nurse practitioner here in Boise.

I’m slowly starting a supplement protocol (you know I’m sensitive AF to new things so slow and steady wins the race for me 😅) to support some depleted nutrients and specific things my body is asking for, and it feels really good to be focusing on myself and my own health.

I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease in 2011, so I have lots of experience with completing stool tests (spoiler alert: they’re never fun 💩), but I’m really looking forward to going over the results of this one once they’re in! It should be the most comprehensive gut test I’ve done so far.

The thing I’m personally most excited about…

I’ve been living vs. just surviving

Like I shared above, and like I’ve shared in so many Substack posts, I honestly didn’t think I would make it here.

I mean, to just be here.

That’s the kind of deep hole of grief I had fallen into.

But you know what I’m learning and accepting? That I had to fall into that hole.

I had to fall completely down. All the way to the very cold, hard bottom of that pit of grief. And I had to stay there for as long as I needed. And sometimes, still, I go there. That’s how grief is. It greets you at times when you least expect it, and as if it was as fresh as the moment you first grieved it. But it’s in that deep hole that the healing happens. That the rebirth happens. That the recalibration happens.

I needed to go through those months years of pure grief. I needed to really let myself feel it and show myself that I could survive through it, in order to be here now — living.

But damn, does living feel so good.

I feel like I can honestly say that I’m beginning to experience life as a woman truly living it, vs. barely getting by and surviving it.

I think for the first time, ever. And that is something I’m so fucking proud of. So thankful for. So blessed to be able to say.

What living has looked like for me lately…

Eating lots of yummy food 😋

Going out on actual dates with my Hubby!! Not pictured because we were too present 😘 but we’ve been eating out (this is big for me!), going out to bars for mocktails, and visiting local spots around our town like coffee shops, the cutest bookstores, and thrift shops. It’s been so healing!!

Meeting girlfriends for coffee dates and Greenbelt walks 👯‍♀️

Wearing real clothes instead of sweats 😍

Celebrating glimmers like these gorgeous flowers from a friend ✨

Enjoying sweet treats 🍦 This vegan soft serve with dye-free sprinkles was insanely good!!

That’s my recap of the spring season

Thank you for being here. For walking alongside me on my journey. And for allowing me to be a part of yours 🤍

I’m so excited to have more space to write (one of my greatest loves, as you know) now that we’re settled into our new home. Because let’s be honest, moving is stressful AF, no matter how excited you are for the move!!

Stay tuned for more deep dives, behind the veil reflections, and somatic practice recordings (I share one each month with my Sacred Sisterhood paid subscriber community 👯‍♀️💕💫) here on Substack!

For the cost of a monthly latte, you can unlock the full Unfiltered experience – monthly somatic practice recordings 🎧, access to our Sacred Sisterhood Community 👯‍♀️, and in-depth posts on wellness, mental health, womanhood, and awakening your inner wisdom!

Subscribe now

And in case you’re new here (welcome 🫶🏻), here are a few of my most popular Substack posts for you to binge ↴

In love & being,

Chelsea

A racing mind you can’t seem to slow down. A tightness in your chest, belly, jaw, or neck. Or a subtle (or not so subtle) feeling of being disconnected from yourself — like you’re here, but not fully in your body. Or maybe, all of the above!

And in these moments, it’s so natural to want to reach for something outside of yourself.

The desire to want to look for assurance. For reassurance. For something to soothe the discomfort or to make the feeling of tension or uncertainty go away.

When I find myself in this pattern of dissociation — this looks like reaching for my phone and getting stuck in a doom scroll 🙄. It also looks like over consuming information (searching for answers or solutions) and trying to figure everything out in my mind.

And that’s not bad or wrong. But I promise you, it’s adding to your feeling of overwhelm.

We’ve been conditioned to believe that relief lives out there somewhere…

But more often than not, the medicine isn’t outside of you. It’s within you.

It’s in the moment where you pause. Where you turn inward instead of outward. Where you lovingly come back into your body and begin to listen to what she has to say.

Because underneath the overwhelm…
Underneath the sense of anxiety or the disconnection…

There are parts of you that are asking to be felt. To be seen. To be supported.

This is what somatic embodiment is here for. Not to fix you or to force anything to change. But to help you cultivate a sense of safety within yourself.

To create a space where your body feels safe enough to soften. Safe enough to express. Safe enough to be exactly as she is.

Key word: create

For many of us, this feeling of safety within our body and within ourselves is not innate. It’s something we must learn to cultivate.

This is the practice of somatic work. It’s how you begin to build trust with yourself. And how you begin to feel more grounded, more connected, more home within your own body.

What is Somatic Embodiment?

Somatic embodiment is the art of coming back into relationship with your body.

It’s the shift from trying to understand yourself through thought, analysis, or fixing — and instead learning to listen through sensation, emotion, impulse, and the language of your nervous system.

So many of us were taught to live from the neck up — to think within our minds vs. feel within our bodies.

To think our way through discomfort.
To override signals.
To push past what our bodies are asking for.

Somatic work invites something different.

Somatic embodiment asks…

What am I feeling right now?
Where do I feel it in my body?
What happens when I stay with it — without trying to change it?

Contrary to what you may have seen on social media — somatic embodiment practices are not about forcing big emotional releases.

They’re not about forcing anything, for that matter.

They’re about creating enough internal safety for your system to soften on its own.

For your body to no longer feel like something you have to manage — but something you can be in relationship with.

Over time, this work helps rebuild trust within your self. So that regulation, rest, and self connection are no longer something you have to reach for outside of yourself — but something your body begins to remember how to return to.

A Closer Look At My Professional Experience In Somatics…

I consider myself a Somatic Intuitive 💫

My work lives at the intersection of somatic facilitation, nervous system attunement, body-based transformation, and embodied emotional healing.

I understand how the body holds stress, emotions, trauma, and lived experience — not just as concepts, but as sensation, patterns, and energy that can be felt and worked with directly.

And beyond my formal training, I also have a deep intuitive attunement to sense what a woman’s system is asking for beneath the surface — often before she has words for it.

In my work, I am listening not only to what is being said, but to what the body is communicating underneath it. To what is tight, guarded, overwhelmed, under-resourced, or trying to hold everything together.

I also attune to collective patterns — the shared nervous system experiences that so many women are moving through at once — and translate those into somatic practices that meet what is alive in real time.

This is often how my guided somatic practices here on Substack are born. Not from theory — but from listening.

My work isn’t about fixing, analyzing, or forcing change. It’s about helping women slow down enough to come home to themselves again.

To feel.
To soften into safety.
To listen to their bodies.
And to trust the wisdom that already lives within them 🕊️

Simply put…

I act as a mirror for women by meeting them with deep attunement and presence, allowing their own body and truth to come into focus without force 🪞

About this somatic practice…

This somatic practice is here for the moments when you need to come back to yourself — when life feels overwhelming, when emotions feel intense or confusing, or when you simply desire to reconnect with your body’s inner wisdom.

