Tag Archives: #healing

From Grounded to Grateful: Why Gen X Punishments Became Our Adult Goals

Leave a reply

Remember when being grounded felt like the end of the world? No party, no friends, and God forbid, an early bedtime. For us Gen X kids, that was the ultimate torture. Fast-forward a few decades, and suddenly the things we once swore were cruel and unusual punishment are now the very things we dream about.

1. Going to Bed Early = Luxury

Back then: Getting sent to bed at 8:00 PM felt like social exile. You’d lie there in the dark, fuming because your friends were probably outside riding bikes or talking on the phone.
Now: Forget midnight oil. A soft pillow, a heavy blanket, and lights out by 9? That’s not punishment—that’s heaven. The best part of adulthood is realizing sleep is a love language.

2. Not Leaving the House = Bliss

Back then: “You’re grounded. No leaving the house.” And just like that, your summer was ruined. You pressed your face to the window like a character in a sad 80s movie montage.
Now: We call it self-care. Netflix, takeout, and sweatpants? Please ground us again. Honestly, canceling plans is our love language, and nothing says freedom like staying home with zero guilt.

3. Not Going to the Party = Victory

Back then: If your parents said “you’re not going to that party,” you thought your social life was over. It was devastating.
Now: An invitation means a silent negotiation with yourself: “Do I really have to go?” When you finally send that “sorry, can’t make it” text, the wave of relief is better than the party itself.

The Gen X Twist

We’re the generation raised without helmets, with keys around our necks, and the expectation that we’d figure it out. Our childhood was a blend of independence and punishment that somehow taught us resilience. Now, as adults, we realize our parents weren’t just keeping us in line—they were preparing us for the peace and quiet we’d one day crave.

Full Circle

The irony is delicious: what we once dreaded is now our definition of happiness. Early bedtimes, nights in, and skipped parties aren’t signs of punishment anymore—they’re proof we survived long enough to appreciate the calm.

So next time you tuck yourself in early, decline an invite, or spend a weekend never leaving your couch, remember: you’re not boring—you’re living the dream. And honestly? That’s the most Gen X thing ever.

Disclaimer

This blog post is intended for entertainment and nostalgic reflection on Gen X culture. It should not be taken as medical, psychological, or lifestyle advice. Everyone’s experiences with adulthood, rest, and social life are unique. While this article highlights the humorous and relatable shift from childhood punishments to adult goals, readers should always make choices that support their own health, happiness, and well-being.

For more insights into Gen X nostalgia, adulting humor, self-care routines, and lifestyle balance, visit our blog regularly. We create content designed to resonate with those who grew up in the 70s, 80s, and 90s—because adult life may look different now, but our stories connect us all.

Disclaimer

This blog post is written for entertainment and nostalgic reflection on Gen X culture, adulting humor, and lifestyle trends. It is not intended as medical, psychological, or professional advice. Everyone’s path to adulthood is unique, and while this article highlights the irony of childhood punishments becoming adult goals, readers should always make choices that support their own health, happiness, and well-being.

About the Author

This post was written by A.L. Childers (Audrey Childers), an author who blends history, humor, and real-life experiences into her work. Growing up Gen X, she understands the quirks of a latchkey childhood and the challenges of modern adulting—and brings both insight and sarcasm to the page.

Books by A.L. Childers

Audrey Childers has written across multiple genres, from health and wellness to history, culture, and spirituality. Her published works include:

  • The Hidden Empire: A Journey Through Millennia of Oligarchic Rule
  • Silent Chains: Breaking Free from Conformity and Injustice
  • Breaking the Silence: Autism, ADHD, and the Hidden Struggles of Motherhood
  • Archons: Unveiling the Parasitic Entities Shaping Human Thoughts
  • Roots to Health

For more insights into Gen X nostalgia, holistic health, history, and life’s hidden truths, follow A.L. Childers’ blog or explore her books on Amazon.

The Real Luxuries in Life: Rediscovering What Truly Matters

Leave a reply

In a world that glorifies hustle, speed, and accumulation, we often overlook the quiet treasures that make life deeply meaningful. We chase titles, luxury brands, and curated lifestyles—yet the richest among us may still yearn for things that money can’t buy.

