Aspire....to be all that you want to be.

I am back from doTERRA's Aspire Global convention.  It was in one word amazing.  It was my first convention but will not be my last.  Words cannot truly express the excitement I had leading up to the flight westbound....which is partly why I had writer's block.  

I was warned that Utah's weather could be all over the place in September so I packed expecting to be a bit cooler than our Savannah heat and humidity.  Lucky for them, I bought some heat with me...but it was a dry heat.  haha  Record temperatures the first day of 94! Hello, Peppermint oil!

I have been to smaller events so I know the feel of doTERRA well and that deep caring for the people and planet held true thoughout the entire week.  What took me a bit by surprise was how much my emotions stirred and the tears ran down my face.  Seriously...no one warned me to pack tissue!

Hearing the growers tell how they are so pleased to be able to offer jobs to people in their areas where poverty has been so much a part of life, other Wellness Advocates share their success stories, being educated on the products I love, and seeing all the new stuff had me reaching for my Balance and Lavender oils often.

My mother and sister were recogonized for some awesome rank achievements of Gold and Silver!  It was so awesome to see them walk across the stage in front of 18,000 people.  

So what did I learn.....

Arborvitae is an amazing new oil for giving me a bit of a filter.  It allowed me to take a second, formulate the right phrase and say the right thing.  Now, it has lots of other great properties they discussed but for me this was huge.






The new Breathe formula is great for me in dry air and on bad pillows.  My poor roomies!  If you snore, give it a go to help those around you get better rest as well as you.  It has the new Cardamom oil in it.

It was awesome to see myself in doTERRA Living Magazine!

Most importantly, I learned I have readers of this blog which is truly humbling. Honestly, this blog was just my little creative outlet.  Never did I think I would have people approaching me to tell me how much they enjoyed it or wanted to me my sweet boy from "The Spot" (who by the way will be 18 months is a climber!)  I guess I should be careful what I write...haha.  What happens in a blog....no that is just Vegas right?  

I will give you insight to a future blog.....electric hedge trimmers, a pointer finger and CorrectX......just give me a few more weeks.  

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....

Bugs bug me!

Spring and Summer in Georgia always means you are going to see critters.  Critters creep me out!  I know there are many people love the great outdoors but my definition of camping means the hotel doesn't have room service!  Only kidding....well only slightly kidding.

Well, it is May and I have started to see the spiders, ants and the gnats.  Yuck!  If only they all could be beautiful butterflies.  Before I had oils, I would grab all the standard bug sprays.  Man do they smell bad.  Worse, they are filled with really nasty chemicals.  The warning labels scare me too!  I really didn't think much of this until I had kids.  Now, we have the oils and I have really adopted these as my first line of defense against the multi-legged creatures.

So let's talk Spiders.....I admit, I am scared of all spiders even though some are really not that dangerous.

What I do when I see spiders.....diffuse Peppermint!  They hate peppermint!  Lucky me, because I love it.  

Peppermint is also a great use in the garden against aphids on your Crepe Myrtles and roses.  I mix about 6 drops with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle and bathe my plants.  It cut the black residue down to almost none last year.  This year I will be better since I will be home more.

Want to keep the mosquitoes away?  TerraShield is your friend.  And you will smell great!

Also works great for fleas and ticks!  Never go camping for real without a bottle.  I sent a mixture of 5 drops with a half cup of water in spray bottle for my daughter who went to see Frozen in the park.  She didn't get a bite but smelled really good! 

Ants?  Ants hate Lemongrass!  Wipe down your counters and baseboards with a damp cloth with a few drops of Lemongrass to help drive away the army of ants trying to overthrow your kitchen.

For more ideas and oils to choose, check out the blog from doTERRA!

And if you get bit....turn to the swiss army knife of oils to soothe that itch....Lavender!

Try the natural alternatives to drive those bugs out.  Reduce your exposure to toxins and chemicals.  

Freezing, Fatigued,Fat and Frustrated!

Do those four words describe you most of the time?  For over 10 years, it was exactly how I would have described myself.  While everyone else in the room was comfortable or even warm, I was wishing I had a giant quilt covering me.

Despite, my layers of fat covering me, I could never keep warm.  

Of course those layers of fat would not budge even with a disciplined diet and exercise program.  Everyone was doing the Atkin's Diet and dropping 20-30 pounds…and cheating.  I was strict and dropped 7 lbs in a year.  Completely unfair.

The culprit?  My thyroid.  I had long suspected my thyroid was not running at optimal levels but doctor after doctor tested me and I was "normal".  I would hear from these professionals all sorts of things….perpetual jet lag from my job, just one of those "cold people", and more times than I care to say "you must not be dieting and exercising like you claim."  Talk about ticking off a person.  

Frustration was a constant for me.  I tried every diet trend that came along.  The weight never came off despite truly valiant efforts.

