From Witchcraft to the Word: 3 Lifestyle Shifts That Strengthened My Faith
As someone who was brought up around witchcraft and tarot card readings, then experienced church through school friends, went on to explore New Age practices in my early 20s (crystals, manifesting, self-help books and “the universe”), and is now saved by God - this journey hasn’t been linear.
Looking back, I often think: I wish someone had handed me a manual.
So here it is.
These are three key lifestyle shifts I’ve made over time that have genuinely helped me grow in faith and strengthen my relationship with Jesus.
1. Sobriety
FOMO is a complete distraction — and the quicker you learn that, the better.
Growing up in the United Kingdom, drinking alcohol is deeply woven into our culture. But there has been (and continues to be) a rise in sobriety and sober-curious living, especially among Gen Z. A healthy lifestyle is no longer considered boring — it’s increasingly how IT girls are living.
Sobriety opens copious doors and opportunities that are often missed when you’re living numbed by alcohol or substances.
If you can enjoy a glass of wine or two and feel it doesn’t really affect you — and you don’t relate to this — that’s okay. I wanted to place sobriety as number one because I truly believe alcohol is poison. Even in small amounts, it can create spiritual blockages as well as mental ones.
Going sober can feel uncomfortable at first — but it reveals truth.
It can reveal who your true friends are, not just those bonded by a shared habit of drinking. Sobriety enables deeper connection in prayer and spiritually. Without the head fog of a hangover, you can truly meditate, pray, and say, “Come, Holy Spirit,” inviting God’s presence in a much clearer way.
You also gain time — so much time.
Time previously spent drinking or recovering can now be used to work on your passions, spend meaningful time with others, organise your home and life, or start new hobbies. A friend of mine began heels dance classes — something she loved as a child — and sobriety allowed her to reconnect with that joy. It gives you natural dopamine, physical movement, and mental stimulation.
Sobriety doesn’t take away your life.
It gives it back.
2. The Content You Consume (Social Media & More)
Your algorithm is your choice.
It’s a bit like when a boyfriend claims he doesn’t understand why his FYP is full of half-naked women… he does know. We all choose what we consume.
An unfollow spree is genuinely good for the soul.
You might then choose to follow inspiring creators instead. Some I personally enjoy include: Emy Moore Brookins, Angela Halili, Arielle Reitsma, Malik Brookens, Bryce Crawford, Ally Yost (on Instagram and TikTok).
Music matters too. Swapping secular music full of swearing, negativity and sexual language for worship music — or more uplifting pop — makes a huge difference. (Justin Bieber is totally still the King of Pop, by the way.)
“Kind words are like honey — sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.”
The same principle applies to what we listen to, watch and read.
Less self-help books, and more time in the Bible or books written by Christian authors.
Less worldly podcasts, and more faith-based nourishment for your entire being — such as Girls Gone Bible, Saved Not Soft, Christ With Coffee On Ice, and Blessed By God Podcast.
Less horror, more light-hearted, joyful films and series. I absolutely loved The Chosen on Prime. It doesn’t all have to be Christian — it’s about mindfulness and intentionality.
3. How You Spend Your Free Time
How you start and end your day matters.
Swapping morning doom-scrolling for reading a few chapters of the Bible, spending time in prayer, or even waking up just 15 minutes earlier to sit quietly with God can have a profound impact on your life.
All the small habits shape who you are — and where you are — right now.
Imagine adding just 15 intentional minutes to your day, and seeing the ripple effect it has over months and years.
I personally love reformer Pilates, long walks, baking, cooking comforting home-made meals, finding a good brunch spot, and attending Sunday evening church services. It might sound very wholesome — but these things bring me genuine joy and peace.
If you enjoy getting creative, Bloom & Grow will soon be launching our Prayer Board Kit. Designed for a quiet night in — alone or with friends — it’s a gentle way to combine God’s Word with creativity and intentional prayer.
And that’s the question I’ll leave you with:
What are the things that bring you joy?
Final thoughts
Being a Christian is a process of sanctification - a journey, not a destination, and certainly not an overnight transformation. We hope these reflections help guide you on your own journey.
Why trust us?
Bloom & Grow was founded by a girl who loves Jesus, spent her 20s going sober, and is on a real healing journey — chasing dreams, building faith, and thriving. If I can do it, so can you.
With love,
Bloom & Grow
@wearebloomandgrow