I'm 41 years old.

I spent the good part of my 20s working and having a good time. I got the bug to get my health in order before my 30th birthday and accomplished running my first 5k. Not too long after that, I was pregnant with my first child and never got back into racing. My 30s consisted of having/raising two children and overcoming autoimmune symptoms that left me in pieces. To say that last decade of mine was the catalyst for great change is an understatement. As I approached my birthday last year, the big 4-0, I began to truly contemplate what I wanted out of life. Dancing, deeper relationships, entrepreneurship, abundant health, so many things began to fill in the cracks. Yet, the old paradigms showed up like unwanted guests to put me back in my place. Wife. Mother. Period.

At least, that's the story I. made. up. No one put the period there but me. So this decade, I'm working towards the growth and development I want to experience after having my awakening. 

I keep catching myself say "I can't do..." and go ahead and fill in the blanks as I'm sure someone out there knows what I'm talking about. It hit me hard how much I say those words after watching many people of all ages accomplish a grueling race around the world when I thought, "WHY do I continue to think I can't do certain things?" 

So, I decided to shut that talk down by running again. And not just running, but training. I'll start with as many 5k races I can manage as we enter the cold season and even consider traveling to keep the momentum going. Then I'll reach for the 10k. Half marathon after that. Cycling will weave its way into my training. I love bike riding and I think it's time to invest in a good road bike. Swimming lessons are on deck for sometime next year to build me up into the strong swimmer I desire to be so I'm ready for the waves when we move to Hawaii. 

But that won't be the only thing I look forward to about moving to Hawaii. I've decided to plan ahead, way ahead. I'm a dreamer. So for now, all this training will lead to an eventual entry in a Half Ironman competition in Hawaii. Surely not by next year, but this exact picture I share is now on my vision board where I typed over the year 2021 with 2024, in time for my 45th birthday.

We all are dreamers. It's why we are here, in my opinion. To believe in our God like ability to be, do, and have anything we want in life. Somewhere along the trail, we lose our way. 

But no matter the time in life, you can get right back on, make those big plans, and go for it and change the narrative...day one of your dream...or one day for your dream? You choose.

If you truly use essential oils, the statement "there's an oil for that" is legit your life moto! It may seem silly or cliche but trust me, if you want to learn how and when to use essential oils, daily life will show you the way. Many days I could easily use a dozen different oils ranging from something for skin soothing, mental clarity, a kid falling, removing gum, an extra shine boost in the dishwasher, enhance my meditation practice, and/or, one of my personal true needs, for the feeling of being overwhelmed. 

If you shook your head when I said overwhelmed, congratulations, you're human! We try to fit 290 things to do within our waking hours. And if most of them are eaten up by a 9-5, well I don't have to preach to any of you how overwhelming you feel when you clock out! And here's the kicker, many of you never fully check out! You'll go straight from work to the next appointment or responsibility. Are you getting anxious just reading this post so far??? 

Here's the good news...you can CHOOSE to change the way you perceive your life. You can choose to go from being overwhelmed to grateful in a matter of mere moments. In case you missed it, the ability to choose is the most important factor in this equation. You can always choose to see your life as something that makes you tired or you can choose to see your life as something you enjoy. What I'm learning is we need tools to help us with this. We have paradigms, or habitual ways of thinking, that keep us reacting in ways that may not be serving our greater good. 

One of the easiest tools to keep close by are essential oils. A true favorite of mine lately has been the Young Living Essential Oils blend Peace & Calming. Ohhhhh my lanta! It's sensual, floral, and earthy all at the same time which helps you feel a sense of true grounding, being in your body and present to the moment so you can get the momentum you need to change your perception. And when you begin to change the way you look at something, this can be what you need to enter into clarity and gratefulness. Is there a scent that helps you overcome feeling overwhelmed? 

If you would like to experience this blend and many others, let's talk! I have classes coming up or I'm always happy to plan a 1 on 1! Let's do this!!!

Let's be honest, most people see their job or occupation as something they have to do, not want to do. Looking past the whole winning the lottery so you don't have to work daydream, could you do anything else to bring some joy into your day if you are finding you dread your current place of employment??? You bet you can!!!

As a yoga instructor and essential oils enthusiast, I see firsthand how taking a moment to incorporate mindful techniques can totally change your negative mood and provide some optimism and refreshment into your life. The first step is MAKING THE DECISION you will incorporate these practices to see a true difference. How many times have we tried something once or twice and didn't stick with it and claim it "didn't work"? We can not expect changes if we do not put the time in! Alright, alright, enough with the tough love! 

Let me share with you a few things that only take moments to bring attention to but could have lasting results that are beneficial:

1. Walk away from your computer and desk area! Yes, it is possible, you just have to make yourself! We think we will miss something or the world may blow up or whatever it is that keeps you cemented to your seat until you look up at 3pm and noticed you forgot to eat lunch!!! That's a lot on the mind and body! So step away, maybe even every 45 minutes, so you can grab some clarity and fresh air.
2. Either go outside or find a private space in the building for step#3. When you have settled in on your mini vacation spot, close your eyes, if that's comfortable, or slightly shut if that works better. I recently learned it takes four minutes to acclimate to your location so take a few minutes to become fully present right where you are.
3. Breathwork. One way to become truly present is pay attention to your breathing. Begin to take slow breathes through the nose and exhale out of the mouth. Do this a few times. Then close the lips and take slow, nourishing breathes in and out of the nose. Feel the breathe go down into your belly on the inhales and let it fill like a balloon. Exhale as you expend all the air out of your body. Stay here for several breathes allowing your mind to come back to your breath when it wanders off (as it will).
4. Enhance this meditative state with your favorite Young Living essential oil. Put a 1-2 drops into the palm of your hand, gently warm the oil, and take in the amazing aroma. If you have not done so yet, equip your work area with an essential oil that calls out to you. Some of my favorites include Valor, Stress Away, Raven, Surrender, Lemon, and Peppermint, just to name a few (some of these come in the premium starter kit!)
5. Consider a gratitude exercise. This has worked absolute magic in my life. I grab a journal and list things I'm grateful for. I've even started adding things I do not yet have in my life but already offering gratefulness for it! Gratitude seems to instantly shift your energy into positivity which will take your mind off of anything negative. As my main mentor likes to say, "Gratitude puts you in harmony with your Source of supply so that the good in everything moves toward you." Amazing!
6. Declutter your work space of unwanted and unnecessary items to make space for things that can help you feel better! Buy a small plant if that suits you! Also, take a look at some of these suggestions that would bring some feel-good into your day: