Your Life As Art Photography by Pam

Quietly Silencing Ourselves…

STOP THE CAR!!!

After an amazingly hot weekend away at a family cottage, swimming, boating, fishing, water skiiing, swan floating lol on the 5 hour ride home I ran into trouble with my tummy and this statement was NOT what my hubby wanted to hear!

Who else out there quietly silences themselves when your body and mind are screaming at you – NO!

“I’ll be fine…” or “I don’t want to inconvenience anyone…”

Our family has made a huge shift in our life at HOME — that Ive still struggled with being away from home, especially when visiting or traveling.

I truly paid for it and was reminded how crucial healthy eating is no matter what I need to do to eat healthy. Our food when away was wonderful, kids got slightly over charged on sugar at a group picnic we went to – however it was manageable. Being ADHD parents we know the effects, we recognize the signs and we are educating the kids more and more on WHY these things aren’t great for them or us and must be consumed in moderation.

For many years, even before I met my husband, I struggled with my digestive system. I struggled however I felt so ashamed and embarrassed and I also didn’t know how to handle it. For over 30 years of my life I struggled off and on. Most of those years in complete silence because I felt weird and not normal.

What I have learned alot about in these past 4+ years is that gut health is absolutely crucial to our overall health physically and mentally.

On our 5 hour drive home from our family’s cottage we stopped to eat… we had our dog with us so it couldn’t be a sit down restaurant so I literally said “f*** it just go there…”

No word of a lie in less than 15 minutes after finishing eating a chicken burger and about 15 fries I was in major trouble… NOT a good feeling when you are on a highway and literally feel like you are going to explode and are in excruciating pain. TMI perhaps… however for many of us this is real life.

I set myself aside, I put my personal needs and the health of my family aside because we just needed to stop somewhere to get food – which by the way is not real food. We thankfully arrived at another fast food place where I was able to go in and use the facilities. We had to make additional stops before we made it home. I however was still dealing with the pain and discomfort well into the entire next day and night.

At that moment in the van while driving I wasn’t even thinking straight, I was so uncomfortable and pissed off at myself for doing that and my touch kit was buried in my suitcase in the far back of the van… We got home, I got oils ALL over me and pulled out my pro-biotics… which were empty! Amazing planning on my part… However I had just stocked up on the kids pro-biotics which… let me tell you took me right back to my child hood in a flash! Do you remember the pixie sticks and fun dip lol. Yum they seriously taste that good but without the sugar… win win for me (and our kids 😉 )! These along with my TerraZyme digestive enzymes,, digest zen oil and zendocrine oil have been a life saver for me this entire week. Its not just a day or couple day thing when I have flare ups like this… I have had to be so damn careful for the entire week as my guts were suddenly very sensitive again. The PB Assist Jr are not just for kids… they are super yummy for adults too 😉

What Ive learned about my health – just before oils entered our life – is I cannot eat any reheated starches – potatoes of any kind, pasta, rice… if I do this is what happens. Ive learned to listen to my body, to hear what it is telling me. However sometimes I quiet that voice in me, most times to go with the flow of others around me when in reality this is hurting me more. What I have re-committed to myself this week is standing firm in my voice, in my health and in my belief’s. Knowing in my heart that the choices Ive made and need to make for my health is for me to be my best self.

After an incredibly heart filling summer thus far, my family is home in our own oasis for the weekend to relax and recharge to enjoy the rest of the summer into the fall. My guts are back to feeling how they should be and I am inspired and ready for all the amazing things to come ❤

Follow your heart and spread your wings and fly!

Litsea and Manuka Spotlight

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Manuka

Uses:

Add one to two drops to mouthwash or toothpaste to promote oral health.
Apply to skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Apply to face and décolletage to smooth skin and even color.
Diffuse to promote relaxation and unwind
Apply before and after exercise to aid the natural recovery process.
Use to promote a healthy immune system
Add a drop to a therapeutic tea for an immune system boost.
Massage into feet after a bath to keep feet Clean and Healthy.
Use on pulse points to promote inner strength and courage
Add a few drop of Manuka to a spray bottle with water and use to help clean and refresh surfaces.
Diffuse to help soothe feelings of tension.