Before finding doTERRA,  I had my first baby.  I had lots of complications that really could be connected with a malfunctioning thyroid.  For one, my baby was small due to IUGR.  It was a small amount found in the placenta but because of her size, we both went through a rough time of testing.  Me, as her mom watching my sweet baby get tested and tested and ultrasounded.  Her….well you take a nice warm, snuggly baby and prick her foot or make her cold and she screams.  I would too!  I also was unable to breastfeed her due to the fact my milk never came in.  I did everything suggested and dried up after 3 1/2 weeks.  My lactation consultant asked me if I was hypothyroid.  

Talk about feeling like an inadequate mother.

After attempting Weight Watchers again, and losing a whole 4 lbs in 8 months and losing so much hair my part was almost an inch wide, my doctor finally said, "Your thyroid isn't working.  You would be what we call a textbook case of Hypothyroid."  

Can you hear the angels sing?  I actually started crying in her office.  I was relieved that someone finally agreed with me.  It was a relief I needed.

So a small dose of Synthroid was started.  I soon got pregnant with #2.  She was a BIG healthy baby who to this day, rarely gets sick.  I could breastfeed her up to 4 months which felt like a huge victory.  My job got more in the way than my body.  

Then I started my lose the baby weight and more diet.  40 lbs came off…..I needed to lose more but I took this as another victory.  Then it stopped.  I needed a dose adjustment.  Frustration rolled in again because doctors are slow to do that.  Bring in baby #3 to the pick and they really don't want to change things even when it is reccommended that increase your dose during pregnancy.  I consulted the Modern Essential book, oils that help and support your thyroid are Clove, Lemongrass, Myrhh.  I had the oils so I started layering Lemongrass and Clove over my thyroid.  It helped.  It was a good pregnancy and I breastfed that hungry boy for over 6 months.  Again, work got in the way, not the body.

During the last pregnancy, I found doTERRA oils.  As I am back in the "lose the baby weight mode", I have noticed many nasty hypothyroid symptoms reappearing. Once again the doctor was reluctant of a dose adjustment.  That  forced me to look at the oils even more as a way to boost and support my thyroid.  My joints hurt, my head hurt, my hair was leaving my scalp so fast I could have made a wig with the hair on the floor.  I can't be a tired, freezing and crabby mother of 3.  Kids don't get that it is hormones.

Everythingessential.me offers other protocols.  

Protocol 1

• 2-4 drops Grounding Blend and Geranium

• 2-4 drops Lemongrass and Myrrh

• Alternate the above two combinations weekly.  Apply them directly to the thyroid area, the reflexology points on the feet (great toes), and on the wrists multiple times per day. For ease of application Grounding Blend/Geranium blend and Lemongrass/Myrrh blend can be in roller bottles.

• Some also suggest supplementing with Peppermint and Clove

Protocol 2 (simpler)

• 5 parts Lemongrass

• 5 parts Clove

• 2 parts Frankincense

• Prepare the above blend in a roller bottle and apply topically to thyroid area (and reflexology points on feet) 3 times per day

Protocol 3 (also simpler)

• One person found simply putting 2-3 drops of Frankincense topically on the area 3 times a day reduced the size of the goiter caused by hypothryroidism.

Symptomatic relief 

• Pain - dilute Soothing Blend and apply topically

• Tiredness and depression - Joyful Blend, citrus oils, Peppermint

• Anxiety and irritability - Grounding Blend and Melissa

Consistency of application is important.

I have done a version of Protocol 2. Instead of Frank, I used Peppermint.  I have used drops and drops of Grounding Blend to help with the irritability I feel with feeling lousy as well as the frustration of delayed dosage adjustments.  Soothing Blend has helped with the joint pain.  2 drops of Frankincense under the tongue was suggested to me long before anything else so I have been consistent with that as well.

To be completely honest on here, my dose was increased finally a week ago.  This was after 3 months of complaining to my doctor.  I was testing "normal" again.  I am still using Protocol 2 that I modified with Peppermint to help.  The dose increase has helped my stubborn fat layers to start shedding and helped keep me feeling good enough to exercise.  The oils I feel have helped with the transition of the Synthroid.   I have always found when my hormones are adjusted, I can feel pretty weird for a few weeks.  After just a week, I am feeling pretty darn good.  

I am not always great about the multiple applications of the oils but those who are have given some great testimonials.  Check out this testimonial from EverythingEssential.me:

Cheryol - I am beyond amazed! I have had hypothyroidism and a huge goiter for the past 11 years. I decided to try the Frankincense on my goiter last night. After only 3 applications directly to the thyroid/goiter area, and a few drops under my tongue...the goiter is almost down to nothing! I am so excited. This is something the doctors told me would not go away or shrink. I can't wait to go to my next Doctor's appointment! 

