Midwest Mimi

  • Why Nature Is One of the Best Grounding Tools We Have

    And why that matters for those with sensory sensitivities or mental health struggles Grounding helps calm the nervous system and brings us back to the present. Nature might be the most powerful (and underrated) grounding tool available. Here’s how the outdoors supports mental health, especially for neurodivergent families like mine. What Does It Mean to…

  • 🌿 West Lake Park — A Midwest Mimi Park Review 🌿

    Some parks become part of your family’s rhythm, and for me, West Lake Park in Scott County, Iowa, has become one of those places. We’ve gone there enough times that I’ve lost count. Part of why we keep going back is that it’s clean, well-maintained, and keeps evolving. There’s a butterfly garden that’s interesting and…

  • 🌿 Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Recreation Area — A Midwest Mimi Park Review 🌿

    I’ve learned that sometimes the places that look ordinary on a map turn out to be the ones that give me the most peace. Lake Le-Aqua-Na was one of those places for us. We spent a slow, gentle afternoon there as a family. The park was green and lush, with trails winding past a little…