You can return to this practice whenever you’re feeling ungrounded, emotionally disconnected, stuck in your head, or unsure of what you need. It’s also a beautiful ritual to lean into regularly as a way to check in with your body, release judgement, and listen deeply.

Whether you’re navigating a tender moment, craving connection, or wanting to lovingly meet yourself right where you are — this practice is here to hold you. Let it be a homecoming 💫

This 10 minute guided somatic practice is designed to support you when…

• You’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally flooded

• You’re navigating intense or confusing emotions and/or physical sensations

• You feel disconnected from your body or stuck in your head

• You’re unsure of what you need, but know something feels off

• Your body feels tight, restless, or on edge

• You want to build a deeper, more trusting relationship with your body

• You simply desire a moment to slow down, pause, and be with yourself

Inside, you’ll be guided through…

• Grounding into the present moment and anchoring into your body

• Gentle touch and intuitive self-soothing

• Breathwork to support regulation and softening

• A body scan to notice sensations with curiosity and compassion, without judgement

• Tuning into your body’s inner wisdom and exploring what your body needs — and how to honor it

• Returning to yourself with presence, gentleness, and trust

This somatic practice recording is available for the Sacred Sisterhood (my paid subscriber community) 👯‍♀️💕💫

Reminder: Sacred Sisterhood Members receive a once monthly somatic practice recording (just like this one) as part of your membership!

If you’re feeling called to go deeper into embodiment, nervous system regulation, and being gently held through this work — I would love to welcome you inside.

For the cost of a monthly latte, you can unlock the full Unfiltered experience – monthly somatic practice recordings 🎧, access to our Sacred Sisterhood Community 👯‍♀️, and in-depth posts on wellness, mental health, womanhood, and awakening your inner wisdom 💫

✨Pro Tip: Bookmark this post (or pin to your Pinterest board)!

So you can return to this practice whenever you feel called 🕊️

Read more

Can you feel it too?!

There’s a subtle shift that begins to stir. A soft awakening all around and within.

You can see it in the trees and flowers beginning to sprout, the grass beginning to shift its hue to a bright shade of green, birds and bugs out and about.

You can feel it in the air. In the cool, crisp breeze, mixed with the warmth from the sun peaking through the rain clouds.

And if you’re tuned into your own internal wisdom, you can sense something stirring within you as well…

After the stillness of winter (the slowing down, the inward “hermit” energy as I lovingly like to call it, and the heaviness winter can often bring) — something begins to rise.

That something is the spring season gracing us with her presence ☀️☔️🌷🐝

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine…

Spring is the season where the body begins to emerge from its hibernation stage and shift into a phase of new beginnings, growth, and movement.

It’s also the season connected to the liver and gallbladder — two of the body’s most powerful organs when it comes to detoxification, flow, and direction.

Which means, this subtle (or for some of us, not so subtle) shift we’re feeling isn’t random.

If you’ve been feeling…

• The urge to clean, purge, or simplify — in relation to your life, your physical body, your emotions, or all of the above!

• More emotional than usual — dreams intensifying, past memories coming forward, and emotions bubbling up to the surface

• Easily irritated or reactive — that’s your liver/gallbladder talking to you!

• Like you’re craving freshness, lightness, or change

Your body isn’t “off.” She’s responding appropriately to the season.

This post isn’t outlining a typical way to “detox”…

Before I go any further, I want to be really clear about something.

This post is NOT about…

• Restrictive diets

• Juice cleanses

• Forcing your body to purge toxins, emotions, trauma, or things/people from your life

The truth is…

So many women (myself included in the past) come into this season thinking they need to fix themselves.

They feel their body expressing through emotions and physical sensations — and rather than meeting these expressions with love (which believe me, is not always easy!) — they meet them with shame, distrust, and the desire to change them.

Because experiencing emotions and symptoms can be uncomfortable, right? Believe me, I get it.

But…what I’ve learned over the years of navigating my own journey and through guiding many women through theirs is this…

If you respond to uncomfortable symptoms or sensations from a place of wanting to force, fix, or change — you’re going to end up feeling more depleted, more dysregulated, and more disconnected from your body than you were before.

And that’s not healing. That’s survival mode — dressed up as wellness.

Mic drop 💁‍♀️🎤

All laughs aside, I don’t want that for you. Learn from my mistakes!

What I want for you instead…

Is to learn how to honor and support your body in a way that feels safe, nourishing, and deeply aligned.

To work with your body’s innate wisdom and natural detoxification pathways — not override or force them.

To trust that your body already knows how to cleanse, release, and renew…

She just needs the right kind of support 🤍

Spring isn’t asking you to do more…

It’s asking you to let go.

This season isn’t about doing more or becoming more. It’s about releasing what’s no longer meant to come with you.

Think of it this way…

In order to spring forward, something has to be cleared.

And while supporting your physical body is important (and we’ll get into that in this post too)…

Supporting your emotional, mental, and energetic body is just as important — if not more.

Because what we resist persists.

And if you’re stepping into the spring season already feeling fatigued, overwhelmed, heavy, or stuck…

That’s not a sign you need to try harder. It’s a sign that something needs to be released, softened, witnessed, and/or loved by you.

Think of spring as your invitation to declutter, simplify, let go, and create space — so something new can actually enter.

Inside this post, we’re going to explore…

• The connection between spring, the liver (and gallbladder), and emotional release

• How to support your body during spring through a physical lens — with nourishment (spring seasonal foods) and gentle detox support

• How to support your nervous system so your body actually feels safe to let go

• Rituals and practices to help you transition into this next season with intention

• Ways to declutter your life and energy to align with the season

If you’ve been craving a more grounded, nourishing, and aligned way to approach your health and wellness this season…

This post is for you 🕊️

Think of it like your Wellness Guide to Spring!

Usually, posts like this are reserved for the Sacred Sisterhood (my paid subscriber community)…

But when I hinted that I was creating this guide on Instagram — so many of you asked for a taste of my wellness guides — so I’m making this one free! 👀

Consider it my gift to you 😘

And if you want more deep dives and wellness guides like this, I invite you to become a paid subscriber 👯‍♀️💕💫

To Subscribe: Enter your email & tap the “subscribe” button below → from there you will have the option to learn more about each subscription type (Free or Paid) and choose the one that feels like the best fit for you!

For the cost of a monthly latte, you can unlock the full Unfiltered experience – monthly somatic practice recordings 🎧, access to our Sacred Sisterhood Community 👯‍♀️, and in-depth posts on wellness, mental health, womanhood, and awakening your inner wisdom!

Subscribe now

✨Pro Tip: Bookmark this post (or pin to your Pinterest board)!

So you can return to this wellness guide throughout the spring season 🤍

Physical Support

Spring is a time to gently awaken your body. Not shock it.

