🌿 Hi, I’m Suzanne — the heart and voice behind Suzanne Horrocks Wellness.
Around here, we do wellness a little differently. I’m not here to sell you a perfect routine, a green smoothie obsession, or a 6 a.m. bootcamp (unless that’s your thing — then I’ll cheer you on!).
What I am here to do is help you rediscover what self-care really means — in real life, with real people, and real laughter along the way.
My journey has taken me from chasing “healthy” to living well — with curiosity, kindness, and a good dose of humor.
I share stories, resources, and gentle challenges that make wellness feel less like a checklist and more like an adventure back to yourself.
If you’ve ever thought, “I want to feel better, but I don’t know where to start,” you’re in the right place.
Let’s take it one step, one breath, one sip of water at a time.
✨ Welcome to Suzanne Horrocks Wellness — where self-care gets real, lighthearted, and beautifully human.
Todod los dias la gente se arregla el cabello. Por que no el ❤️?
I have a dear sweet friend that has been collecting art for most of her life. She also used to teach Spanish and traveled (and studied) in Mexico. I asked her to translate this piece. Here’s her response,
“Every day people fix/comb/arrange their hair, why not their heart?” I think the artist is saying fix your heart everyday like you do your hair. Make it a habit to make your heart beautiful
We spend so much time caring for our bodies — eating better, moving more, trying to stay healthy — yet the heart, the very center of our being, often gets overlooked. Not just the physical heart, but the spiritual one — the quiet space inside where love, compassion, and peace live.
Working on making your heart beautiful isn’t about being perfect or endlessly positive. It’s about tending your inner garden — pulling a few weeds, watering what’s growing, and letting more light in. Here are a few ways to do that in everyday life.
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🌸 Practice Gentle Awareness
Start by simply noticing how your heart feels throughout the day. When it feels heavy — pause and breathe. When it feels open — pause and give thanks. Awareness alone is healing. It’s like sunlight finding its way through the clouds.
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🌿 Forgive Often (Including Yourself)
Nothing makes the heart more radiant than forgiveness. When we let go of resentment, we free ourselves from carrying the past around. You can even whisper to yourself:
> “I choose to forgive and free my heart.” You do this not for others, but for your own peace.
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💛 Practice Loving-Kindness
Each day, send a quiet blessing — to yourself, to someone you love, to someone you struggle with, and to the world. It can be as simple as:
> “May you be happy. May you be safe. May you live with ease.” This practice softens the edges and opens the door to compassion.
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🌷 Live from Gratitude
A beautiful heart sees beauty everywhere. Try keeping a gratitude list — not just for what’s going well, but for what’s teaching you. Gratitude changes the texture of your heart. It turns pain into wisdom.
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🌻 Protect Your Peace
Being kind doesn’t mean you have to say yes to everything. A beautiful heart also knows when to step back, rest, and protect its energy. Boundaries are an act of self-love — they keep your light strong and your love authentic.
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🌼 Be of Service
There’s nothing that beautifies the heart quite like helping someone else. A kind word, a smile, a listening ear — small acts polish the heart until it shines. Service connects us, reminding us that love is meant to flow through us, not stop with us.
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🌙 Rest and Receive
Your heart, just like your body, needs rest. Quiet moments — in nature, in stillness, or in meditation — refill the well within you. Give yourself permission to slow down, to listen, and to receive the peace that’s always been waiting for you.
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A beautiful heart isn’t something we earn — it’s something we uncover. With time, intention, and a little grace, it begins to glow from the inside out — guiding us toward gentler days and deeper love.
Be kind. White background. Pale yellow carnations.
If you scroll through social media, wellness can look like a curated dream — green smoothies in glass jars, spotless yoga mats, and early morning workouts on the beach. But in real life, wellness doesn’t always sparkle like that. It’s often a little messy, sometimes inconvenient, and usually a lot more human than what we see online.
For most of us, wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about paying attention. It’s learning to listen to your body, give yourself grace, and make small choices that support the kind of life you actually want to live — not the one the internet tells you to have.
So what does wellness really look like in real life? Let’s take a look.
