Don't Ya Love a Great Surprise!

After 6 years of using, sharing and loving my oils, I am still surprised at the successes I have with their many uses.  For those who are just starting to look at essential oils for their homes, let me just state this one fact: they do far more than make things smell great.  Well, that is if you use a high quality, pure, therapeutic grade oil.  Ensure the oils you use are highly tested by a third party to ensure there is some distance between testing results and pressure to sell.  

What have been my most recent surprises…..so many.

Let’s start with what I will call the unsung hero of Thyme essential oil.  For years, this oil was my “other Oregano”.  Thyme is a fabulous oil to support your immune system.  I adore it diluted with Wild Orange when that cough is just lingering a bit longer than I want.  But the surprise……

Thyme…diluted because it is a hot oil…rubbed over your liver can chill you out in a matter of minutes.  Yeah, seriously.  All the oils have both physical and emotional properties and Thyme helps you let go of all the negative feelings and release the anger and rage you might feel when frustrations escalate.  A little Wild Orange isn’t so bad to add to this mix as well.   Wild Orange makes just about everyone happy after all.


My second surprise came as I have been searching for some answers to overall wellness.  See, for the last few years my body has been acting up on me.  Doctors are a bit confused but I am still firmly in the camp of “hey it’s my thyroid misbehaving again.”  As I looked up help for this option, I learned a few new oils that supported my body.  Balance & Geranium.  I have always heard Lemongrass, Myrrh and Clove but never Balance & Geranium.  I adore these two so this was a huge win for me.  Balance does have Frankincense and really does do more that just help our mood.  Geranium is excellent for hormone support, liver & kidney support as well as supporting your circulatory system.  Guidance also suggested that if there was discomfort to apply Deep Blue right over the thyroid gland. WOAH what?  

Yes, Deep Blue over the the thyroid.  I thought for sure this would be a bust but I was happily proven wrong.  When I tried this method, my body was full of little aches and pains.  Within minutes, they eased and I felt better.  Just 2 drops over the thyroid and a full body solution.  I am thrilled and shocked.  Yes...the Deep Blue Rub would work well too.  I just prefer the oil.  

As I am heading to see the Prime Meridian doctors in Nashville, TN, I plan to share all of these things with them.  For one, I think these might be clues to help them help me.  I love the fact they have a philosophy of incorporating Western medicine with our doTERRA essential oils. The other reason I will share is maybe it can help someone else.  Just like this blog.  
My hope is that my surprises help you and you will find a way to share these with others.

Enjoy 

Let It Go

Sorry...yes I know the song is probably in your head now.  It is constantly in my head since I live with two girls ages 5 and 3.  The movies is constantly playing. 

Today's blog is about just that though....letting go.  Letting go of whatever is bothering you.  Frustration.  Addictions.  Anger.  And let in the happiness.  I know this all too well since it is a big part of my writer's block lately.  Frustration is the one for me.

Through my journey with doTERRA I have had far more ups than downs.  My family has experienced so many successes with better health, more joyfulness and even a bit of wealth all thanks to our little bottles of oil.  But I have had my share of lows, mainly frustrations.  

I have always been so excited to share my doTERRA with everyone and through that sharing I have been ridiculed by my doctors, called names by "friends" and other "fun" things.  Many have told me they would love to come to my classes then no show.  The most hurtful of all is the "friends" who have called me names thinking they are funny I suppose.  I find it funny they will ask my advice on resturants to schools for their kids, yet the thought of natural alternatives like essential oils evokes calling me a voodoo witch doctor.  hmm....

But, that doesn't stop me.  Why?  I know.  I know the power and change my family has seen and that is all that matters.

It does however wear down my soul a bit and I know that takes a toll on my kindess towards others.  Sharing can become a bit more challenging when you have a touch of fear lurking in the back of your brain hoping you aren't called another name.  Name calling is just so harmful.  Stop it if you do it!

Today, as I am checking out Facebook I find a post by Dr. Susan Lawton.  The "Let It Go" Blend.  She included a quote from Kate Spencer 

"Whatever someone has done to you is going to be attracted right back to them at some point.  You are not involved in this process, its simple law of attraction.