After months of slower metabolism, heavier foods (which are deeply nourishing during the winter months), and inward energy…

Your body is naturally craving hydration, movement, gentle cleansing, and fresh flavors.

This is where the liver and gallbladder enter the chat… 🤭

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, spring is considered the season of these two organs because they correspond to the Wood Element — which embodies growth, release, renewal, and the expansive energy of nature.

Physically, as the body begins to awaken from the stagnation of winter — the liver and gallbladder work hard to cleanse and release stored toxins, pathogens, energy, and emotions.

Your liver is one of the most intelligence, hard-working organs in your body.

Responsible for 500+ essential functions, it is constantly working to…

• Filter blood

• Process hormones

• Break down toxins

• Support digestion

• Regulate energy and mood

• And so much more

All day. Every day.

And your gallbladder works closely alongside it — storing and releasing bile, which helps break down fats and carry waste out of the body through your digestive system.

Together, they are a huge part of your body’s detoxification and drainage system.

But here’s my controversial take on detox (and keep in mind, this wasn’t always my opinion — that’s shifted significantly over the years)…

Your body doesn’t need to be forced to detox.

It’s already doing that.

What it does need — especially in a season like spring — is support.

And the energy being “support” is much different than the energy behind “force.”

Take it from me, someone who’s guided myself and hundreds of women through complex detox protocols…

What’s often missing in these protocols is the understanding that your body is beautifully and wonderfully made to detoxify on it’s own, but for many of us, we need a little bit of extra love and care.

Trust me when I tell you: that love and care isn’t found in extreme detoxes. It’s found in learning how to connect inward with your body, listen to what she’s telling you, and gently provide her with the support she needs to innately restore balance within.

So if your detox pathways are feeling a bit (or a lot) sluggish…

Take a deep breath and trust that your body already has what she needs within her to detoxify — she just needs a little extra support — which is exactly where this article comes into play 🫶🏻

Some signs of liver/gallbladder stagnation…

• Bloating

• Constipation or loose, greasy stools (or a combo of both)

• Skin breakouts (acne, hives, rashes, itchy/red skin)

• Fatigue

• Hormonal imbalances (PMS, painful periods and/or ovulation, clotting)

• Irritability or emotional reactivity (anger, resentment, bitterness, and frustration are common emotions tied to the liver/gallbladder)

• Tightness in the neck, shoulders, hips, or jaw

• Frequent sighing

• Headaches (especially around the temples)

• A “stuck” or heavy feeling in your body

• Histamine intolerance (HIT) symptoms (headaches, dizziness, anxiety/panic, diarrhea, bloating, skin flushing, hives, nasal congestion, rapid heart rate *Note: Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have HIT, but they are common symptoms of HIT

• Difficulty making decisions, feeling overwhelmed or “on edge”

This is where spring offers you an opening. Not to push harder. But to restore flow — along with your body’s natural ability to process, move, and eliminate.

Foods to Lean Into This Spring

Think of spring foods as foods that create movement and energy ⚡️

Foods that are: alive, vibrant, hydrating, slightly bitter or sour — and often, green!

These support bile flow, digestion, and the liver’s natural ability to process and eliminate toxins, excess hormones, and stored emotions.

Bitter Greens (this is a big one!) 🥬

These stimulate bile production — which is essential for breaking down fats and eliminating waste through the digestive tract.

This is one of the most underrated ways to support detoxification. Not a cleanse. Not a supplement protocol.

Just adding in bitter greens, like: arugula, dandelion greens, kale, swiss chard, mustard greens, radicchio, watercress.

Microgreens and/or sprouts (like broccoli sprouts) are also an amazing addition! They aren’t “bitter” per say, but they’re loaded with nutrients and detoxification properties.

I personally suggest cooking your greens to enhance digestibility and absorption. I like to take a big bunch of greens, add them to a pan on medium heat with some fat (a pad of ghee or butter or some olive oil), saute for a few minutes, then add a few splashes of chicken broth or water, cover and simmer on low for about 10-15 minutes.

Fresh Herbs 🌿

Herbs are incredibly supportive for mineral replenishment, supporting detox pathways, and reducing inflammation and stagnation in the body.

Add a handful of chopped fresh herbs to your meals, like: cilantro, parsley, basil, chives, mint, oregano, dill

You can also make an herb pesto or chimichurri sauce!

Seasonal Fruits and Veggies

Some of my favorites and how to enjoy them…

• Fresh citrus: Lemons are at their peak in spring and your liver loves their cleansing properties and sour flavor! Add to warm water with a pinch of sea salt in the morning to get your digestive system going, mix into dressings or sauces, or squeeze onto salmon, chicken, or shrimp for extra flavor.

• Strawberries: Perfect for desserts (so good dipped in coconut whipped cream or added to vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or chia pudding), top on waffles or pancakes or toast, add to salads, or enjoy as is.

• Rhubarb: Ok, I do not actually like rhubarb myself, but some people love it in pies, crumbles, or jams!

• Asparagus: So good when grilled or baked in the oven for 15 minutes. You can also chop up and saute, or add to soups.

• Artichokes: Purchase them fresh and steam them whole. Or you can purchase canned or in a jar (look for ones without additives like sugar or canola oil, etc.) and add to salads, veggie trays, saute with protein, or add to pasta dishes.

• Peas: Add to pasta dishes, salads, soups, rice, or stir fry.

• Radishes: Snack on them with a little butter and salt (so good), slice up to add to salads or garnish on tacos.

• Broccoli: Your liver loves broccoli! Saute, steam or roast in the oven.

• Leeks: So good in soups or sauted with other veggies and protein

• And don’t forget the bitter greens above!

PS: I need to get going on uploading some of my recipes to Substack for you!! I know several of you have requested I share recipes here and I promise I’m going to 🫶🏻

In the meantime, let me know in the comments what recipes you want to see first!

Leave a comment

Gentle Detox Support

Remember, in my opinion (as a former, now recovering, detox queen 👑) — detox isn’t about forceful energy. It’s not about pushing your body, overriding it, or trying to make something happen faster.

It’s about listening to your body and gently layering in the kinds of practices that help your body drain, process, and eliminate in a way that actually feels safe.

Safety is key! When your body feels safe, it opens. And when it opens, it can release 💫

1 // Hydration and Minerals — This is one of the most foundational and most overlooked pieces of detox support. But drinking water alone isn’t enough to hydrate. Your body needs the ability to absorb and utilize that water at a cellular level. And that’s where minerals come in!

Minerals (like sodium, potassium, and magnesium) help regulate fluid balance, support energy production and nervous system function, and move nutrients (like water) into your cells and move waste out of your cells.

When it comes to detox, hydration (with minerals) keeps things moving. They support your lymphatic system, your digestion, your circulation — all of the pathways your body relies on to eliminate waste.

Adding in mineral support can look like:

• Adding a pinch of high-quality sea salt to your water. This one is my favorite!

