Over the years, our family has embraced a lifestyle that many might consider unconventional. We’ve ditched the toxic products and have made significant changes to our daily routines. It all feels second nature to us now. The changes haven’t all been strictly just about living healthier either; they’re about guarding our family’s well-being and connecting as a family team. I take this responsibility seriously, and I’m here to help you navigate your journey toward a better, healthier lifestyle, too
I know that transition often feels overwhelming, but it actually doesn’t have to be. Baby steps, and habit building are powerful ways to start the journey. I remember when I first started this journey in 2015, it felt like a massive undertaking. I spent hours researching, swapping out products, and experimenting with new recipes. But now? I could do it in my sleep! Each small change we made became a stepping stone to a different life of more energy and more joy.
This lifestyle shift is about more than just physical health; it’s about creating a home that nourishes our bodies and souls. We’ve learned to cook with real, whole foods and ditch the processed stuff. It’s actually a really freeing experience turning meal prep into family time rather than a chore. We look at the ways we are stewarding our bodies well, instead of introducing moe garbage, and it feel good to honor and respect them.
I am here to guide you
So, if you’re looking to make a change, I’m here to guide you. But first, I want to remind you that changing everything all at once is really hard, and it often leads to failure. Instead, for most people it tends to be a better plan to make one change at a time. I leave it up to you, how you go about it. And I have multiple resources available for you as well to help guide you on the journey.
Let’s begin!
Align with Purpose: Build a Family Mission & Vision
Building a family mission and vision might sound like something only big companies do, but trust me—it’s a game-changer for your home. Think of it as creating a guiding flashlight that keeps your family moving toward the same goals, even when life gets dark or messy. When everyone is on the same page, it brings a sense of purpose and unity that strengthens your bond.
Creating your family mission doesn’t have to be complicated, either. Sit down together (yes, even with the littles!) and talk about what really matters to you. What kind of life do you want to build? What values are non-negotiable? This is where you get to dream together and set the foundation for a life that aligns with your beliefs, goals, and lifestyle. For us, we knew that teamwork, simplicity, and health were key. That’s become the core of our family’s mission, and it’s helped guide everything from daily routines to big life decisions.
Make It Personal
The best part of creating a family mission is that it’s personal to you. There’s no right or wrong answer, and no one else’s will look exactly like yours. For us, our mission is about living purposefully, stewarding our health, and connecting deeply with one another. Maybe for your family, it’s about adventure, creativity, or faith. Whatever it is, putting it into words will make it real, and you’ll start living it more intentionally.
Don’t overthink it, either. Start simple, write down a few key values, and you’ll be amazed at how naturally things fall into place. Once you have a mission, you can refer back to it anytime you’re feeling out of sync or wondering what’s next for your family. It’s like having a road map that brings everyone back to the heart of what matters most.
Trust me, this one step can completely shift how your family connects and how you approach life together! It’s not just about what you do—it’s about why you’re doing it. When your actions reflect your purpose, it changes everything!
Simplify Your Space: Remove Toxic Products from Your Home
Detoxifying your home might sound like a big task, but don’t worry—it’s actually pretty simple once you get started. When you begin swapping harmful products for natural alternatives, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it sooner! There’s something so satisfying about knowing what’s in your home is truly safe for your family.
A great place to start is in the areas you use the most. For most of us, that’s the kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room. Take a look at your cleaning supplies, personal care products, and even the stuff you’re washing your clothes with. Those are the main culprits where toxins like synthetic fragrances, harsh chemicals, and preservatives like to hide. By slowly replacing these with natural, non-toxic versions, you’re already making a huge impact.
Start Small, Make Swaps
Don’t feel like you have to ditch everything all at once! I started out small—first it was my deodorant and toothpaste, then cleaning products and laundry detergent. From there I kind of went a bit extreme and started swapping out a bunch of stuff at one time. I don’t know if you know this about me, but sometimes I can be an all or nothing type, and I just go all-in and rip that bandaid off all at once! Each swap adds up though, so baby steps are still huge. Don’t discount your own baby steps on this journey!
Some ideas to get you thinking: natural all-purpose cleaners made with vinegar or essential oils, fragrance-free laundry detergents, and skincare that’s free of parabens and phthalates. Once you start noticing what’s in the products you use, it gets easier to make better choices. I often love to find companies that I align with. This can make it easier. Once I know that a company aligns with our values, I know that their products generally will too, and the research investment of time is generally a lot shorter.
Focus on What You Can Control
The best part about detoxing your home is the peace of mind that comes with it. You can’t control everything outside, but you can control what you bring into your home. Making these swaps is about simplifying, clearing out the junk, and making room for healthier, happier living. Trust me, your space will feel lighter, and so will you!
