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Welcome!

Hello and welcome to Wholeness Health and You! My name is Amy and I’m so glad you stopped by!

Wholeness Health and You was created based on my own health journey and wanting to share what I’ve learned (so far!) with you in a simple, real, and honest way that empowers you to take an active role in your health.

The concept is simple. You are not broken, you are whole. You have what it takes to achieve optimal health, you just might need a little help discovering what that means for you. And on your journey you will come to realize what you are really capable of.

On a slightly deeper level, it all begins with WHY. Finding our true “why” is the basis for all that comes after. And yes, it actually does matter! It can be the ‘make it or break it’ of our success.

So join me for the ride! Read about the different aspects of health, plus all kinds of informational tidbits, recipes, and recommendations for books, podcasts, shows, activities, and whatever else I can think of! Explore the site and begin YOUR journey…

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

Break Your Patterns Challenge: Day 1

Heavy iron chain breaking with sparks in an industrial workshop

Managing everyone’s emotions

Are you the peacekeeper? Are you the one who comes to the rescue when someone is upset? Do you notice how everyone else is feeling and somehow feel that it’s your job to fix it or make things better? Do you take on someone else’s emotions as your own? Have you tended to everyone else’s needs for so long that you’ve forgotten what yours are?

Today Dr. Mariel Buqué says that this kind of pattern is something we’ve picked up throughout our lives. Maybe we saw someone else, like a parent, grandparent, guardian, or sibling, taking care of everyone they love, even if it meant putting their own feelings or needs aside in order to hold it all together. Often, this pattern is passed on from generation to generation – but even if we’ve adopted the same behaviors it doesn’t mean that they have to continue.

Dr. Buqué leads us through a practice that asks us to think about what we noticed as we grew up, someone who was the ‘fixer’, etc. Then she asks us to think about the present day and if we “felt responsible for someone else’s feelings” recently. She reminds us not to dig too deeply, just touch on the memory, remember how it made us feel as well as how we responded, and see if we can recognize the pattern. She also asks us to find the place in our bodies that holds that tension or unease and acknowledge it. Here’s the part that blew me away. She tells us to ask ourselves this question:

“Is this feeling mine, or am I taking responsibility for how someone else feels?”

Oh boy. That’s a pretty powerful question. Then she asks another zinger:

“What am I afraid might happen if I don’t try to make this person feel better?”

Finally, she wants us to imagine putting down what we’re carrying for someone else. And that doesn’t mean we’re ignoring it or the other person. It doesn’t mean that we don’t care. It doesn’t mean that we’re going to dismiss it. It just means that we’re going to recognize that their feelings are theirs. Our feelings are ours. And we don’t have to carry them all. Dr. Buqué says that now we can say,

“I can care about you without carrying this for you.”

She reminds us to be patient as we learn how not to carry the burdens and feelings of others. It’s going to take some time. The pattern didn’t develop in a day – so we can’t expect it to just magically disappear. We have to work at it. We need to keep reminding ourselves that it’s ok to put down what we no longer need to carry. She says that, when we recognize the pattern or reaction, we need to pause and ask ourselves if it’s something that we actually need to carry. And if it’s not, it’s ok to put it down. We’re not abandoning the other person but we can’t carry what isn’t ours.

I’ll admit that I feel things very deeply. I always have. And when someone is upset or suffering I hold it very close to me. As a parent, that’s how I’ve always reacted and sometimes it meant that I put all of myself into helping them, forgetting that sometimes their problems need to be their problems. I’m getting better at letting some of that go and on occasion I will set my intention for the day with “Today I will put down what I no longer need to carry.” (I have the Insight Timer widget on my home screen that reminds me of that intention throughout the day. LOL) It’s going to take some time though. It won’t happen overnight.

I hope that you found something valuable in today’s meditation that you can take with you into every day. I hope, if you’re the one who feels responsible for everyone else, that you can find some time for yourself, practice asking the questions Dr. Buqué brought about, and begin to recognize and shift the pattern. And I sincerely hope that you can start to put down what you don’t need to carry so that you can pay more attention to what you truly need.

Namaste.

#breakthepatternchallenge

#putdownwhatyoudontneedtocarry

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

Break Your Patterns Challenge

Heavy iron chain breaking with sparks in an industrial workshop

When I saw that Insight Timer was hosting another challenge I thought, Ok, cool. Let’s see what they’ve come up with this time.