• Adding electrolytes to your water. Quintessential 0.9 Isotonic is my favorite form of sea water minerals (I add 1-2 packets to my water bottle daily). I also love LMNT electrolyte packets (the grapefruit or citrus salts are my favorite flavors). I’m also obsessed with adding the chocolate salt to my morning coffee or making a hot chocolate out of it — so good!! PS: Comment if you’d like me to add you to my supplement dispensary so you can receive a discount on Quintessential and my other favorite supplements!

• Incorporating mineral rich foods, like: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, chia seeds, basil seeds (just like chia seeds but with even more omegas, fiber, and minerals!), fish and shellfish, grass-fed beef, beans, avocados, dark leafy greens, kelp.

2 // Bowel Regularity — If there’s one thing I wish more women understood about detox, it’s this. If you’re not having regular bowel movements (ideally 1-3x/day), your body is not effectively eliminating what it’s processing. Which means toxins, hormones, and waste that your body is working hard to break down can be reabsorbed back into circulation. This can show up as: bloating, skin issues, hormonal imbalances, fatigue, and that heavy, or “backed up” feeling.

Supporting bowel regularity isn’t about forcing or relying on harsh interventions like laxatives (even the herbal kind) or coffee enemas…

It’s about supporting your body’s natural ability to have a bowel movement 💩

This includes:

• Adequate hydration and minerals — see above!

• Eating enough fiber — from whole foods, like: avocados, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, squashes, artichokes, carrots, bananas, figs, berries, apples, pears, peaches, kiwis, chia seeds, basil seeds, flax seeds, cruciferous veggies (brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, etc.), beans

• Proper nourishment — Under eating or over eating can slow digestion

• Nervous system and lymphatic system support (keep reading) — your body needs to feel safe and in flow in order to eliminate

Pro Tip: I also highly recommend using a Squatty Potty (this one is cute and aesthetic!) to improve bathroom posture and comfort

3 // Lymphatic Support — Your lymphatic system is one of your primary drainage pathways. It’s responsible for moving waste, toxins, and excess fluid out of your body. But unlike your cardiovascular system, it doesn’t have a pump — which means it relies on you to move it!

Without regular movement, the lymph system can become stagnant. And when this happens, you might notice: puffiness or swelling, bloating, low energy, brain fog, headaches, joint/muscle pain, a feeling of heaviness in the body, and histamine intolerance.

Gentle lymphatic supports:

• Walking

• Stretching

• Dry brushing

• Gua Sha (my favorite way to support lymph flow in my face)

• Rebounding — on a mini trampoline like this one

• Gentle shaking or intuitive movement

4 // Castor Oil Packs — These are such a nourishing way to support your liver, gallbladder, bile and lymphatic flow, digestion, hormones, circulation, and overall detoxification pathways (basically, all the things!).

But beyond the physical benefits, this practice invites you to slow down and rest. Which, in itself, is deeply regulating for the nervous system and overall, supports detox.

This is my favorite brand of castor oil. You can also purchase it as a roll on (which is super easy to apply).

How to use: Apply a quarter size amount of oil (or enough to coat the right side of your abdomen under your ribs, or your entire abdomen). Optional to apply a cotton wrap over the oil (you do not have to use a wrap, you could just apply and either roam freely or lay down with the oil on or put an old tee-shirt on over top — which is what I usually do!). Leave the oil on for 20 minutes the first time you try it to allow your body to adjust, then increase to 1 full hour. I suggest starting out with 1-3x/week. You could also increase use to daily/nightly if it feels supportive for you. Note: Castor oil packs are not recommended while on your period.

Nervous System and Somatic Support

If there’s one piece that’s often missing from the holistic health and wellness space, it’s this…

Your body will not release what it doesn’t feel safe to release. PERIOD.

You can drink all the lemon water, eat all the greens, and take all the supplements…

But if your nervous system is in a constant state of stress, urgency, fear, or control…

Your body will hold on. Tightly.

This is where so many women unknowingly work against themselves. By trying to force release, trying to fix, and trying to make their body let go.

When in reality…

The body lets go naturally when it feels supported, resourced, and safe enough to do so.

This applies to everything. From physical detoxification to emotional release, stored trauma, and even digestion and elimination.

Your nervous system (and your felt sense of safety) is the foundation for all of it.

Creating safety in your body

This is a topic I could honestly write an entire book on. And maybe I should? Let me know if you would read it in the comments 🤔

Safety isn’t something you can think your way into. It’s something your body needs to feel.

And this is where somatic work becomes so powerful.

Because instead of trying to override or control your body…

You begin to listen to her, meet her, and support her from within.

Somatic Practices to support release:

1 // Orient to Safety — Look around your space. Let your eyes land on things that feel neutral or comforting and remind your body: I’m here. I’m safe right now.

2 // Connect to Your Body — Place one hand over your heart and the other over your belly. Take a slow, intentional breath in through the nose and out through the mouth. This simple act can begin to regulate your nervous system and bring you back into connection with yourself.

3 // Allowing Emotion Without Fixing — Instead of trying to “get out” of what you feel: Let yourself be in it. First, orient to safety and connect to your body. Then, see if you can give yourself space to really feel what’s coming up to the surface. PS: Practicing the gentle shaking below, then giving yourself a nice hug after, can be so grounding.

PPS: If you haven’t read my article on the importance of feeling your emotions vs. trying to “regulate” your nervous system or “calm down”…

I highly recommend you give it a read! It’s linked right here for you ↴

4 // Gentle Shaking — Let your body shake, bounce, or move intuitively. This helps discharge built-up stress and stagnant energy from your body. PS: Jumping on a rebounder (in the lymphatic system support section is wonderful for this)!

5 // Somatic Embodiment — Somatic embodiment is the art of coming back into relationship with your body. It’s the shift from trying to understand yourself through thought, analysis, or fixing — to listening to the language of sensation, emotion, impulse, and nervous system cues. Above all, this is the modality I give the most credit to for helping me begin to step out of survival mode and into my body!

PS: I post a new Somatic Practice Recording each month inside the Sacred Sisterhood (my paid subscriber community) 👯‍♀️💕💫. Check out the archive here!

Decluttering Your Life

Spring isn’t just a physical reset. It’s also an energetic one ⚡️

There’s a reason behind the idea of “spring cleaning”…

New growth requires space. So if your life is filled with clutter and things that feel heavy, draining, or outdated — there’s nowhere for the new to land.

Spring is the perfect time to:

• Release and let go of what doesn’t serves you

• Part with the old and make room for the new

• Declutter, rejuvenate and simplify

This creates the opportunity for new beginnings to bloom 🌷

While cleansing your physical body is so important to supporting your overall health and wellness — cleansing your emotional, mental, spiritual, and energetic body is just as important (if not more important)!

Clearing your physical space

Your external environment has a direct impact on your internal state.

When your space feels cluttered, chaotic, or heavy — your nervous system feels it.

But when your space feels clear, open, and supportive — your body can soften.

