Tools Archives - Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage

Data Over Doubt: Change Your Mind, Change Your Body

Written by Michelle Wendt on August 19, 2026. Posted in About Us, Meditation, Mindfulness, Pain, Pain Relief, Recovery, Research, Stress, Tools, Wellness.

What if changing your mind could measurably change your body?

A fascinating 2025 study published in Communications Biology, a Nature Portfolio journal, examined what happened inside the brain and bloodstream after an intensive 7-day mind-body retreat incorporating meditation, mind-body education, and healing practices.

Researchers didn’t just ask participants how they felt. They used fMRI brain imaging, proteomics, metabolomics, microRNA analysis, and cellular testing to look for measurable biological changes. And they found them.

After the retreat, researchers observed:

• Changes in brain connectivity during meditation

• Increased activity in pathways associated with BDNF and neuroplasticity

• Changes in endogenous opioid pathways—the body’s own pain-modulating system

• Alterations in tryptophan metabolism, which is involved in serotonin biology

• Changes in inflammatory and anti-inflammatory signaling

• Increased cellular energy metabolism in laboratory testing

• Greater neurite growth when nerve cells were exposed to participants’ post-retreat plasma

That last finding is especially fascinating.

Blood collected after the retreat promoted significantly greater growth of neuron-like projections in cultured cells than blood collected before the retreat.

Translation: The mind-body connection isn’t just a woo-woo philosophy.

Intensive mind-body practices were associated with measurable changes in the brain, bloodstream, cellular signaling, metabolism, and pathways involved in neuroplasticity.

This doesn’t prove that meditation alone caused these changes… the study was small, had no matched control group, and several mind-body interventions were used together. But it gives us something remarkable to investigate:

Our internal experience may have biological consequences that reach far beyond how we feel.

Your thoughts aren’t happening separately from your body. Your brain is part of your body. And science is getting increasingly sophisticated at measuring the conversation between the two.

Learn how to tap into your brain-body connection by booking a consultation for our Back-To-Balance Meditation Program (ideal for beginners!) by calling 512-686-0777.

Beyond the Lab: Holistic Support for IUI and IVF in the Austin Area

Written by Michelle Wendt on April 4, 2026. Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Assisted Fertility, Fertility, HeartMath, Infertility, IVF, Male Infertility, Meditation, Tools, Women. No Comments on Beyond the Lab: Holistic Support for IUI and IVF in the Austin Area

Let’s talk about the “in-between” moments of a fertility journey. If you are navigating the world of Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) in Austin or Dripping Springs, you already know that the process is a masterclass in logistics. There are the meticulously timed injections, the early morning monitoring appointments, and the high-stakes calls from the embryology lab.

But what happens to you during this time? How do you ensure your body isn’t just a vessel for medical procedures, but a receptive, regulated environment ready for success?

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we believe that the best outcomes happen when state-of-the-art reproductive technology meets rigorous, science-backed assisted fertility support. Led by Dr. Michelle Wendt, L.Ac., DACM, our approach focuses on one thing: optimizing your physiological readiness to ensure that when the lab does its part, your body is ready to do its part, too.

Why “Holistic” Doesn’t Mean “Hobbyist”

When you’re a professional, perhaps balancing a career in tech, law, or medicine while trying to conceive, you don’t have time for vague promises or “woo-woo” theories. You value data, expertise, and results.

In the world of integrative medicine, “holistic” simply means looking at the whole system. We aren’t just looking at a single hormone level; we are looking at your physiological coherence. Are your nervous system and your reproductive system speaking the same language? Or is your body stuck in a chronic “fight or flight” loop that is redirecting resources away from your uterine lining and ovaries?

The Science of Blood Flow Optimization

One of the most critical factors in IUI and IVF success is pelvic hemodynamics: essentially, how well blood is flowing to your reproductive organs. During a stimulated cycle, your body is working overtime.

Acupuncture is not about “unblocking energy”; it is a clinically proven method for blood flow optimization. By utilizing specific neuro-functional points, we can signal the body to:

Dilate the uterine arteries: Improving the thickness and quality of the endometrial lining (essential for implantation).
Enhance ovarian perfusion: Ensuring that the hormones your doctor is prescribing actually reach the developing follicles with maximum efficiency.
Regulate local inflammation: Creating a more hospitable environment for an embryo.