Stop carrying it around and let the universe take care of it - good, bad or indifferent. Their stuff, Their lesson. Let it Go."

And a lovely layering of oils to add....Juniper Berry, Geranium and Peppermint.

I saw the post and thought it was just for me.  Selfish, yeah I know but it hit me.  My frustrations were simmering rapidly today.  I did not want a boil over. I needed to let some things go.  So I got myself ready for the day and layered the three oils on my wrist and down the back of my neck.

By the time I sat down to write this, I laughed at myself thinking, now that I am all chilled out, how am I going to get this in a blog.  It worked!  I feel like a happy woman with a great perspective.  I know I can be kind, helpful and the woman I want to be to others.  Not a grumpy old troll!

So if you have things to let go....

1 drop each per wrist of Juniper Berry, Geranium and Peppermint.  Then down the back of your neck and tell yourself a new story of a positive life!  

Live a life of abundance and happiness!  A little Wild Orange in your water never hurt either.  :)

Teaching a class? Kick those nerves!

I remember teaching my first few classes for doTERRA.  I was nervous.  For those of you who know me, you might be thinking, why you teach people for a living?  Yes, and when I first started doing that I was nervous too.  By my professional training I am a pilot...like the airline type.  Through family choices and airlines being a crazy world, I have chosen the path to teach the pilots to fly their business jets.  Adult learning is a little different than a childhood education.  In many ways, it can be intimidating for the instructor.  You can have very experienced individuals in a class to more of the "entry level" types.  Sometimes you are older and sometimes you are not.

After 20 plus months with doTERRA and teaching classes, I am finding quite the same thing.  Sometimes, I am teaching very experienced essential oil users and sometimes I am introducing someone for the first time.  Taking some technique from Vince Lombardi, I keep it basic for all.  He had a famous line he used on his professional football players, "Gentlemen, this is a football."  I try to keep it basic until the more complex issues come up.

I would love to say my first few classes were smooth and lit up the world but in all honesty, they were just okay and maybe even bad.  The good news is, I was teaching something I loved...the oils...to people I cared about....my friends.  They were kind and looked past my stammering.  Your friends and family will too!  They love you and will be thrilled you took the time to introduce them.  

To help any of you out there who intend on teaching classes, I thought I would give a few great tips that I have been taught by professionals and lessons I have learned.

  

First, do NOT expect perfection.  Not even after hundreds of classes.  Something is bound to happen.  You are human and humans are imperfectly perfect.  That is truly a hard statement for my little Type A, super perfectionists, always have a good landing with smiling passengers kind of personality to write.  But it is true.  Learn to laugh it off and move on, especially if the "something" is you.  Being human and showing people how they two can use and share doTERRA's oils is best done by imperfect people in my opinion.

If you must boost your sense of security, while teaching diffuse a few blends.  Citrus Bliss is always a hit but for a bigger emotional support.  I suggest two from Dr. Susan Lawton and Rebecca Hintze  In my diffuser, I have been experimenting with a few of these. I typically do 1/2/3 as my ratio of drops in the Lotus diffuser.

"I am Enough"

Vetiver, Geranium, Peppermint

"I know I am loved, important and respected."

Roman Chamomile, Geranium, Tangerine

Speaking of the Lotus diffuser, it makes a great timer.  You don't want to talk more than 1 hour.  45 minutes is best but 1 hour tops.  Guess what, that Lotus Diffuser runs for 1 hour and shuts off.  Start it when you start talking, and wrap up it up when it turns off!.  People stop learning after 50 minutes mostly due to focus issues. By stopping at 45 minutes, it gives you time i to answer questions and have some one on one time leaving the class about 2 hours total.

Here is another thing that is okay...even in the pilot world.  Someone asks you a question that you have no idea the answer.....it is okay to say, "I don't know but I will look see if I can find an answer and get back with you.  What is the best way I can get an answer back to you?"  The key here is to get an answer and follow up with that person.  It again shows you don't have to know everything thing because lets face it, you can't know everything.  And it shows that you do what you say you are going to do.  Find the answer and now you get to talk to that person again and maybe really help them in more ways than you even know.  I call that a huge win.  Your friend will appreciate that you took time to help them.  