Rather than spend an entire day or all weekend deep cleaning (that’s so overwhelming!) — I suggest focusing on a few of these simple strategies to freshen up your space.

Tips to tidy up your space:

1 // Set a timer for 20 minutes — and tidy up until it goes off. Some examples of what you can clean up in this time:

• Unload the dishwasher, hand wash some dishes and wipe down the kitchen counters

• Dust and sweep one room or one messy corner of a room

• Put away the kiddos toys, shoes cluttered by the door, clothes piled up in your bedroom, and anything else that’s out of its place (until your timer goes off)

• Set a load of laundry on to wash and fold a dry load

2 // Focus on one room at a time — ideally the room you spend the most time in. Choose your room, then start pile by pile or mess by mess, straightening up and tossing what you no longer need. It’s going to feel so good to have a fresh space!

3 // Out with the old — The energy of spring is such an amazing time to purge!

• Clean out your closet: If you haven’t worn it in 6-12+ months, it’s time to donate (or sell it) and let it go!

• Email: Take a few minutes to unsubscribe from email accounts that stress you out and clear out your inbox

• Social Media: Tune out the noise and unfollow anyone who doesn’t bring you the type of vibrational energy you want to experience

• Photos on your phone: Delete ones you don’t want to save anymore and transfer others where you want to store them

Clearing your personal energy

This is the layer most women skip. But it’s often the one that creates the deepest shift 💫

Take a moment to reflect on your life. As yourself: What feels draining? Heavy? Out of alignment? Complete?

This could be: Habits, commitments, expectations, relationships, or ways of thinking or being.

You don’t have to change everything overnight (and I definitely don’t recommend that!). But you can begin by telling the truth to yourself. And from there, gently start releasing what no longer feels supportive.

Some rituals to support energetic clearing:

• Journal what you’re ready to release and set the conscious intention to let it go. Pro Tip: I love writing out a list and then ripping up the paper or burning it after — it’s so cathartic!

• Light a candle with intention as you clear or reset your environment, then blow it out when you’re done (to signify a close)

• Open your windows and let fresh air move through your space

• Use essential oils, herbs, or smoke to shift the energy. I love lighting sage followed by palo santo.

• Take a shower or bath and visualize anything heavy washing off of you

These energy clearing practices aren’t woo woo. They’re signals to your body and your energy that something within you is shifting. That you’re creating sacred space.

Final Thoughts

Spring isn’t asking you to return to becoming something new. It’s asking you to come home to yourself and release what no longer belongs 🕊️ To release what feels heavy. To soften what’s been held. And to create space for what’s ready to emerge and move through.

This guide isn’t about doing everything perfectly. There is no such thing!! And it’s not about doing every single one of these items, either.

It’s about listening. Supporting your body with the practices you feel most drawn to. Honoring your energy. Trusting the timing of your own unfolding.

Remember, your body already knows how to cleanse, heal, and renew. You’re not teaching her how to do something new. You’re giving her the space and support to do what she’s always known.

And from that place, everything begins to shift.

Let’s Go Deeper

I would love to hear how this post landed for you. Did it offer you medicine? Do you have any questions for me? What practices are you most excited for? Are there any you feel resistance around?

You’re invited to share within our community in the comments below!

Leave a comment

In love & being,

Chelsea

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I will receive a small commission on purchases at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support by using my links — it helps me continue sharing resources with you and pouring into this space with my full heart.

Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This information does not provide medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any disease or condition under any circumstances. I am not a doctor or therapist and should not be construed as one. Always consult with a qualified medical professional before engaging in any dietary, lifestyle, or supplement changes.

But I didn’t know it would be happy news.

I had a breast biopsy to investigate suspicious calcifications on Thursday, April 2nd. And while I thankfully only had to wait 3 days to get the call with results, let me tell you, it felt like an eternity.

I remember waking up that Monday morning on April 6th. As soon as my eyes fluttered open, I just knew it would be the day I’d get the call.

If you’re part of my Substack community here, you know I consider myself a somatic intuitive. Which means, I’m formally trained in somatics and nervous system work — and I have a deep intuitive ability to sense what isn’t always visible on the surface. Especially when it comes to bodies.

I just knew — I could quite literally feel it in my body and soul — that I would get the call that day.

And I did.

I had just left my house for a walk. I felt so much restless energy and I wanted to move and be in nature.

10 minutes into that walk, my phone rang. It was the breast center.

When I tell you my stomach dropped like I was on a rollercoaster, I mean it really dropped. I honestly felt like I was going to throw up.

I stepped off the sidewalk and onto the grass and I answered.

I heard the radiologist ask “is this a good time to share your biopsy results?”

Oh fuck, I thought. What if this is it?? What if this is cancer?

I took a deep breath, put one hand over my heart while the other held the phone, anchored into the strength within me — the strength that told me, no matter what this is, I will hold myself through it — and I said, yes, this is a good time.

And then she said the most beautiful words I’ve ever heard…

“The calcifications are benign. Everything came back normal.”

She went on to tell me I have very dense breast tissue and I don’t need to come back for my next mammogram until I’m 40. But I wasn’t really listening.

As soon as I heard the word “benign,” the tears had already started to flow. I sat down on the grass next to the sidewalk and couldn’t stop crying. Thank you, I muttered as I tried to catch my breath.

She congratulated me and told me she was looking forward to making this call to share the good news. I thanked her again and hung up the phone.

And then I just sat there. Letting it land. Letting it move through me.

Relief. Exhaustion. Immense gratitude.

Everything within me softened. It felt like my entire body exhaled in a way it hadn’t been able to for weeks. Honestly, it felt like even longer. Like something released within me that I’d been holding onto for years.

Besides the release, it also felt like something new had been rebirthed within me. The deep desire to live my life to the fullest I possibly can, no matter the circumstances.

I had already believed this was all happening for me, but this confirmed it with full certainty.

If you read my last post, you know I’ve been walking through a breast cancer scare over the past few weeks…

From finding a lump, to being told I needed diagnostic imaging, to confirming several cysts, to then finding calcifications that required a biopsy…

It’s been a lot.

And while this is the outcome I was deeply hoping and praying for…

This experience has changed me in ways I didn’t expect.

Inside this post, we’re going to explore…

• What the biopsy experience was actually like for me (physically and emotionally)

• What it felt like to sit in the waiting period for results and how I held myself through the uncertainty

• What this experience has changed within me

• And the intention I’m setting for how I want to live my life moving forward

This story is deeply personal…

What I’m about to share is an extension of my first post where I outlined my experience with diagnostic imaging and sitting with the thought of possibly having cancer.

In this second post, I’m bringing you behind the scenes of the biopsy itself, how I held myself through one of the most uncertain moments I’ve experienced, and what this breast cancer scare shifted within me.

It’s not just about what happened — but how it felt in my body, in my mind, and in my heart as I moved through it in real time.

