People are often surprised to learn that my passion for natural living didn’t begin in the hospital—it began long before I became a registered nurse.
I grew up on a small farm where life revolved around the outdoors. We spent our days gardening, caring for animals, exploring the woods, and appreciating the simple things. Looking back, those experiences planted the seed for the lifestyle I’m now building.
As I grew older, life became busier. Nursing school, work, and the demands of everyday life slowly pulled me away from those roots. Like many people, convenience often replaced the slower, more intentional way of living I had known growing up.
Then my health changed.
Experiencing my own health challenges made me stop and take a closer look at the choices I was making every day. I began asking questions about the foods I was eating, the products I was bringing into my home, and the ingredients in the items I used on my skin.
That curiosity became the beginning of a new journey.
Finding Balance Between Modern Medicine and Natural Living
Working as a registered nurse has given me incredible respect for modern medicine. Every day, I see how emergency care, surgery, medications, and evidence-based treatments save lives.
At the same time, I’ve also come to appreciate the value of prevention and healthy daily habits, as well as remedies that our ancestors have used for many generations.
To me, natural living isn’t about replacing healthcare—it’s about supporting overall wellness through intentional choices whenever possible.
How Nursing Changed My View of Health
Returning to My Roots
The more I learned, the more I found myself returning to the lifestyle I loved as a child.
I started growing my own vegetables.
I learned how to bake sourdough bread from scratch.
I began making simple products for my home using ingredients I could easily recognize.
Each new skill reminded me that living simply doesn’t mean living without modern conveniences—it means being more thoughtful about the choices we make.
Becoming More Mindful
One area I’ve become especially interested in is reducing unnecessary plastic use in my daily life.
While research on the health effects of microplastics is still evolving, I try to make practical changes where I can—choosing glass over plastic when possible, using more natural fibers, and selecting products with simple ingredient lists that I feel comfortable using in my home.
For me, this isn’t about chasing perfection. It’s about making thoughtful decisions one step at a time.
Why I Started Lettuce Live Living
Lettuce Live Living was created to share that journey.
This isn’t a place where you’ll find perfection.
Instead, you’ll find someone who is learning alongside you—experimenting in the garden, baking homemade sourdough, creating simple products, and rediscovering traditional skills that have been passed down for generations.
My hope is that this community inspires you to slow down, reconnect with nature, and feel confident taking your own small steps toward a more intentional lifestyle.
Progress Over Perfection
One lesson nursing has reinforced is that health is built over time.
Small choices matter.
Growing one herb.
Baking one loaf of bread.
Cooking one homemade meal.
Replacing one household product with something simpler.
Those little changes add up, and every step is worth celebrating.
My Invitation to You
Whether you’re planting your first garden, learning to bake sourdough, exploring herbal remedies, or simply looking for ways to live more intentionally, I’m so glad you’re here.
Thank you for being part of the Lettuce Live Living community.
Let’s grow, create, and live naturally—together.
— Kileen