Personally I believe there is an art of integrity, its more than just showing you are a good person – its BEING a good person. Actions speak louder than words.
This past week I experienced the complete opposite of Integrity. Sometimes in life we let what’s outside, get in and it wreaks havoc. I am a very honest person who holds her values and integrity close to my heart. I was reminded, ‘what you put out to the world, comes back’. A very important reminder of just how important it is to live an honest and integral life. Unfortunately this got the better of me and I was experiencing a horrible headache. To support myself through this I of course went to my oils!
I knew I had to take some very deep breaths and
We’ve always teach our children to trust “professionals” – teachers, doctors, nurses, police officers, fire fighters – all those with roles within our community whom you should be able to trust – that is their job. However on the flip side, when these people are not true to living an honest and integral life how can we as parents, grandparents, aunts/uncles advise this next generation that yes you can trust them when they aren’t trustworthy themselves.
It really fired me up reading an article posted in the very early morning on Friday about our children’s education and how the rest of their elementary and high school days can be affected.
This lit a fire in me. As a mom but more so, an ADHD Mom. The article title…
Is slightly misleading… because its waaaay more than this!
“Ontario NDP’s education critic Marit Stiles said she believes the changes will reduce resources and overwhelm teachers, hurting one-on-one attention teachers provide students.
“I think what we’re going to see unfortunately are fewer teachers ultimately in our classes, that was quite clear coming out of this announcement,” Stiles said after the news conference.
“There are going to be fewer teachers in the classes, less one-on-one time for our students, fewer other education workers. The education system is also about educational assistants, ECE’s, caretakers, all those other people that make our classes safe and supportive for students.””
“Gone are:
$235 million to fund special education to support children in need and at-risk students (included as part of Local Priorities Funding)
$63.6 million for extra staffing (Cost Adjustment Allocation)
$10 million in staffing for education workers (Human Resource Transition Supplement)
“The loss of this funding means a loss of the people on the front line – people who provide direct support and services to students,” said Walton.
She pointed out another significant cut that was revealed separately today: the government’s changes to the funding ratios for early childhood educators (ECEs). “The ratio changes will force school boards to choose between hiring ECEs or making cuts elsewhere.”
(Source https://cupe.on.ca/governments-changes-to-education-includ…/)
As a parent of two amazing kids and living an ADHD lifestyle, this announcement is devastating. Already, prior to this announcement our children were not receiving enough one on one teaching assistance. Even children with an IEP who have a real identified need.
The school system is nothing like when I went to school, which really and truly was not that long ago. However now so much more is expected of children. What used to be play based learning is now homework or sitting still for way to long and expecting kids to learn more and more than we ever were expected to at the same ages. School starts so much earlier which was to be a blessing for parents, a saviour with daycare costs. Rather it was another way to bombard our kids with what they should already know and push more at them.
Dont get me wrong, I am thankful for my kids education and the fact that they have this opportunity.
However… maybe just maybe are we pushing too much on them too soon.
Kids are under so much stress at such young ages. Kids are pushed through school without fully knowing or understanding what they should know. Children (tweens, teens and young adults) are committing suicide at an alarming rate.
Maybe some don’t see the direct correlation but I do.
Quite honestly, Ive looked into home schooling. But I know, I alone am not able to provide the education my children deserve and require. We are active parents in our children’s learning whether its text book or life learning. Life learning truly is one of the best – hands on, real life learning. Even something as simple as baking in the kitchen. When you double a recipe you double the measurements. Cutting things for renovations (which we have done plenty of) you measure twice cut once.
As I began writing this and when I read the article yesterday, I was so angry. However I realize anger will not amount to anything. As wonderful as our kids school is, I recognize the school and teachers can only do so much. As more and more funding is taken from our children, we have to work with what we have while strengthening our voices. Our children need us to advocate for them. I used to silently sit back, not wanting to draw much attention to the fact that we legit live an ADHD Life and are finding our way through of what works for us and what doesn’t. Getting angry wont solve anything. Being REAL however… sure I am just one voice but real life living means living your best life. If our children have these high expectations on them, which lets be real, having a lot of kids in one room and expecting them all to succeed being taught the exact same way – its NOT GOING TO HAPPEN.