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🌿 Wellness Looks Like Showing Up Imperfectly
Wellness isn’t about getting everything “right.” It’s about showing up for yourself, even when things aren’t perfect.
Some days, it might mean going for a short walk because a full workout feels like too much. Other days, it might mean sitting on the porch with your morning coffee instead of rushing straight into emails. It’s the quiet decision to breathe before you react, to stretch your back before it aches, to pause before pouring another cup of caffeine.
Real wellness happens in those tiny moments of awareness — when you realize that you matter enough to slow down.
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💧 Wellness Looks Like Listening to Your Body
Our bodies are always whispering to us, but it takes practice to hear them.
Sometimes they whisper, “I’m thirsty.” Sometimes it’s, “I need rest.” And sometimes it’s a quiet, “Please don’t push me today.”
We live in a world that rewards constant productivity, but your body isn’t a machine. Listening to what it needs is one of the most powerful wellness practices you can develop. Drink water when you’re thirsty. Eat real food when you’re hungry. Move in ways that feel good — not punishing.
When you treat your body like a trusted friend instead of an obstacle to manage, wellness starts to feel natural.
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☀️ Wellness Looks Like Simplicity
You don’t need fancy products or complicated routines to be well. You just need a few simple habits that make you feel grounded and balanced.
Maybe that means:
Drinking water first thing in the morning
Stretching before bed
Taking a 10-minute walk outside
Writing a few thoughts in a journal
Turning off your phone during dinner
The goal isn’t to overhaul your life. It’s to build rhythm — gentle, consistent actions that support your well-being one day at a time.
Wellness thrives in simplicity. When you remove the pressure to do everything, you create space for what really matters.
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💖 Wellness Looks Like Self-Compassion
There will be days when you skip your walk, eat fast food, or scroll on your phone longer than you meant to. That doesn’t make you “off track.” It makes you human.
Beating yourself up never leads to better choices. But kindness does. When you approach yourself with compassion, it’s easier to start again — not from guilt, but from genuine care.
Try this: The next time you feel like you’ve “messed up,” talk to yourself the way you would talk to a friend. Offer understanding instead of criticism. Remind yourself that wellness isn’t about never falling — it’s about learning how to rise gently.
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🌼 Wellness Looks Like Connection
We aren’t meant to do this alone.
Real wellness includes connection — with yourself, with others, and with something greater than you. It might be a conversation with a trusted friend, a walk in nature, or joining a community of people who share your values.
When you connect, you refill your emotional cup. You remember that being well isn’t just about your physical body; it’s about your whole self — mind, body, and spirit.
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🌙 Wellness Looks Different for Everyone
There’s no one-size-fits-all version of wellness. What feels nourishing to one person might feel draining to another. And that’s okay.
For some, wellness might mean yoga and meditation. For others, it’s gardening, laughter, or a good night’s sleep. For you, it might be drinking more water, saying “no” more often, or finally allowing yourself to rest without guilt.
The beauty of real-life wellness is that it’s deeply personal. It’s not about following someone else’s plan — it’s about finding what brings you balance, energy, and peace.
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🌸 A Gentle Reminder
If you’re working toward a healthier lifestyle, don’t get discouraged by comparison. The woman on Instagram with the perfect smoothie bowl doesn’t have it all figured out — none of us do.
Wellness isn’t a destination or a checklist. It’s a relationship with yourself that you keep choosing, one day at a time. It’s a journey full of grace, progress, and yes, a little imperfection.
So go ahead — take a deep breath, pour yourself some water, and celebrate the small steps. Because this, right here, is what wellness really looks like in real life.
When you hear the words “U.S. military base,” what comes to mind? For many, it’s strength, defense, or global presence. But what if we reimagined these spaces? What if, instead of being symbols of power, they became symbols of peace, culture, and connection?
It’s a bold idea, but sometimes the most powerful changes begin with a simple question: What if?
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From Bases of Defense to Homes of Peace
Across the world, U.S. military bases stand on foreign soil. They are reminders of history, politics, and protection. But as times change, so do the needs of humanity.
