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Cindy Florkey Balanced Wellness, Brookville, OH (2025)

07/08/2025

I Didn’t Know How to Slow Down 💔

When I lost my mom, and later other loved ones, I never really gave myself time to grieve.
Maybe you’ve done the same—after a move, a diagnosis, a job loss, a relationship that shifted.

Grief doesn’t always come wrapped in a funeral.
Sometimes it shows up in the little things that quietly break your heart.

I kept going.
I stayed busy.
I told myself, “I’m fine.”
Because stopping to feel it all? That felt harder.

But I’ve started to wonder… how much did pushing through all those hard seasons affect my health?

➡️ Chronic stress and unprocessed grief can take a real toll on our bodies:

Disrupted sleep

Digestive issues

Increased inflammation

Brain fog

Hormone imbalances

And deep, lasting fatigue

I didn’t begin to really grieve until a few years ago, when a close friend passed away. For the first time, I didn’t push it down. I let myself feel the sadness and the loss. I slowed down. And I truly believe that’s part of why I’m healing now.

So if you're walking through something hard—or holding on to grief from years ago—here are 3 simple ways to support your body as you gently move through it:

💧 Sip water often. Stress dehydrates the body and brain. A few steady sips every hour can help with energy and clarity.

🧘‍♀️ Breathe deeply. Your breath tells your nervous system whether you’re safe. Try a few slow, intentional breaths when things feel heavy.

🚶‍♀️ Move gently. A walk. Light stretching. Sitting outside. Movement helps emotions move through your body, not get stuck in it.

Be kind to yourself.
There’s no right timeline for grief—and no shame in finally letting go of what you've held onto for years.

I see you.
And I’m walking this healing path too. 💛

06/23/2025

Yesterday’s big win?
I cooked dinner with 5 other amazing people… all from our own kitchens on Zoom! 👩‍🍳💻🍽️
We chopped, stirred, laughed—and yep, I definitely forgot something.
I remembered the lemon juice (thank goodness)
…but I’m still not sure where those 2 tablespoons of broth were supposed to go. 🤷‍♀️
Oh well—still delicious!
We made a beautiful, whole-food meal together.
Not fancy. Not perfect.
But real, nourishing, and fun.
That’s the kind of win that matters to me:
✅ I’m eating food that makes my body feel good.
✅ I’m not falling for the junk the food industry keeps pushing.
✅ And I’m doing it in community—with a bunch of kind-hearted folks who aren’t afraid to laugh when things get messy.
Your turn—what’s your latest kitchen mishap?
Did something boil over, fall on the floor, or vanish mid-recipe?
(Asking for a friend… who may or may not still be looking for her broth.)
Drop it below and let’s laugh together. 🙃

06/17/2025

⚠️ You’re Not Addicted to Junk Food Because your week. They’re engineering addiction.

Food companies aren’t just selling snacks.
They’re engineering addiction.

They literally hire scientists to find the perfect combo of fat, sugar, and salt that lights up your brain like a Christmas tree—and keeps you coming back for more.

It’s not about nourishment.
It’s about profit.
And our bodies? We’ve been the experiment.

They’ve nailed the crunch.
The melt-in-your-mouth sweetness.
The comfort food vibe that hooks your brain while draining your energy.

And I get it—because that was me.

In college, I lived on Pop-Tarts and oatmeal packets.
Then I worked full time and led a youth group. Time? Nonexistent.
Money? Tight.
Dinner? Pasta, boxed dinners, and whatever was quick and cheap.

I thought I was doing fine… until I wasn’t.

I was exhausted, bloated, anxious, and couldn’t figure out why.
Then my health took a hit—and I started digging into what was really in my food.

I was shocked.

🛑 So many of the foods we rely on for convenience are stripped of nutrients and full of chemicals.
🛑 They mess with your hormones, blood sugar, digestion—even your brain.
🛑 They don’t fuel you—they drain you.

That’s where whole foods come in.

Whole foods are the opposite of processed:
✨ They’re rich in nutrients your body actually knows how to use
✨ They support your energy, focus, digestion, and even your mood
✨ They help your body heal, not just survive

At first, I made changes for my kids. But then I realized—I needed this, too.

That’s why I created the DIY 7-Day No Processed Food Challenge—a simple, empowering guide to help you take your first step toward eating in a way that actually supports your health.

💬 Drop a 🍽️ or comment “I’m ready” and I’ll send it your way.

P.S. This guide doesn’t include recipes, but if you need help finding easy, real-food meals your family will actually eat, message me. I’m happy to help. Been Targeted.

06/11/2025

💚 CHIMICHURRI LOVE STORY (yes, that’s a thing…)

I know I’ve had chimichurri before, but my full-on obsession didn’t start until a trip to Yellowstone. My daughter was working at a restaurant there—as a dishwasher (she built some serious muscles that summer 💪). She kept raving about how good the food was and how she got to be the official taste-tester for new recipes. Zero complaints from her. 😄

When we came out to help move her back to college in Wyoming, we finally ate at the restaurant… and that was the night I fell head over heels for chimichurri. 🌿🔥 They served it over steak with grilled asparagus and a kale salad (also one of my faves). From that moment on, I knew this sauce was coming home with me.

