Wellness Begins with a Fresh Start
Family-Grown Wellness, From Our Home to Yours.
Rediscovering Wellness
From Structure to Self-Motivation
Published by Fresh Start Wellness, staff writer on December 11, 2024
For 24 years, I lived with the rhythm of physical fitness woven into my daily routine. Upon graduating high school, I joined the United States Air Force, where structured workouts three times a week, annual medical checkups, and routine dental visits were the norm. Everything health-related was scheduled and ensured for me. In many ways, it was a form of privilege—a system that made taking care of myself nearly automatic.
But those structured days eventually came to an end. Transitioning into civilian life, I realized how easy it was to lose that built-in discipline. No one was scheduling my doctor visits anymore. No one was requiring me to show up for a morning run. Slowly, the momentum I once had began to slip away. I had to relearn how to take initiative over my wellness—something I had taken for granted during my years of service.
This transition wasn’t mine alone. My sister and two brothers also experienced the same wake-up call, though their challenges came in different forms. While they weren’t in the military, they faced life events that forced them to reexamine their health and wellness.
My sister, after giving birth to my nieces and nephews, struggled to prioritize her physical fitness and nutrition while adjusting to motherhood. One of my brothers had to rebuild his strength and health after a horrible car accident, confronting both physical and emotional recovery.
We all found ourselves at a similar crossroads—needing to take back control of our health without the external structure we once had or never had to begin with.
Together, we leaned on each other to rediscover the importance of fitness, health, and mindful living. We tested meal plans, tried new fitness routines, researched the best supplements, explored healthy recipes and food delivery options, and found ways to motivate ourselves. We made mistakes. We made progress. And from that journey, Start Fresh Wellness was born.
Our goal is simple: to help others who are navigating the same shift. Whether you’re a veteran transitioning from service, a new parent finding your balance, recovering from injury, or simply someone wanting to take better care of yourself, we’re here to guide and support you. We focus on what works—healthy eating habits, realistic fitness plans, nourishing recipes, convenient wellness resources, and curated tools that meet your needs.
At Start Fresh Wellness, we believe that everyone deserves a fresh start. Wellness isn’t just a goal; it’s a lifestyle. And the best part? You don’t have to do it alone.
We’re a family-led platform, grounded in real experiences, offering honest advice and curated resources to help you feel better, live healthier, and stay inspired. Let this be your moment to start fresh—with us by your side.
A Mother’s Journey to Balance
Wellness, Motherhood, and Finding Balance
Published by Fresh Start Wellness, staff writer on January 11, 2025
At Start Fresh Wellness, we believe in creating a healthier community through real-life experiences and intentional living. My personal wellness journey didn’t begin with a fitness program or a strict diet—it began with motherhood. As a mother of three daughters and two sons, I’ve learned that taking care of myself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.
After the birth of my children, life became a whirlwind of responsibilities. I was exhausted, emotionally drained, and physically out of sync. It was difficult to find time or motivation to care for myself when every moment felt devoted to caring for someone else. Still, I knew that if I wanted to show up fully for my kids, I had to begin showing up for myself, too.
That’s when I started to rediscover movement and mindfulness—starting with something as simple and powerful as yoga. City Park here in New Orleans became my sanctuary. Under the open skies and surrounded by trees, I found the space to breathe, stretch, and reconnect with my body.
What started as a personal practice soon became a family ritual. My three daughters began joining me at the park, each bringing her own energy and curiosity to the mat. My youngest is just seven, and seeing her try each pose with focus and joy reminds me how important it is to start them young—to teach them not just how to move, but how to care for their mental and emotional well-being.
Our yoga sessions are more than exercise—they’re moments of connection, healing, and growth. We laugh, we breathe, we reset. These simple sessions have become a pillar of our weekly rhythm, helping us stay grounded and connected as a family.
At Start Fresh Wellness, our platform is a reflection of that journey. We aim to share practical, realistic wellness resources for everyday people. Whether you’re a busy parent, recovering from a setback, or just ready to create healthier habits, we’re here for you.
Let this be your invitation to move with us, reflect with us, and grow with us. Whether it’s on a yoga mat in a Park near you or in the quiet moments at home, every day is a new chance to Start Fresh.
Discover how Start Fresh Wellness can help you live with intention and balance. Explore our services and take the first step toward a healthier, happier you.
A Guide to Wellness
Finding Peace Through Simple Practices
Published by Fresh Start Wellness, staff writer on March 07, 2025
At Start Fresh Wellness, we understand that life can get overwhelming, and finding balance can feel like a never-ending struggle. The key to feeling at peace, however, is not about having a perfect routine—it’s about intentionally creating moments of calm amidst the chaos. Wellness isn’t just about the body; it’s about cultivating peace in both mind and spirit. Peace is as essential as food or water, and when we don’t make time for it, we aren’t truly ourselves.