Our children are all different. We are all different. We need to embrace our uniqueness and see it as a positive, no room for negativity, especially when it comes to education. Children and adults all learn differently and this is something the government should be embracing – not chastising.
This is real life already affecting kids. Our school only has enough support for children with severe physical needs and are unable to provide additional support for children with academic needs. This is real life now – before these cuts were announced. Its scary, it puts so much more pressure on parents and children. Its not right but if we simply stay silent about it, nothing will change. Our voices need to be heard.
Parents I encourage you, speak up. Let your voice be heard. Be your child’s best advocate – they need you. <3
My family and I just spent a few days away together. It was really interesting because I totally felt myself level up in what I now expect to be standard accomodations when we go away. I enjoy paying for value and just because something is presented with value but is a totally crazy deal – is it worth it?
When I booked the getaway I literally said – crazy deal thats awesome lets do march break there!
Now… I am grateful for the time my family had together over the past few days.
What I find really inspiring is that I truly feel like this was an opportunity of growth, to recognize that although something costs money, we enjoy the value and will spend money on quality – for us this is incredibly important. When we follow our heart and soul, we are comfortable and happy. When we go against what we really want, just to save money and get a deal, we are putting our happiness aside. Like it doesn’t matter, we will settle for less.
I want more! I used to set my happiness aside, before I realized the value of what I was putting my time, energy and money. I value quality and was quieting that in me to justify less.
I have to be completely honest, when we went on the Disney Cruise, this is where I valued up to where my heart and soul feel at home with. I quietened everyone else’s voices – some were supportive, a few critics. I listened to us – listened to what we wanted to do. Spent the money on an incredible experience. Unlocked a level of happiness in me. The experience we had with our kids was truly priceless. I am so grateful. Its helped me to reach this level of happiness that I didn’t really know I was missing, but now value so very much.
Is like I suddenly have given myself permission to enjoy the fruits of our labour. We work smart and hard. Our work is a very big part of our life, day and night. So for us to take a “break” and take time off is pretty bug for us. I used to stress when we were away, however its so smooth its truly a nice break for us both. Our lives are very tied to our work, which honestly we do love, however of course there are times. There are times in anything we encounter in life… growth opportunity! When I began taking after hours calls this was a real test to my growing abilities in creating boundaries. We have amazing customers, however some have really taught me great examples in the importance of everyone having personal and business boundaries. Over the years my business ethics and belief’s have strengthened and I am proud of where we are today.
This afternoon as we were driving home, I was thinking of our few days away. How there were so many disappointing moments, but how we actively turned it to a positive. We didn’t even really “do” much. We ate, hung out, the boys skiied while the girls had a late lunch and picked up some things for our pets haha the extent of how we do “shopping” lol.
It is these years that I remember myself as a child. These years that I know my kids are going to remember when they think back to family vacations, getaways, being together. I was lucky to get an advance copy of “The Gift of a Happy Mother”. Written by a woman, Rebecca Eanes, who I met many years ago when we were both trying to conceive our first baby. I just finished this book yesterday while on our getaway. Her chapter towards the end of the book, When Littles Become Big, hit at home for me. In the way Rebecca talk’s about the shift from being the mom whose children need her and they are always with you, to a shift of wanting more personal time, time with friends etc. A great reminder of how precious every single moment is. It helped me sink into truly being in the moment together – even when for our family that means ensuring downtime is a must. A recharge point for us that is must needed. This getaway, although did not meet our expectations, it was shifting for me.
As we drove home, passing by various houses, one reminded me of our first home, I thought of our memories there and then immediately went to our current home. My husband mentioned about our 2nd home and how thankful he was we used that as a stepping stone to where we are now. Happiness flooded me, I truly love our home. I love the location, the layout, even that it has a country address. Something I, for some reason, always wanted. I am greatful for our life, for the challenges we have been presented with to grow and for our health and happiness. A true blessing.
Unlock your happiness to truly enjoy these amazing years of your life. Its so right, time does go by fast in the big picture as a parent. So BE in the moment, follow your heart and soul for your family to be your best selves –> that brings out the best in all of you, not just one or two of you.
I’ve been LOVING reading The Gift of a Happy Mother! So grateful to have an advance copy as these words are ringing so true to my own life! 💕
“Aim for connection instead of perfection. Perfection isn’t attainable, but connection heals.”