The real luxuries in life aren’t found in shopping bags or exotic zip codes. They’re found in:

  • Time — uninterrupted, unscheduled moments to just be.
  • Health — a functioning body and a peaceful mind.
  • A quiet mind — the kind that doesn’t race to the next task.
  • Slow mornings — sipping coffee without urgency.
  • The ability to travel — not just in miles, but in freedom.
  • Rest without guilt — a true rarity in a society driven by performance.
  • A good night’s sleep — not interrupted by worry or deadlines.
  • Calm and “boring” days — which are, in truth, incredibly sacred.
  • Meaningful conversations — where we feel heard, seen, and understood.
  • Home-cooked meals — made with love, not convenience.
  • People you love — and more importantly, people who love you back.

As I reflect on these simple, powerful luxuries, I’m reminded of the chapters in my own life where I didn’t realize how rich I truly was. Sometimes, the most meaningful blessings come disguised as ordinary moments.

I invite you to slow down. To sit with your morning a little longer. To call someone just to say hello. To listen. To breathe. These are the luxuries that don’t depreciate over time—they deepen.

About the Author
A.L. Childers is an author, mother, and seeker of truth who writes with heart, grit, and a dash of rebellion. From exposing hidden histories to guiding others through healing and personal transformation, her work spans both nonfiction awakenings and emotional storytelling. She believes that life’s real treasures are not stored in banks, but in memories, health, and human connection.

Explore Her Books
Looking for stories and insights that can shift your perspective and nourish your soul?

📚 The Hidden Empire: A Journey Through Millennia of Oligarchic Rule – Uncover the truth they don’t teach in school.
📚 The Quantum Leap: Habits That Reshape Your Reality – A guide to rewiring your life with intention.
📚 Pawsitively Nourished – A heartfelt book for dog lovers, packed with healing recipes and love.

Find them on Amazon by searching “A.L. Childers” or visit TheHypothyroidismChick.com to join the journey.

Because at the end of the day, the true measure of wealth isn’t what’s in your wallet—it’s what’s in your heart, your home, and your peace.

Disclaimer:
The thoughts and reflections shared in this blog are for inspirational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to substitute professional advice in areas such as mental health, finance, or wellness. Every individual’s journey is unique, and what resonates with one person may not resonate with another. Please consult appropriate professionals when making decisions that impact your well-being. All content is the original work of A.L. Childers and may not be copied or reproduced without written permission.

Not the End of Your World, My Dear: A Letter to Every Soul Still Fighting

Leave a reply

By Audrey Childers, Author of Roots to Health, Pawsitively Nourished, and The Hypothyroidism Chick Series

Here are days when your body doesn’t feel like home. When your bones ache with fatigue, your thoughts blur like static, and your spirit feels distant, tucked away beneath lab results, medications, and unanswered questions.

I know those days—because I live them too.

Autoimmune battles, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue—my body and I have been at war. And yet, here I am, still writing, still believing, still building a life worth waking up for. This is not the end of your world, my dear. This is a pause. A breath. A space between what was and what will be.

In the silence of illness, I’ve learned to listen not to the noise of fear, but to the heartbeat of hope.

“You still have life to be lived and the creation of the moment of your memories…and in this challenge, you will embrace the strength of your heart that has always been.”

This is my message to you—and to myself.

Healing doesn’t always come in lightning bolts or miracles. Sometimes it’s quiet. Sometimes it’s just remembering to drink water, to take a slow walk in the sun, to write one sentence, to rest without guilt. It’s finding beauty in the now, even when the now is hard.

As I’ve walked this journey, I’ve written books not just to educate, but to comfort. To remind people (and myself) that health is a layered journey—physical, emotional, and spiritual.

📚 My Books Were Born From My Healing Journey:

  • 🩺 Roots to Health: How I healed my hypothyroidism naturally and cleared my arteries. A raw and real journey through herbs, daily practices, and truth-telling.
  • 🐾 Pawsitively Nourished: A heartfelt cookbook for your dog’s health, born from the loss of my beloved Mandy and my mission to help other fur babies thrive.
  • 💪 The Hypothyroidism Chick Series: Real advice for those navigating thyroid disorders, written for women who feel invisible in the medical system.

About the Author:

I’m Audrey Childers—a Southern-born truth-teller, health warrior, and author who believes in the power of stories to heal. I’ve faced hypothyroidism, heart complications, grief, and exhaustion that no green smoothie could fix. But I’ve also learned to create joy anyway.

