Hey, They Call Me Connie…

You will find an abundance of blogs where people use candle-lit baths, yoga, and meditation for healing. Don’t get me wrong—I’m all for a good soak, especially if there’s a fancy bath bomb involved. But if you’re expecting to find yet another ode to lavender-scented candles and downward dog poses… this is not that blog. Nope, I’m here to talk about the quirks that make me, well, me—and the unconventional self-care rituals that have taken my healing journey from basic to boss level.

Vision Board! I am a forever vision board girl. I can’t get to where I’m going if I can’t see it! The vision doesn’t have to be exact—I’m not out here predicting the future like some psychic with a crystal ball—but it needs to be close enough so I can manifest the feeling of achievement. And when I say anything goes, I mean *anything* goes. Love cats? Slap those furry little faces all over it. Obsessed with the sound of ocean waves? You can post that too (digitally, of course—we don’t need glue-sticked seashells cluttering up the place). I’m still rocking Pinterest like it’s 2012, and honestly, I’m not mad about it. It’s the fastest way for me to curate my vision, and the best part? It’s like scrolling through my dreams without the unsolicited opinions from your opinionated relative about how I should “really consider a more practical career.” I just see photos, no drama—exactly how I prefer to live my life. Of course, if you’re feeling nostalgic, there’s always the classic approach: chopping up old magazines and pasting them onto poster boards like it’s a kindergarten craft day. No wrong answers here, just whatever keeps you focused and fabulous.

Productivity is my self-care. Yes, you heard me right. While some folks find their zen in meditation, I find mine in checking off tasks like a boss. There’s just something about completing a task—big or small—that gives me a rush of satisfaction. My daily life is a mixed bag of chaos, so my to-do list looks more like a scavenger hunt for sanity. But let me tell you, the minute I cross something off that list, it’s like instant relief. It’s one less thing to haunt me in the middle of the night. Did you know studies have shown that productivity can reduce stress and increase happiness? It’s like science is backing up my obsession with sticky notes and planners! And honestly, who needs a spa day when you can organize your sock drawer and feel like you’ve conquered Everest? Plus, every little task I finish gives me a serotonin boost that’s way cheaper than therapy.

Eating clean. Now, this one I didn’t see coming. Food as medicine? Sounds a bit too adulty, but here I am, swapping out the cookies for kale like my life depends on it—because, in a way, it does. My sister was the one who got me on this path, and let’s be real, she’s onto something. When I eat clean, I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving. I’ve turned into one of those people who actually reads labels and considers what’s in my food before shoving it into my mouth. Crazy, right? But here’s the thing: when I eat clean, I’m like a supercharged version of myself. My energy levels are through the roof, and suddenly, I’m the life of the party (or at least, I’m awake past 9 PM). And the best part? My whole household benefits. When I’m properly fueled, I’m a better parent, partner, friend, and let’s not forget—I’m a lot more fun to be around. No one likes hangry me, trust.

I know this form of self-care isn’t typical, but it has transformed my personal healing journey. I’m not just leveling up—I’m starting to feel like the best version of myself, like a final-level boss with all the cheat codes unlocked. (If you’re a gamer, you get it. If not, just imagine Beyoncé on her best day, times ten.) So here’s to finding self-care that truly resonates with you, even if it’s just a little bit outside the box—or in my case, a lot outside the box.