Through daily practices that may seem simple at first glance, I’ve discovered that peace is something I can always access. Here are a few intentional habits that I’ve found help me maintain inner calm, increase my motivation, and improve my overall well-being.
The Foundation of Peace
I’ll admit, I wasn’t always a believer in daily reflections. A few years ago, the idea of sitting down to reflect on my day seemed like a waste of time. But as I entered my early twenties and embraced motherhood, I found that reflecting each day helped me stay grounded and mindful. It became a practice I couldn’t live without.
Instead of forcing myself into a lengthy journaling routine, I adopted a simple, flexible method. I use a digital journal on my phone, which makes the process quick and easy. I no longer worry about following a prompt. I write about whatever is on my mind—whether it’s the excitement for a family outing, the anxiety of an upcoming meeting, or gratitude for the simple moments in my day. This daily habit gives me the space to clear my mind, focus my intentions, and appreciate what I’ve accomplished.
The Power of Calm
Before I discovered yoga, I never understood the power of deep breathing. It wasn’t until I began incorporating yoga into my life that I realized how much breathwork can transform my day. When I feel overwhelmed or on the verge of stress, I stop for a moment and take a few deep breaths. It’s surprising how this simple act can instantly bring calm.
Often, I’ll find a quiet space during the day—whether it’s the bathroom at work or a peaceful corner at home—and take a few minutes to focus on my breath. This quick practice allows me to reset my mindset and face whatever challenges lie ahead with clarity and composure.
Using “Wasted” Time Wisely
We’re all busy, and sometimes it feels like there’s no time to find peace. But there are moments in our day that we often overlook—like the time spent driving to work, waiting for an appointment, or taking a shower. These moments can be used intentionally for reflection, mindfulness, or even simple relaxation. Instead of scrolling through social media or worrying about the next task on my to-do list, I’ve started using this “wasted” time to breathe, reflect, or even visualize my goals for the day. By doing so, I’m creating pockets of peace that help me stay grounded.
Finding Inner Peace
As a mother and woman, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs ahead of our own. But to be the best version of myself, I have to prioritize my well-being. It doesn’t have to be expensive or extravagant—sometimes the simplest habits create the most peace. Taking a few moments of quiet, enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the morning, or reading a few pages of a book can make a world of difference in how I approach my day.3
A Quiet Ritual
Many people start their day with coffee—often while getting ready for the day or on the go. But for me, the most peaceful mornings are the ones where I wake up a little earlier, just to sit down with my coffee in peace. I enjoy the quiet, the warmth of the cup in my hands, and the stillness before the busyness begins. If you’re not a coffee drinker, try herbal tea for a calming ritual that’s equally refreshing and grounding.
A Moment of Escape
One habit that’s become important to me is reading. As a busy woman, I often find it difficult to set aside time for a book, but I’ve learned to make use of small gaps in my day. I use ebooks on my phone, which allows me to read during lunch breaks, while waiting in line, or even while in the car. If you’re looking to escape for a few moments, try using your phone’s reading apps or check out your local library for free access to ebooks.
Washing Your Face with Intention
We all wash our faces, but what if we approached this simple task as an act of self- care? Instead of rushing through it, I take my time, using warm water and a gentle moisturizer. It’s a small act, but it reminds me to slow down and take care of my body. This ritual, along with others, has a profound impact on how I feel throughout the day.
Hydration and Health
A key part of feeling your best is taking care of your body. I’ve realized that hydration is crucial to maintaining energy and clarity. For me, finding the right water bottle made a huge difference. I carry one everywhere, ensuring that I’m always sipping water throughout the day. Remember, half your body weight in ounces is the ideal amount. When I began prioritizing water, I noticed an immediate boost in how I felt—less fatigue, clearer skin, and better digestion.
Yoga for the Mind and Body
Finally, one of the most transformative habits for me has been yoga. Yoga isn’t just about stretching; it’s about connecting with your body and mind. You don’t need fancy equipment or classes to get started. There are plenty of free online classes, and you can start with a simple yoga mat from your local store. Yoga has been the key to feeling peaceful and balanced, and even if it’s just a few minutes in the morning, it helps me start my day with intention and calm.
Prioritizing Peace for a Healthier, Happier Life
By creating space for peace in your day, whether through journaling, deep breathing, or simple self-care practices, you can live a more balanced and fulfilled life. These daily habits don’t require a lot of time or money—they just need intention. At Start Fresh Wellness, we’re committed to helping you find peace, balance, and wellness, no matter how busy life gets.
Embrace these practices, and you’ll soon see how easy it can be to make wellness a part of your daily rhythm. Peace isn’t something you find by accident—it’s something you create, one mindful choice at a time.