Litsea

Use before bed to create a relaxing environment for rejuvenating sleep.
Diffuse at night for a restful sleep.
Add a few drops to Terrashield and use before your next outdoor adventure.
Women, add a few drops to your body lotion for an extra feminine feel.
Add a drop to water to ease stomach upset.
Add a drop to water and drink with your meal to add digestion and keep your gut healthy.
Use to maintain a healthy immune system.
Promote cellular health and function.
Diffuse to stimulate balance and a clear mind.
Diffuse to bring new energy and rejuvenate your senses.
Take one to two drops to maintain healthy cholesterol levels already in normal range.
Maintain a healthy nervous system
Take two drops internally for an immune boost when needed
Use to promote a healthy respiratory system
Use after exercise to calm and naturally aid the recovery process
Diffuse when studying to enhance your focus memory
Promote cardiovascular, immune, nervous, and respiratory health when taken internally.

If you would like to order these oils retail please go HERE !

For the best pricing…. if you do not yet have a doTERRA membership please Get Started HERE! If you need assistance there is more info here or please email me!

Each month doTERRA offer’s various promotions as a regular customer and also as a new customer getting started incorporating oils into your daily life – connect with me to ensure you receive the best value for your hard earned dollar! 🙂

If you are one of my customers be sure to join our Facebook educational and support group!

Frankincense and Jasmine Spotlight!

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Frankincense

Renowned as one of the most prized and precious essential oils, Frankincense has extraordinary health benefits.* In addition to its notoriety in the New Testament, the Babylonians and Assyrians would burn Frankincense in religious ceremonies and the ancient Egyptians used Frankincense resin for everything from perfume to salves for soothing skin. This centuries-old knowledge contributes to the modern uses of Frankincense today. It’s soothing and beautifying properties are used to rejuvenate skin and help reduce the appearance of imperfections when applied topically. As the king of oils, Frankincense is known to support healthy cellular function when used internally.* When inhaled or diffused, Frankincense promotes feelings of peace, relaxation, satisfaction, and overall wellness.

Uses

Rub Frankincense on your hands after a long day of gardening for a warming and soothing effect.
Apply topically to help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections.
Can be applied to the bottoms of feet to promote feelings of relaxation and to balance mood.
Take one to two drops in a veggie capsule to support healthy cellular function.*
Supports healthy immune, nervous, and digestive function when taken internally*

Jasmine

Experience the esteemed fragrance and the myriad benefits of Jasmine oil in a convenient roll-on. Jasmine Touch combines Fractionated Coconut Oil and Jasmine absolute for gentle application and multiple uses. Jasmine Touch can be applied to pulse points for a calming, yet euphoric aroma that uplifts mood and promotes a positive outlook. Renowned for its skin benefits, Jasmine Touch can help reduce the appearance of skin imperfections and promotes a healthy-looking, glowing complexion. Regarded as the “King of Flowers,” Jasmine is prized for its highly fragrant aroma, making Jasmine Touch ideal to use as a personal fragrance throughout the day.

Uses

Apply to bottoms of feet and pulse points in the morning to uplift mood
Can be used as a personal fragrance
Apply to skin imperfections twice daily

(source http://www.doterra.com)

If you would like to order these oils retail please go HERE !

For the best pricing…. if you do not yet have a doTERRA membership please Get Started HERE! If you need assistance there is more info here or please email me!

If you are one of my customers be sure to join our Facebook educational and support group!

Spearmint, Tangerine & Lime Spotlight

Three of my fav oils to use in the diffuser together… read more about why these 3 oils are a beautiful combo to uplift the mood, instill confidence, creativity and feeling grateful for life along with so many more uses! Check them out!

For my fellow ADHD Moms… these oils have been truly a gift from god to support our emotional health and physical health! Tangerine is one of our son’s fav’s that sits beside his bed! He and I are very much alike… the citrus oils are very calming for us!

Spearmint has been used for centuries for digestive issues. More gentle than Peppermint, it’s milder to use for children and those with sensitive skin. It’s beautiful diffused to uplift mood and for an increased sense of focus, and one drop on a toothbrush is amazing for kissable breath! Add a drop to any dessert, drink, or salad dressing for flavouring and to promote digestion. Energetically, Spearmint is the Oil of Confident Speech, and inspires clarity of thought and verbal expression. And it’s the perfect Get Out of Your Brain oil, helping you to get off the spinning wheel of your brain so higher thoughts can flow!!

Emotionally Spearmint is the Oil of Confident Speech. To support feelings of confidence, articulate speech, clarity and courage.