If you feel called to step into this space with me, you can continue reading below 🤍

The rest of this post continues below for the Sacred Sisterhood (my paid subscriber community) 👯‍♀️💕💫

What the biopsy was actually like

Going into the biopsy, I felt like I had a good idea of what to expect. The breast center walked me through everything that would take place, and I also have a few friends who have had biopsies — so that was helpful.

The type of biopsy I had done is technically called a stereotactic biopsy. In this type of biopsy they use mammogram imaging while you’re having the biopsy to guide the needle to the exact area of calcifications for sampling.

I remember walking into the appointment feeling a mix of calm (I was so glad to get it done so I could be closer to receiving results), mixed with a whole lot of anxiety.

Yes, I was anxious for results. But the anxiety was primarily tied to past experiences I’ve had. Let’s just say I have a lot of experience with medical procedures — and they haven’t all been good!

Which is a big part of why I looked forward to the biopsy. Yes, you read that correctly. I looked forward to it — because I knew it would serve as an opportunity for me to work through those past negative experiences and meet myself in such a different way.

Read more

If you missed it, I’m walking through a breast cancer scare.

More on that here ↴

And while this journey is 1000% changing me in a positive way already…

That doesn’t make it easy.

People keep telling me: You’re so strong.

They aren’t wrong.

But what I find myself saying in response is this…

I’m tired exhausted of being strong.

I want to be soft.

I want to know what softness feels like.

I want to know what it feels like to not be constantly anticipating, bracing, and waiting for something “bad” to happen.

I want to know what it feels like to let my guard down. To exhale. To soften. To say to myself — and actually believe with full certainty that I am safe.

I want to know what it feels like to not be ready for the other shoe to drop. To not feel like the rug could be pulled out from under me. To not feel like everything (and everyone) I love can be taken from me at any given moment.

I want to know what it feels like to not jump out of my skin every time I hear a door slam. To not immediately scan a room for an exit. To not analyze every person’s expression and tone. To not think I’m dying when I experience any physical sensation.

I want to know what it feels like to not have flashbacks and nightmares of my childhood. To wake up and not think I’m in my old childhood home.

I want to know what it feels like to not think everything’s my fault. To not be so terrified of making mistakes that I obsess over perfection.

I want to know what a life like that would feel like.

I remember when I was first diagnosed with Complex PTSD (CPTSD).

At first, I argued with the psychologist. “No, I don’t resonate with that. I haven’t lived in war. I wasn’t physically or sexually abused.”

That was before she explained that CPTSD can result from experiencing long-term, repeated trauma — often stemming from childhood — and often interpersonal through experiencing emotional abuse, parentification, and an unstable home environment.

Ahhh, ok. That tracks.

So it’s no wonder I’m tired of being strong. It’s something I’ve been doing for as long as I can remember.

And no, my childhood wasn’t all bad. But it was really hard.

I remember said psychologist asking me at the beginning of our appointment, “what was your childhood like?”

I sat there for a good couple of minutes in silence. Trying to find a way to sugar coat it. To make it not feel or sound like how it really was. But I couldn’t.

The only thing that came out was, “it was really hard.”

This cancer scare has brought up so much to the surface for me. It’s shown me how I’ve been living my life small. How I’ve been allowing fear to run the show.

But above all, it’s shown me just how tired my body is of bracing, of fighting, and of trying to be strong.

My therapist said to me last week, “you don’t have to be so strong all of the time.”

I cried more in that session than I think I’ve ever cried in therapy. And that’s really saying something.

Hearing her words felt like I was being given permission.

Permission to just let it all go. To stop trying, forcing, controlling, and holding my grip around life so tightly.

And maybe that’s the biggest lesson this cancer scare is teaching me so far…

That it’s okay to not be okay. That I don’t have to be strong all of the time. That it’s safe to soften. That it’s safe to just be.

Today’s share was something I originally picked up my own journal to write in. To keep close to my heart for only my eyes to see.

And while I don’t think everything needs to be shared — I felt compelled to share these thoughts here wild and free on the page.

Without worrying what anyone would think. Without questioning how it would land.

And instead, trusting that the women who see themselves in my words will feel seen, heard, and loved. That you will feel a little less alone and a little more understood.

While giving permission to the little girl inside of me to feel the same 🤍

I didn’t mean to disappear.

I’ve always been someone who wears my heart on my sleeve and who shares everything — the good, the hard, the messy, and all the in between. Which is exactly why I created this space, Unfiltered, with the intention of letting you into my real life — not a polished version of it.

But this past month, something happened that shook me in a way I wasn’t prepared for. And to be completely honest, I didn’t know how to put it into words. Not because I wanted to hide it, but because I was (and still am) very much in it. Still feeling it, processing it, and trying to understand it within my own body and mind.

Throughout the last couple of weeks, I found myself sitting here at my desk, with a blank Substack post staring back at me more times than I can count. I wanted to share what I was walking through. I thought it could bring me healing and maybe even help you in some way.

But every time I sat here and tried to type out the words, nothing came out. This story felt too close to my heart. Too raw. Too tender. Too unfinished.

I could feel my intuition telling me “you’re not ready to share this yet.” So instead of sharing, I turned inward. I tuned out the noise of the world. I ghosted social media and even disappeared from this Substack space which I love so much. And I gave myself space to let myself really feel what was coming up — without needing to explain it, process it out loud, or package it into something meaningful for others.

But today, I finally feel ready to let you in.

Not because everything is resolved (spoiler alert: it’s not). But because I can finally sit with it and share from a place of connection instead of performance or overwhelm.

In this post, I’m opening up about a breast cancer scare I’ve been walking through over the past few weeks — and everything it has stirred within me.

Inside this post, we’re going to explore…

• Where I’ve been and why I stepped away from sharing

• The moment I found a lump in my breast, the experience of having diagnostic imaging, what they found, and what my next steps are

• How this experience has impacted me emotionally, mentally, and physically so far

• The deeper layers it opened within me — grief, anger, fear, and ultimately, surrender

• How I connected to my body in a way I never have before

• And the perspective I’m holding now, as I continue to move through the unknown

This story is deeply personal…

Inside, I’m sharing parts of myself that feel too raw and vulnerable to share in a public space.

I’m also taking you behind the scenes of what it has actually looked and felt like (from my perspective) to navigate a breast cancer scare — from finding a lump, to seeking out medical care, to moving through diagnostic imaging, to now preparing for a biopsy, and everything that’s come up for me along the way.

Which is why this post is reserved for my paid subscriber community — it’s real, it’s raw, it’s incredibly intimate, and it gives you an inside look into what it can feel like to sit in the moment of thinking…

“what if this is cancer??”

If you’re someone who has ever…

• Spiraled in the unknown when it comes to your health

• Felt fear rise in your body and didn’t know how to hold yourself through it

• Or are learning how to stay connected to yourself in the middle of something hard

I truly hope this post meets you exactly where you are 🤍 And I know it’s also going to be cathartic for me to share it with you and to receive your love and support 🙏🏻

The rest of this post continues below for the Sacred Sisterhood (my paid subscriber community) 👯‍♀️💕💫

What I’ve been walking through

A few weeks ago, I found a lump in my breast.

