Live Joy

  One of the biggest shifts I've made over the last few years is becoming much more proactive with my health instead of reactive. I don't want to wait until something feels wrong before I start asking questions. I want to understand what's happening inside my body while I still feel healthy so I can make small adjustments today that benefit me years from now. That's why I started using Function Health in 2023. More Than Just a Routine Physical When most of us go to our annual physical, our primary care provider orders a standard set of labs. Those tests are important, but they're designed to look for obvious problems. I wanted a much more complete picture. Function Health tests more than 130 biomarkers , giving me insights into everything from cholesterol and cardiovascular health to inflammation, hormones, thyroid function, vitamins, minerals, metabolic health, liver function, kidney function, and much more. This isn't about finding something wrong....

  How much time do you spend worrying about things you can't control? Maybe it's whether someone likes you. Whether your children make the "right" decisions. Whether you get the promotion. Whether your relationship/friendship works out. Whether people understand your intentions. Whether life unfolds according to your plan. I've been there too.   For so much of my life, I believed that if I worked hard enough and planned carefully enough, I could influence almost every outcome. But life has a way of teaching us otherwise. One of the greatest lessons I've learned is this: You can't always control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. And that changes everything.   The Circle You Control (SEE TOP OF BLOG) The larger circle contains everything you wish you could control: The smaller circle inside it is where your energy belongs. Inside this circle are the things you actually control. Every minute spent trying to control the outer circle is...

  If you've spent any time in the wellness space, you've probably heard people talking about glutathione. It's often called the "master antioxidant," but what exactly is it, and how do you know if it's something your body actually needs? As we begin this supplement series, I want to approach each supplement the same way: with curiosity, education, and a reminder that more isn't always better. Just because something is trending doesn't mean it's right for everyone. What Is Glutathione? Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that your body naturally produces. It is made from three amino acids, glutamine, glycine, and cysteine and is found in nearly every cell in the body. Its primary job is to protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals, environmental toxins, stress, illness, and the normal aging process. Think of glutathione as one of your body's built-in defense systems, working behind the scenes to keep your cells healthy and functio...

As we move into the heart of summer, we arrive at a powerful seasonal milestone: the Summer Solstice.   This year, the Summer Solstice occurs on Sunday, June 21, 2026 . It marks the longest day of the year and the official beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.   For centuries, cultures around the world have celebrated the Summer Solstice as a time of abundance, growth, vitality, and light. While the days will gradually begin getting shorter after the solstice, this moment serves as a reminder to pause and appreciate all that has blossomed in our lives.   The Summer Solstice invites us to step out of autopilot and ask ourselves: What is thriving in my life right now? What have I been nurturing that is finally beginning to bloom? How can I make the most of the season ahead?   Just as nature reaches its peak, we are encouraged to recognize our own growth and celebrate how far we've come.   What to Focus On During the Summer Solstice The energy of the Summ...

  If you've spent any time on social media, listened to a wellness podcast, or walked down the supplement aisle lately, you've probably been told that you need a lot of supplements. One influencer is talking about vitamin D. Another swears magnesium changed her life. Someone on TikTok is convinced probiotics fixed all of their health problems. Your friend takes collagen and has amazing skin. A podcast host says creatine is the secret to staying strong as we age.   Before long, you find yourself adding another bottle to your cart and wondering if you're missing something important. Trust me, I've been there.   In fact, I still laugh when I think about how many supplements I've purchased because I heard someone talking about them on a podcast, saw a video online, or heard a friend rave about the results they were getting. It's easy to think, "Well, if it worked for her, maybe I need it too."   The reality is that supplements are incredibly individual. Wh...

  Can you believe we're already halfway through the year?   Six months ago, many of us were setting goals, choosing our word of the year, creating vision boards, or promising ourselves that this would be the year we finally put ourselves first.   And now here we are.   June is the perfect time for a pause, notice I didn't say to judge ourselves, but to check in with ourselves.   Not to focus on what we haven't done.   But to honestly evaluate where we are and where we want to go next.   Too often we get so busy moving through our days that we forget to stop and ask if we're actually moving in the direction we want to go.   So, before you race into the second half of the year, take a moment to reflect.   What's Working? What habits have helped you feel healthier, happier, or more at peace? What relationships are adding value to your life? What routines are supporting your physical, mental, and emotional well-being? What accomplishments are you...