I write because I believe there’s always one more sunrise. One more laugh. One more page. One more reason to keep going.

If you’re struggling today, know this: You are not broken. You are becoming. And your story is far from over.

Let’s keep turning the pages—together.

✨ Shop My Books:
Visit My Amazon Author Page – Discover natural healing, soulful reflection, and empowerment in every title.

📝 Stay Connected:
Sign up for updates, blogs, and freebies at TheHypothyroidismChick.com

Disclaimer: This blog is for inspirational and educational purposes only. Always consult a medical professional for diagnosis or treatment.

#healingjourney #chronicillnesswarrior #autoimmunesurvivor #thyroidhealth #naturalhealing #audreychilders #thehypothyroidismchick #freckledoracletruths #bookrecommendation #roots2health #pawsitivelynourished #notbrokenbecoming #southernstrength

🛋️ Mom Therapy Bingo: A Free Printable That Might Just Save Your Relationship (or Ruin a Sunday Brunch)

Leave a reply

(Yes, it’s a funny therapy tool for moms—complete with journaling prompts, sass, and healing vibes)

By A.L. Childers
Author | Overthinking Mother | Creator of “The Freckled Oracle™”

Free printable therapy bingo card for moms with a sense of humor! Perfect for Gen X daughters healing mother wounds, over-apologizing moms, and anyone who needs a laugh while working through trauma. Includes journaling prompts and mental health resources.

Let me start with this truth bomb:

Motherhood is the only job where you’re expected to carry trauma, cook dinner, apologize for your mother’s mistakes, and still remember everyone’s sock preferences.

And if you’ve got a grown kid in therapy (like I do), you start wondering…
Am I the villain in someone else’s healing journey?

Apparently not. I asked.
And I asked again.
And then—because I’m me—I asked a third time just to be sure.

🙋‍♀️ So, Did You Talk About Me in Therapy?

Here’s the thing. My daughter goes to therapy. Not because I made her (Gen X moms don’t get to demand that), but because she’s emotionally intelligent and tired of my “just suck it up” pep talks.

After one of her sessions, I asked:

“Did you talk about me today?”

She looked at me like I’d just asked if she discussed the price of cucumbers.

“No, Mom.”

I took a beat, looked her square in the eye, and said:

“Well then… clearly I failed as a parent.”

And that’s how our Mother-Daughter Emotional Audit™ began—with sarcasm, heart, and a silent prayer that I wasn’t the main character in her therapy trauma arc.

🎉 Introducing: Mom Therapy Bingo (Yes, It’s a Thing)

So what’s a mom to do?
Laugh. Reflect. Repeat.
Preferably with wine and a downloadable worksheet.

That’s why I created a FREE printable called “Mom Therapy Bingo”—a fun way to process those slightly awkward post-therapy convos and lean into the healing (without making it weird).

You’ll find bingo squares like:

  • “Mentions childhood snacks”
  • “Asks if you ever talk about her in therapy”
  • “Says ‘You’re too sensitive’”
  • “Texts you a meme after an argument”
  • “Cries but says she’s not crying”

It’s funny. It’s warm. And it just might open up a conversation you didn’t even know you needed.

Alt text for image: funny bingo card for therapy moms – healing through humor

👉 Download Your Free Mom Therapy Bingo Card Here

✍️ Bonus: Journaling Prompts That Don’t Judge

If you’re ready to go deeper (or just don’t want to make eye contact during dinner), I’ve also created a journaling companion to help you process the big stuff:

  • What did your mom do right?
  • What did she miss?
  • What have you carried that you’re finally ready to put down?

🎁 Click here to download the companion journaling PDF

💬 Healing Tools for Moms (Who Use Humor as a Coping Mechanism)

Let’s be real—some of us process trauma by crying.
Some of us process it by reorganizing the spice rack.
And some of us make Bingo cards and write blogs.

Whatever your process is, I see you. And I want to share a few resources that have helped me and my daughter along the way:

❤️ Mental Health Support Links:

You don’t have to go it alone. And you don’t have to be perfect to be worthy of healing.

💖 Final Thoughts from One Healing Mama to Another

If your child is in therapy, that’s not a failure.
It’s a family success story in progress.