Dr. Michelle Wendt brings a doctoral level of understanding to these protocols, ensuring that your acupuncture sessions are perfectly timed to support: never interfere with: the medications prescribed by your Reproductive Endocrinologist (RE).

Nervous System Regulation: Moving Out of Survival Mode

Did you know that your nervous system can actually “veto” the reproductive process? When we are under the immense stress of fertility treatments, the sympathetic nervous system (our “gas pedal”) often becomes dominant. This sends a signal to the body that it is not a safe time to carry a pregnancy.

We focus heavily on nervous system regulation. Using a combination of specialized acupuncture and HeartMath techniques, we help our patients achieve a state of “coherence.” This isn’t just “relaxing”: it is a measurable physiological state where your heart rhythm, breathing, and blood pressure are in sync.

When you achieve this level of regulation, you:

Lower cortisol levels that can interfere with delicate reproductive hormones.
Improve sleep quality, which is when the majority of cellular repair and hormonal regulation happens.
Enhance your resilience, allowing you to navigate the “two-week wait” without the debilitating anxiety that so often accompanies it.

Collaborative Care: Your Team in Austin and Dripping Springs

We see ourselves as a vital wing of your medical team. We aren’t here to replace your RE or your OB/GYN; we are here to make their work even more effective. Whether you are working with clinics in downtown Austin or closer to home in Dripping Springs, our protocols are designed to integrate seamlessly with standard IVF and IUI timelines.

The Indigo IUI/IVF Protocol

Our structured treatment plans generally focus on three key phases:

Preparation (3 months prior): Optimizing egg quality and regulating the cycle. This is the “soil preparation” phase.
Stimulation & Retrieval: Focusing on blood flow to the ovaries and managing the side effects of medications (bloating, mood swings, fatigue).
Transfer Support: This includes the famous “Pre- and Post-Transfer” acupuncture sessions. Research suggests that acupuncture performed shortly before and after an embryo transfer can significantly increase clinical pregnancy rates by relaxing the uterus and reducing the risk of contractions.

Beyond the Needles: Evidence-Based Supplementation and Lifestyle

In a luxury healthcare setting like Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, every detail of your care is curated. Dr. Wendt provides high-level guidance on supplements and nutrition that are grounded in current reproductive research.

We don’t do “one-size-fits-all” vitamins. We look at the data. Are you taking the right form of folate? Is your CoQ10 dosage optimized for mitochondrial support? We help you cut through the noise of the “fertility internet” and focus on what actually moves the needle for your specific physiology.

We also address the lifestyle factors that Austin professionals struggle with most:

Work-Life Integration: How to maintain a high-performance career without burning out your endocrine system.
Anti-Inflammatory Living: Practical, realistic ways to reduce systemic inflammation through nutrition and movement.
Sleep Architecture: Ensuring you are getting the deep, restorative sleep necessary for hormonal balance.

You Deserve a Doctor-Led Support System

The journey to parenthood should not feel like a cold, clinical transaction. You deserve a space that feels as elevated as the care you receive. At Indigo, we provide a clinic environment that is both luxurious and clinical: a sanctuary where you are seen as a person, not just a patient number.

Are you ready to move beyond the lab and take an active, evidence-based role in your fertility success?

We invite you to experience the difference that doctor-led, integrative care can make. Let’s work together to optimize your body, regulate your nervous system, and move you closer to the life you are working so hard to build.

Take the Next Step

If you are currently undergoing or preparing for an IUI or IVF cycle in the Austin or Dripping Springs area, the time to start regulating your system is now.

Ready to get started?
Explore our appointments page to book your initial consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt. Let’s create a structured, science-backed plan to support your journey and help you return to your “best life” with the family you’ve been dreaming of.

Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage
Acupuncture | Massage | Holistic Fertility Support
Visit our About Us page to learn more about our team.

How Direct Care Doctors Can Save You Money, Time, and Frustration

Written by Michelle Wendt on May 7, 2025. Posted in About Us, Clinic, New Patients, Referrals, Tools. No Comments on How Direct Care Doctors Can Save You Money, Time, and Frustration

How Direct Care Doctors Save You Money, Time, and Frustration: Why We Love Physician-Owned Direct Care Practices — And Why You Should Too

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we believe that healthcare should be personal, not corporate. That’s why Dr. Michelle and our entire team love supporting medical doctors who have stepped away from the broken insurance-based system and into the freedom of physician-owned Direct Care practices — sometimes called Concierge Medicine.