I’ve never hit the “JOIN” button so quickly.

How many times have we asked ourselves, “Why do I keep doing this?” That’s the question Insight Timer posed in the opening post. How many times have we caught ourselves doing the same things and yet are unable to stop doing them??? It could be doom scrolling way too long or re-living a moment/situation far too often or even self-sabotage. Why? Why do we do these things to ourselves?

Apparently, there’s an actual reason we keep doing it and can’t quite seem to snap out of it. So Insight Timer has enlisted the help of several mental health professionals to help us recognize the pattern(s), understand what’s really going on in our heads, and give us a tip/trick/tool to begin to turn things around for ourselves. I, for one, can’t wait.

Event: Break Your Patterns Challenge

When: Monday October 19 – Monday October 26

Where: Insight Timer app – and a quiet place to practice!!!

I sincerely hope that you’ll join me on this adventure. Think about some action, habit, or pattern you’d like to break and come along!!! I’ll be posting every day about my experience but I’d also love to hear about yours. You can add a comment or message me directly. (Don’t worry, I won’t post any comments.)

Hope you have a wonderful evening!

Remember to breathe . . .

#insighttimer

#breakyourpatternschallenge

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

500

Today marks 500 consecutive days of meditation.

Holy cow.

I remember being excited about one full year . . . but 500 days???? I never thought I’d stick with meditation this long.

Has it been 100% blissful? No.

Has each meditation been wonderful? Absolutely not. There have been a few that ended with me feeling sweaty and itchy and I couldn’t wait for it to end.

Have I been completely still, eyes closed, in my favorite comfy chair for every session? Nope. Sometimes my meditation has been a silent walk. Some have been quiet journaling. More than a few have been spent staring into space – or a roaring fire. And a few of them have been sitting in exhaustion, tears trickling down my cheeks.

Has meditating every day taught me some valuable lessons? You betcha. The good, the bad, the itchy-twitchy, the sad, the angry, the what-in-the-world-do-I-do-now, and everything in between has taught me something about myself. I’ve learned what I’m capable of, what I will no longer tolerate, how to sit with my emotions without trying to ‘fix’ things, how to forgive myself (a little), and how to approach the world and others around me with as much love and kindness as I can muster at that moment.

Meditation doesn’t have to be sitting like a pretzel, chanting or humming, and looking like some ethereal being in a constant state of peace. Wouldn’t that be nice, though? LOL No, meditation can be done sitting, standing, walking, running, riding a bike, crocheting, knitting, painting, throwing pottery, doing a puzzle, woodworking, writing, drifting to sleep to healing sounds, ad nauseam. In my opinion, meditation is anything that helps you to calm down, regulate your breathing, and focus your mind on a single purpose. That can be so many different things to so many different people.

I urge you to find your form of meditation. Make time for it. Tell others that you’re going to be doing that thing for a while and you’ll be back later. (I sometimes tell my husband that I’m going to ‘disappear’ for a while and he knows that I need to be left undisturbed.) It’s become part of the routine and he respects it. Find your meditation. Sit with it, even when it’s difficult. Keep doing it. It will become a habit – one that will open your eyes, your world, and your heart – if you’re willing to listen.

Namaste.

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

Woods Walk 2026: Rock Run Preserve

Trail #5: Smoooooooth . . .

What a peaceful and pleasant walk!!! The weather couldn’t have been better. The sun was shining. There was a light breeze. It wasn’t too hot or too cold. The colors were beginning to pop. It was a perfect fall day!

Hubby and I decided to venture over to Rock Run Preserve at the Paul V. Nichols access point. A word of caution to anyone who hasn’t been there yet: the entrance is under construction and it’s basically one lane in – and out. The entrance is at the corner of Rte. 59 and Ingalls in Joliet. There’s a light, thank goodness, but half of the driveway is blocked off and there happened to be a work truck parked there so getting in and out was a bit precarious. Oh! And make sure you get there fairly early, especially if you go on a weekend. The parking lot isn’t very large and it fills up quickly.

The path itself is fully paved and makes for an easy, leisurely stroll. At just 2 miles, it’s not particularly taxing because it’s smooth and level. It’s one way in, the path circles the pond, then return the same way. There’s some open meadow, a meandering stream, and some shade along the way as well. The trees were beginning to change colors so there were glimpses of gold, orange, red among the green. There were several people – some of whom we said hello to twice! – but it didn’t feel overly crowded. There were walkers, runners, and cyclists sharing the space but it was really rather peaceful.