And if they never talk about you?
Well… you either nailed it, or they’re saving you for season two.

Either way, download the bingo card. Write a little. Laugh a lot.
Because breaking cycles can be beautiful—even when it’s messy.

With wine, wisdom, and warm sarcasm,
A.L. Childers
☀️ Author of “Silent Struggles,” “The Hidden Empire,” “Roots to Health,” and more
📚 Amazon Author Page
🌐 TheHypothyroidismChick.com

⚠️ Disclaimer (Because This Is Real Life)

This blog is written with humor and love, but depression and trauma are serious matters. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a licensed mental health provider or emergency support. Therapy is a personal and powerful tool—and joking about it doesn’t minimize its value. It makes it more human.

🛋️ “Did You Talk About Me in Therapy?” – A Love Letter from a Nosy Gen X Mom

Leave a reply

By A.L. Childers
Author | Mother | Licensed Eavesdropper™

I know this can be a deeply personal matter for many, and I want to say this right out of the gate:

💬 I’m proud that my daughter goes to therapy.
Like, “announce it at brunch with extra mimosa” proud.

She made the decision, as an adult, to take control of her depression and walk her sweet self into a therapist’s office. And she stuck with it. That, to me, is strength. That is bravery. That is self-awareness with a co-pay.

Now… let’s get to the part where I messed it up—because naturally, I had questions.

💬 The Conversation That Proved I’m Still Extra

So after one of her recent sessions, I casually (read: nosily) asked:

“How was therapy today, baby?”

She goes,

“Fine.”
Cue that “don’t start” tone.

I ask:

“Did you talk about me?”
Her:
“No.”
Said with a face that looked like I just asked if she discusses microwave popcorn in there.

So naturally I had to go full Gen X:

“Do you ever talk about me in therapy?”
(She’s clearly wondering if this is a trap.)

Her final “No” felt so definitive, so I’m-not-sure-why-you’d-think-you’re-the-main-character-of-my-trauma-ish that all I could do was reply with:

“Well dang. As a Gen X mom, I think I failed you as a parent if you don’t even complain about me in therapy…”

Then I dramatically fake-sobbed and walked off into the kitchen to overcook something as penance.

🤣 Laughter as Medicine (But Let’s Be Real…)

Listen, I get it. Depression isn’t funny.
Mental health isn’t a punchline.
But moms coping through humor? Oh honey, that’s practically genetic.

I joke because I love. I joke because that’s how I connect with my girls.
And I joke because talking openly about therapy in any way—even if it’s a little awkward or playful—helps make it normal. And that’s the goal.

🧠 Mental Health Is Health. Period.

We’ve come a long way from “just pray about it” or “get some air.”
Mental health care is real, powerful, and life-saving.

If you or someone you love is struggling, there are amazing resources out there:

❤️ Mental Health Resources:

You’re never alone. And therapy isn’t a weakness—it’s a wellness tool. Kind of like yoga, but with less sweating and more insight into your childhood rage.

💖 A Note to My Fellow Parents

If your kids are in therapy, don’t take it personally.
(Unless, of course, you were truly unhinged—then maybe take it a little personally.)

We’re not perfect. We were raising babies while trying to heal from our own childhoods that never talked about feelings unless it involved a belt and a casserole.

If your child is strong enough to ask for help, then guess what?
✨ You probably did something right.

📚 About the Author

A.L. Childers is a Southern-born author, creative truth-slinger, and the force behind The Freckled Oracle™. She writes about life, healing, history, and humor with just enough sass to be a threat and just enough warmth to be invited to the cookout.

Check out her books on everything from thyroid healing to emotional survival at:
📚 Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/alchilders

And follow her blog for more laughs, real talk, and life-saving resources:
🌐 TheHypothyroidismChick.com

⚠️ Disclaimer:

This blog is meant to be humorous, heartfelt, and encouraging. It is not medical advice. Depression is a serious condition, and we encourage anyone struggling to reach out to a licensed professional, trusted support system, or emergency services if needed. Therapy is a personal journey—and we’re just out here trying to normalize it with a little laughter and a lot of love.

Output image

Your free printable “Mom Therapy Bingo” card is ready! 🧠💗💬

Click below to download and share it with your email subscribers, social media followers, or Gen X therapy squad:

👉 Download Mom Therapy Bingo Card (PDF)

It’s 8.5″ x 11″ and print-ready—perfect for laughs at brunch, therapy debriefs, or just a little healing humor in the chaos.