What Is Direct Care or Concierge Medicine?

Direct Care is a healthcare model where patients pay their MD directly, rather than running care through an insurance company. This approach removes third-party interference, allowing doctors to focus on you, not paperwork, quotas, or insurance approval codes.

Direct Care doctors typically offer longer appointments, better access, and a genuine relationship with their patients. It’s like having a trusted physician on speed dial — someone who actually knows your name, your health goals, and your medical history.

Why We Recommend It

Dr. Michelle and our team see firsthand how insurance-based medicine often fails patients. Here’s why we cheer for doctors who choose the Direct Care path:

1. It Cuts Out the Middleman

When you work with a Direct Care physician, your treatment isn’t dictated by an insurance bureaucrat who has never met you. Instead, your doctor makes decisions based on your health, not a profit margin.

2. It Puts YOU at the Center of Care

Direct Care restores the doctor-patient relationship. Appointments are longer. Conversations are deeper. And recommendations are made from a place of true concern, not reimbursement rules.

3. It Leads to Better Outcomes

When doctors have the freedom to treat patients as individuals instead of case numbers, the results are powerful. Patients in Direct Care practices report greater satisfaction, better communication, and more proactive support for long-term wellness.

4. It Aligns with Holistic Healing

At Indigo Healing, we believe in building a care team — not just a collection of specialists. We love referring patients to Direct Care doctors because we know they’ll receive thoughtful, thorough, and personalized care that complements our holistic approach.

A Direct Care MD Can Actually Save You Money

One of the most common myths about Direct Care is that it’s only for the wealthy. In reality, it’s often more affordable than traditional insurance-based care — especially if you’re on a high-deductible health plan.

Think about it: if you’re paying hundreds (or thousands) of dollars every month for insurance that doesn’t cover the care you need, that’s not a benefit — that’s a financial drain. Many patients find themselves paying out of pocket anyway after their insurance denies coverage for MD-recommended lab work, prescriptions, imaging, or therapies.

Here’s how Direct Care saves you money:

No surprise bills. You know what you’re paying up front — no hidden charges.

Lower out-of-pocket costs. Monthly fees are often less than a single ER visit or specialist co-pay.

Discounts on labs, imaging, and medications. Many Direct Care doctors pass wholesale savings directly to their patients.

Fewer unnecessary tests. With more time per visit, Direct Care physicians often prevent chronic issues from escalating — saving you money (and stress) in the long run.

For many of our patients, combining a low-cost catastrophic insurance plan or HealthShare plan (just in case of emergencies) with a Direct Care physician for everyday health needs is the most effective, affordable path to long-term wellness.

Want Help Finding a Direct Care Physician?
Dr. Michelle maintains a network of trusted colleagues in Direct Care and is always happy to provide referrals based on your needs. To get started, learn more from the American Academy of Family Physicians and check out Austin-based Direct Med DPC founded by Dr. Katriny Ikbal, MD. We have other recommendations too – just ask during your next visit. We’re here to help you build the support system you deserve!

How to Optimize Your Acupuncture Journey: 6 Ways to Join the 90% Who Find Lasting Relief

Written by Michelle Wendt on April 5, 2025. Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Consultation, New Patients, Referrals, Tools, Treatment Plan. No Comments on How to Optimize Your Acupuncture Journey: 6 Ways to Join the 90% Who Find Lasting Relief

At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we’ve helped thousands of our patients reclaim their health, their peace of mind, and their joy. Our mission is to empower each patient with a personalized roadmap to long-term healing—and we’re proud to say that over 90% of our patients experience real, lasting relief.

So what’s the secret? Healing isn’t passive. It’s a powerful collaboration between your body, your mind, and your willingness to say yes to change.

Whether you’re brand new to acupuncture or deep in your healing journey, here are six proven ways to make the most of every session.

1. Consistency is Key: Follow Your Recommended Care Plan

Healing builds with momentum. Just like one workout doesn’t build muscle, one acupuncture session isn’t enough to reset your nervous system or restore balance to your hormones. That’s why our practitioners create a customized Care Plan based on your goals and medical history—to guide your body through a structured healing process.

Science-backed: A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that patients who received regular acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of migraine headaches compared to those who didn’t stick with treatment.

Bottom line: Showing up matters. Your consistency is a catalyst for transformation.