Nerves can take over especially if you don't like public speaking.  Put your talking points on note cards.  Add in note cards that tell you to "Breathe" or "Take a sip of water".  It will slow you down and no one else knows what is on those cards but you.  

Practice Practice Practice.  Talk to yourself in the mirror.  Talk yourself through the class as you are cooking dinner.  Just practice.  It will help you to conquer nerves or at least appear that you have confidence when speaking.  

The power of positive thinking is huge as well!  Go into your class knowing that good will always come out of it.  You will introduce someone to a whole new way to look at health and wellness.  You will get to know a friend a little better.  Something good will always happen.  Everything works out for you!

And always remember.....to quote the great Lombardi again....

"The Spot"

I have previously posted about my love for Frank!  Frankincense that is.  This next entry makes my heart sing with joy and Frank is once again involved.

Some of you know I have three kids.  My youngest just turned 4 months old.  He is just a perfect, happy, baby boy.   This sweet boy started life with a small spot on his forehead.  Having a sister with a similar feature at birth but in a different location, I knew what the doctors would say.

While sitting in the hospital, waiting for the pediatricians from the practice to stop in during rounds my husband and I talk about the "spot".  The doctor comes in and in a very careful and solemn tone, tells us that "your son has something on his head that I want a specialist to check out."

Now, if I had been a first time mom I am pretty sure tears would have started flowing, my heart would be racing and I would go into a panic.  As he is my third, I took the news much better.  Now, we wait for the specialist.

"Hemangioma."  As I suspected when I first saw him and the "spot".  No, I am not a doctor but I am a mom who had another kid with the same thing.  I am a firm believer that ALL babies have something at birth.  Jaundice, hemangiomas, tongue tied, etc.  And yet, they are still perfect!

What is a hemangioma?  According to the Mayo Clinic, it is a birthmark that most commonly appears as a rubbery, bright red nodule of extra blood vessels in the skin.  Many people refer to them as "strawberries".  

Hemangiomas can be very small and harmless or they can be much scarier.  It really depends on the size and location.  Luckily for us, my little guy's seemed very small.  It's location was not the best since it was right over his right eye brow.

The doctors warned me that it would most likely get larger and more prominent.  "If it gets so large that it disrupts his vision, we will have to consider surgery."

Not exactly what a mother wants to hear.

Break out the Modern Essentials book!  The protocol called for Geranium, Cypress and Frankincense.  I had two of the three.  Once we got over the jaundice, it was time to tackle "the spot".  

At the East Coast Conference held in May, I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. David Hill from doTERRA.  I introduced him to my sweet baby boy and asked about the best treatment for the spot.  He said my research was well done and geranium and frank would be the best way to go.  

1 drop of each gently massaged into the area.  

Geranium then Frank.  

We have done this faithfully for 3 months.  I have to say is spot is almost gone.  At the pediatrician's office yesterday, the doctor said he was very impressed.  Of course, he still thinks I am a bit crazy for believing in these oils but I can see the progress on my son's head.  These oils work!

Here is the progression of "the spot".  You can see for yourself.  All this done, without harmful drugs or scary surgery.  Sure he smelled a bit like little old lady with the Geranium but I know I feel much better about his aroma over scars and stitches.

A final photo for this entry, taken yesterday.

11/12/13:  Update on my not so little guy these days:

 As you can see, the spot is almost completely gone.  The texture is flat.  We do not get any comments or questions on "what is that?"  The oils are truly amazing!

UPDATE:  My little baby is not a baby anymore.  He is 6!  Can you all believe it?  At Leadership in San Diego Dr. Hill and Andrew were able to meet again.  It was the most fantastic moment of the entire retreat.  I think we all cried a bit.  The quote of the night was "It's remarkable!  I am amazed how the oils worked for him.  It's just remarkable."   Then....Andrew told him and many other owners and leadership all about the Titanic.  I think they realize just how powerful Frankincense really is now.  It was probably more about that ship than they ever thought they would know.   Such a fabulous day!

Dr, Hill & Andrew