This isn’t something new for me. I have a history of having very dense breast tissue and fibrocystic breasts — honestly, since I was a teenager. I chalk that up to hormone imbalances and stress.

So when I found the lump, it wasn’t very startling. At least, not initially.

When I first found it, I was about to start my period, so I didn’t think much of it. As I mentioned earlier, this isn’t my first rodeo with experiencing lumpy breasts.

But once my period was over, the lump was still there. And not only was it still there, it was even bigger. It also felt different than other lumps I’ve felt. More immobile, like it couldn’t move under my skin. The edges didn’t feel as smooth as other lumps I’ve had. And the entire mass felt hard, instead of soft, like usual.

That’s when the fear started to set in. And everything within my froze. “What if this is breast cancer?” I thought to myself.

Parts within me wanted to avoid this. I wanted to believe it wasn’t real. That I wasn’t experiencing this. That maybe I was overreacting. But my intuition told me otherwise. It told me I needed to get this checked out, I needed to be proactive, and I wanted to know — even if the news was “bad.”

So I went to the doctor, and from there, things moved very quickly.

Read more

It sits at the threshold between seasons. Between what has been shedding beneath the surface and what is just beginning to stir back to life.

This is a time when the body knows change is happening before the mind can fully name it.

This month’s full moon arrives as a deeply revealing portal. She asks us to pay attention to what has been composting inside us all winter — and to notice what is ready to be released, and what is asking for space to grow.

PS: If you haven’t subscribed yet and would like to (so you can join our community + never miss a post from me): Enter your email & tap the “subscribe” button below → from there you will have the option to learn more about each subscription type (Free or Paid) and choose the one that feels like the best fit for you!

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Inside this post, we’re going to explore…

• The overall energy and teachings of the March full moon

• What this moon may be asking you to release

• What she’s calling you to step into as we move forward

• The healing themes surfacing now

• Why you may be feeling (emotionally, physically, and energetically)

• Ways to support yourself through this lunar window

These monthly full moon and energetic reflections are a place to slow down with that awareness. To listen to your body. To make sense of what you may be feeling without pathologizing it (sooo important!). And to remember that you’re not moving through these lunar cycles alone 🌕

The Full Moon Reflection is free to enjoy — with a deeper, more embodied layer for Sacred Sisterhood members (my paid Substack community 👯‍♀️💫💕) further down…

…including nervous system insights, somatic reflection, and gentle integration practices. Scroll further down in the post to find the expanded insights 👀

Subscribe now

✨Pro Tip: Bookmark this post!

So you can return to this full moon insight throughout the month — when you feel called to feel safe, witnessed, held, and supported 🌕

How the Moon Influences Us

The full moon influences us in physical, emotional and energetic ways ⚡️

She moves water 🌊 and because we are nearly seventy percent water, we move with her. Our blood, lymph, and fluid systems respond to gravitational shifts, and our emotional body and nervous system often senses this peak in energy before our mind understands it.

The full moon has a way of illuminating what has been living beneath the surface — creating an opening for release, awareness, and integration. Heightened emotions or physical sensations during this time aren’t regression — they’re in rhythm.

And with that understanding, let’s meet this month’s full moon…

Meet the March Full Moon

The March full moon begins the day this post is published — Tuesday, March 3, 2026. While the moon is full for only a few days, her energy carries throughout each month ✨

She’s traditionally known as the Worm Moon — a name that speaks to thawing earth, softening ground, and the quiet return of life beneath the surface.

Her energy this month is subtle, earthy, and honest. She moves slowly, asking you to feel rather than think or rush, to listen and notice rather than force. There’s an undeniable sense of transition here — the in between space where something old is ending, but the new has not yet fully taken shape.

I know I feel this energy myself lately — in the in between space — in the void. In the messy middle between an ending and a new beginning.

February’s full moon brought awareness to the heart, whereas March’s full moon brings awareness to the body and its readiness.

What is ready to move?
What still needs compassion and patience?
What no longer fits the season you’re entering?

This year, the March full moon is also a blood moon…

A blood moon is also known as a total lunar eclipse 💫

During a lunar eclipse, the Earth moves between the sun and the moon, casting a shadow that gives the moon its deep red hue.

Eclipses amplify the energy of a full moon — which is why the energy of this month’s full moon may feel even deeper. Eclipses tend to reveal what we can no longer ignore. They bring hidden patterns into view and create openings for endings that make space for something new. You may feel this as heightened sensitivity, sudden clarity, or an inner knowing that something is shifting.

What This Moon Is Asking You to Release

This moon asks for a release that doesn’t come from force — but from recognition.

You may be invited to let go of…

• Patterns that helped you survive winter, but feel heavy now

• Ways you’ve been holding yourself in waiting mode

• Old identities rooted in protection rather than truth

• The belief that clarity must come before movement

There’s a strong invitation to release stagnation — especially where it has been confused with safety. To notice where you’ve been bracing instead of trusting the natural timing of your body and life.

This is a shedding that happens gently (not through force) — think of soil loosening after a long freeze.

What She’s Calling You to Step Into

While this moon asks for release, she’s equally clear about what she’s calling forward.

Think of this as stepping into readiness without urgency.

Into curiosity instead of certainty. Movement that’s led by sensation, not pressure or control. Honoring quiet whispers from your body before they become louder messages.

You may feel called to take a step (not a leap) toward something that feels more alive. To allow yourself to experiment, explore, and engage without needing the full plan mapped out.

This moon reminds you that growth doesn’t arrive fully formed. It unfolds — slowly, with intention.

Healing Themes of This Moon

The healing themes of this full moon revolve around transition, trust, and embodiment.

There’s medicine here for the parts of you that struggle with transition — with not knowing, with being mid-process, with standing in the doorway between who you were and who you’re becoming.

This moon supports healing around impatience, self doubt, and the urge to rush your own becoming.

It also offers healing through reconnection the your physical body — listening to what she needs as she wakes up to a new season.

What You May Be Feeling

Under this full moon, sensations may be layered and a little contradictory.

Physically, you might notice fatigue alongside bursts of energy, changes in sleep, digestive shifts, or a desire to stretch, move, and reconnect with your body.

Emotionally, there can be restlessness, tenderness, or a subtle sense of “something wanting to change” without a clear story attached. You may feel reflective, nostalgic, or unusually sensitive.

Spiritually, this moon can feel like a turning point. A moment of internal recalibration. You may sense that something is aligning — even if you can’t yet see what it’s becoming.

Ways to Support Yourself Under This Moon

Support during this moon doesn’t require doing more.

It looks like creating space.

Space to rest when your body asks. To move gently when energy wants to flow. To listen without immediately acting. To allow yourself to feel when emotions rise to the surface.