Your “Mom, Me & Therapy: A Journaling Companion” printable PDF is ready! 📓💬✨

👉 Download the Journaling Prompts (PDF)

It includes 10 heartfelt, healing, and reflective prompts designed to complement your “Mom Therapy Bingo” card—perfect for self-reflection, email opt-ins, or workshop freebies.

🌼 Want the Laughs and the Healing?

Subscribe below and get your FREE Mom Therapy Bingo Card 🛋️ plus a printable journaling companion packed with thoughtful (and slightly nosy) prompts for working through your inner mama drama.

Because mental health is serious—but healing doesn’t have to be humorless.
You bring the tissues. I’ll bring the sass. 💁‍♀️

👉 Sign up now at TheHypothyroidismChick.com
🔒 No spam. Just soul work and Southern wit.

“Built-In Safety Nets: What the Privileged Don’t Understand About Survival Without Support”

Leave a reply

“Built-In Safety Nets: What the Privileged Don’t Understand About Survival Without Support”
By A.L. Childers

Introduction
Some people grow up with the security of a net—a built-in safety net of parents, siblings, a spouse, or even generational wealth that quietly cushions every fall. And while that’s not a crime, it becomes deeply frustrating when those same people dish out advice to friends who’ve never had that luxury—completely unaware of how insulated they’ve always been.

This blog is for those of us who were born without a parachute. Who didn’t get “rescued” when life turned to hell. Who didn’t get second chances from forgiving parents, financial bailouts from spouses, or even emotional validation from someone who gave a damn.

I’m one of those people.

My Story: No Net. No Rescue. Just Me.

I didn’t grow up with a soft place to land. I didn’t have parents who could swoop in and fix things when I was in trouble. No siblings sending money when I was down. No husband who checks in to see how I’m really doing. I’m in a loveless marriage with a man who couldn’t care less about my soul, my health, or my happiness.

But I stay—because survival doesn’t always come with options. And let’s be clear: staying is not weakness. Sometimes, it’s strategy. It’s survival. And no, you don’t understand unless you’ve been here.

The Blind Advice of the Privileged

If you have:

  • A mom you can run home to when life crumbles
  • A spouse who co-regulates your nervous system
  • A family that circles around you when you need help

Then you don’t know what it’s like to survive without that. And you shouldn’t be giving advice to people who do.

“Just leave him.”
“Why don’t you go back to school?”
“You should try therapy.”

All wonderful ideas… if you’re not crushed under financial pressure, emotional fatigue, or decades of trauma.

What It’s Really Like to Have No Support System

Having no support system means:

  • You become your own emergency contact.
  • You talk to yourself because you have no one else.
  • You lie awake with decisions that could break you because no one else is going to fix them.
  • You stay silent because your pain makes people uncomfortable.

People like me? We’re not “too proud to ask for help.”
We just know help isn’t coming.

Why We Stay in Loveless Marriages and Hard Situations

When you’ve never been safe, even broken stability can feel safer than free-fall.

We stay:

  • Because rent is cheaper split.
  • Because the kids need school clothes.
  • Because single motherhood with no tribe is brutal.
  • Because trauma makes you believe you’re unworthy of more.

Resources for Those With No Safety Net

If you’re surviving without support, here are a few lifelines that don’t require a family name or a spouse who cares:

Closing Thoughts: A Letter to the Ones Who Never Had a Net

If this is you—surviving day to day without emotional, financial, or family backup—I see you. I am you.

You are not weak. You are not broken. You are adapted. You are surviving a life most people couldn’t stomach. And the advice-givers? Let them talk. They’re playing life on beginner mode.

We are on expert.

And even if no one else ever tells you: I’m proud of you.

About the Author
A.L. Childers is a mother, author, and advocate for the unheard. Raised without a safety net and still standing strong, she writes for those who feel invisible in a world built for the privileged. You can find her work at TheHypothyroidismChick.com, where she blends truth, trauma, and transformation with grace and grit.