“That’s the rule of motherhood mama’s. It’s all in passing – the hard days, the laughter filled days, the frustrating days and the fun days. Everything is temporary.”
“You can be grateful for your child but still be overwhelmed. You can be in total love, but still feel sad. Every single emotion that is swirling through you now is 100% ok.”
Grateful for these familiar words Rebecca Eanes, it is so wonderful reading about someone else’s experiences and thinking “me too!” Or “thank God it’s not just me” 😉
Mamas surround yourself with people who lift you up! Continue to educate yourself every single day by reaching within, meditating, journaling, yoga, reading, oiling up and real connection with others! Most of all… listen to your heart and soul. It knows what you really need! 💝
If you need help getting started, I can recommend some must have oils and you can order your own copy of The Gift of a Happy Motherfrom your fav book store! Rebecca has generously offered a free 30 day journal for all pre-orders! Perfect for getting you back on track to who YOU really are 🙌💕🙏🦋
Anyone else make a promise to yourself to be healthier this year?! 🙋♀️
Honestly this is a daily for me.
It’s so easy to just “let it slip” whatever that mag be. Skipping a day or two of vitamins.
It’s a reminder that I need to refocus. When I take care of my body emotionally or physically, I feel good. It’s worth it to me, to feel good. So I am doing better. Perfect, no, but no one is.
I continue to choose this to be my daily resolution.
There truly is a difference that can happen in your life when you choose to be educated about the products within your home.
When I learned, it was terrifying.
Especially when I have more than one hormonal illness, which continued to get worse the older I got. The older I got, I was also doing a lot less self care and consuming way more “toxins” damaging my body more and more. I felt it. I felt horrible. Miserable actually. I tried to hide it the best I could.
Making a shift in your life is committing to choose a new way of living.
I can speak from experience, for me it wasn’t just one thing, because there is no magic pill or thing to make you loose weight and keep it off.
It takes commitment to you on so many levels. Removing toxins from your food, reducing how much you eat take out, the things you drink, fragrance you wear, cleaning products, the shampoo and conditioner you use, clothing you wear, what you watch on tv, what you listen to, the people who surround you, your own thoughts, fueling your body with real food and water, supporting nutrition with vitamins, minerals and omega, proper sleep, positive thinking… 😍
This is what I chose to help me make this household whole body switch. I chose these products for the quality and research behind them and now also personal experience! 💕
#momlife #essentialoilhormonesolution #pcosmom #adhdmom no life #momswithcameras #holistichealthmoms #holistichealth #ouroilylife #yourlifeasartessentials
Committing to livin a healthier life involves CHANGE. Change can be scary, hard and takes time. But with that can come SO much more. It means being truly EMPOWERED in your life and your home. Educating yourself of WHY to use which products and others not. Teaching our children to not just listen to massive marketing techniques on TV pushing products. For our family, those products damage our bodies and our brains. Chemicals, toxins etc. YOU have a choice to choose clean ! We choose doTERRA because of the testing, scientific proof, the products work and well I’m living proof of that with even more ah-hahas everyday!
The benefit to choosing clean with doTERRA is the rewards on top of living a healthy life!
But don’t choose just because I say so, there is so much support, education, scientific testing etc. When you say YES, know that I am here to help and support YOU to navigate your own journey of health, whatever your path may look like 🤩
If you have questions or are ready to begin your own wellness journey, I welcome you to connect with me! I am a real life working mama living an ADHD, PCOS lifestyle with two kiddos, a hubby and multiple pets with my camera by my side!
I used to deal with cravings like this all the time. That’s when my guts were so unhealthy, I really didn’t know how badly. I would eat like this all the time. At least a few times a week and all the while felt horrible! No energy, digestive pain and issues. Health wise I was miserable and felt defeated.
My guts have done alot ot repairing and healing the last couple of years. I gave up pre-packaged foods and avoided take out as much as I could.
I used to think that I would be stuck living like this, not able to actually enjoy food without being in pain or uncomfortable… guess what I indulged in today?! So A&W Onion Rings are the best… they are massive with a very tasty dusting on them! I allowed myself to indulge and enjoy the onion rings! They were yummy! Before eating them I took a couple of these, TerraZyme. They are digestive enzymes and they have helped literally change my life. Anyone with digestive issues will understand what I mean! Also helps with the slice of cheese cake, home made pizza and wine I had last night (Happy Birthday Maddy round 2 🤣😍)!
