Courtney Lewis Opdahl, Author at Experience Life

Soapy hands in a bath make a heart shape.

- Coming Clean -

COMING CLEAN: Mom Needs a Timeout

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

We all need a break to recalibrate. How I’m using my timeouts for self-care.

A photo of cookbook author Julia Turshen cooking in her kitchen

- Food Culture -

Cooking Up Change: A Q&A With Julia Turshen

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

The Feed the Resistance cookbook author and founder of Equity at the Table shares how food and activism bring communities together.

A photo of empty railroad tracks on a sunny day with mountains in the distance

- Coming Clean -

COMING CLEAN: Why We Grieve in Phases

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

Our managing editor copes with the loss of a loved one and wrestles with the intricacies of grief.

- Hormones -

What No One Tells You About Becoming a Mother: A Q&A With Alexandra Sacks, MD

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

The reproductive psychiatrist who is popularizing the term “matrescence” shares how we can have a more honest conversation about the emotional challenges of motherhood.

- Beauty -

In Caring Company: Q&A With Alaffia Founders Olowo-n’djo Tchala and Prairie Rose Hyde

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

The cofounders share how sourcing natural-beauty-care products can help customers — and give back to West Africa.

Keith Mitchell standing in front of water

- Yoga -

Mindful Healing: Q&A With Yoga Instructor and Meditation Coach Keith Mitchell

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

Changing his mindset — and his career — through yoga has helped the Light It Up Foundation cofounder discover a new path forward.

- Coming Clean -

8 Ways to Simplify the Holidays

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

The joy of the season really does come from the little moments. Our managing editor shares a few ideas to make it memorable — and less stressful.

- Coming Clean -

COMING CLEAN: How to Heal Your Birth Story

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

Our managing editor discovers how the birth of a child can bring up complex feelings and vulnerabilities.

- Coming Clean -

COMING CLEAN: Full Circle

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

Whether it’s end-of-life realities or a new beginning, our managing editor learns the key is support, preparation, and comfort.

- Coming Clean -

COMING CLEAN: Life Is Different With Two Kids

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

When baby No. 2 arrives, so does a new reality. Our managing editor shares how she’s shifting her vision.

- Nutrition -

Fish Smarts for Pregnant Women

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

Which fish should pregnant women eat? For optimal health, the key is looking at both mercury content and omega-3 fatty-acid levels.

- Environmental Health -

A Friend to the Bees: Mikaila Ulmer

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

This 12-year-old entrepreneur seeks to help support the declining bee population with her family’s lemonade recipe.

- Coming Clean -

COMING CLEAN: A Bright and Uncertain Pregnancy

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

My midwife and doula assure me there’s a healthy baby in my belly. That’s all I know.

- Coming Clean -

COMING CLEAN: So, Now Babies Can Eat Peanuts?

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

The changing science and recommendations on peanuts is enough to make a new mom’s head spin.

- Life Unedited -

LIFE, UNEDITED: When Your Closet Runneth Over

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

In whittling down the wardrobe, what’s the sweet spot for what goes and what stays?

- Coming Clean -

COMING CLEAN: Little Love

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

Watching my toddler show love to others has expanded my own heart’s capacity. Did she develop this emotion by nature or nurture?

- Coming Clean -

COMING CLEAN: When Things Just Don’t Make Sense

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

How my toddler’s tantrums are helping me better understand conflict resolution and misunderstandings.

- Life Unedited -

How Less Can Be More

By Courtney Lewis Opdahl

Our managing editor looks to clear out the clutter and start the year fresh with a renewed perspective on the stuff she keeps — starting with the linen closet.