New Phycological Thriller story in the making....

 

                New Story Coming Soon: Until I Wake

I’m so excited to finally share something I’ve been quietly working on—my brand-new novel, Until I Wake. This story has been living in my mind and heart for months, and I can’t wait for you to experience it.

At its core, Until I Wake is a psychological thriller with a hauntingly emotional twist. It follows the story of Ava, a woman trapped between reality and illusion. When she wakes up in a version of her life where everything she built with her perfect someone is gone, she’s forced to confront strange and terrifying events that make her question her own sanity.

From ghostly whispers in the night to unsettling encounters that defy explanation, the tension builds with every chapter. But underneath the suspense lies something deeper—a journey through love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit.

What I love most about this book is that it plays with perception. As the story unfolds, you’ll start to wonder:

• Is Ava being haunted… or is she losing her mind?

• What’s real, and what’s a creation of her own memories?

• And most importantly—what happens when the truth finally comes to light?

I’ve poured my heart into this one, weaving in both edge-of-your-seat suspense and raw, emotional depth. If you love stories that make you feel as much as they make you think, you’re going to connect with Until I Wake.

Why you’ll love it:

• A gripping blend of psychological suspense and emotional drama

• Cliffhangers at the end of every chapter to keep you turning pages

• A twist ending that will stay with you long after you close the book

I’ll be sharing sneak peeks, character reveals, and behind-the-scenes details here on the blog as we get closer to release day. Stay tuned—you won’t want to miss it.

Thank you for being here and supporting my writing journey. This one is going to be unforgettable.

✨ Until I Wake — Coming Soon.

Your Brain is making you SICK!!!

 

The Connection Between Mental Health and Physical Health — And Why You Can’t Ignore It

Most people are in denial that their overall body health and the health of their mind are indeed connected.

To me, a quiet small-town girl with a passion to heal those around her, it seems very obvious that the two need each other to thrive. I’m not a doctor, but I feel I have done enough of my own research and studying to be one by now! I have observed, I have listened, and I have tested the theories out on myself over the past 36 years.

It’s common sense (or at least it should be) that when we feel upset all the time, are stressing about random things that don’t matter, and big things that do… our bodies are not happy. Then, when our body isn’t happy, we feel ill. Our immune system gets lazy, it’s no longer able to stand up to those pesky germs, and before you know it — we’re sicker than a dog!

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The Science Backs It Up

Here’s what research says (for those who like receipts):

• Chronic stress keeps your body in “fight or flight” mode, flooding it with cortisol. Over time, this can lead to inflammation, high blood pressure, and a weaker immune system.

• Anxiety and depression have been linked to higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, and digestive problems.

• Your gut and brain are in constant communication through something called the gut–brain axis. A stressed brain can cause stomach problems, and an unhealthy gut can increase feelings of anxiety and depression.

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Real-Life Proof You’ve Probably Felt

Think about it — when you’ve had a really bad week:

• Your shoulders get tight.

• Your sleep goes out the window.

• You catch every cold going around.

• You have no energy for the things you normally enjoy.

That’s not a coincidence. That’s your mind and body having a conversation — and right now, they’re gossiping about how burnt out you are.

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How to Take Care of Both

The good news? If the mind and body are connected, then working on one can help heal the other.
Here are some things I’ve learned (and lived) that really make a difference:

1. Breathe on purpose – Even two minutes of slow, deep breathing can lower stress hormones.

2. Move daily – Not to lose weight, not to look a certain way — just to move your energy around and keep your body strong.

3. Eat food that loves you back – Whole, nourishing foods help your body fight illness and your mind feel more stable.

4. Speak kindly to yourself – Negative self-talk is like feeding your brain spoiled milk. It will make you sick from the inside out.

5. Rest without guilt – Sleep is when your brain cleans house and your body repairs itself.

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The Bottom Line

You can’t pour into your life if your cup is empty. Your mind and body are not separate teams — they’re partners. When one is hurting, the other is too. And when you care for both? That’s when you truly start to thrive.

