Living Wildly Well

If you read my last post, you know that I am working through a soft tissue injury using PEACE & LOVE. Recovering from an injury can be really tough- mentally, physically, and emotionally. That’s why today, I want to focus on the ‘O’ in LOVE: Optimism.

As someone who’s neurodivergent, my brain has a knack for generating all of the possible outcomes—good, bad, and everything in between—right from the outset. While this can be helpful, it also means I can easily get caught up in the potential pitfalls or negatives of a situation. So after learning how key this is, staying OPTIMISTIC became a huge priority, because in general, I tend to be a bit like Chris Traeger from Parks and Rec who said, “If I keep my body moving. and my mind occupied at all times, I will avoid falling into a bottomless pit of despair.” If you’ve ever been stuck on the sidelines, you probably get it—idle hands make anxious minds!

The Power of Optimism in Healing

There are so many interesting, peer reviewed studies that show the power of optimism and the mid-body connection. You’ve probably heard of the placebo effect—where believing in a treatment’s benefits makes it more likely to work, even if it’s just a sugar pill. That’s the power of the mind-body connection. Our thoughts don’t just affect how we feel emotionally; they can influence how our nervous system and immune system respond to stress and healing.

No, optimism won’t magically give you abs or fix a broken bone overnight. But research shows that people who practice gratitude and keep negativity in check often see better health outcomes and bounce back stronger. And hey, even if the benefits are small, staying optimistic is a win for you and the people around you.

So I started journaling and writing down at least one thing that I’m grateful for each day. This has given me perspective and helped to keep me focused on progress to come rather than “where I would be if this hadn’t happened.”

Community

It’s been shown time and again that people with strong communities heal better, mentally and physically, than those who are isolated. For me, inviting a friend over to test recipes felt like hitting two birds with one stone: staying social and exploring a passion. If I say so myself, it turned out to be a killer recipe! A non-alcoholic margarita with a green tea base! Which brings me to…

Passion Project

If you know me, you know I’m a pretty good cook. (It’s not braggy if it’s true.) Definitely above average anyway. And I’ve been putting together Dry January online community events for the past 3 years now. So to combine those two passions, I’ve been working on an ebook that will be available in January that features non-alcoholic drinks that are actually tasty while exploring arguably the coolest cooking technique, fermentation!

Simple Ferments: Learning & Sipping Around the World 🌏

I’ve been diving headfirst into the magical world of simple ferments—those bubbly, beautiful, naturally fermented drinks that connect cultures and generations. It’s fascinating how accessible these recipes are and how they’ve been passed down through traditions worldwide. Plus, they’re probiotic-packed and good for the gut! Here’s what I’ve been experimenting with:

• Cheong 🍓: A Korean fruit syrup that’s made by fermenting fruit with sugar. It’s simple, sweet, and so versatile.
• Ginger Bug 🌱: The base for homemade natural sodas like ginger ale! Watching the little bubbles form as the fermentation happens is so satisfying.
• Tepache 🍍: A Mexican fermented pineapple drink that’s slightly fizzy, refreshing, and packed with tropical flavor. Bonus: it’s made from pineapple peels, so it’s eco-friendly, too.

Speaking of books…

Cozy Reading & Relaxing

One of the silver linings of slowing down has been the chance to get to my tbr. I will hit my goal of 50 books for the year soon!

And while I have run about a dozen book club reads through Instagram, I decided to start a book club on the app Fable. I was hesitant for so long because I’ve been on Goodreads for years, but it seriously took less than five minutes to set up my account and they imported all of my books with ratings and reviews.

Our first read there is My Lady Jane, a hilariously witty historical fiction that’s full of fun twists. If you’re looking for a good laugh or a lighthearted escape, I highly recommend it. And hey, why not read it with me? I’d love for you to join my book club Wildly Wandering Pages on Fable where we can connect and share a good book chat together, with no spoilers because it is broken up into chapters! Read at whatever pace you like and check into that section for what everyone else thought about it! (Here’s the link to join.)

I’ve also put a little more time into my cozy games! My Time at Portia on desktop is an escape for me. I love it so much, just hearing the staring menu music is like a little stress relief valve. I also have a VR system, and Beat Saber is such a fun and immersive way to get your heart pumping (vascularization), which is also good for recovery! And good old Animal Crossing, the game that you can’t hurry, so it forces you to take your time and slow down lol.

Movement That Heals, Not Hurts 🧘‍♀️🚶‍♀️

Even though I’m recovering, I’ve been staying as active as possible, in ways that are gentle and intentional. It’s been about listening to my body, moving in ways that feel good, and giving myself permission to slow down. For me, that’s meant:

• Daily walks (short and sweet at first, now longer and filled with puppy joy).
• Light yoga flows with modifications.
• Bodyweight versions of lower body gym exercises like squats and deadlifts, keeping the movement pain-free.
• Core and upper-body workouts that don’t tax my injury.
• Plenty of gentle stretching, breathwork, and mindfulness to keep my mind connected to my body.

Staying consistent with movement, no matter how simple, has helped me so much—physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Mindset Is Everything 🧘‍♂️💭

And finally, optimism has been my constant companion. Whether it’s experimenting with ferments, working on my ebook, or diving into a good book, staying curious and passionate has kept me grounded during this time. With the dreary December weather, this has been particularly helpful aside from the injury!

Recovery isn’t just about doing less. When you fill your days with creativity, connection, and a little laughter, your body—and mind—will thank you.

What About You?

What are your favorite ways to stay positive and engaged during tough seasons? Whether it’s through creative projects, movement, or simply trying something new, I’d love to hear how you keep your spirits high! Drop your thoughts (or ferment recipes! 😉) in the comments below.

And don’t forget—stay tuned for “Sip Well, Live Well” coming in January! Make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss it. 🧉✨

Remember healing isn’t just about rest; it’s about adjusting and leaning into the things that fill you up. So here’s to curiosity, creativity, and savoring every moment—no matter what season you’re in. 💛