This year began very differently than I expected.
On January 1st, my daughter threw me a surprise 50th birthday party. It was so much fun, full of laughter, and such a gift. I’ve been counting down the days to turning 50, genuinely excited to celebrate this milestone.
Just two and a half weeks later, I found myself in the ER with excruciating back pain.
Let’s rewind a bit.
I’ve dealt with lower back issues on and off for years. When they flare up, I usually know what to do—ice, essential oils, a few chiropractic visits—and before long, I’m back to normal. But sometime in May, something changed.
At first, it was just an annoyance. A little discomfort that I assumed would resolve itself like it always had. I continued icing and seeing my chiropractor, but I didn’t slow down much else. Instead of improving, it steadily worsened.
Part 2: When Grief Shows Up in Unexpected Ways
When Jon died, I truly believed I was handling things well. I stayed busy—teaching piano, homeschooling the kids, staying involved at church. I cried occasionally, but I didn’t allow myself to really feel. I told myself I was being strong, doing what needed to be done, moving forward the way I thought I was supposed to.
At the time, it felt like survival.
What I didn’t realize was that grief doesn’t stay buried forever. When it isn’t given space in our hearts, it often finds expression through our bodies.
For me, it began as anxiety. Fear crept into places it had never been before. A simple sneeze from one of my children could send my heart racing. A smoke detector chirping in the middle of the night left me wide awake and panicked. Late-night phone calls filled me with dread, my mind immediately jumping to the worst possible outcome.
Depression followed close behind. I withdrew—not because I wanted to, but because I was exhausted. Emotionally. Mentally. Physically. My body felt like it was constantly on high alert, stuck in fight-or-flight mode, and I didn’t know how to turn it off.
Stepping Into 50 with Joy and Trust
As 2025 came to a close, you might have felt a lot of different things.
Maybe it was incredibly hard year, and you’re more than ready to leave it behind. Maybe it stretched you in ways you didn’t expect, or required more strength than you felt you had. Or maybe it was a good year — one that brought healing, growth, or renewed hope — and you’re curious about what 2026 might hold.
Wherever you find yourself, before rushing into the new year, I want to invite you to pause.
Not to dwell on the past.
Not to replay every mistake or painful moment.
But to reflect.
Not to replay every mistake or painful moment.
But to reflect.
What did 2025 teach you?
What did it reveal about your heart, your needs, your limits?
What do you want to carry with you into 2026 — and what might you gently lay down?
What did it reveal about your heart, your needs, your limits?
What do you want to carry with you into 2026 — and what might you gently lay down?
Simple Shifts, Lasting Change
After sharing the five key areas of midlife wellness, I want to take a moment to tell you about something that became a turning point in my own journey: the 14 Day Reset.
Before the Lord led me to it, I truly believed I was doing all the right things. I was trying to eat clean, move my body, and get enough rest. But still—my energy was low, my inflammation was high, and my brain felt foggy most days. Even gentle movement felt like a chore, and I was overwhelmed by the idea of making big changes.
If you’re in a similar season—tired, frustrated, and unsure where to start—I want to offer you some hope.
Read more...When it comes to wellness, stress is one of the most underestimated enemies. It sneaks in quietly—through overpacked schedules, unrealistic expectations, grief we haven’t fully processed, or simply trying to carry too much for too long.
One of the most important things I’ve learned is this: wellness isn’t just about what we do—it's also about what we let go of.
5. Peace Over Pressure: Reducing Stress and Finding Rest
Every key area we’ve talked about so far—daily movement, nourishing nutrition, removing toxins, and taking quality supplements—works together to support your body and reduce physical stress. But even when we’re doing all the “right” things, we can still feel worn out, especially if we’re carrying stress in our hearts and minds.
That’s why I believe true wellness also requires SOUL REST.
In Matthew 11:28–30, Jesus says:
"Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Read more...Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