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         ?????? What can you do to help yourself  ??????

      Gardening is a Natural Medicine for the Mind and Body

If you want a simple, affordable way to boost your mental and physical health, let me tell you — a garden might just be your answer. Whether it’s a community garden or a little patch of earth in your own backyard, spending time with plants and soil does way more than give you pretty flowers and fresh tomatoes. Gardening is medicine for the soul, and the more time you spend in it, the more you feel that truth deep down.

1. You’re more likely to eat healthy.
When you grow your own food, you naturally start eating more fresh fruits and vegetables. There’s something about pulling a carrot from the ground or plucking a tomato off the vine that makes it taste better than anything from the store. And because you worked for it, you want to eat it.

2. It lowers stress hormones.
Studies have shown that gardening can lower cortisol levels (that pesky stress hormone). Add in fresh air, sunshine, and a little movement, and your brain starts releasing those happy chemicals like serotonin and dopamine.

3. Gardening is grounding.
Literally. Touching the earth connects you to the natural world in a physical way. When your hands are in the soil, your body releases built-up static and stress — almost like the earth is taking in the bad and giving you calm in return. This grounding can help quiet racing thoughts and bring you back to the present moment.

4. It strengthens community connections.
If you join a community garden, you’re not just growing plants — you’re growing friendships. Sharing tips, trading seeds, and helping each other’s plots creates a support system that naturally lifts your mood and sense of belonging.

5. It moves your body without feeling like “exercise.”
Bending, lifting, digging, and carrying water all count as movement, but it’s so enjoyable you don’t even realize you’re exercising. That physical activity improves circulation, strengthens muscles, and supports heart health.

6. It’s free therapy you can take daily.
There’s something about watching a seed turn into a plant that feeds you — body and soul. It teaches patience, hope, and resilience. Plants don’t grow overnight, and neither do we.

WAKE UP!!

 Wake Up: Reclaiming Health, Land, and Freedom in a Manufactured World

    Are you tired of feeling like the system is working against you? You’re not alone. More and more people are waking up to the reality that much of our healthcare, food, and economic systems are designed to keep us dependent—sick, stressed, and broke. This post explores how the system maintains control, and how you can reclaim your health, land, and freedom.

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1. The Sick Care Industry: 🤕🤒

Modern medicine often prioritizes treating symptoms rather than healing the root cause. Pharmaceuticals are prescribed for everything, but they frequently come with side effects that require even more medication. True healing—through food, rest, movement, and emotional work—is rarely encouraged.

2. Poison in Our Food Supply: 🤢☣️

Conventional farming relies on chemical pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate, which has been linked to cancer and hormone disruption. Organic foods are often priced out of reach, while processed junk is cheap and accessible. This is no accident—it's systemic.

3. Chemical Exposure Everywhere: ☣️🚫👎

From fluoride in toothpaste to aluminum in deodorants, we are constantly exposed to chemicals that disrupt our bodies. Many of these are banned in Europe but still legal in the U.S.

4. Environmental and Psychological Control: 🤯

Fear-based news, environmental pollution, and debt culture all keep us distracted and disempowered. We're taught to consume rather than create. To obey rather than question.

❓️❓️❓️❓️So What Can You Do?❓️❓️❓️

You can reclaim your power by stepping outside the system. 

🥦🍎Grow your own food 🫛🌽

Learn natural healing 🍯

Educate your children about emotional resilience 😁🫂💪

Create your own economy through digital or physical goods 👨‍👩‍👧‍👧🐖🐄🥕🌽💒📜📚

 ⚖️ Take small steps that lead to a big impact ⚖️

DONE explaining myself

Why I Stopped Explaining My Pain (And Started Healing in Nature)

By SL Bradley

There comes a point where explaining your pain feels more exhausting than the pain itself.

