"You can't blend in when you're born to stand out."
~ Ryan Buchanan

There are few things more important than your emotional and mental wellbeing. External demands can leave us feeling drained and out of touch with ourselves. I didn't realize just how out of touch I was until I was faced with a traumatic injury. From the bottom and back out again, I share with you my story ...
Walk with me through the garden and witness a story of renewal.
This YouTube playlist chronicles my personal transformation and healing journey—told through the art and discipline of backyard gardening.
A few years ago, my life unraveled under the weight of chronic pain, trauma, and exhaustion. I was living with fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, PTSD, anxiety, and severe panic attacks, while managing the effects of a spinal cord injury and dependence on prescription pain medication. The stress and suffering culminated in a nervous breakdown that brought me to a breaking point—and ultimately, to a breakthrough.
Seeking peace, I turned to nature. I joined a local community garden, learning from seasoned gardeners and immersing myself in the rhythm of the soil. From there, I began transforming my own backyard—one shovel of earth, one stone, one seed at a time. Each rock I placed symbolized a piece of my life coming back together. Each weed I pulled represented something I needed to release to find balance again.
It was not a quick or easy process. In 2018, I walked away from conventional medicine and chose to trust my body, intuition, and the natural world. The garden became my therapy room, my sanctuary, and my teacher. Surrounded by color, fragrance, and birdsong, I found calm amidst the chaos and learned to live in harmony with pain rather than in battle against it.
Over time, what began as survival grew into devotion. Gardening became a sacred art—a way to turn limitation into creative expression, and adversity into beauty. The flowers became my companions, the seasons my mentors, and the soil my medicine.
This video series captures that evolution: the growth of the garden and the restoration of the soul behind it. It stands as living proof that even in the hardest seasons, healing is possible—and that tending to the earth is one of the most powerful ways to tend to oneself.
Through The Sound Within Us and The Red Dragon Growers, I now share this message with others—to show that the garden is more than a space; it’s a state of being.
My Journey from Illness to Wellness
Welcome, viewers, to a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. In the midst of life’s demands, we often neglect our own well-being. In this video, we’ll explore the transformative power of self-motivation and the importance of prioritizing self-care. Join us as we uncover practical tips to fuel your inner drive and emphasize the significance of making self-care a non-negotiable priority. Ready to embark on this empowering journey of self-discovery? Let’s dive in!
In this video from March 2024, I share how designing a dedicated wellness space supported my journey from illness to wellness by fostering focus, consistency, and stress reduction. Watch to see how enhancing the mind-body connection can aid in emotional and spiritual healing, inspiring you to create your own sanctuary for a happier, healthier life.

Public health services to educate, protect, and promote the health of all people in all communities.
Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would become a barbershop style singer in a chorus, but just like that, it happened. A chance meeting with a pleasant bus driver on a middle school chaperoning trip, and it was like the stars were all lined up for me that day. She told me about this group of supportive and amazing women who sang together at the local VFW every Tuesday night. Well, it happened to be Tuesday and as luck would have it, I was free. That was May of 2019 and I was hooked from the minute I walked in the door and met the group. They welcomed me with open arms and were so excited that I had a musical background and could read music. I had all but forgotten about those days of my life I spent as a musician until I heard the sound of my voice introducing myself to Karen, the membership coordinator. She is in the picture above. I was being drawn back into music like the way gravity draws us towards the earth.
I had left music behind in my early twenties when it came time to focus on a career, but it was always a secret dream of mine to learn how to sing. I just didn't have the guts, or time, or vocal talent for it. Having suffered from social anxiety most of my life, I knew it was going to be a challenge, however, I was ready for a change. I felt like it was time to leave the old me behind and try something new and boy am I so glad that I did. I have learned so much about myself and continue to grow each time I challenge myself to do something new. Being part of such a supportive and caring group of ladies has enabled me to overcome the anxiety and fears I carried with me my whole life. It has been such a rewarding and fulfilling experience for me and now a big part of my life. The sound within me has been awakened and I finally found my inner peace and happiness.
Not only do I feel more balanced and energized getting my hands dirty outside, but I also love all things nature. When the sun is out, I'm out with it engaging in something related to nature. I always check the weather and save cold, rainy days for housework, recharging, and researching.
This year, I decided to turn some unused backyard space over to expand my existing small vegetable garden and add an additional area to grow medicinal and kitchen herbs. Nature has been my greatest source of natural medicine and I love every minute I get to spend outdoors.
I am very sensitive to the energy other people radiate and feel every little subtle energy distortion. It can become quite overwhelming, especially with two teenage girls living in the house. There are many times when I need to escape to the outdoors for a quick rebalance. When the weather is agreeable, I love to take my exercise mat out to the yard for some yoga and meditation. I'll even bring my crystal bowls out sometimes or just sing to the trees. Being in nature is so healing to me. Also new this year, I'm working on some projects to add privacy to my surroundings so I can invite friends to join me for group meditations in my back yard. Check out the articles page for my outdoor adventures.
In the spring of 2019, I became a member of our local organic community garden and have learned so much from my fellow gardeners. I joined the events committee and had a blast bringing the events to life with members of my community.
Probably the most fun of the summer was when I helped to co-host our "Cooking in the Garden" event and did a cooking demonstration for the first time. It was another way I wanted to challenge myself to help overcome anxiety and it was a huge success. I'm looking forward to another great growing season with all the friends I made last year. Like my Shades of Harmony group, I am so blessed to be part of some really great community organizations.
Click on the image above to be re-directed to the Williamstown Organic Community Garden Facebook page for more information.
See the Community Garden section below for some highlights from our 2019 season.