If you’re looking for a simple and stress-free trek this one is for you. Not too long. Very smooth. Easy to follow. Pretty scenery. Nice people.

Happy trailing!

#woodswalk2026

#rockrunpreserve

#reconnectwithnature

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

Woods Walk 2026: Joliet Iron Works Historic Site

Trail #4: History meets nature.

Or maybe I should say that nature took over where the history ended . . .

I’m not really a big history buff but this was pretty cool. Hubby and I decided to tackle the 2.5-ish mile Joliet Iron Works site and it didn’t disappoint. We stuck to the Woods Walk path alongside the railroad tracks, which was mostly paved then transitioned to crushed gravel once we crossed the road. On the whole, the path is fairly even so if you have wheels you shouldn’t have too much of an issue. The only glitch you may encounter is at the bridge. There’s a ‘lip’ to get over and the hill, immediately after you cross the river, is a bit steep. We did notice a few ruts carved into the path from recent rains as well so you’ll have to watch out for those. The good news is that the Goosechase checkpoint isn’t far at all. Then you’ll turn around and head back.

Rather than come back the same route we came, we chose the sidewalk on the other side of the street that meanders through the industrial ruins, marked periodically with information stations outlining the history of the site. (And when I say ruins, I mean ruins . . .) Throughout the walk we could see the shapes of the buildings and often wondered what the nooks and crannies were used for: maybe furnaces, coal storage bins, or transport stages. The site was built in the 1800’s and employed mainly immigrants who lived in the surrounding neighborhood. Polish, Irish, Swedish, English, Slovak, among others. They labored, lived, socialized, and even died here. As with most commercial areas back then, working conditions and safety were not always top priority so you can imagine many workers’ fates. It’s fascinating to read about the history but also makes us wonder why it shut down. It was once a bustling center of activity and prosperity. What remains is overgrown and crumbling. The abandoned structures and dark recesses create a hauntingly somber aura. The whole area is rather quiet and seems almost lonely.

Sorry . . . didn’t mean to bring on the creep factor. This is a very interesting experience. There are a few things to keep in mind if you decide venture out there. First, the entrance is a bit tricky to find. We got a little lost. We came from the north, down Rte. 53 (a.k.a. Independence Blvd to the north and Broadway Street once you’re in Joliet) then we took a left onto Ruby Street. Follow Ruby as it veers right and becomes Chicago Street then turn left on Ohio Street. Turn left at Scott Street and make sure you’re in the right lane because the road will suddenly veer to the left but you’ll need to take a sharp right onto Columbia Street and then an immediate left into the parking lot. There is a real toilet there in case you need it as well as a large pavilion where you can rest for a bit or have a bite to eat after your journey. Second, the majority of the path is out in the open so make sure you lube up with sunscreen (if you go on a sunny day) and bring plenty of water.

I took quite a few photos on our trek – click through the slideshow below to view them. I hope you get a chance to wander that way so that you can learn about the old Joliet Iron Works site and enjoy a little exercise and fresh air too.

Happy hiking!

#woodswalk2026

#jolietironworkshistoricsite

#reconnectwithnature

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

The Movement for Longevity Video Challenge: Day 7

Today Damian walked us through Day 7 of our challenge and it put everything we’ve been doing this past week into practice. A little strength. Some stretching. A bit of balance. A touch of coordination. And, of course, cardio. It took less than 10 minutes.

The challenge is complete. But our practice doesn’t have to be. There are so many ways that we can easily fit movement into our everyday lives. We can stand on one foot while doing menial tasks like brushing our teeth or chopping vegetables. If we’ve been sitting for a while we can set a reminder to get up and do some squats, stretch, or go up and down the stairs a few times. There are a gazillion different suggestions online for fitting in a little movement throughout the day. Healthy aging doesn’t require going to a gym for an hour a day. Short bursts of activity, brain challenges, coordination tasks, hopping, dancing, or just doing whatever strikes you at the moment will promote growth – both physical and mental – and help us to age well. Any little bit helps and the sooner we start the better off we’ll be later.