Peace Is the New Flex: Why My 2025 Cut-Off List Is Empty

Leave a reply

Peace Is the New Flex: Why My 2025 Cut-Off List Is Empty
By A.L. Childers | The Hypothyroidism Chick

I sat down recently with a cup of tea, my favorite pen, and the intention of doing what every self-aware adult does at the start of a new year: make a good old-fashioned cut-off list. You know, the list of people, habits, and energy vampires you plan to leave behind for your personal growth and spiritual glow-up?

But as I started writing, I had a realization that stopped me mid-sip:
There’s no one left to cut off.

Cue the dramatic music. 🎻

Not a single name. Not one “friend” I secretly dreaded texting back. Not one situationship stuck in eternal purgatory. Not even a coworker with main-character syndrome to emotionally unsubscribe from.

At first, I panicked. Had I become too isolated? Had I unknowingly joined a secret society of anti-socials?

Nope. I’d just done the hard work early. And now I’m reaping the benefits in pure, unbothered peace.

✂️ Been There, Blocked That

A few years ago, my circle looked more like a tangled set of holiday lights. Bright in places—but mostly chaotic and draining. I kept people around because of shared history, guilt, or the ever-toxic “but we’ve been friends forever.”

Until I realized that longevity without reciprocity is just emotional hoarding.

So, slowly and with love (okay, sometimes with silent blocking and a dash of pettiness), I let go. Of the one-sided friendships. Of the chronic oversharers who never asked how I was doing. Of the energy suckers who treated me like their emotional Airbnb—checking in, dumping baggage, and ghosting when it was time to clean up.

💅 Peace Is the New Flex

Let me say this clearly:
Protecting your peace isn’t rude. It’s responsible.

I didn’t cut people off because I’m cold. I cut them off because I’m cured. Cured from the need to overextend, to prove my worth, or to be everything for everyone except myself.

This version of me? She journals. She eats food that doesn’t set her thyroid on fire. She has boundaries like velvet rope at a VIP lounge. And guess what? She sleeps better.

Peace is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifestyle.

💖 For the Healed & Healing

If you’re still struggling with your own list—here’s your sign. You don’t owe anyone continued access to a version of you they helped exhaust.

Start asking:

  • Do they lift me up or leave me drained?
  • Do I like who I become around them?
  • Would I invite them into my peace today if history wasn’t a factor?

If the answer feels heavy, you’ve got your answer.

Resources to Start Your Cut-Off Journey (With Class)

  • “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab
    Because peace starts with a firm but kind “no.”
  • Therapy apps like BetterHelp
    For untangling why you overextend yourself in the first place.
  • Journaling Prompts
    “Who do I feel obligated to, and why?”
    “What relationships feel like work, and what feels like rest?”

Final Word from the Peaceful Side

So no, my 2025 cut-off list isn’t empty because I’m lucky. It’s empty because I made some hard decisions a long time ago.

And now?
I protect my peace like it’s skincare in TSA—travel-size only, tightly sealed, and not for everyone.

Here’s to more healing, more laughing, and fewer texts from people who mistake your kindness for a clearance sale.

With love, clarity, and zero clutter,
– A.L. Childers
Author of books for the healed & healing 📚✨
#TheHypothyroidismChick

Me in 2025: Realizing I Have No One Left to Cut Off (Because I Did the Work Early)

Leave a reply

Ah, the annual tradition of “New Year, New Me” is upon us again—complete with vision boards, juice cleanses, and the ever-popular cutting people off who no longer serve your purpose declaration.

Except this year… I sat down with my iced matcha, opened my notes app, and realized…
I have no one left to cut off.

Not a single drama magnet. Not a one-sided friendship. Not even that coworker who always “forgets” their wallet at lunch.

Why?
Because I did the emotional spring cleaning before it was trendy. I stopped hanging out with people I didn’t even like. I stopped entertaining folks who drained my energy faster than my phone on 1% with five apps running. I stopped sacrificing my peace to keep fake connections alive.

The Evolution of My Circle (Spoiler: It’s a Dot Now)

There was a time—maybe not that long ago—when my life was cluttered with folks who:

  • Only called when they needed something
  • Were allergic to accountability
  • Thought my kindness was a buffet they could feast on endlessly

But somewhere between journaling, shadow work, and rage-cleaning my contact list, I learned the difference between being kind and being a doormat. I realized that loyalty isn’t about length of time—it’s about mutual respect, energy exchange, and genuinely liking each other’s presence.

