Protecting Your Peace Isn’t Selfish — It’s Self-Care
Let me guess…
You’re tired. But you keep going.
You feel it in your bones that you need a break. But the list is long. The people are counting on you. The guilt creeps in.
You feel it in your bones that you need a break. But the list is long. The people are counting on you. The guilt creeps in.
So instead of slowing down, you keep pushing.
Because somewhere along the way, we were taught:
- Rest means we’re falling behind
- Saying “no” means we’re letting people down
- Pausing means we’re giving up
But what if the truth is the exact opposite?
🧠 Your Nervous System Needs You to Slow Down
Our bodies are incredible — they’re built to help us adapt, push through, and care for others.
But they’re also designed to rest, regulate, and recover.
But they’re also designed to rest, regulate, and recover.
When we’re stuck in stress — even low-level, background stress — our nervous system stays on high alert. And over time, this affects everything:
- Cortisol stays elevated
- Blood sugar becomes harder to manage
- Sleep gets disrupted
- Hormones shift and symptoms worsen
- Cravings, inflammation, and mood swings creep in
It’s not “just stress.”
It’s the foundation of your health.
It’s the foundation of your health.
🪞We Don’t Have to Earn Rest
I’ve had to learn this lesson many times:
You don’t have to reach your breaking point before you give yourself permission to stop.
You don’t have to reach your breaking point before you give yourself permission to stop.
And I see it in so many of the women I talk to.
They’re not “failing.”
They’re exhausted.
From the pressure.
The invisible expectations.
The caregiving.
The push to always keep going, even when their body whispers, “please… not today.”
They’re not “failing.”
They’re exhausted.
From the pressure.
The invisible expectations.
The caregiving.
The push to always keep going, even when their body whispers, “please… not today.”
If that’s you, you’re not alone.
💡 This Week’s Rooted Reset
Here’s your gentle invitation:
Take 5 minutes and ask yourself:
- Where am I feeling stretched too thin right now?
- What’s one thing I can release, postpone, or soften this week — without guilt?
- What does protecting my peace look like today?
It doesn’t have to be a big change.
It just has to be honest.
It just has to be honest.
Maybe it’s going to bed earlier.
Maybe it’s letting yourself say “not today” to something you usually say yes to.
Maybe it’s giving yourself permission to feel tired without needing to fix it.
Maybe it’s letting yourself say “not today” to something you usually say yes to.
Maybe it’s giving yourself permission to feel tired without needing to fix it.
The pause is part of the progress.
Rest is healing.
And your peace matters.
Rest is healing.
And your peace matters.
📥 Want more tools to support your hormones, stress, and energy — naturally?
I’d love to share what helped me feel better than I have in years — especially in the most overwhelming season of my life.
No pressure. No programs. Just real support.
No pressure. No programs. Just real support.
Hit reply — and I’ll share exactly what worked for me.
Rooting for you,
Rachel xo
Rachel xo
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Ever found yourself...
- Mindlessly snacking late at night?
- Skipping your morning walk (even though you know it makes you feel better)?
- Scrolling instead of sleeping?
- Reaching for sugar or carbs even when you’re “trying to be good”?
Here’s the truth:
That doesn’t make you lazy, weak, or lacking discipline.
It makes you human.
That doesn’t make you lazy, weak, or lacking discipline.
It makes you human.
And what I’ve learned — personally and professionally — is this:
👉 Your habits are talking.
The question is… are you listening?
The question is… are you listening?
🧠 Habits Aren’t Random — They’re Messengers
We often beat ourselves up over behaviors we don’t like.
But what if those behaviors are actually signals?
- Reaching for sugar? Your blood sugar or hormones might be off.
- Too tired to move your body? Maybe your stress and sleep need support first.
- Avoiding routines you once loved? Could be a sign of burnout, grief, or disconnection.
Your body isn’t sabotaging you.
It’s communicating with you — the only way it knows how.
It’s communicating with you — the only way it knows how.
💬 What My Habits Taught Me
There was a season when I couldn’t seem to “get it together.”
No matter how hard I tried, I kept breaking promises to myself — over and over.
No matter how hard I tried, I kept breaking promises to myself — over and over.
It wasn’t until I paused and asked myself why that everything shifted.
I didn’t need another strict plan.
I needed to reconnect with my body.
To hear what she was trying to say beneath the cravings, the fatigue, and the resistance.
I needed to reconnect with my body.
To hear what she was trying to say beneath the cravings, the fatigue, and the resistance.
And what she said was:
“I need care. Not control.”
That was the turning point.
💡 This Week’s Rooted Reset
If this resonates, here are 3 reflection prompts for your journal — or even just a quiet moment with your coffee:
- What’s one habit I keep repeating — and what might it be trying to tell me?
- Am I trying to fix my behavior… or understand it?
- What would a curious, caring response look like today — instead of a critical one?
You don’t need to be perfect.