2. Be All In: Embrace the Full Spectrum of Healing

True healing doesn’t stop when you leave the treatment room. Our acupuncturists often recommend small lifestyle shifts—like improving sleep, moving your body mindfully, reducing inflammation through nutrition, or practicing daily breathwork—to enhance your results.

Science-backed: Over half of traditional acupuncturists integrate lifestyle coaching into care, according to a study in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. These supportive strategies amplify the healing power of acupuncture by addressing the root causes of imbalance.

Real healing happens when you’re an active participant in your own wellness.

3. Fuel Up First: Never Come on an Empty Stomach

We always recommend having a light, nourishing meal 1–2 hours before your appointment. Acupuncture shifts your body into parasympathetic mode (aka rest-and-digest-and-heal)—and that process is much smoother when your blood sugar is stable.

Think: Oatmeal with nut butter, steamed vegetables with quinoa, or a slice of toast with avocado and egg.

It’s a small step that can make a big difference in how you feel during and after your treatment session.

4. Protect Your Peace: Reduce Nervous System Toxins

Your nervous system is always listening—to what you eat, drink, think, and feel. If you’re regularly consuming alcohol, processed foods, or excess caffeine, your body might be stuck in fight-or-flight mode. That makes it harder for healing to happen.

Science-backed: A study in The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse found that acupuncture—especially auricular protocols—can reduce cravings and support recovery in people struggling with alcohol dependence.

Want faster results? Prioritize daily habits that help your body and mind feel safe, grounded, and supported.

5. Share Your Journey: Healing is Contagious

We’ve seen it over and over—when one person heals, their entire social circle feels the ripple effect. If your life has changed because of acupuncture, share it. Your story might be the spark someone else needs to find a spark of hope and take their first step.

Science-backed: Research in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice shows that patients value the holistic, personalized care they receive in acupuncture, and that these positive experiences are often shared with others, building community and trust.

Whether you refer a friend or simply tell a loved one, you’re spreading healing energy.

6. Stay Curious & Communicate

Healing is a journey—and no two paths look exactly alike. That’s why we encourage you to track your progress, celebrate the shifts, and speak up if something feels off. The more we know, the better we can tailor each treatment to meet your evolving needs.

Pro tip: Bring notes to your session about sleep, pain, mood, digestion, or anything that’s changed. We love data—it helps us serve you better.

You Deserve to Feel Better—For Good

When you commit to your Care Plan, stay open to change, and support your nervous system between visits, you give your body everything it needs to heal deeply.

Ready to recommit? Need a reset? We’re here for you.

Your healing journey is sacred—and we’re honored to walk it with you. Give us a call at 512-686-0777 to set up an appointment or private new patient consultation! Learn what to expect at your first appointment here and learn more with our Frequently Asked Questions page too!

Head silhouette with rainbow streams and blog article title

Are You Resisting Change? Discover How Acupuncture Can Help Transform Your Life

Written by Michelle Wendt on March 9, 2025. Posted in Acupuncture, Chronic Pain, Consultation, Life, Mindfulness, New Patients, Pain, Pain Relief, Tools. No Comments on Are You Resisting Change? Discover How Acupuncture Can Help Transform Your Life

Are You Resisting Change? Is It Time for a Transformation in Your Life?

Ask yourself the following questions:

Do you feel stuck in repetitive thought patterns or emotional cycles?
Are you experiencing chronic stress, anxiety, or physical tension?
Do you struggle to break free from old habits or limiting beliefs?
Have you been feeling unmotivated or lacking clarity in your goals?
Are you experiencing sleep disturbances or low energy levels?
Do you find it difficult to embrace change, even when you know it’s necessary?
Have you tried making changes in your life but found it hard to sustain them?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, your mind and body may be resisting change. The good news is that acupuncture can help facilitate transformation by aligning your nervous system, emotions, and intentions.

In the teachings of Dr. Joe Dispenza, the mind and body are deeply intertwined, and true transformation occurs when we align our thoughts, emotions, and physiology. His research in neuroscience and quantum physics highlights how we can rewire our brains and create new realities through intention and practice. But what if acupuncture could accelerate this process? At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we believe that the fusion of ancient healing wisdom with modern science can unlock profound change.