Sunshine & Sleep: Sync Your Body with Natural Rhythms
One of the simplest but most impactful ways to boost your health is by syncing with nature’s rhythms—starting with sunlight and sleep. I know, it sounds almost too easy, but trust me, this is a game-changer. When you start paying attention to how much sunlight you’re getting during the day and how you wind down at night, everything else just falls into place.
Your body craves natural light. Morning sunlight helps reset your internal clock (your circadian rhythm) and boosts your mood, energy, and focus for the day. So, get outside! Even just 10–20 minutes of sunshine first thing in the morning can do wonders. For me, it’s become part of my daily routine—It’s simple, and it’s free!
Reset Your Sleep Routine
Then, there’s sleep. We all know it’s important, but are we really prioritizing it? If you’re like me, there have been seasons where sleep felt like a luxury instead of a necessity. But here’s the deal: when your sleep is in sync with your natural rhythms, everything gets easier—energy, mood, even digestion. Start by creating a consistent bedtime routine. Keep it simple: turn off screens an hour before bed, dim the lights, and maybe read a book or take a warm bath.
The beauty of syncing with your natural rhythms is that it doesn’t take long to feel the difference. After just a few days of prioritizing sunlight and better sleep habits, you’ll notice more energy, better focus, and less stress. Plus, it’s such an easy step to take toward a healthier lifestyle.
Small Changes, Big Impact
Don’t underestimate the power of sunshine and sleep! It’s such a simple yet effective way to nourish your body and mind. By making small adjustments, like getting outside more and improving your evening routine, you’ll naturally fall into a healthier rhythm. It’s the kind of change that sticks—and it’s one your body will thank you for!
Reclaim Your Energy: Walk 7,000–10,000 Steps a Day
If there’s one habit I can’t recommend enough, it’s walking. There’s something magical about how simple daily movement can completely transform your energy levels. Walking gets your blood flowing, clears your mind, and helps shake off any sluggishness—without feeling like a workout. You don’t need a fancy gym membership or complicated routines to start seeing the benefits. Just lace up your shoes and go!
You’ve probably heard that 10,000 steps a day is the magic number, right? Well, fun fact: that number didn’t actually come from science. It originated in the 1960s from a Japanese company trying to sell its new step-tracker. They set the target at 10,000 to encourage people to move more, but research has since shown that you can still get major health benefits from walking around 7,000 steps a day. So, if 10,000 sounds overwhelming, don’t sweat it! You’re still doing great by aiming for 7,000 steps. And can we just take a moment to reflect on the fact that even back in the 60s companies were making up “science” data to make money?! Some things just never change, do they?
Small Steps, Big Benefits
Whether you’re hitting 7,000 or 10,000, the real magic happens with consistency. Daily walking improves cardiovascular health, strengthens muscles, and boosts energy levels. Plus, it’s a great way to reset mentally—especially on those chaotic days when everything feels overwhelming. I like to think of walking as a little reset button for my body and brain. On days when I don’t feel like doing anything, a short walk can completely change my mood.
Making It Fun & Easy
Here’s the best part: you can easily fit walking into your daily routine without even thinking about it. Walk while chatting with friends, take the kids to the park, or make it part of your post-dinner routine. I love walking as a way to catch up with my family or unwind after a long day. Prayer walks in the AM are a great way to combine morning sunlight and some steps! You don’t have to hit the 10,000-step mark for it to “count”—every step you take is one step closer to reclaiming your energy and health. And hey, if you hit 10,000? Great! But don’t stress if you don’t. It’s the daily movement that matters most!
Ditch the Digital: Cut Your Screen Time in Half
Alright, let’s get real here—cutting your screen time in half might sound like a wild idea, but hear me out. If you’ve already committed to your new bedtime routine with that blissful, screen-free hour before sleep, and you’re busy hitting your 7,000–10,000 steps a day (which, of course, takes so much time), when exactly are you staring at your screen? Exactly. You’re probably finding you have way less time for it already!
But seriously, cutting back on screen time can be a game-changer, not just for your productivity but also for your mental clarity. Let’s not even get started on how addictive it is to scroll through social media or binge-watch shows for hours. Been there, done that, lost entire afternoons. Imagine reclaiming all that lost time for more meaningful things—like actually living the life you’ve been working to improve!
And can I tell you a crazy thing that might help you feel encouraged? In 2016 I was informed that Network marketers should not watch TV because it takes away from the time that they have to work on their side-hustle. And you can argue about that all day, but I took it to heart and stopped watching TV. A couple years later I learned of the “agenda” of television, and I felt that my previous decision to stop watching it was even better than originally thought. I can count on one hand the amount of TV I’ve watched since. We don’t even have a TV in our home, and those 2 shows I watched were binges of a Christian program. Like I said, I’m sharing this to inspire you and show you what is possible, not to toot my own horn.