Imagine walking onto one of these bases and, instead of soldiers and weapons, you find:
🎶 Artists sharing music and traditions.
🌿 Yoga and wellness programs bringing healing.
🍲 Community kitchens where cultures exchange recipes and stories.
🎨 Studios filled with painting, dance, and storytelling.
📚 Classrooms where language, history, and skills are shared.
These once-military sites could become cultural exchange centers — places where people come together to learn, heal, and celebrate what unites us.
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Why Cultural Exchange Matters
At the heart of cultural exchange is the simple truth: we understand each other better when we share our lives.
🌏 Connection builds peace. When people connect on a human level, barriers begin to fade.
🌸 Healing happens through sharing. Many communities carry wounds from conflict. Creative and cultural expression can help bridge divides.
💡 New ideas grow. Bringing together different perspectives leads to innovation and progress.
Instead of being remembered for war and defense, these places could become remembered for peace and creation.
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How It Could Work
The transformation wouldn’t happen overnight, but step by step, it’s possible.
1. Decommissioning & Transition: Bases already closing or downsizing could be the first candidates.
2. Partnerships: Local governments, cultural organizations, and educators could co-create the vision.
3. Physical Reimagining: Dormitories become guest housing. Hangars become art studios. Mess halls become shared dining spaces.
4. Programs Begin: Language classes, cultural residencies, music festivals, wellness retreats, skill exchanges.
5. Global Network: A series of Peace & Culture Centers connected worldwide — turning old battlegrounds into new grounds for understanding.
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A Ripple Effect
Imagine the ripple effect if just a few bases made this transition:
Host communities gain economic growth through education, wellness, and tourism.
Local and American participants gain mutual respect and lifelong connections.
The U.S. itself transforms its global role — from a nation known for its military might to one remembered for fostering understanding and peace.
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What If Peace Had a Home Base?
It’s easy to think the world is too divided for big ideas like this. But every great change in history began with someone asking: What if things were different?
Reimagining U.S. military bases as cultural exchange centers is not just about buildings. It’s about a shift in vision: from fear to friendship, from defense to discovery, from war to wellness.
The question is not just whether it could work. The question is: are we ready to dream of peace on a new scale?
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🌿 Final Thought
Peace isn’t just the absence of war. It’s the presence of understanding, connection, and shared humanity.
Perhaps the greatest base of all is the one where we learn to see each other as family.
Welcome to our three-part series, “The Doctor Says I Have To Lose 30 Pounds.” In this series, we’ll explore the emotional and physical challenges of life as a busy woman, give practical tips for making healthier choices, and offer strategies for long-term success. Whether you’re starting your own weight loss journey or thinking about starting one, this series is here to give you hope. Here is PART THREE. Part One is here in case you want to go back. Here is PART TWO.
It’s time to see the doctor
It’s time for her doctor’s appointment. The same doc that told her to lose thirty pounds. Yeah, that guy.
This appointment will be different though because she is different. She is happier, friendlier, and more relaxed. Her newfound joy is reflected in her eyes.
Small shifts = big changes
She has been drinking more water, sleeping better, and eating more mindfully. She is beginning to believe her daily affirmations could be true.
Her life is getting better. She is getting better.
She has joined an online book club and …drum roll please…and an online exercise group. She’s socializing and enjoying it a lot.
That 30 pounds
The doctor didn’t mention those pesky extra pounds because she feels so much better than she did.
Instead of recommending she lose weight, or take another prescription, the doctor congratulated her on her progress and said to keep it up.
Keep it up
Of course she is going to keep it up. Even when the going gets hard, she knows what a difference her small changes have made.
This is the life she has wanted for a long time.
Kudos to our friend. She is on her way to a healthy, happy life.
I want to make a difference in people’s lives, in the health and wellness arena, specifically I want to guide people in living a wellness lifestyle with grace and ease.
Widow & Empty Nestor
As a widow whose is grappling with an empty nest, I have come to rely on, (more like depend on), wellness practices to keep from “going off the deep end.” Do you ever feel like you are on the tip of falling off a ledge that you may not be able to recover from?