Here’s a DIY recipe from dōTERRA for you:
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/diy-tangerine-spearmint-garbage-disposal-refreshers

and a delicious COOKIE RECIPE!
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/recipe-spearmint-chocolate-chip-cookies

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Tangerine has a long history of use in Chinese culture and herbal health practices. The essential oil supports healthy digestion and metabolism. Tangerine has a sweet, tangy aroma, similar to other citrus oils, that is uplifting. It is known for its cleansing properties, and for supporting a healthy immune and respiratory system. Tangerine essential oil can be used to help soothe anxious feelings and manage stress. A popular and flavorful addition to desserts and drinks—from water to fruit smoothies—Tangerine can be used in any recipe calling for citrus fruits. Energetically, Tangerine teaches that it is safe to look behind you at your past and to face any wounds or traumas. Tangerine supports us in forgiveness, acceptance, and empowerment, and helps us to own who we are today.

Emotionally Tangerine is The Oil of Cheer and Creativity. Supporting positive properties of feeling cheerful, fun, abundantly creative, spontaneous, enjoying life, lighthearted, joyful and optimistic.

**Like most Citrus oils, Tangerine can increase sensitivity to sun when applied topically for up to 12 hours. Use with caution in direct sunlight.**

Uses:

Apply to flex points or abdomen to promote feelings of happiness
Combine one drop with ¼ cup of sea salt for a spa-like bath
Apply topically to wrists and neck for an uplifting, energizing aroma
Add two to three drops as a flavoring in dessert recipes
Add one to two drops in water, smoothies, teas, or lemonade for flavouring
Diffuse for a soothing and relaxing aroma
Use in an all-purpose spray to cleanse and purify surfaces
To energize and uplift mood, place 1–2 drops in the palm of your hand, rub together, and cup over the nose and mouth for 30 seconds or diffuse throughout the room

Here’s a refreshing recipe for punch for you from dōTERRA:
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/recipe-tangerine-paradise-punch

and a delicious fruit dip recipe!
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/brochures-magazines-living-fall-2013-tangerine-fruit-dip

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Lime oil is a staple in my home. Cold pressed from the peel of the limes, dōTERRA Lime oil has a very high Limonene content that makes it perfect for both internal cleansing and environmental cleansing. Lime, like all of the citrus oils, is very uplifting to our mood, and helps promote a sense of focus, emotional balance, and joy. We regularly blend Lime and White Fir or Douglas Fir with coconut oil and apply them topically to the chest and back whenever someone in our home has a cough or cold. Diffusing that same blend is also brilliant for respiratory support. Energetically, Lime imbues the soul with a zest for life, and elevates the heart when its been weighed down by grief or disappointment. Lime also teaches us to compromise when we are having trouble working with others and feel the need to “win”, helping us to work in harmony and share our gifts freely in relationship.

Emotionally Lime is the Oil of Zest for Life. Supporting positive feelings of courage, emotionally safe, engaged, revitalized, grateful for the gift of life and determined!

**Like most Citrus oils, Tangerine can increase sensitivity to sun when applied topically for up to 12 hours. Use with caution in direct sunlight.**

Here’s a great recipe from dōTERRA for making Lime Raspberry Water:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-ulLSLUBcU

and a beautiful DIY sugar scrub recipe for you!
https://www.doterra.com/US/en/blog/diy-strawberry-lime-sugar-scrub

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If you would like to order these oils retail please go HERE !

For the best pricing…. if you do not yet have a doTERRA membership please Get Started HERE! If you need assistance there is more info here or please email me!

If you are one of my customers be sure to join our Facebook educational and support group!

Its All About Perspective

It’s all about perspective…

Yes life can become very overwhelming at times when you look at the big picture…

However when you bring it back, take it down and focus on what is manageable… it can have a purpose and be very beautiful!

In everyone’s life there are weeds and flowers.

Its choosing what you see, what you will focus your energy on and why!
One example is our yard.

Yes we have an abundance of weeds… But really the true beauty we have right now – in any area of our life – is its here for a reason.

Give in to those moments of overwhelm to renew and move forward. We are focusing our energy on where it needs to be right now… the rest will come! 💞

#alwaysbegrateful #restandrenew #ouroilylife #perspective #momlife #adhdmom #pcosmom #grateful #beyou #nogreenthumb #ihaveacreativeeye

Serenity & Lavender Product Spotlight

Two oils that are a must have in any home… especially for living the ADHD Lifestyle like we do!

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All things calming, relaxing and also great for headaches, muscle aches and pains, arthritis, skin, coughs and colds!

In our home we use serenity almost every single night either in the diffuser or for back massages (for the kids or us!) to help calm and relax the mind for a restful sleep!

Lavender is the Oil of Communication. It is a beautiful oil for supporting you to feel more positive feelings of open communication, relaxed, expressive, emotional honesty and heard.

Serenity is the Oil of Tranquility, with a powerful effect on the heart and mind to shift from tightly wound, into release and calm.