Blue Light & Your Sleep
Here’s the science-y part: the blue light emitted from your screens (whether it’s your phone, tablet, or TV) mimics daylight. This tricks your brain into thinking it’s still daytime, which messes with your body’s natural rhythms—especially when you’re trying to wind down before bed. So if you’re all about syncing with those natural rhythms, reducing your screen time (especially at night) is a must. This ties right back into that magical sunlight-and-sleep combo we talked about. More sunshine, less screen time, and your body starts to align with its natural cues. You’ll fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Practical Ways to Cut Down
Cutting your screen time doesn’t mean going off the grid or throwing your phone out the window (though tempting, right?). It’s more about being intentional. Try scheduling screen-free activities, like family walks, reading a good book (maybe 10 pages of personal development a day?), or even having some old-school face-to-face conversations. You’ll be amazed at how much more present you’ll feel when the digital distractions are gone. And hey, if you’re already getting those 7,000 steps and keeping that one-hour bedtime routine, you probably won’t even miss the screen time!
Real Food, Real Results: Upgrade Your Family’s Nutrition
Alright, we’ve saved the best (and, let’s be real, sometimes the hardest) for last—food. I know, I know. This is where a lot of people dig their heels in because let’s face it, changing the way your family eats is tough. But here’s the deal: if you know something isn’t good for your body, why would you keep eating it? The 80/20 rule just doesn’t fly in my house. If I know something is basically poison for my body, I’m not going to let it sneak in—even 20% of the time. That’s why I’m sober now, although my husband still isn’t. I get it, everyone’s on their own journey.
When it comes to food, though, I truly believe in keeping things simple. No need to overcomplicate it. A traditional, animal-based diet with lots of good fats and a rainbow of fruit is what we stick to. We’re not talking extreme carnivore diets here, but real, nutrient-dense foods that actually fuel your body. Forget about processed junk, chemicals, or weird additives. Real food from the earth and animals will naturally give you more energy and vitality—and you’ll feel the difference quick once you make the shift.
Start Small, But Stay Consistent
I get it—changing your family’s nutrition can feel like a battle. So start small. Transition slowly if you have to. Maybe swap out one processed snack a day for some fresh fruit or healthy fats like avocado or raw cheese. Gradually replace those prepackaged meals with homemade, simple recipes. And trust me, once you start, you won’t want to go back. Your taste buds change, your energy improves, and your whole family will feel more connected to their food.
Get Everyone on Board (Or Try!)
Getting the whole family on board can be tricky, especially if they’re used to eating a certain way. My husband’s journey is different from mine, and that’s okay. But I’ve found that when you lead by example and make the changes yourself, your family starts to notice. They’ll see your increased energy, how good you feel, and how much more vibrant life becomes. Eventually, they’ll want in on that, too.
So, mama, keep it simple, stick with it, and you’ll see real, lasting results for your family’s health. It’s not about perfection but about honoring your body with real, nourishing food that makes you feel alive. You’ve got this!
Bringing It All Together: Your Path to Progress
Here we are, at the end of your six-month journey, and what an exciting path it is! You’ve got six intentional changes laid out, each designed to build on the last. The beauty of it all? You can take your time, one step each month, easing into a healthier, more connected lifestyle that feels doable and real. Baby steps, mama! You’ll see how these little shifts add up in big ways.
Start by building your family’s mission and vision. This lays the foundation for everything else—you’ll know exactly what you’re working towards as a family team. Next up, simplify your space and remove those toxic products from your home. Detoxing your environment feels so freeing, and it’s a crucial step in making sure your space is a safe haven for your crew.
Once your home is in order, it’s time to sync your body with natural rhythms—more sunshine and better sleep will have you feeling balanced and energized. Then, add in more movement, aiming for 7,000–10,000 steps a day. It’s amazing what daily walking can do to boost both your energy and your health. After that, cut back on screen time and reclaim some mental space, creating a better flow between work, play, and rest.
Finally, it’s time to upgrade your family’s nutrition. With everything else in place, this step will feel like a natural progression. You’ll be more in tune with your body, your space will be cleaner, and you’ll have more energy. Eating real, nutrient-dense foods will be the cherry on top of all your hard work.
You’ve got this!
By layering these habits over six months, you’re building a lifestyle that supports both health and happiness. These changes stick because they’re done mindfully, one at a time. Six months from now, you’ll look back and realize how far you’ve come, and wonder how you ever lived any other way!