I used to feel like I had to justify my emotions. I’d pour out every detail, hoping someone would finally say, “I get it.” But most people didn’t. They couldn’t. And over time, I realized their inability to understand wasn’t mine to fix.

So I stopped explaining.

And I started healing.

The Silence That Saved Me

When I let go of needing to be understood, I found something else waiting: peace.

I started walking in the garden more.

Not just for the plants—but for the **stillness**. The kind of stillness that holds space without judgment.

The breeze didn’t need an explanation.

The rain didn’t ask for a backstory.

Nature simply let me *be*—and that changed everything.

The Garden Became My Reset Button

In those quiet moments, something began to shift. I wasn’t running from the pain—I was finally **sitting with it**, without pressure or performance.

That’s where the idea for *Giggles in the Garden* was born.

I wanted to take that sense of calm, that safety, and turn it into something healing—not just for me, but for others too. Especially for kids who don’t always have the words yet.

From Pain to Purpose

Now, I create soothing songs, calming videos, and printable healing tools—not because I have it all figured out, but because I *finally* stopped pretending I had to.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “too much” or “too sensitive”...

If you’re tired of explaining your trauma just to be believed...

If you long for a soft place to land, even for a moment—

You’re not alone here.

           🌿 Want to Take a Breath With Me?

Giggles in the Garden: Youtube channel

 🛒 Explore healing quotes and printables in my Etsy shop: Shop here!!

Go here and you can check out all of my books!! There are tons more to come!! I love fantasy, mystery, thrillers and I love healing through stories and I love healing the heart and mind. So keep on the lookout for more in the near future: 

My website!!

And if today is one of those days where you feel invisible—

Just know: I see you.

And the healing you’re doing matters.

With love and rooted strength,

– SL Bradley

🍀Clover Paths & Compost Gold: The Lazy Genius Way I Mulch My Garden Beds

 Let me tell you a story…

It all started with a wagon full of grass clippings. I had mowed the yard and tossed the clippings in there with every intention of dumping them in my compost pile. But, like most of my well-meaning intentions, I got busy... and forgot. Then it rained. Then I forgot again.

Next thing I know, I walk past the wagon and catch a whiff of what can only be described as fermented cow manure meets lawn smoothie. 🤢 And in that exact moment, I had a lightbulb moment:💡💡💡💡

“Wait... is this gross liquid actually good for the garden?” 🧏🏼‍♀️

Turns out? It kind of was.

From Forgotten Funk to Fertilizer Gold

That smelly wagon stew was actually a form of accidental compost tea. And while I wouldn't recommend dumping it straight onto delicate plants (trust me, it needs to be diluted), it was rich in nutrients—and I used it on my compost pile and around some tougher plants. Lazy win #1.

But here’s where things really took off.

🌾 Straw = Not My Best Friend

I had been buying straw bales to use as mulch in my garden beds, thinking I was being smart. Until one day, I looked around and noticed… a whole new garden was growing. Only I didn’t plant it.

Yep—my beds were now full of germinating straw seeds. Weeds I paid for. 😑

That was the moment I said, “No more.”.......

Enter: Clover & Controlled Wildness

I decided to lean into what I already had—my yard. I bought multiple 5-pound bag of clover seed and spread it through all the grassy areas and garden paths!!! Clover does everything I need:

• It fixes nitrogen, naturally feeding my soil

• Bees and pollinators love it

• It stays short, soft, and I don’t have to mow it

• It adds to the wild, beautiful vibe I want in my garden

So instead of trying to tame the whole yard, I’m letting the paths and borders grow wild and free, while keeping my garden beds neat, mulched, and intentional.

Drying My Own Mulch: Lazy Genius Style

Now when I mow (the clover or any other grass), I collect the clippings and lay them out on a tarp or old sheet in the sun to dry.