This is a powerful time to simplify, to spend time in nature if possible, and to allow your nervous system to adjust to the seasonal shift.

This March full moon is not here to push you forward. She’s here to remind you that you’re already in motion — even when it feels subtle, slow, or invisible. Trust the timing of your body, the wisdom of transition, and that what’s emerging doesn’t need to be rushed in order to be real.

We’ll explore more specific, embodied ways to support yourself in the Sacred Sisterhood section below…

Let’s Go Deeper…

If you’re part of the Sacred Sisterhood 👯‍♀️💕💫 (my paid Substack community), there’s a deeper layer to this full moon waiting for you below.

In the paid section, we’ll move into a deeper exploration of how this full moon interacts with the nervous system, how to work with the body during times of transition, and gentle somatic practices to help integrate what’s shifting.

If your body is asking for a more intimate container to sit with this moon, you’re invited to continue reading on below…

Whether you join the free community, or your intuition nudges you into the deeper layer — I’m genuinely so honored to have you here 🫶🏻

Now, let’s move into the Expanded Full Moon Insights…

If you’re reading this, I want to invite you to really slow down and settle in.

This part of our full moon reflection isn’t meant to be consumed quickly. It’s meant to be met in your body.

Which is exactly why you’re here within the Sacred Sisterhood, right? Because you know this is where the magic truly happens — when we step into a new way of being through embodiment, connection, and awakening our own inner wisdom.

You’re here because you’re ready to activate this type of presence and energy within yourself 🪞🪄✨ So let’s dive in…

The Nervous System During an Eclipse Portal

Periods of seasonal and energetic transition can feel surprisingly dysregulating for the nervous system — even when the change is positive.

PS: If you’re someone who struggles with change (even in times of celebration or goodness) — I highly suggest tuning into our February Somatic Practice Recording. It’s designed to help you reconnect with pleasure and feel safe to to experience goodness. Listen to it here ↴

Eclipses can also feel destablizing — even when the changes they bring are aligned.

This full moon may highlight where your system is still orienting to new rhythms. You might notice heightened sensitivity, a pull toward rest, or moments of uncertainty about what’s next.

Your nervous system prefers predictability and continuity…

So when something internal shifts — when an identity softens, when clarity lands suddenly, when an old attachment begins to dissolve — the body can register that as a threat before it registers it as freedom.

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On one hand, we long for ease, joy, pleasure, and moments that feel nourishing. And on the other, actually allowing goodness in can feel surprisingly difficult. It can even feel unsafe and threatening.

If you’re someone who is highly sensitive, who has lived with trauma, chronic symptoms, burnout, anxiety, or a nervous system that’s learned to stay on high alert — I’m going to guess that you can relate?

When your body has spent years bracing, scanning, protecting, and preparing for the worst case scenario — pleasure doesn’t always register as good, celebratory, or safe. It sometimes (or oftentimes) feels unfamiliar and overwhelming. And sometimes it feels like something that could be taken away at any moment. So your system learns to stay guarded. To “wait for the other shoe to drop.”

This is something I’m deeply familiar with in my own body.

For me, allowing goodness has often felt vulnerable. Almost like if I soften too much or let myself feel too good, something bad might follow. My nervous system learned early on that staying tense, vigilant, or “on” was safer than relaxing into pleasure. So even moments of joy often come for me with an edge — a tightening, a holding back, an armoring, a sense of “don’t let your guard down.”

This practice was created from that lived experience.

It’s not about chasing pleasure or forcing yourself to feel good. It’s about gently rebuilding safety around goodness — slowly, patiently, with so much compassion, and on your body’s own terms. It’s an invitation to explore what it feels like to let even the smallest moments of comfort, warmth, and aliveness be received.

One breath at a time. One sensation at a time. And one micro moment at a time.

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What is Somatic Embodiment?

Somatic embodiment is the art of coming back into relationship with your body.

It’s the shift from trying to understand yourself through thought, analysis, or fixing — to listening to the language of sensation, emotion, impulse, and nervous system cues.

So many of us were taught to live from the neck up — to think within our minds vs. feel within our bodies.

To think our way through discomfort.
To override signals.
To push past what our bodies are asking for.

Somatic work invites something different.

Somatic embodiment asks…

What do I feel right now?
Where does this live within my body?
What happens when I meet it with presence instead of pressure?

Contrary to what you may have seen on social media — somatic embodiment practices are not about forcing big releases.

They’re not about forcing anything, for that matter.

They’re about creating enough safety for your system to unwind on its own.

Over time, this work helps rebuild trust within your body — so regulation, rest, and self connection become something you can experience — not something you try to force, manipulate, or achieve.

A Closer Look At My Professional Experience In Somatics…

I consider myself a Somatic Intuitive 💫

I’m trained in the art of somatic facilitation, nervous system work, body-based transformation, and embodiment practices.

I understand how the body holds stress, trauma, emotion, and memory.

I also have a deep intuitive ability to sense what a woman’s body is asking for beneath the surface — often before she has words for it.

I’m attuned not only to individual bodies, but to the collective nervous system — sensing shared themes, emotions, and needs, and translating them into somatic practices that support women in real time. This is how my somatic practices often emerge to meet what many women are moving through at once.

My work isn’t about fixing, forcing, or analyzing. It’s about helping women slow down enough to come home to themselves again.

To listen.
To soften into safety.
To trust the wisdom that already lives inside of them 🕊️

Simply put…

I act as a mirror for women by meeting them with deep attunement and regulation, allowing their own body and truth to come into focus without force 🪞

About This Practice

This 15 minute guided somatic practice is designed to support you when…

• You want to feel more pleasure, joy, or aliveness, but your body resists or shuts down

• Feeling good feels unfamiliar, unsafe, or difficult to sustain

• You notice patterns of numbing, dissociation, scrolling, or seeking quick relief instead of embodied presence

• Your nervous system feels guarded, braced, or hesitant to soften — this often shows up as anxiety/panic, physical tension, body pain, and gut distress

• You’re healing from trauma, chronic stress, burnout, or long term nervous system dysregulation

• You want to rebuild trust with your body and your capacity to receive goodness

Inside, you’ll be guided through…

• Gentle awareness and grounding to help your body arrive safely in the present moment

• Simple breath and touch, trauma-informed somatic practices to cultivate a sense of support and containment

• Slow, rhythmic movement to signal safety to your nervous system

• An invitation to explore pleasure in small, non-overwhelming doses

• Language and affirmations that help reframe pleasure as safe and allowed

• Space to honor resistance, numbness, or discomfort without judgement

This somatic practice recording is available for the Sacred Sisterhood (my paid subscriber community) 👯‍♀️💕💫

Reminder: Sacred Sisterhood Members receive a once monthly somatic practice recording (just like this one) as part of your membership!

If you’re feeling called to go deeper into embodiment, nervous system regulation, and being gently held through this work — I would love to welcome you inside.

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