BOGO-Infographic-serenity,-lavender- (2) Lavender Uses

If you would like to order these oils retail please go HERE !

For the best pricing…. if you do not yet have a doTERRA membership please Get Started HERE! If you need assistance there is more info here or please email me!

If you are one of my customers be sure to join our Facebook educational and support group!

Commit to the Process

So many times in life its the process that freaks us out vs the change itself.

Many of us are driven by our emotions and those around us.

Change is difficult, however at the same time freeing.

Mental health is something Ive personally been challenged with in the past. Actually, in truth, all of us have. Its using the tools we have available to us to assist through the process, regardless what it may be, to make the process as positive as possible.

Whatever challenge you may be facing in life – mentally or physically. Whether its renovating, moving, loosing weight, starting a family, health issues, mental health, physical health, financial, friendship, marriage, employment…

By committing to the process, brings the right mind set to you mentally. By taking care of yourself and eating healthy you are supporting the process physically. From my experience these are two of the most important factors.

One way I support my mental health is with my oils. A tool that sometimes I am too wrapped up in life, to see the gold mine hanging on my wall. Literally drops can change a person’s life in any situation.

Tonight I followed my intuition – something that has blossomed since bringing these high vibe oils into our home. These are what I randomly selected…

Geranium – The Oil of Love & Trust
Supporting negative emotions of feeling abandoned, loss, distrusting, unforgiving, unloving, disheartened, heavyhearted and grieving. To bring you up to feeling emotional healing, empathetic, trusting, forgiving, gentle, loving, tolerant and open.

Ginger – The Oil of Empowerment
Supporting negative emotions of victim mentality, powerless, unwilling to take responsibility, defeated, not present, stuck and blaming others. To bring you up to feeling empowered, committed, capable, purposeful and accountable.

Litsea – The Oil of Manifestation
Supporting negative emotions of self-doubt, criticism, stifled, fear of rejection, relying on exernal confirmation, distracted, blocked and limited. To bring you up to feeling inspired, intuitive, aligned, receptive, manifesting, trust of inner voice, clarity and open to possibilities.

Copaiba – The Oil of Unveiling
Supporting negative emotions of shameful, guilty, regretful, self-loathing, less than, unworthy, suppressed emotions and rebelling. To bring you up to feeling worthy, self-aware, clarity, forgiven, redefinition of self and purposeful existence.

Grapefruit – The Oil of Honoring the Body
Supporting negative emotions of body shame, obsession with food or dieting, eating issues, distorted self image and hiding. To bring you up to feeling respectful or physical needs, body acceptance, nourished and healthy relationship with food.

No matter what you may be going through mentally or physically, these oils can help. How do I know? Because they have helped me in so many ways in my life. My own mental health has been thriving because I have committed to the process of living a healthy life, in turn has benefited me physically as well. Use the tools. Commit to the process.

A break in the mama routine!

As I was in the kitchen making “dinner” I was thinking about how awesome it is for the kids to have extra time with their grandparents while we can truly enjoy a vacation from parental responsibilities and just BE in whatever way we need.

Including letting the few dishes and laundry wait a day.

Yesterday afternoon I purged and decluttered in the old kitchen. Last night it was listening to a couple calls and creative growth. Sitting and chatting for hours with my hubby about life. The afternoon and evening enjoying just being together with no schedule or worry… yes being a mom is worrysome!

Then it hit me… if I want to be living a real simple life I need to stop making it feel so complicated.

There is nothing wrong with having a lazy mom day and being 100% ok with that. Even when the kids are around. Chances are they need a ‘break’ too to relax the mind and body!

Before making my late dinner I flipped the laundry over, that I put in yesterday and forgot about! Whoops lol but thankfully they still smell great with my detergent and vinegar! It also reminded me of how having less is so much more! While going through boxes yesterday from when the basement flooded I found a bunch of sheets and towels… that we haven’t missed in a year. I happily donated more than half and will be passing on more! Just because its our “stuff” we don’t need it.

Laundry and dishes can completely overwhelm me. Its visually and physically constricting. Less is more. Less stuff means less to wash.

I miss my kids like crazy but I am thankful for this mini staycation with my hubby in between work 😉! So I will completely enjoy my downtime and get back into mama routine soon enough!

A Cardinal Tapping At My Window

One morming last week as I was waking for day, I was laying in bed reflecting on life. I was laying peaceful and heard a tap in our living room. Followed by another tap and then another.

I walked out to our living room and saw a mama cardinal sitting on a chair on our deck. She flew up to the window again a few more times. The daddy cardinal arrived and they sat enjoying the morning light and then flew off.