I had a lot of fun and I think I’m going to incorporate the practices that I learned into my normal routine. I hope you had fun and picked up a few things along the way that you will carry forward into your futures. Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

#insighttimer

#themovementforlongevitychallenge

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

The Movement for Longevity Video Challenge: Day 6

A little late in the day to be posting, I know, but we just had one of those busy, busy days that kept us running. And thinking.

And then today’s session made me think some more. 🙃

As Damian points out, however, challenging our brains is a good thing. Another key to longevity and aging well. He also says that by trying something new – and feeling awkward and uncomfortable in the process – means that our neurons are firing and making new connections.

Well, my neurons must’ve had a hayday during the session because I was all kinds of awkward and uncomfortable! LOL The days of patting your head and rubbing your tummy were put to shame with today’s activities. He combined balancing on one foot with “pancaking” one hand on the other all while twisting one way and looking upward in another direction. Then we challenged our brains by touching each finger to our thumbs though not in a nice, synchronized way but with one hand starting with thumb to forefinger and the other hand touching the thumb to the pinky. Then we balanced on our butts, grabbed the big toe of one foot and squeezed the other foot through the opening. Oh! And crab walking too! Forward, backward, in a circle, and side-to-side.

Whew! Seriously. I’d better practice more. But I need a little bit of a break first. My neurons are tired . . .

Have fun connecting your neurons!

#insighttimer

#themovementforlongevitychallenge

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

The Movement for Longevity Video Challenge: Day 5

Day 5 is all about balance. And it was more challenging than I thought it would be!

Today Damian leads us through a few sequences that encourage whole-body activation. Arms. Shoulders. Legs. Back. Abs. Feet and ankles. Let’s not forget the brain – or to breathe! I caught myself holding my breath a few times during the exercise. He has us doing most of today’s activities on one foot. He also suggests modifications, as always, so that you stay safe. We start on one foot, then stretch arms in one direction while the other leg goes in the other. Then one leg goes toward the back, we bend down, then back up. We even walk – heel to toe – the length of the mat . . . with our eyes closed.

I have to admit that I was really challenged by this session today which surprised me because I’m fairly strong and have good balance. It was also a bit frustrating to me that I had some trouble with it. But that also just motivates me to try it again later in the day when I’m fully awake (I did this at 4 am) and can really just focus on it rather than just trying to follow along.

Damian encourages us to do mini balance exercises throughout our day to increase stability. It’s the key to aging better and reducing our risk of falling. I think that anyone who has ever fallen or perhaps dealt with elderly parents can see the benefits of daily challenges like today’s session. Damian even suggests standing on one foot while doing everyday tasks like brushing our teeth. Where could you include it in your daily life?

Happy balancing!

#insighttimer

#themovementforlongevitychallenge

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

The Movement for Longevity Video Challenge: Day 4

Short and sweet but impactful! These kinds of activities are the ones I love to do: whole body exercises. Something that engages your entire body all at once.

Today Damian leads us through a quick cardio/strength sequence that gets the heart rate up a bit and engages different areas of the body simultaneously. Today’s exercises have us lifting legs, opening hips, engaging the arms and shoulders, and hits the abs until they burn. Love it!

I hope you’re enjoying this challenge. It’s not like the other Insight Timer events, that’s for sure, but I think it’s awesome! And if you haven’t joined yet, there’s still time!

Happy cardio-ing!

#insighttimer

#themovementforlongevityvideochallenge

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.

The Movement for Longevity Video Challenge: Day 3

Wwweeeeeeeeeeeeeeee for Day 3!

Very nice. Today we focus on hip and lower back stiffness. Gentle stretching. Opening the hips and elongating the back. Giving the soles of our feet a little love too. Damian leads us through some soft exercises that really helped me stretch out my hips and ease some tenderness in my SI joints.

All of the exercises today can be modified based on your mobility but the key takeaway is just that – mobility. The more we have the longer (and better!) we’ll live. The more we do these the easier they will become. This has, so far, been really enjoyable for me and makes me want to hop back into a yoga habit. I hope you’re enjoying it too. If you haven’t joined the challenge yet there’s still time. Give it a try and see how your body responds.

Happy stretching!

#insighttimer

#themovementforlongevityvideochallenge

The information provided on this website is intended for educational purposes only and is, in no way, a substitute for professional medical advice. The events, practices, and opinions discussed here are those of the author and should be treated as such. ALWAYS talk with your doctor about conditions, medications, and concerns you have about your health and work together to determine the best course of action for you.