I’ve got some updates to share. If you’ve been with me for a while, you already know this space isn’t just about wellness trends. It’s about real life. Real bodies. Real lessons. And a whole lot of grace through the process.

I’m 49 years young, and yep—some things have changed. Moving to Missouri from Arizona has been a wild ride. The highs and lows? Downright rollercoaster-like. I’ve lived in Missouri before—and while Arizona had its perks, I came back for family and the beauty. The green here is magic. It’s not a dusty desert; it’s something softer, more alive. But it’s still been an adjustment, and the shift hasn’t always been easy.

Rediscovering Joyful Movement

I used to swim all the time in Arizona. My family had pools, water parks were everywhere, and I even had a favorite spot with lap lanes, diving boards, slides, a lazy river… all of it. It was easy to move my body in ways that felt fun and freeing.

But here? Options have been fewer, and honestly, life has thrown so many curveballs that making time for joyful movement kept getting pushed aside.

Until recently.

One afternoon, the newest energy in the office and I happened to be returning from lunch at the same time. We had one of those quick, friendly exchanges—nothing deep, just a passing moment. But something she said really stuck with me. She mentioned a nearby community fitness center she’d just joined—one with swimming, weights, a walking track, basketball, the works—and it was affordable.

Turns out, it was exactly the nudge I needed.

It took a few more weeks after that serendipitous front-door moment to actually get signed up, as life kept dishing out curveballs and I was juggling a lot. But eventually, I realized the best way forward was to stop waiting for things to calm down and just begin—so I did. I signed up, and I started the very next day. That same day, I also started the CherryCo Tonic—both were intentional acts of well-being, rooted in a desire to support my mental health and rebuild physical wellness. That brief moment at the front door truly brought the intention right back to the front of the line. If you missed the first chapter of this journey, you can catch up here: Small Wins, Strong Heart.

So I moved. Literally.

I got my family on board, and we all started using the center—swimming, walking, lifting, and yes, even a little ping pong. It’s been good. It’s been needed. We’ve been under a lot of stress, and movement isn’t optional anymore—it’s a lifeline. It’s helping us reconnect with ourselves in small, meaningful ways, and for me, that often means making a splash! If you’re curious about why swimming is my go-to for joyful movement, I share my full deep dive here:
The Most Fun Way to Exercise: Making a Splash with Swimming

Bridging Body and Mind: The Tonic That Worked—Until It Didn’t

This next part of the journey ties right into that same intention—because getting back in motion wasn’t just about physical health. It was also about tending to our mental and emotional well-being. These small wins, like moving more and trying something nourishing, were all efforts to reclaim some balance. And that brings me to a recent experiment that taught me a different kind of lesson.

Two weeks ago, I introduced the CherryCo Tonic—a blend of tart cherry juice, raw apple cider vinegar (ACV), and sparkling citrus water. It felt like one of those small, hopeful shifts. And for some people? It’s incredible. My best friend, who’s a brittle diabetic, saw real improvements with his blood sugar. Just 4 ounces of cherry juice, a teaspoon of ACV, and half a can of sparkling water—and it works wonders for him.

But for me?

It was a different story.

I didn’t do my due diligence. I’ve got a sensitive stomach—GERD, IBS, and a hiatal hernia—and while the tonic was diluted, by the end of that first week, it kicked my bootie. The stomach upset was intense. Nausea. Discomfort. That lingering “something’s not right” feeling. Looking back, I can see it clearly: I pushed forward without checking in with my body. That part’s on me.

So I stopped. I’ve been off the tonic for about a week now, and I’m already feeling so much better. I haven’t started my new blends yet—I still need to pick up two ingredients—but they’re coming soon, likely this next week.

Cherry Juice, Meet New Friends (My New Blends)

I still believe in the idea of the tonic—gentle daily support—but I need ingredients that actually support me, not stress my system. So here’s what I’m preparing:

Option 1: Cherry Juice + Aloe Vera Juice + Sparkling Water

Aloe vera juice is naturally soothing to the digestive tract. It acts as a gentle, cooling layer for the stomach lining and may help calm inflammation or acid sensitivity. If you try this at home, just make sure it’s food-grade and free of additives or sugars—your stomach deserves the good stuff.

Option 2: Cherry Juice + Licorice Root (DGL) + Sparkling Water

DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice) is often used for its ability to protect the stomach lining. It promotes the body’s natural production of protective mucus—which sounds odd, but that extra layer can shield sensitive tissue from acid-related irritation. Unlike standard licorice, DGL is stripped of compounds that can affect blood pressure, making it a safer everyday option.

I’ll test both options and let you know how they go. Because trying something, learning from it, and adjusting? That’s what this journey is all about.

What Bothers Me and Why: Lessons in Accountability

So now we circle back to the prompt: What bothers you and why?

Here’s my honest answer: It bothers me when I rush past the wisdom I already have. When I override what my body is telling me because I want a quick win. It also bothers me that I’ve let healthcare access fall behind in the name of busyness. I technically have coverage through a Native clinic—but it’s in another state. Not impossible, but inconvenient enough to delay what shouldn’t be delayed.

That’s changing. My insurance is about to improve, and I’m ready to prioritize care that matches my needs.

Still Swimming

So yes—lessons were learned. But I’m still swimming. Literally and figuratively. And that’s what wellness looks like in the real world.

If you’re navigating your own imperfect version of better, you’re not alone. Whether you’re recalibrating a recipe, reviving an old habit, or simply trying to make it through the day with more grace than yesterday—I see you.

Let’s keep sharing. Let’s keep showing up.

One small win at a time. Always.

With love and a belly laugh or two,
Terra