Why Humans Resist Change

Change is inherently challenging because the brain and body are wired for survival, prioritizing familiarity and predictability. The human brain is designed to conserve energy by running on subconscious programs built from past experiences. When we attempt to change, we disrupt these deeply ingrained neural pathways, triggering resistance. The body, conditioned by years of habitual thoughts and behaviors, often perceives change as a threat, activating the sympathetic nervous system—the body’s fight-or-flight response.

The Sympathetic Nervous System and Change

When faced with uncertainty, the sympathetic nervous system releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, increasing blood pressure and heart rate, tensing muscles, and heightening alertness. While this response is essential for short-term survival, prolonged activation due to fear of change can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and emotional resistance. This physiological reaction makes it difficult to adopt new habits and beliefs, as the body clings to what it knows in an effort to maintain homeostasis.

The Science of Change: Rewiring the Mind and Body

Dr. Dispenza teaches that our bodies are conditioned by past experiences, and our habitual thoughts and emotions create our reality. By changing our thoughts and emotions, we can rewire our neural pathways and break free from limiting beliefs. However, this is not always easy—our bodies often resist change because they are programmed by years of conditioning.

Acupuncture, a holistic healing modality that has been practiced for thousands of years, offers a way to break through this resistance by directly influencing the nervous system. When hair-fine filliform needles are inserted at strategic points in the body, they stimulate the release of neurotransmitters and balance the autonomic nervous system (and no, it doesn’t hurt!). This helps to regulate stress responses, enhance focus, and create an optimal state for transformation.

How Acupuncture Supports the Mind-Body Connection

Regulating the Nervous System: Many of us live in a chronic state of fight-or-flight due to stress and emotional conditioning. Acupuncture activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and allowing the body to move from survival mode into a state of healing and receptivity.
Enhancing Neuroplasticity: Acupuncture has been shown to stimulate neurogenesis, the formation of new neural connections. This aligns with Dr. Dispenza’s concept of rewiring the brain to support new beliefs, habits, and emotional states.
Boosting Neurotransmitter Production: Acupuncture encourages the body’s natural production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and 5-HTP. These chemicals play a crucial role in mood regulation, motivation, and overall well-being. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture can help reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and promote feelings of happiness and relaxation, making it easier to embrace change with a positive mindset.
Releasing Stagnant Energy: In traditional Chinese medicine, emotional trauma and stress create blockages in the body’s energy pathways. Acupuncture helps to clear these blockages, allowing energy (Qi) to flow freely, which supports emotional release and mental clarity.
Elevating Consciousness: Many people report a deep meditative state during acupuncture sessions. This heightened awareness makes it easier to shift from old thought patterns into new, empowered ways of thinking—mirroring the deep meditative practices Dr. Dispenza advocates for transformation.
Aligning with Intention: Acupuncture helps the body enter a receptive state, making it easier for individuals to set clear intentions and embody new beliefs. When combined with mindfulness practices, breathwork, or visualization techniques, acupuncture becomes a catalyst for lasting change.

Integrating Acupuncture Into a Transformational Practice

If you are working to create change in your life, combining acupuncture with practices like meditation, affirmations, and visualization can enhance your ability to shift your reality. At Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, we create customized treatment plans designed to align your mind, body, and energy field, helping you embody the transformation you seek.

Science-based recommendations suggest starting with two acupuncture treatments per week to optimize results. This frequency helps the body regulate neurotransmitter production, improve nervous system balance, and accelerate the rewiring of neural pathways. As the body adapts and progresses, treatment frequency can be adjusted to maintain and enhance long-term transformation.

Change is not just about thinking differently; it’s about feeling differently and shifting the body’s habitual patterns. Acupuncture provides a direct pathway to make this shift, supporting your journey toward becoming the best version of yourself.

Are you ready to break free from old patterns and step into a new reality? Let’s begin the journey together. Give us a call at 512-686-0777 or book a new patient consultation with Dr. Michelle Wendt here!

What is Holistic Medicine?

Written by Michelle Wendt on January 13, 2023. Posted in About Us, Acupuncture, Massage, New Patients, Tools, Treatment Plan, Uncategorized. No Comments on What is Holistic Medicine?

Holistic medicine is a form of healthcare that focuses on treating the whole person, rather than just the symptoms of a specific condition. It recognizes that all aspects of a person’s life, including physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and environmental factors, can have a significant impact on overall health and well-being.