Another big help to my thyroid….well to my overall health is using the Long Life Vitality vitamins.  

I can always tell when I have not done my daily regiment well.  It does make a huge difference.  By giving your body what it needs, you can help it heal.  Eat clean and wholesome foods, avoid the processed junk and soft drinks and you will be amazed at how much can change in your life.

If you are looking to do a Wellness Consult and would like my help, please send me a message.  We can do them in person or over the phone.  It will give you a great plan of attack to take charge of your own health.  Doctors are great but they are busy with lots of patients.  Be sure to look after yourself.  You are the only you in the world!

Let's eat!

When I first started with doTERRA, I was amazed that you can take these oils internally.   I had tried other brands of essential oils and always saw on the label...NOT FOR INTERNAL USE or ONLY FOR AROMATHERAPY.  If you have any essential oils at your house and are thinking of following the rest of this blog entry, please check the label first!

doTERRA's CPTG oils allow you to take them internally, topically or aromatically.  You can check out the many uses in a previous blog entry entitled Topically-aromatically-internally-oh my!

So today being the last day of summer vacation for my soon to be Pre-K'er, we had to come up with a few projects to keep her occupied.  I thought, lets bake up some stuff so we have easy hearty breakfast.  Baked oatmeal cups it is!

A great recipe is on this blog!  We decided to switch out the teaspoon of cinnamon for 3 drops of doTERRA Cinnamon Bark oil.  I must say, the house smells amazing right now.  I made a few using some berries but my little girl wanted some with banana.  The beauty of the cups is you can customize and they are more portable.  

The results look delish!  Tomorrow, we dine!

But baked oatmeal isn't the only thing you can do.  I have added 10 drops to sugar cookie dough for awesome and SIMPLE lemon cookies.  Of course, my Reinventing Healthcare attendees loved them.

Hot Chocolate Peppermint Cookies were also a hit!

And finally White Chocolate Peppermint covered Pretzels!

Want to try something other than desserts, check out this video to see how the oils can be incorporated through your entire meal!  Her cookbook is fabulous.  I got mine for Christmas.

The great thing about using the oils is that you don't lose the benefits they provide when you take them "neat".  OnGuard used in your banana bread will still help you boost your immune system and you aren't hungry since you ate a nice treat.  To me, that is a win-win!

Give them a try when you cook and report back!  I would love to hear the creative ways you use your oils too.

Get on the bus, it's back to school time!

As summer winds down....based on the calendar, not the weather.....I am having a whole new set of emotions surface.  My oldest child will start Pre-K in just a couple weeks.  In my mind, she was just born.  It is truly bittersweet for me.  I am so glad she is growing up but at the same time, full REAL school....oh my!  Before I know it, she will be driving and dating.....bring on the anxiety.  

Despite my mild case of denial, I know that I have to get ready for the "back to school" frenzy that is upon us.  I will get the new pencils, crayons, backpacks, lunch boxes and this year....essential oils!

Let's face it, you put kids in a room together, add a change in weather and Boom!!! you have germs.  To help my kids fight off as many as possible, we are using a daily dose of OnGuard as well as the A2Z Vitamins..  This year, we are using OnGuard beadlets.  They are tiny beads that are easy to swallow.  If you don't have the beadlets, a drop of OnGuard on each foot will help beat down the germs as well.

Diffusing the oils will be another big thing to help with the transition to school.  doTERRA Living magazine has a great article to help with kids in the classroom.  Citrus Bliss in the morning will help everyone get up and go.  More importantly, they will be happier.  Peppermint can help them wake up as well.  It puts pep in your step!  I find it is a great afternoon pick me up.  Just a drop with some Frankincense on the back of your neck and you won't want that energy drink.

                 

Topically, the kids will get their daily dose of Balance!  Everyone needs a little balance in their life don't they?!  1 drop down the back of the neck and on the spine is a great way to get it into their system fast. Another great place to apply is the feet.  Balance has a great scent too.  It helps them stay calm and grounded and yet be kids.  

When bedtime rolls around, the go to oils are Lavender or Serenity.  If you have a really tough time getting to sleep there is a great blend called The Hibernation Blend that will do wonders for your sleep.  Many people swear by this blend for sleep because it just helps them relax and drift off to dreamland.

Hibernation Blend

• 20 drops Frankincense
• 20 drops Bergamot
• 20 drops Roman Chamomile
• 20 drops Vetiver

Add to a roller ball topped bottle.  Top with Fractionated Coconut Oil.

For kids, use a 10 mL bottle.

For adults, use a 5 mL bottle.

I pray for an easy transition to "big girl school" for my oldest and quite frankly, me.  I know I will need a little Elevation blend to get through the first day.  

Here is to a happy, new, school year filled with lots of learning fun!!!!