You just need to stay connected.
You just need to stay connected.
🛠️ One Gentle Step to Try This Week
Pick one habit that’s been frustrating you.
Instead of forcing change, ask:
👉 What’s the need underneath this?
👉 What’s the need underneath this?
Then meet that need in the smallest, kindest way possible.
This is how we build habits that heal — not punish.
📩 Ready to create new rhythms from self-respect — not shame?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
In the Focus. Fiber. Fasting. community, we help support each other.
You’re always welcome to join us.
And if you ever want to know what helped me feel better (naturally!) — just hit reply. I’m happy to share.
Rooting for you,
Rachel xo
Rachel xo
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If you’ve ever said:
“I was doing so well… and then I fell off.”
“I just need to start over… again.”
“Why can’t I stick with it?”
You are not alone.
Most of us have been taught to think of wellness like a 30-day sprint:
✅ Follow the plan
✅ Get the result
✅ Be “fixed”
✅ Follow the plan
✅ Get the result
✅ Be “fixed”
But here’s the truth I’ve learned — both through my own journey and working with women just like you:
👉 Wellness isn’t a quick fix. It’s a relationship.
One that requires honesty.
One that thrives with consistency.
And one that doesn’t fall apart just because you missed a day — or even a whole week.
One that thrives with consistency.
And one that doesn’t fall apart just because you missed a day — or even a whole week.
🔄 The Time I “Started Over” for the 10th Time
There was a season in my life where I kept “starting over.”
Monday after Monday.
Monday after Monday.
Month after month.
New Year after New Year.
Each time I fell off track — with movement, fasting, self-care — I felt like I had failed.
And each time, I came back with more guilt, more shame, and more pressure to do it perfectly.
And each time, I came back with more guilt, more shame, and more pressure to do it perfectly.
But eventually, I realized… I wasn’t failing.
I was learning.
I was learning.
Every time I came back, I was choosing myself again.
And that’s not failure — that’s commitment.
And that’s not failure — that’s commitment.
💬 Small, Imperfect Actions Matter More Than You Think
You don’t need a “perfect” week to be well.
You need a rhythm — something you can return to, not something you have to restart.
You need a rhythm — something you can return to, not something you have to restart.
Think about the relationships that matter most in your life — the ones built on love, grace, and trust.
They aren’t perfect. But they’re strong. Because you show up again and again.
They aren’t perfect. But they’re strong. Because you show up again and again.
That’s the kind of relationship your body needs.
💡 This Week’s Rooted Reset
Here are 3 relationship-based questions to ask yourself today:
- Am I showing up for my body like I would a friend — or like a critic?
- What small act of care can I offer myself today — not as punishment, but as respect?
- When I fall out of rhythm, do I extend grace or guilt to myself?
You don’t have to do it all today.
You just have to keep showing up — with honesty, with care, and with the kind of consistency that grows over time.
You just have to keep showing up — with honesty, with care, and with the kind of consistency that grows over time.
Wellness isn’t about “fixing” yourself.
It’s about building trust — with your body, your needs, and your future.
It’s about building trust — with your body, your needs, and your future.
📩 If you’re feeling like you’ve “fallen off” or lost momentum, I see you.
Let this be your gentle nudge back into rhythm — without shame, and without a reset button.
Let this be your gentle nudge back into rhythm — without shame, and without a reset button.
Need support figuring out what rhythm works for you? Just reply — I’d love to walk beside you.
Rachel xo
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“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
– Mary Oliver
It’s one of those quotes that stops you in your tracks.
Big, beautiful. A little intimidating.
It makes you think about dreams, purpose, passion, and legacy.
Big, beautiful. A little intimidating.
It makes you think about dreams, purpose, passion, and legacy.
But today, I want to bring it back to something more basic.
Your body. Your health.
Your body. Your health.
Because what you do with your one precious life… depends on the health of your one precious body.
🩺 “How Did I End Up Here?”
During my time working in hospice, there was one question I heard more than any other:
“How did I end up here?”
“How did I end up here?”
And it wasn’t about location.
It was about regret.
A quiet, aching question rooted in surprise… and sometimes helplessness.
It was about regret.
A quiet, aching question rooted in surprise… and sometimes helplessness.
No one ever expects their health to decline.
No one sees it coming until it’s already here.
And often, the decline starts long before we notice — slow, invisible, and unspoken.
No one sees it coming until it’s already here.
And often, the decline starts long before we notice — slow, invisible, and unspoken.
🧠 Why Don’t We Act Sooner?
Here’s what I’ve learned from both personal experience and years of supporting others:
We delay taking care of ourselves because we think we have time.
Because we’re busy.
Because we feel fine — for now.
Or because deep down… we don’t feel worthy of prioritizing our health until it’s urgent.
We delay taking care of ourselves because we think we have time.
Because we’re busy.
Because we feel fine — for now.