What I love most? Chimichurri is ridiculously versatile.
✨ Drizzle it over grilled meat
✨ Toss it on roasted veggies
✨ Swirl it on pizza or grain bowls
✨ Shake it into salad dressing
✨ Freeze it for later (hello, batch cooking win!)

And bonus—it’s loaded with goodness:
🥬 Parsley – detox support + rich in antioxidants
🌿 Basil – anti-inflammatory + supports brain health
🧄 Garlic – immune-boosting and heart-healthy
🍋 Lemon juice – alkalizing + rich in vitamin C
🫒 Olive oil – full of healthy fats that love your heart

Want to taste it for yourself and learn how to make it?
Join me for Dinner Club on Tuesday, June 17 at 6pm EST where we’ll be whipping up Chimichurri Spring Power Bowls together!

✨ A fresh, vibrant bowl topped with chimichurri goodness.
Fun, flavor, and a dinner you’ll actually be excited about.

PJs welcome. Aprons optional. Flavor guaranteed. 😋
Drop a 🌿 if you’re in or want the details!

06/06/2025

History nerd alert. 💬
My husband and I took a little Ohio day trip and visited some historic sites—including places connected to Ulysses S. Grant and Rev. John Rankin. Anyone else love history?

What struck me most? These two men couldn’t have been more different—and yet both were so clear on who they were and what they stood for.

🔸 Grant was quiet, often misunderstood. Many called him a drunk or a butcher during the war, but there’s more to his story. He didn’t sit back—he fought alongside his men. He even worked the fields with the enslaved people his father-in-law owned. He listened. He showed up. He cared. Even when others tried to define him, he didn’t waste energy defending himself. He just kept doing the next right thing.

🔸 Rankin was bold and unafraid to speak out. A preacher and abolitionist, he risked everything to help enslaved people escape to freedom across the Ohio River. He didn’t water down his message—even when his life was in danger.

Two different men. One powerful similarity: they didn’t compromise who they were to please the crowd.

And it made me think…

Over the years, I’ve been in coaching programs and social marketing spaces where I felt this pressure to be someone I’m not—louder, flashier, more aggressive. I tried to push myself into that mold… but it never felt right. Honestly? It felt icky. 😣

Add years of fatigue and parenting and I got to a place where I wasn’t even sure who I was anymore.

But recently, something clicked. I realized I’m done trying to copy what works for others.
I'm an introvert. I value quiet strength, deep relationships, and encouraging others. And that’s not a weakness—that’s my superpower. 💛

So here’s my question:
Have you ever felt misunderstood? Or like you had to become someone else just to be accepted or successful?
Let’s talk. I’d love to hear your story.

06/05/2025

Why is it so hard to get back into a movement routine… even when you want to?

This past year, I’ve really struggled with it.
Every time I started to build momentum—something would knock me off track.
I’d get injured.
We’d travel.
My energy would crash.
And suddenly I’d find myself back at square one, wondering why it always felt so hard to keep going.

And honestly?
Trying to do it alone made it ten times harder.

The truth is: I know movement helps me feel better.
But I’ve learned that “feeling better” isn’t about pushing harder.
It’s about finding support, showing up gently, and celebrating every little win.

So I’ve been building something—quietly, behind the scenes.
Something for people like us.
The ones who want to move their bodies again... but need a new way forward.
A way that works with our bodies—not against them.

💛 It’s almost ready.
And I can’t wait to share it with you.

Have you ever felt this too?
➡️ What throws you off track with movement?
➡️ What helps you keep going—or get back in when life gets in the way?

Let’s talk in the comments.

05/13/2025

“Mission: Energy Recovery (Caffeine Alone Won’t Cut It)”

Feeling like you’ve been surviving on caffeine, naps, and sheer stubbornness lately?

Yeah... same.

If brain fog, chronic illness, or exhaustion have you running on empty — it's time for a new kind of mission.

⚡️ Operation: Feel Human Again is launching soon.
7 days. Tiny, doable missions to bring you back online — one sip, stretch, or small win at a time.

🎯 No hustle. No guilt. Just honest progress.

💛 Ready to join the mission?
Drop a 🚀 in the comments if you want the briefing!

**Photo by Alex Shuper on Unsplash

05/07/2025

I used to believe that self-care was selfish.

That if I stopped to rest, to take a walk, to say no… it meant I wasn’t doing enough for the people who needed me.

But the truth hit me hard when I hit my wall—physically, emotionally, and mentally drained. I wasn’t just tired…I was depleted.
And by the time I realized how much I needed care, I had to go to extremes just to function.

Over the last week, I’ve been pouring a lot of energy into preparing something special for you—a new free webinar, a heartfelt talk, and a challenge starting May 18th that I know will help so many.
But alongside the work, I’ve also made time for me: a massage, slow walks, some reading, movement that feels good, and moments with friends that refuel me.

Here’s what I know now:
🧡 Self-care isn’t selfish.
🧡 It’s how we stay capable of showing up for the people we love.
🧡 It doesn’t need to be big. Five minutes matters.