Here’s my simple method:

1. Mow + collect clippings

2. Spread them thin in a sunny spot

3. Stir them every day or two until crispy

4. Store them in breathable bins or bags

5. Use them as mulch around my plants (NOT too close to the stems!)

It’s free. It’s clean. And it won’t sprout a hayfield in my potato patch.

 Lazy win #2.

The Magic of Wild Paths + Tidy Beds

This balance—wild paths, intentional beds—feels like the best of both worlds. My garden is becoming a living metaphor:
Let the wild things grow where they belong, and nurture the space where your vision is taking root.

It's peaceful. It's beautiful. And most importantly—it's me.

🎥 Watch It Come to Life

I’ll be showing a quick walkthrough of this on my YouTube channel, Seasons of life so you can see the wagon, the clippings, the clover, and all the real-life garden magic (and mess) behind it.

Want to Try This Yourself?

Stay tuned—I'm adding a free printable with my lazy girl mulch recipe, drying guide, and how to make this system work for your garden too.

Whether you’re a seasoned homesteader or just a tired mama trying not to buy one more bale of straw, this method could save you time, money, and a whole lot of weedy frustration.

Because around here… we grow with purpose, love with ease, and mulch like a wildflower warrior 🌸

Something Magical Is Blooming: Welcome to Giggles in the Garden

 “What if laughter could grow like flowers?

What if bugs could teach kids about big emotions, confidence, and kindness—right from the soil up?
That’s the heartbeat behind Giggles in the Garden, and we’re just getting started.”

What Is Giggles in the Garden?

• A new YouTube channel for kids and parents

• Combines funny animal clips + emotional lessons + nature-based characters

• Created with healing, learning, and laughter in mind

• Gentle, safe, and soul-nurturing—especially for kids who’ve experienced hard things

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What You Can Expect:

• Weekly videos featuring characters like Doug the Slug and Bree the Bee

• Educational AND emotional tools—without kids realizing they’re learning

• Free and affordable printables (coloring pages, activity sheets)

• Garden stories that build self-worth, mindfulness, and joy

• A healing space for parents, too—because your heart matters

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 Why We Created It:

• Because your child deserves tools to feel empowered

• Because healing doesn't have to be heavy—it can be colorful, silly, and kind

• Because laughter is medicine, and nature is the guide

  How to Join the Garden Movement:

  • Subscribe to the channel (launching soon!) More info to come!! Follow on the mother channel till "Giggles in the Garden" launches!!  Seasons of life Vlog

  • Follow us on Pinterest & Instagram for extra goodies

  • Share with other parents or teachers who need this light

  • check out: Our Website to get updates!!

  ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  If you’ve been searching for content that gets it—that honors a child’s heart and lets them giggle while they grow—this is for you.
  The garden gates are opening soon. We can’t wait to see you!🐛🦋🐌⚘️🌷🪻

Healing Childhood Trauma in the Garden – Rooted Episode 1

 Hello friends,

Today, I’m sitting in my garden house, sorting seeds and sorting through memories. 🌱✨
In the very first episode of Rooted on YouTube, I’m opening up about childhood trauma—what it is, how it shapes us, and how we can begin to heal.

For a long time, I didn’t even realize I was carrying the weight of childhood trauma. It showed up in ways I never expected: the people-pleasing, the anxiety, the feeling like I always had to prove my worth. Maybe you’ve felt those patterns too.

Here’s what I shared in the video:

✅ How to Know If You Have Childhood Trauma

• Feeling unworthy or ashamed for no reason

• Struggling with boundaries

• Toxic relationship patterns

• Anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms like chronic pain

• Feeling disconnected from your emotions

✅ Ways to Cope and Heal

• Acknowledge your pain without judgment

• Use grounding practices like gardening or time in nature

• Start therapy or talk to safe, supportive people

• Reparent yourself—give yourself the love you needed as a child

• Practice healthy boundaries and protect your energy

• Remember: healing is a journey, and you don’t have to go it alone

I believe healing is just like tending a garden. 🌿 You plant small seeds of change, nurture them, and with time and care, they bloom into something beautiful.