Or because deep down… we don’t feel worthy of prioritizing our health until it’s urgent.
But your body?
It’s not waiting for a crisis to start showing signs.
Fatigue. Brain fog. Cravings. Inflammation. Mood swings. Restless sleep.
Fatigue. Brain fog. Cravings. Inflammation. Mood swings. Restless sleep.
These aren’t nuisances. They’re whispers. Warnings. Invitations.
🛑 The Truth That Changed Everything for Me
If you don’t take care of your body — the only one you get —
it will eventually take control of your life.
it will eventually take control of your life.
Your energy, your choices, your freedom, your joy…
They all depend on your health.
This isn’t about fear.
It’s about empowerment.
It’s about empowerment.
Because here’s what I believe — and why I advocate for people the way I do:
✨ You are worth living a vibrant, joyful, fully present life.
✨ You are allowed to feel good in your body.
✨ You can start now — without waiting for a diagnosis or a breakdown.
✨ You are allowed to feel good in your body.
✨ You can start now — without waiting for a diagnosis or a breakdown.
💡 This Week’s Rooted Reset
Take 5 minutes today and ask yourself:
- What would “taking care of my precious body” look like today?
- Is there one area I’ve been ignoring — that I can gently begin to support?
Start small.
Start with love.
But start.
Start with love.
But start.
Because you only get one body. And one wild and precious life.
📩 If you're ready to take better care of your body — naturally, gently, and sustainably — I’d love to walk with you.
No pressure. No programs. Just real support and tools that helped me feel better than I have in years.
Just reply or message me. I’m here for you.
Rachel xo
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Ever feel like there’s a dark cloud hanging over someone’s head?
Not just a bad day or a rough week… but one thing after another?
Not just a bad day or a rough week… but one thing after another?
Lately, I’ve seen a couple people in my life walking through exactly that.
Setback after setback.
Disappointment after disappointment.
And despite it all, they just keep pushing forward — heads down, trying to outrun the storm.
Setback after setback.
Disappointment after disappointment.
And despite it all, they just keep pushing forward — heads down, trying to outrun the storm.
And it’s reminded me so much of myself in 2020.
🚨 When Life Keeps Yelling “Slow Down”
Back then, I didn’t listen.
I ignored the small nudges, brushed off the red flags, and kept moving forward — even when I knew something felt off.
I ignored the small nudges, brushed off the red flags, and kept moving forward — even when I knew something felt off.
And then, like clockwork:
❌ My body gave out
❌ Things started falling apart
❌ One roadblock after another showed up
❌ My body gave out
❌ Things started falling apart
❌ One roadblock after another showed up
Looking back, it wasn’t just bad luck.
It was life trying to get my attention.
It was life trying to get my attention.
I was pushing past my limits. Living out of alignment. Staying in places and patterns that weren’t healthy. And eventually, the universe forced me to stop.
💭 Why Don’t We Listen Sooner?
Why is it that we keep going — even when everything in us (and around us) is telling us to pause?
Is it fear of change?
Is it the belief that we’re not worthy of something better?
Or maybe it’s just the comfort of the familiar, even when the familiar is exhausting.
Is it the belief that we’re not worthy of something better?
Or maybe it’s just the comfort of the familiar, even when the familiar is exhausting.
Sometimes I wonder:
Are we afraid of what’s on the other side of the slowdown?
What we’ll have to face… or leave behind?
Are we afraid of what’s on the other side of the slowdown?
What we’ll have to face… or leave behind?
Because here’s what I learned when I was finally still enough to listen:
I was on the wrong track.
I had outgrown the old version of my life.
And the people, places, and roles that once felt safe were now keeping me small.
I had outgrown the old version of my life.
And the people, places, and roles that once felt safe were now keeping me small.
It wasn’t until I stopped that I could hear what life had been trying to tell me all along.
🌱 The Redirection Might Be a Rescue
If you’re in a season where everything feels heavy, where things keep falling apart no matter how hard you try — maybe it’s not punishment.
Maybe it’s protection.
Maybe it’s a holy pause.
Maybe the universe has your back… and it’s trying to redirect you toward something better.
Maybe it’s protection.
Maybe it’s a holy pause.
Maybe the universe has your back… and it’s trying to redirect you toward something better.
But the question is:
Are you willing to listen?
Are you willing to listen?
💡 Try This for Your Reset
Take 5 minutes today and ask yourself:
- What’s not working that I’ve been trying to force?
- Where might I be out of alignment?
- If I slowed down, what truth might finally rise to the surface?
You don’t need to figure it all out today.
But awareness is the first step toward realignment.
But awareness is the first step toward realignment.
📩 If you’re navigating a season of redirection, burnout, or uncertainty — I’ve been there.
I’d love to share what helped me reset my health, my mindset, and my path — naturally and sustainably.
Just reply or reach out. You don’t have to do this alone.
Rachel xoxo
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