Dear Friends, Thank you for stopping by. I am currently taking some time to grieve the loss of my beloved soul dog, Sofie. She transitioned on October 4th 2024 after blessing us with love and happiness for 16 years and 2 months. Though she bravely overcame lymphoma and enjoyed many happy months in remission, she…
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The Effects of Growing Up With a Gambler Parent
Dear Friends, For the last decade, I’ve been working hard to heal my trauma from domestic childhood abuse and growing up as the child of an alcoholic. But it’s only in recent years that I’ve also come to realize that my father’s gambling habits affected me in ways that I wasn’t aware of. Gambling and…
Balancing Hormones With Moon Salutations
Dear Friends, In Japan, the arrival of the harvest moon marks a time of serenity and contemplation. As we gaze up at its luminous glow, a sense of calm washes over us. This peaceful time is known as Tsukimi, the moon-viewing festival, where we relax eat dango and appreciate the beauty of the moon. Since…
The Best Hatomugi Toner
Dear Friends, As we age, our skin’s natural shedding process slows down, leading to dull-looking skin. I am definitely guilty of overusing exfoliators and experimenting with chemical peels in hopes of combating those pesky whiteheads and ughh…clogged pores, but overdoing it can sometimes backfire. My skin reached its breaking point and let me know it…
Daily Affirmations for Healing the Child Within and Reclaiming Your Power
Dear Friends, According to studies, millions of adults worldwide are survivors of childhood domestic abuse, enduring the impact of trauma well into their adult years. The scars left by such experiences can manifest in various forms, from emotional distress to physical ailments, shaping the way survivors perceive themselves and experience the world around them. As…
How to Support Someone Whose Pet is Facing Cancer or a Terminal Illness
Dear Friends, Our animal companions hold a special place in our hearts, often becoming beloved and esteemed members of our families. Unfortunately, just like humans, many beloved pets, too, face terminal illnesses such as cancer. According to global statistics from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), cancer affects millions of pets worldwide. Approximately…
Lowering Prolactin Naturally: What Helped Me (Vitex and P5P)
Updated April 2025 Dear Friends, I live with hyperprolactinemia. Over the years, I’ve explored various ways to support my body after treatment with Cabergoline. While Cabergoline worked very well to lower my prolactin levels, it didn’t suit me long-term. I experienced persistent nausea, a sense of disconnection from myself, and even nightmares. Some people choose…
How I Lowered High Cortisol: In Simple and Practical Steps
Dear Friends, Cortisol, often called the stress hormone, plays an essential role in our bodies. In the right amounts, it helps regulate metabolism, energy, and our response to stress. But when cortisol stays elevated for too long, often due to chronic stress, it can take a serious toll on health. For me, years of unresolved…
What is Hyperprolactinemia? Notes From Symptoms to Diagnosis (in Japan)
Dear Friends, When I first got diagnosed with hyperprolactinemia. I had never heard of it. For my own understanding, I spent hours online reading about it. Here’s a condensed summary of what I found out and what it’s like navigating this process in Japan. What Is Hyperprolactinemia? Hyperprolactinemia (kōu purorakuchin kesshō, 高プロラクチン血症) happens when the…
Healing My Childhood Trauma
A Gentle Note: Please read with care as this post touches on domestic abuse. Dear Friends, A Japanese proverb goes, 自己知識は万事の基準 (Jiko chishiki wa banji no kijun) “Self-knowledge is the foundation of all things.” Looking back at my childhood, I have tremendous compassion for that little girl who had to carefully wade through a complex…