Life stages...

I just returned from a family trip out to Arizona to visit my 97 year old grandpa. I never really thought much about it, but over the years, it's become apparent that getting older is a true stage in life, as is infancy, childhood and adolescence. Maybe it's become more apparent because we're lucky that he hasn't had any major health issues or concerns along the way... he's just getting older at this stage in the game. It's sparked a lot of curiosity within me to understand what is a common thread in my Papa that has allowed him to live this life for so long? And also, how can I be more present in my current life stage? 

Just as everyone begins at the infant stage, goes through childhood and adolescence... everyone gets older. But it seems that there is this muddy, unclear and undefined period in life between 25-80ish. Where you might get married, might grow with your career, might have children, might move around and our stages in life get a little more variated. And trust me, I certainly see a difference in my 20-something self and my 30-something self. And then once you get to the "wisdom" years of 80+, most are in a similar stage again. In my short 32 years, I've been through many stages and i'm also aware that there are many still ahead of me. So when I'm 97, what could be my common thread? Food for thought, I suppose.

One thing I do know is that we are surrounded by stories of dear ones or acquaintances or family of friends or friends of friends who have suffered. Who have been hit with disease or illness and it's saddening. It hurts the heart to hear these stories. Maybe this is the predetermined life stage? That I'm not sure of. This is, though, a huge reason that I am so passionate about empowering and helping other people to make safer choices in health and personal care. To hopefully help to eliminate these stories currently and in future (and innocent) generations. 

But back to the WHY and HOW and the common thread. What I see in my Papa is his constant curiosity and sharpness - through all life stages. He has the most brilliant memory of anyone I know - reciting stories that date back to the 1940s and 50s in full and colorful detail. His stories inspire me - to be thoughtful, present and constantly curious.

While I will never fully know what it is about him and his life stage, I do know that I am continually inspired by him, his wisdom and his curiosity.

What has inspired you most recently? 

xo
Bailey

SAFE SWAP :: SUDS
SWAP OUT Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate
(SLS and SLES)

These specific ingredients show up most commonly in things with SUDS. From hand soap, to dish soap, to face wash and shampoo, they're found in many different places! I recently did a FB LIVE on the importance of avoiding these ingredients - in short though, they have links to being endocrine disruptors (aka your hormones) and irritate most skin.

My new favorite (free of SLS and SLES) shampoo is the BeautyCounter Daily Shampoo. I use just a quarter-sized amount 2-3/week when I wash my hair and it feels great!

Become a label reader. It's pretty cool.

If you haven't purchased through BeautyCounter before, I offer 10% back to all first-time customers, along with the free 60-day return policy.

GREEN SELF CARE :: DETOX BATH
Need a simple, skin soothing self care practice? Baths! And if not for yourself, then add this for your little ones (and cut the recipe in half). Epsom salts help with muscle pain and increase circulation, while baking soda is a natural cleanser, skin soother (including sunburn) and helps balance ph levels. Cedarwood is my favorite this summer because of it's natural antiviral and calming properties (it's also great for bugs!)!
 Ingredients:
1 cup epsom salts
¼ cup baking soda
4 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
Instructions:
Fill cup with epsom salt and baking soda.
Add drops of cedarwood directly to mixture before adding to warm bath water
(this helps the oil disperse throughout the water)
Soak for 15-20 min & Relax