If you’re ready to join me on this journey, watch Episode 1 of Rooted here:
👉 https://youtu.be/7vganrygnko?feature=shared

Let’s create a safe, honest, and healing space together. Drop a comment on the video and share your own story, if you feel called.

Sending you hope and love,
SL Bradley

“What Type of Trauma Are You Holding On To?” (Free Quiz Inside)

💜“What Type of Trauma Are You Holding On To?” (Free Quiz Inside)

Trauma doesn’t always scream. Sometimes, it whispers—through anxiety, chronic pain, broken relationships, or the feeling that something is just… off.
If you’ve ever said, “I don’t even know what’s wrong with me,”—you’re not alone.

Many people carry emotional wounds from childhood, betrayal, loss, or abuse—but they don’t know how to name it. And if we can’t name it, how can we ever hope to heal?

That’s why I created this series of gentle self-discovery quizzes—to help you pinpoint what kind of trauma may be holding you back, and where your healing journey can begin.

✨ What You’ll Find Inside:

These short, printable questionnaires are designed to guide you with yes/no and multiple-choice style reflections—easy enough for anyone to complete but powerful enough to spark real insight. They cover:

• Childhood Emotional Neglect

• Betrayal and Trust Trauma

• Relationship & Attachment Trauma

• Survival Mode & Hyper-Independence

• Grief & Loss Trauma

• And more to come…

🌱 Why It Matters:

When we don’t know our trauma, we tend to:

• Repeat patterns we don’t understand

• Feel stuck in relationships or jobs

• Struggle with confidence, trust, or rest

• Seek healing in all the wrong places

But once you identify the type of trauma you carry, everything starts to shift. It gives you language. It gives you clarity. And most importantly—it gives you power back.

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🧩 Ready to Discover Your Hidden Trauma?

These printable quizzes are now available in my Etsy shop:

👉 Click here to grab the Trauma Self-Discovery Quiz Pack
(More being added soon—save the shop to stay updated!)

Whether you're just starting your healing journey or deep into self-work, these tools are a meaningful first step toward understanding what your body and mind have been holding for far too long.

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❤️ Final Thoughts:

You are not broken.
You are carrying unprocessed pain.
And the first act of healing is simply getting curious.

Let this be the moment you pause, reflect, and say:
“I’m ready to understand myself.”

The Beginning of Something Rooted: A New Chapter in My Life—And Maybe Yours Too

I have something vulnerable and powerful to share: my newest book, Rooted: Finding Real Love in a Fake World, is officially complete and waiting to be released.

This book has been living in my heart for years. It’s not just pages and chapters—it’s pieces of me. It’s everything I’ve learned about heartbreak, healing, over-explaining, people-pleasing, trauma, red flags, and finally—real love.

In a world where filters, ghosting, and hookup culture are normalized, Rooted is a call back to what’s real. It’s for the ones who have been told they’re “too sensitive” or “too much,” and have wondered if lasting love even exists anymore.

It’s not a dating guide. It’s not another list of dos and don’ts. It’s an invitation.

✨ An invitation to heal.
✨ To reflect.

✨ To reclaim your standards.

✨ To prepare for love that doesn’t require shrinking yourself.

Each chapter includes real talk, reflection prompts, and journal exercises—because this isn’t a book you just read. It’s a journey you take.

💬 If you’ve ever asked:

• “Why do I keep falling for the wrong ones?”

• “Am I broken, or is dating just this hard?”

• “Will I ever feel seen and chosen without pretending?”

Then this book is for you.

The official Amazon link is still on its way—but I couldn’t wait to start this conversation. If any part of this message spoke to you, comment below, share it, or just follow along. When the book officially launches, I’ll be sharing it everywhere.

➡️ Follow for updates, sneak peeks, and healing tools: seasonsoflifecampground.com ➡️ Sign up for my newsletter and be the first to know when Rooted goes live.

Let’s grow something stronger—together. 🌳

#RootedBook #ComingSoon #MentalHealthAwareness #HealingJourney #RealLove #DatingWithDepth #SeasonsOfLife #AuthorLife #SLBradleyBooks

The Stories That Heal Us- Why I Started Sharing on Etsy and Youtube.

There was a time in my life when I felt invisible.

    Like I was screaming into the world, but no one heard me. I spent years hiding pieces of myself just to keep the peace. But slowly, through healing, journaling, and lots of growing pains—I began to reclaim those pieces.

And that’s why I started writing stories again.

Not just any stories—stories that feel like medicine for the soul. Stories that remind people they're not broken. That beauty still blooms after the storm. That you can lose everything you thought you needed and still become someone stronger, softer, and more whole.

My Etsy shop was born from that healing. I wanted a place where someone could stumble upon a digital download and feel like the universe left them a love note.

                                    My Newest Short Story

I just added a new piece called "The Girl Who Grew Through Winter".
It’s about heartbreak, quiet growth, and the moment you realize you're not just surviving—you’re blooming.

It’s the kind of story you might read on a quiet morning with tea in hand and tears in your eyes... not from pain, but from finally feeling seen.

“Not everything that stops blooming is dying.”
— The Girl Who Grew Through Winter

 Mental Health Matters—Every Day, Not Just in May

As someone who lives with anxiety and has walked through dark seasons, I know how lonely it can feel. That’s why every word I write is rooted in empathy. You're not alone. You’re never too far gone. And your softness is not your weakness—it’s your gift.

Come Walk With Me

I’d love for you to explore my growing collection of heart-healing short stories. Each one is written with intention, warmth, and truth. 

👉 Visit my Etsy shop here: Seasons of Life Creations

You are not behind. You are not broken.

You are growing—even when it’s quiet. 

Why I’m Creating a Children’s Book Series That Teaches Life Skills Through Storytelling

 HELLO!!! I hope the day is finding you well,

As a mom, skills trainer, and children’s book author, I’ve seen firsthand how much our kids are navigating emotionally—often without the tools they need to express or manage those feelings. That’s why I’m combining my two passions—creative storytelling and mental health education—into something I believe could really make a difference: a brand-new children’s book series paired with a life skills curriculum.

Why This Series Matters

In today’s world, kids are dealing with big feelings, peer pressure, anxiety, and more—all while trying to learn math and spelling. But what about the life skills that help them cope, communicate, and grow confident in who they are?

That’s where this new series comes in. My upcoming books are designed to do more than entertain—they’ll teach kids how to navigate their emotions, build self-esteem, express themselves, and handle real-life challenges, all in a way that’s gentle, engaging, and age-appropriate.

What’s Coming

I’m currently working on two new children’s books, both of which will pair with a fun and interactive Outschool class designed for kids ages 6–11. These stories will feature lovable characters and relatable situations that open up conversations about emotions, friendships, self-control, and healthy habits.

But I didn’t stop there—I’m also creating a printable life skills curriculum that goes along with the books. Whether you're a parent, homeschooler, or educator, you’ll be able to use these lessons to guide children through what they’ve learned in the stories in a meaningful, memorable way.

Created From the Heart 💖

This project was born out of my own experience working with students who struggle with anxiety, low self-esteem, and emotional expression. I wanted to create something fun and meaningful that helps kids realize they’re not alone—and gives them tools to thrive emotionally and socially.

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This is just the beginning!
Follow along for more updates, sneak peeks, and behind-the-scenes as I bring these stories and lessons to life. Details coming soon!

📌 Don’t miss a thing:

• 👉 Follow me on Pinterest for inspiration and project updates

• 👉 Check out my Etsy shop for printables and resources coming soon

Thank you for being here. Together, we can help the next generation grow strong from the inside out.

COMING SOON on OUTSCHOOL!!!