So if you’re reading this and wondering how I got here, let me give you the blueprint:

🔮 Step 1: Stop Forcing Vibes That Don’t Fit

If you have to mentally prepare yourself to hang out with someone… that’s a sign. Real ones give you peace, not pressure. You’re allowed to grow out of people, even the ones who’ve “been around forever.” Longevity doesn’t equal loyalty.

✂️ Step 2: Clean Out Your Emotional Closet

Just like that shirt you haven’t worn since 2011 but won’t throw out “just in case”—some relationships are clutter. If someone is using you like an emotional ATM or treating your presence like a convenience store, it’s time to hit delete. (Or at least mute.)

🛑 Step 3: Boundaries Are Self-Love, Not Rebellion

Saying “no” is a full sentence. And if they only loved you when you said yes, that wasn’t love—it was access. Protect your energy like it’s Beyoncé tickets. Limited. Valuable. Not for everyone.

👏 I’m Not Cold, I’m Cured

It’s not that I’m bitter. It’s not that I hate people (okay, maybe some). It’s just that in 2025, I finally gave myself permission to choose me—without guilt, without drama, without over-explaining to folks who were never listening anyway.

The goal now isn’t revenge or proving a point. It’s peace. It’s aligned friendships. It’s relationships that fill, not drain. And let me tell you—the silence is delicious.

🧠 Resources for Your Cut-Off Era (or Prevention Plan)

  • “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab
    A must-read for anyone learning how to say “no” without having a full-blown anxiety spiral.
  • “The Drama of the Gifted Child” by Alice Miller
    For those of us who were taught to people-please as a form of survival. Break the cycle.
  • Therapy (yes, real therapy)
    Sites like BetterHelp or Open Path Collective offer affordable sessions for boundary-building and healing old wounds.
  • Podcasts like “The Adult Chair” or “Therapy Chat”
    Because sometimes hearing other people’s healing helps you walk through your own.

Final Thought

If your circle got smaller, don’t mourn it—celebrate it. You’re no longer available for confusion, disrespect, or lukewarm loyalty. You’re not cutting folks off out of spite—you’re cutting off access to your peace, and that’s sacred.

So here’s to the real ones. The few. The aligned. The vibe-checked.
And to you, dear reader—welcome to the soft life, where peace is protected and drama gets zero screen time.

When Desire Fades: Understanding Hypothyroidism and the Hidden Impact on Your Libido

Leave a reply

By A.L. Childers | TheHypothyroidismChick.com

You’re Not Broken—You’re Just Out of Balance

If you’ve been wondering where your desire went… you’re not alone.

So many women with hypothyroidism feel a quiet sense of grief or guilt about the changes in their libido. You might love your partner deeply, yet feel like something within you has dimmed. The spark, the excitement, the urge—it feels miles away. And often, no one warns you this could happen.

But here’s what I want you to know:

This isn’t your fault. And more importantly, you are not broken.

The Thyroid-Libido Connection: It’s More Intimate Than You Think

Your thyroid is small, but it runs a major operation—regulating hormones, energy, metabolism, temperature, and yes… your sex drive.

When your thyroid underperforms, everything slows down, including your body’s production of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—all key players in the libido game.

So if you’re:

  • Tired beyond belief…
  • Emotionally numb or moody…
  • Experiencing vaginal dryness…
  • Feeling disconnected from your body or sexuality…

Please know this is a common but often unspoken consequence of hypothyroidism.

It’s Not Just Physical—It’s Emotional, Too

Living with a chronic condition like hypothyroidism isn’t just a physical journey. It’s emotional, mental, and deeply personal. You might feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself—the sensual, confident, vibrant version who once felt at home in her body.

That version is still there.

She’s just waiting for healing, understanding, and a little compassion.

The Grief No One Talks About

There’s a certain type of mourning that comes with losing your libido. Especially when you still crave emotional connection but feel like you’re failing your partner, or even failing yourself.

I’ve been there. And I’ve spoken to hundreds of women who feel that same unspoken sadness. Some are too embarrassed to bring it up, others have been dismissed by doctors who reduced their concerns to “stress” or “aging.”

You deserve better answers.

Healing Begins With Awareness—and Love

The beautiful news? You can start to feel like yourself again. Maybe not overnight, but with the right tools, support, and care, that connection to your sensual self can return.