Another important part of my healing journey has been my involvement with our local sustainability group called Sustainable Monroe Township. When I was no longer working a 50/60-hour a week corporate job, I realized how very disconnected from nature I had become. It also became apparent to me very quickly that I was living a lifestyle that was not sustainable or in harmony with nature. So, I joined our local environmental group and learned how to be a better citizen and caretaker of our abundant source of life called Earth. I feel like humanity has been carelessly taking too many resources from the planet and it is becoming urgent that we incorporate sustainable practices in our daily lives. I've made many changes like using solar energy, composting kitchen garden waste, installing a rainwater collection system, buying local, recycling, home gardening, and more.
Working with the Sustainable Monroe Twp team, I also co-host sound meditation events at our local library that are always free and family-friendly. See the photo gallery below for past sound healing events.
Check my Facebook page for current event listings.
In my commitment to the environment and to preserve wildlife, I registered my property with the National Wildlife Federation and my backyard is now a "Certified Wildlife Habitat." I have created a wildlife garden that attracts birds, bees and other pollinators. I have also brought in native plants, a shelter for the animals, and a water supply. My back yard explodes with life during the summer months and is such a relaxing and peaceful place to be.
I'm so happy at the effort I've been able to make to the outside of my home to make it as colorful and low maintenance as possible. Since I never know when severe pain is going to strike and require me to rest and recover, I try not to overwhelm my efforts. Sometimes I get so lost in yard work though that I don't take notice to the discomfort that is always lurking in the background. Pain doesn't wreck my day though when the birds are chirping and the flowers are blooming in blazing and brilliant colors.
Click on the image above to go to the NWF website where you can find out about certifying your property.
At Nicole Cicco Enterprises, we craft alchemical products by blending herbs, essential oils, and crystal essences to create custom herbal teas, Reiki-infused crystal jewelry, aromatherapy sprays, soaps, and skincare products. Our wearable art fashion line is designed to align with the chakra system, supporting holistic well-being. In addition, we offer transformative self-improvement classes, workshops, and events, all designed to inspire and empower you to awaken to your highest potential.

A quick selfie before our holiday performance at the Free Public Library of Monroe Township. December 2019.
Spending the day passing along the barbershop style of singing with the next generation of girls was a very fun and rewarding experience. I'm so happy I had the opportunity to be a part of that service project.

One of our extremely talented chorus members, Jeannie Cekala, wrote the screenplay for our fabulous Fall Friends & Family performance. It turned out great and everyone had so much fun playing their animal parts.
Welcome to this transformative sound meditation journey designed to enhance your yoga practice and cultivate a profound sense of peace, calm, and relaxation. As you settle into your yoga practice, let the gentle sounds envelop you, creating a tranquil space for self-discovery and mindfulness. Breathe deeply, release tension, and surrender to the therapeutic power of sound.
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