That was me a few years ago.
To make a long story short, I have a few wellness practices that I can rely on to help me live life with grace and ease.
Here’s the definition of living life with grace and ease, according to AI.
“Living life with grace and ease is about finding a sense of inner peace and calmness that allows you to navigate life’s challenges with resilience and composure. It’s about accepting that life will have its ups and downs, but approaching them with a gentle strength and a positive attitude.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Follow along with me to learn some wellness practices that I’m sure will help you too.
Wildflowers in Pierre Marquette State Park, Illinois
These are my favorite days.
So far today I have mowed the grass, dressed unused flower beds with fresh straw for our cats, made herbal tea from herbs that I grew and dried sweetened with local honey from my BIL.
Now I’m cooking yellow rice to go with the beans I have already cooked.
For lunch, I had a salad with raw spinach, cilantro, a little pickled cabbage, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, and my guilty pleasure – Ranch dressing. Topped with peanuts for more crunch.
I stretched and limbered up in the sun, in the backyard, in the freshly mowed grass.
I have been missing feeling strong. I’m beginning to feel strong again.
💧 Let’s talk about how that can impact your hydration levels.
🚫 While soda might seem like a refreshing choice, it can actually lead to dehydration.
Here’s why:
1️⃣ High Sugar Content: Most sodas are loaded with sugar, which can actually increase your body’s need for water to process it. When you consume sugary drinks, your body works overtime to balance out the sugar levels, which can leave you feeling parched.
2️⃣ Caffeine Effect: Many sodas contain caffeine, which is a diuretic. This means it can increase urine production, leading to fluid loss and ultimately dehydration. Remember, caffeine can be dehydrating, so it’s essential to balance your intake with water.
3️⃣ Empty Calories: Soda provides little to no nutritional value, leaving you feeling unsatisfied and potentially craving more unhealthy snacks. Opting for water or other hydrating beverages can keep you feeling full and energized without the added calories and dehydration risk.
🌊 Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy: Remember to prioritize water as your main source of hydration throughout the day. Aim for at least 8 glasses (64 ounces) daily, or adjust based on your activity level and climate.
✨ Let’s make choices that support our well-being, starting with staying hydrated! Swap out that soda for a refreshing glass of water and feel the difference it makes in your energy levels and overall health. Your body will thank you! 💦
I titled this, honestly, I don’t remember, because honestly, I don’t remember.
Compliments are not something that I hang my hat on. Mostly because I have a feeling that they are insincere.
The feeling is changing though.
As I partake more and more of the “cooperation before competition” mindset, we (by we, I mean the selfhelp mindset shift collective) are giving more compliments sincerely, as opposed to a conversation starter that they used to feel like.
It’s nice. It feels better. Maybe that’s because I feel better. I feel better moving farther away from competition and towards cooperation.
What are your thoughts about cooperation before competition?
I am beyond excited to share my friend’s incredible journey with you.
It’s a story of courage, determination, and the power of making small changes for big impact.
For years, my friend found himself caught in the grip of soda addiction. It was his go-to comfort. Soda was his trusted companion through life’s ups and downs.
But deep down, he knew it wasn’t serving him well. He could feel the toll it was taking on his body and his spirit.
One day, he made a decision – a decision to reclaim control of his health and his life.
From that moment on, everything changed.
It hasn’t been easy. There have been moments of doubt, moments of temptation, moments when he wondered if he could really do it.
But through it all, he stayed strong. He drew strength and inspiration from his support system.
Now he stands on the other side of his journey – a journey towards greater health, vitality, and freedom.
He feels more alive than ever before.
He’s experiencing a newfound energy and a deep sense of pride in what he’s accomplished.
My friend’s journey is a reminder to all of us that change is possible. It starts with a single step, a single decision to do things differently.
So cheers to my friend, and to all of you who are on your own journey towards wellness. You are capable of more than you know.
You are worthy of a life filled with health, happiness, and abundance.
And you are never alone – I’m here to walk this path with you, every step of the way.
Suzanne Horrocks 