Ive seen this pair a few times now.

That same morning I felt a fire light up in my belly to share my beliefs about taking a quick fix or truly making a lifestyle shift… I shared it confidently in Instagram and FB before getting started in my work day.

Cardinals are a beautiful reminder of a loved one who has passed. They also have another meaning as well. Later in my day I looked it up! Check it out…

CARDINAL

Omens and divinatory meaning: Examine the areas of your life in which you are, or should be, a leader. Is your confidence shaky? The cardinal tells you that you can handle it, and to believe in yourself. It is important to be proud of yourself for your abilities or for the things you have achieved. The cardinal’s bright red feathers and cheerful song call attention to him wherever he goes. If you see a cardinal, it may be telling you to stand up, lift your head high, and take pride in yourself.

Accept compliments that come your way, and acknowledge your achievements. The cardinal’s bright red plumage also calls you to open yourself to creative energy. Have you been feeling blocked or dull lately? Are you looking for a new way to express yourself? Call on the cardinal to help you open up and get your creativity flowing again. The red feathers link it with fire, the element of activity, vitality, and passion. If you are feeling lethargic, the cardinal may lend you its energy to help you get back on your feet. Likewise, it can be a good bird with whom to work if you are struggling to handle depression. If you are having difficulty dealing with anger, however, seeing a cardinal may remind you to take a step or two back.

Red is the color of the root chakra, the energy center associated with stability, survival, and security, and feeling unsettled in any of these areas may be influencing your anger issue. Examine the areas of your life connected to these subjects for clues to the source of your emotional state, and move to make them better.

I find this incredibly interesting as this does fit into my life right now and the new shift I am making. The fire I felt that morning to confidently share.

This also got me curious. For a while now we’ve had Doves on our property. They aren’t what I consider “normal” birds you would get a feeder, but they are unique and I love listening to them.

A few weeks ago I had a similar experience enjoying listenting to them at our family cottage. So I had to check out the meaning of doves!

DOVE

Omens and divinatory meaning: Doves call you to regain your serenity. Do you feel off balance, or out of step with the world? Are you harried or frazzled? The dove reminds you to take a deep breath and release all your tension and stress.

The dove also urges you to look at your relationships with your partner(s), romantic, work related, or otherwise. Are you in harmony with them? Is there friction? Reach out and smooth over any rough spots. Seeing a dove may be an omen of a new relationship, or a shift in an existing one.

Doves are also associated with purity and innocence. Do you feel as if life has jaded you? Try to recapture a sense of innocence, of wonder and love for the world around you.

Operating constantly with a cynical worldview is exhausting. In a situation that is frustrating or upsetting to you, a dove may be encouraging you to wipe the slate clean and start again. As a symbol of the Holy Spirit, the dove is associated with the mystical fifth element of spirit. Let your sighting of a dove remind you to reconnect with the spiritual aspect of your life; accept it as a blessing.

These are incredible. We’ve been feeling the shift for a few years now. Its really interesting and so intriguing at how the universe turns each page of our life. Also a beautiful reminder of always reaching up to be the best person we can be, always growing, always learning! 💞

How did you get skinny?!

Someone asked me this the other day.
A few years ago this would have made me smile because for years I wanted to be “skinny”!

But Im NOT skinny.
I AM HEALTHY AND STRONG!

How?
I did the WORK!

Sure there are lots of fad diets and drinks out there that give immediate results…

As much as I would have loved immediate results… I knew in my heart I couldn’t reach for another FAD weightloss program.

I knew I needed the right mindset to make a LIFESTYLE shift!

Healthy food, natural cleaning options, natural mental and physical health care, natural self care, whole food holistic vitamins and minerals, water, yoga… and yes with balance I still enjoy my wine!

If you want immediate change you know the variety of options out there…

If you want true lasting results… DO THE WORK!

Make the shift in your life and achieve true results that last!!!

Im now 18 months later since making the choice to COMMIT! To choosing health and healing for my gut, mind and body! The 40lbs are still OFF and I continue to gain strength every single day!

What started exactly 4 years ago with oils being delivered to our home…. has come full circle for me to SEEING AND FEELING the results of choosing to do the work! Choosing to LIVE a healthier and happier life! Best of all… an amazing role model to our two beautiful children! I chose to DO THE WORK because I simply felt gross, zero energy, was in pain all the time, wasn’t sleeping well, my gut health wasn’t the greatest (and hadn’t been since high school).

DO THE WORK – Put yourself 1st by making your health and life PRIORITY #1!

(With real life end of school happening at my front door hahaha

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Your Life As Art Photography by Pam