Please take the time—whether it's a deep breath, a nourishing meal, or a quiet moment in the sun.
You deserve care, too. Especially if you’re used to being the caregiver.

Let’s stop waiting until we’re running on fumes.
Let’s fill our cups before they’re empty. 💛

💬 What’s one small act of self-care that helps you feel more like yourself again?
Share it below—I’d love to hear what’s working for you. Let’s inspire each other to take those tiny-but-mighty steps. 💛

Photo from unsplash - Atikah Akhtar

05/06/2025

Ever walk into a room and forget why you're there?
Same. Brain fog is real.

And no, it’s not because you’re “just getting older” or need to try harder.

Brain fog isn’t about being forgetful. It’s a symptom—and your body’s way of waving a little flag that says, “Hey, something’s off in here.”

Some common culprits:
🌀 Blood sugar swings
💤 Poor sleep quality
💧 Dehydration
🔥 Gut inflammation
📉 Hormonal imbalances

Your brain needs fuel, calm, and consistency. When even one of those is missing?
Welcome to Fog City.

The good news? You can clear the fog—without doing anything extreme or giving up all your favorite foods.

If this hit home, I’ve got two gentle next steps:

🧡 Kickstart Your Energy – my free webinar (because coffee’s not cutting it anymore)

🚗 Operation: Feel Human Again – my 7-day challenge with doable daily steps

Nothing overwhelming. Just support, strategy, and a little hope.

🧠 Save this for the next foggy day
💬 Comment FOG if you’ve been there
📩 Want a soft place to start? I’ll send the details your way

01/15/2025

I used to look around at other moms who seemed to juggle it all without missing a beat, while I felt completely drained and overwhelmed—like I was failing my family and myself.

It turns out, hidden imbalances were quietly stealing my energy.

Once I addressed them, I finally became the mom I’d always wanted to be.

I was so tired it felt like I woke up already wanting to go back to bed.

My brain refused to cooperate, and even simple tasks felt like climbing a mountain.

I found myself praying my kids would nap longer, just so I could survive the day.

Deep down, I was terrified I’d never feel like “me” again, and it broke my heart missing out on everyday moments with my family because I was too exhausted—mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Desperate for change, I started making small but meaningful shifts—tweaking my diet, incorporating gentle exercise, and focusing on stress relief.

Slowly but surely, my energy and spark came back.

But here’s the twist: I only recently discovered an easy-to-make drink that gives me instant energy and focus—something I wish I’d known about ages ago.

It’s amplified my results in ways I never imagined.

Looking back, I can’t help but think how much faster I could’ve felt like myself again if I’d had this powerful, plant-based solution when I was at my lowest.

Today, I’m more present with my family, able to reconnect with my husband now that our kids are grown, and the joy in my life is finally back.

If you feel like you’re running on empty, I’d love to share exactly what helped me go from total exhaustion to feeling fully energized—plus a few exciting new resources I’ve been working on.

Drop a “ME” below or send me a message if you’d like the details.

You deserve to wake up each day feeling alive and engaged.

Let’s do this together!

10/31/2024

✨ Rediscovering My Energy, One Step at a Time ✨

I remember those days when I felt like I was running on empty. No amount of sleep seemed to make a difference, and I couldn’t shake the exhaustion that held me back from truly being there for my family. I felt like I was missing out on all the little moments with my kids that I’d always wanted to cherish. But every time I brought it up to doctors, they told me, “You’re just a tired mom of three—this is normal.”

Deep down, I knew it wasn’t normal. I noticed other moms still had energy, still enjoyed family time, and didn’t feel as if they were dragging their feet through every single day. So, I made the choice to dig deeper, research, and take charge of my health. I learned how food and lifestyle shifts could be powerful tools for my energy. It wasn’t quick or easy, but in time, I found my way back to feeling fully alive.

If you’re a mom who’s sick of being told “it’s just part of motherhood” when you know something’s wrong, let’s connect. I’d love to support you in finding your energy again! 🌻 Drop a GIF or send a message if you’re ready for a change.

10/30/2024

🌸 Stronger Together! 🌸

One of the biggest things I’ve learned on my wellness journey is how powerful it is to have a group of women by your side who “get it.” When we’re struggling with fatigue, every step can feel like a mountain, but having others who understand makes those baby steps feel so much more possible. 💪

Being in a group of women who share similar goals – women who want their energy back, who are ready to feel fully present with their families – is life-changing. Each week, we cheer each other on, celebrate the small wins, and find the courage to keep going.

For me, working with a coach and connecting with a group made all the difference. Knowing I wasn’t alone kept me motivated, and I saw results faster than if I had done it alone.

If you’re feeling drained and want to start reclaiming your energy, remember: there’s a community here for you! Together, we can make those big goals feel totally possible. 💖

***Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash

Cindy Florkey Balanced Wellness

07/08/2025

06/23/2025

06/17/2025

06/11/2025

06/06/2025

06/05/2025

05/13/2025

05/07/2025

05/06/2025

01/15/2025

10/31/2024

10/30/2024

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