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how to build a legacy by facing challenges together

For years, we lived a life that seemed like the right path. I was managing the home and dabbling in side businesses, while Dakota worked long, exhausting hours as a police officer. On the surface, we were doing everything we were “supposed” to do—but deep down, we both knew something had to change. We wanted more for our family, more connection, and a life that truly aligned with our values.

The idea of working together and leading as a family wasn’t something that happened overnight. It took time, reflection, and a lot of hard conversations. We realized that what we really wanted was to create a legacy, not just through financial success, but through intentional living—building something meaningful, side by side.

In this post, I’ll share our journey from feeling stuck on separate paths to creating a unified vision that has transformed our lives. This is how we began rebuilding after some of the most challenging seasons of our family’s life.

From Separate Paths to a Unified Vision: Rebuilding After Challenge

When Dakota was a police officer, our family faced challenges we never saw coming. His time in the Army, including deployments, often felt safer than the constant risks of law enforcement. The stress, the long hours, and the emotional weight of the job began to take a serious toll—not just on him, but on all of us. I watched as the job changed him, making him more distant, more guarded. Home no longer felt like a place to recharge; it became a place where we all felt the weight of his work. It was hard to connect, and soon we realized that if we wanted to protect our family, we needed to make some big changes.

We knew we couldn’t keep living separate lives, moving in different directions, with Dakota buried in his work and me trying to hold everything else together. So, we made the bold decision to hit reset. We sold nearly everything we owned, moved into an RV, and Dakota quit his career as a police officer. The relief we felt in those first few months was undeniable. We hit the road, traveling full-time as a family, seeking adventure, simplicity, and most of all—healing.

The Transition Phase: From Survival Mode to Family Teamwork
The transition wasn’t easy. We had some savings to rely on, but inflation and a shaky economy quickly ate away at it. We found ourselves needing to figure out what was next, and it wasn’t always clear how we’d support ourselves. But this season of uncertainty also became a season of growth. Through our travels, we met some incredible friends who opened our eyes to new possibilities. We worked in jobs that pushed us, sometimes even straining our marriage, but those challenges ultimately made us stronger as a couple.

This phase was all about realigning our family. It didn’t happen overnight, but through the ups and downs, we learned to communicate better and prioritize what really mattered. Slowly, our family grew into a team in ways we hadn’t expected. We were no longer on separate paths but building something together—something that felt meaningful and aligned with our values.

Creating a Vision Together
As we traveled, we started to dream again. The experiences we had on the road reshaped our vision for our future. We wanted to build a life that wasn’t just about surviving but thriving as a family unit. It wasn’t about “retiring” Dakota from his career; it was about bringing him home—mentally, emotionally, and physically. We wanted him fully present, not caught up in the demands of a job that pulled him away from us.

This journey of realignment has been long and full of unexpected turns, but today, we are more unified than ever. We’ve learned that building a legacy isn’t about wealth or status—it’s about working together, facing challenges together, and creating a life where every member of the family has a role in shaping our future. And the best part? We’re doing it side by side, as a team.

Building Multiple Streams of Income: Family-Centered and Full of Growth

As we continued on our journey, we knew that creating multiple streams of income was the key to building a sustainable family-centered business. During our transitional time from a house into an apartment and eventually into our RV, I had become a Brand Partner with Young Living Essential Oils, and that income stream was still beneficial as it provided supplemental support as we simplified our lifestyle. We love how the business model allows us to work together while aligning with a company we truly believe in. The best part? It’s given us opportunities to learn more about business, build connections, and develop personally. The growth has been incredible—even if the income isn’t sky-high.

Dabbling in Influencer and Affiliate Marketing
In the fall of 2021, after being on the road for about 6 months, we began exploring the world of influencer and affiliate marketing. We had no idea what we were doing at first, but it didn’t take long to realize the potential. Sharing products and services we loved with our growing online community opened up new doors for income streams. This was especially great because it didn’t tie us to one place or require Dakota to be away from home. Plus, it let us experiment and see what worked best for our lifestyle. The flexibility and creativity of this work made it feel less like a job and more like an extension of our lives, which was a refreshing change.

Grocery Delivery and Work Camping: Unique Family Jobs
In January 2022, we added grocery shopping and delivery to our mix of income streams, and it quickly became one of our favorite jobs. The best part? We did it as a family. With our kids involved, it became a fun, teamwork-focused job where we could be together, set our own schedules, and earn amazing tips. The flexibility it offered was a huge bonus, and we found ourselves enjoying the freedom and laughter it brought.

In April 2023, we tried something new—work camping. This meant living stationery at a campground while working there. Although this experience hasn’t been without its challenges, especially since we were working for extended family, it taught us valuable lessons about boundaries and what type of work best aligns with our family goals.

A New Chapter on the Horizon

As we continue to build our family’s legacy and explore new opportunities, we’ve started on an exciting new adventure that we can’t wait to share with you because it will hopefully support you! While we can’t reveal all the details just yet, this new venture will allow each member of our family to contribute their unique strengths, bringing us even closer together in the process. It’s a business that aligns perfectly with our values and will create long-term benefits for all of us as well as our community. We’re incredibly excited about what’s ahead, and in future posts, we’ll be sharing more about how this new chapter fits into our goal of creating sustainable, family-centered streams of income. Stay tuned for the big reveal—you won’t want to miss it!

Through each of these ventures, we’ve learned a lot about balancing family life and business. It’s been an ongoing process of growth and adaptation, but we’re thankful for every step. These experiences have helped us discover that the key to building a sustainable income is flexibility, teamwork, and doing what feels right for our family’s future. We’re excited to continue building on this foundation—together.

Simplifying to Strengthen: How Working Together Creates a Lasting Legacy

When we look back on our journey, one thing becomes crystal clear—simplifying our life was the best decision we ever made. Financially, emotionally, and physically, stripping away the excess allowed us to focus on what really matters: our family, our values, and the future we want to build. We were able to deconstruct the confines of conventional living boxes we thought we had to fit within, and begin to reconstruct on our own terms. It’s easy to get swept up in the day-to-day hustle of traditional jobs, juggling schedules, and feeling like you’re just surviving rather than thriving. But when we made the conscious choice to simplify, everything began to shift.

You don’t have to follow the exact same path we did, but the principle remains the same—less clutter means more room to create something meaningful. Whether it’s decluttering your home or scaling back financially, the act of simplifying opens up possibilities you might not have seen before.

The Power of a Shared Mission

There’s something powerful about a family working together toward a common goal. It strengthens bonds, fosters understanding, and makes the mission that much more meaningful. For us, transitioning from a traditional job to a lifestyle where we work, live, and grow together has brought us closer in ways we never imagined. Sure, it was challenging at first, especially when Dakota left his police job, which was the cornerstone of our income for so long. We had to get used to working together, figuring out new routines, and learning how to communicate better than ever.

But overcoming those challenges has made our shared mission of creating a legacy together even stronger. We’re no longer on separate paths, living divided lives. We’re working toward a common future that feels intentional and aligned with our values. And while not every day is easy, we’re constantly reminded of the power of working together. It’s more than just income or survival—it’s about building something bigger than ourselves.

Overcoming the Challenges of Transition
Making the shift from traditional jobs to a more collaborative family-centered lifestyle isn’t without its bumps. There were times we questioned our decisions, worried about finances, and wondered if we were in over our heads. Those fears are normal, and if you’re thinking about making a similar transition, you might feel them too. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to have it all figured out right away.

What helped us was taking small, consistent steps forward. Each job we picked up, from the essential oils business to grocery delivery, was a building block toward something bigger. It wasn’t about hitting the jackpot with one venture, but rather about creating multiple streams of income that aligned with our values and allowed us to work together.

You can start small too. Whether it’s a side hustle that lets you involve your kids or simply reevaluating how much time and energy you’re spending on things that don’t align with your future goals, it’s all part of the process. The key is to move forward with intention.

Your Family Legacy Starts Now

The idea of creating a family legacy might feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. It starts with small, intentional changes that bring you closer to the life you want to live. Maybe it’s about finding a way to simplify your finances so you can start saving more. Maybe it’s about setting up family meetings to talk about long-term goals. Or maybe it’s simply about learning how to work together in little ways, like involving your kids in household chores or taking on a small side hustle as a family.

The beauty of creating a legacy is that it’s a continuous process. You don’t have to have all the answers right now, but every step you take today is building something for tomorrow. Whether you’re thinking about transitioning away from traditional jobs or simply looking to realign your life with your values, the best time to start is now. You might be surprised by how quickly things start to fall into place once you make the decision to move forward.

Actionable Plan: Starting Your Own Family Legacy
If you’re ready to start working toward a family-centered life and legacy, here are a few steps to get you started:

  • Simplify Your Finances: Take an honest look at your financial situation. Can you cut back on unnecessary expenses? Is there a way to save more or invest in a small side hustle?
  • Involve Your Family: Start involving your spouse and kids in decisions. Whether it’s brainstorming business ideas or setting goals together, make it a team effort.
  • Start Small: Don’t feel like you need to overhaul everything at once. Begin with one small change, like starting a part-time business that aligns with your family’s values or taking on a collaborative project that brings you together.
  • Create a Vision: Sit down as a family and talk about what kind of future you want to build together. What are your long-term goals, and how can you start working toward them today?

    By taking these steps, you’re already on the path to creating a meaningful legacy—one that reflects your values and strengthens your family bond. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.

    Your family legacy starts now. Are you ready?

    How to Completely Change Your Life in 6 Months

    How to Completely Change your life in 6 months. Family out for a walk together with palm trees surrounding them and a dirt path in front of them

    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!