Holistic medicine doctors often use a variety of therapies and approaches to care for their patients, including natural remedies, such as acupuncture and herbal medicine, as well as conventional medical treatments. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise, to help improve overall health and well-being. A doctor practicing holistic medicine will perform a thorough analysis to provide a medical diagnosis and treatment strategy.

The goal of holistic medicine is to help people proactively achieve optimal health and well-being, rather than simply managing or treating specific symptoms or conditions. It is a proactive approach to healthcare that emphasizes prevention, self-care, and individual responsibility for one’s own health.

To learn more about holistic medicine at Indigo Healing Acupuncture & Massage, give us a call at 512-686-0777 or use our contact form. We look forward to answering all of your questions!

Turn Off the News to Reduce Anxiety

Written by Michelle Wendt on May 22, 2022. Posted in Anxiety, Emotions, Family, Fatigue, Headache, Insomnia, News, Tools, Worry. No Comments on Turn Off the News to Reduce Anxiety

Do you watch or read or listen to the news?

Do you feel anxious?

Do you commonly wonder “What if ______ happens?”

Do you hear bad news and allow it to change your mood?

If you’ve answered yes to any of the above, here’s a quick tip to reduce your anxiety level…

TURN OFF THE NEWS‼️

A 2015 study in the scientific journal Psychiatry found, “Increased frequency of viewing newscasts was associated with reported anxiety reflected in uncontrolled fear, physiological hyperarousal, sleeping difficulties, and fearful thoughts.”

Link to full study results here:
DOI:10.1080/00332747.2015.1069658

To replace your morning news habit, we recommend writing daily affirmations such as “I am safe, healthy, happy and pain-free” or “Something wonderful happens to me today” to set a positive mood for your day ahead.

Only you can control how you feel, so why allow negative news outside of your control to hijack your day? Protect your peace by turning off the news!

5 Ways to Build Your Resilience in 2021

Written by indigoacupuncture@megamad.work on January 11, 2021. Posted in Anxiety, Balance, Gratitude, Tools, Wellness. No Comments on 5 Ways to Build Your Resilience in 2021

If there’s anything 2020 taught us, it was how to quickly adapt and persevere. As the world seemed to close down, we stayed home striving to find the perfect balance between earning an income, teaching our children, caring for our loved ones at a distance, and trying to make the best out of an avalanche of less-than-desirable and some downright impossible situations.

What badge of honor did we earn for muddling through 2020? A super sparkly, glittery one hinting at a well-deserved reprieve in 2021. Now that we’re all here, this year is already demanding resilience, a capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

Here are 5 ways to build your resilience in 2021:

Plan Ahead

Upon waking in the morning, before you turn on the news or check your phone or turn on your computer, find a small notebook or a scrap of paper and write down your order for the day as if it already happened. “I nailed the presentation.” “I scored the winning goal.” “I received a $25,000 raise.” “I made a difference in his life.” “I am the best mother.” Anything. Order it up in writing first thing in the morning and see how much better your day goes!

Control How You React

Actively look for opportunities in your life to feel how your reactions affect others. There is no one on this planet who has control over their life; the only thing you CAN control is how you react to life. If someone cuts you off in traffic, count to 5 and choose how to react (as opposed to setting an angry vibe by yelling and freaking out your kids). Life doesn’t always have to be hard, but it will undoubtedly throw challenging curveballs. Take notice and realize that it’s up to you to frame each challenge as an opportunity to learn from and grow.

Identify What Matters To You

At the end of each day, write down 5 things (big or small) that you were proud of or thankful for. Enjoyed that hot cup of coffee? Write it down. Found $5 in a pocket? Write it down! Squeezed in a revitalizing 20 minute workout? Write it down! Finished work on time? Write it down! Got a legit hug from your feisty teenager? Write it down!

After a few days, you’ll start seeing patterns and themes of what is truly important to you.

Invest In Yourself

Take care of your body, mind, and spirit. You only get one body in this lifetime and maintenance is required, just like the sweet ride parked in your garage. Acupuncture is an amazing holistic experience that allows your body to heal, your mind to rest, and your spirit to lift. The best part is all you have to do is show up and lie down in a comfortable room for a few minutes. Easy!

Look for Grace

Who do you need to forgive today? Yourself? Your husband? Your wife? Your child? No one is perfect. No one sees the world like you do. Extend grace and forgiveness. Holding onto anger or resentment towards someone or something only hurts you. You deserve better.