Here are some loving first steps:

  • Get your thyroid levels rechecked. Even small imbalances in T3 or T4 can cause huge shifts in libido.
  • Support your body holistically. Nutrition, sleep, and gentle movement are powerful allies.
  • Talk to your partner. Vulnerability breeds closeness—and your relationship deserves that kind of grace.
  • Seek help without shame. Whether from a doctor, a therapist, or a support group—let someone walk this journey with you.

To Every Woman Reading This: You Are Still Desirable

Even if your sex drive is quiet right now…

Even if you don’t feel like “your old self”…

Even if you’re frustrated, numb, or exhausted…

You are still worthy of love, passion, pleasure, and joy. This is just a season—and seasons change.

Final Words from My Heart to Yours

As someone who once felt disconnected from my own body, I want you to know there is hope. There is healing. And there is nothing shameful about talking openly about these deeply human experiences.

You are not alone.

Let’s start having these conversations out loud—with warmth, honesty, and zero judgment.

Because when women rise up in truth, the world heals with us.

💛 With love and light,
A.L. Childers
Author, Advocate, and Fellow Hypothyroidism Warrior
TheHypothyroidismChick.com

Healing the Wounds: Overcoming Post-Traumatic Pandemic Syndrome

Leave a reply

Rebuilding Mental Health in a Post-Pandemic World

The COVID-19 pandemic changed the world in ways we are only beginning to understand. It shattered routines, isolated families, and created an invisible burden that many of us still carry. While society has largely moved on, millions of people continue to struggle with the aftermath—anxiety, depression, grief, and a profound sense of uncertainty. This lingering trauma, often referred to as Post-Traumatic Pandemic Syndrome (PTPS), has deeply affected individuals, families, and entire communities.

If you’ve found yourself feeling lost, emotionally drained, or struggling to reconnect with the world around you, you are not alone. Healing the Wounds: Overcoming Post-Traumatic Pandemic Syndrome is the essential guide to understanding and overcoming the hidden scars of the pandemic.

The Unspoken Pandemic: Mental Health Struggles After COVID-19

The mental health impact of the pandemic has been just as significant as its physical effects. Many people are dealing with:

✅ Persistent Anxiety & Uncertainty: Worry about health, financial stability, and global crises has not faded for everyone.
✅ Grief & Loss: Millions lost loved ones to the virus and were unable to say goodbye properly. The emotional toll is profound.
✅ Social Disconnection: Years of isolation, distancing, and fear have made it difficult for many to reintegrate into normal social life.
✅ Burnout & Exhaustion: Healthcare workers, essential employees, parents, and teachers bore the brunt of the crisis, and their burnout remains unaddressed.
✅ Increased PTSD & Depression: Many individuals who experienced severe illness, job loss, or financial ruin continue to suffer from trauma-related symptoms.

While the world rushes forward, countless people are left wondering: How do we truly heal?

Why Healing the Wounds Is the Book You Need Right Now

Healing the Wounds: Overcoming Post-Traumatic Pandemic Syndrome is more than just a book—it’s a compassionate roadmap for navigating post-pandemic trauma.

🔹 Acknowledge the Impact – Before we heal, we must recognize the profound effect COVID-19 had on our mental well-being. This book helps readers validate their experiences and emotions.

🔹 Rebuild Resilience – Through powerful insights and practical strategies, it guides readers on how to regain control, rebuild trust, and develop resilience in the face of uncertainty.

🔹 Foster Community & Connection – Healing happens together. This book emphasizes the importance of social reintegration, community support, and how to foster empathy and connection in a fractured world.

🔹 Tools for Every Reader – Whether you’re a parent, a frontline worker, a grieving individual, or simply someone struggling with post-pandemic life, this book offers tailored advice and solutions.

It’s Time to Heal, Together

The pandemic might be over, but its impact remains. Ignoring our collective trauma won’t make it disappear. If you’ve felt like something inside you changed during those years and you’re not sure how to move forward, this book is here to help.

It’s time to break the silence on post-pandemic trauma and reclaim our lives. Are you ready to take the first step toward healing?

📖 Get your copy of Healing the Wounds: Overcoming Post-Traumatic Pandemic Syndrome today!

Let’s start the journey toward recovery—together. 💙