I took a couple this morning with my LLV Supplements and then these 2 before eating the rings. Lots of water and so far so good!
When I became a mom I had a struggle within myself about ensuring everything was always in order. Physically and mentally. I put a lot of stress on myself in those early months and years. It was honestly somewhat of a blur. My husband was early in his career, after making a switch from construction contracting to HVAC, with work and schooling, I was a mama who was rocking the kiddos, house and work. There were some very tough days though…
I can remember the fight within myself and then finally understanding that I needed to let something go and if the house was a mess… so be it! Let me be real here though, our house wasn’t dirty, it was however at times cluttered and messy. Our children were less than 18 months apart, they were creating memories and sometimes those memories involved various pieces of whatever toys or games on our floor.
The mess of other mom’s. Why is there competition between women, more specifically mom’s? I will never forget being at a play date. I had my two children, my youngest was a babe. I was off on mat leave with full intention of returning to work – I enjoy being a working mama. This play date involved a couple other women and their children. The entire time they bashed working moms and how ridiculous it is that “they have someone else raise their kids”…
As a “new mom” myself, at the time with a 2 mth old and almost 20 mth old this hit me like a ton of bricks. I will never forget leaving, calling my husband crying and vowing I would never have another “play date” with those judgmental b*tches again. I was much weaker back then, as I did continue to join them for play dates. However I began to guard myself against their words and think about how much “the mess” didn’t matter.
Yes being a working mom meant my home was never spotless and tidy all the time… but neither was theirs. Being a working mom also meant at times dinner wasn’t as thought out and planned as well as I would like to… but neither was theirs. Our marriage was no longer first priority and was taking a back seat to being parents, especially working parents and required more “work” to keep it together… but neither was theirs. Our bank account didn’t look the same as it previously did. Daycare costs for two babes was a big part of what I was making by going back to work… but neither was theirs.
I allowed the thoughts and opinions of others and their judgment to cause an incredible amount of stress and sorrow in my life.
I became stronger over the years, life with two babes under 18 months old taught me to prioritize where and with who my time was spent. I was no longer able to tolerate “fake” emotionless friendships and began allowing myself to focus more on me. A tough thing to do when your husband is also at a very busy time in his career with work and school.
The babes among the “mess” that was our playroom – which also was always a work in progress moving things to work best for our family at the time. A mess, but so much magic and memories being made.
Make your mess… your message!
Kiddos began school and we were thrown for a new loop of navigating through this new stage in life, for all of us. A great theory of children being in school at 4 years of age. A huge cost savings for parents – massive actually. However it was a tough adjustment for our boy, we later found out the tough adjustment was justified. However it was a struggle for me, kiddos still young I was still very vulnerable. The same women I mentioned above, continued to be horribly judgmental – I allowed this to permeate my soul. I began feeling like a bad mom.
I wasn’t a bad mom, I never was. I was the best mom that my kids needed me to be – as ME, everything about me is exactly what they needed… when I am being true to ME!
The mess, whatever that may be in your life, doesn’t matter. Honestly it doesn’t. A life I once thought was so overwhelming, not just having children but also my own health. My body felt like it was “a mess”… literally! My body being “messed up” I was not feeling well at all which made me even more sensitive, at the mercy of these judgmental Judy’s and second guessing everything about me as a woman and especially a mom.
As children grow and experience life, there are messes – toys, clothes… food. Having a dog when you have kids is a MUST HAVE in my opinion. In valuable honestly. To clean up all the food thrown to the floor. Its such a fun game… not! A true benefit, win-win having a dog ;)
Our daughter shares the love of baking that her Grama has. We are truly blessed as she learned from the best and is always eager to try out a new recipe. Our girl is an independent woman just like her mama. A beautiful quality. Also an incredible mess… do you know flour can be like drywall dust – and you all know we have a lot of experience with drywall ;) Being the type A Virgo personality that I am… this range of independence gave my heart palpitations. There were a few times walking into the kitchen and gasping… but then getting a hold of myself and reminding that the mess is temporary – the memories, however will last a lifetime!
The mess doesn’t matter.
Behind that mess is playing, learning, having fun, finding their own way, experimenting, making mistakes and learning. Always learning. Always growing.
Messes can be cleaned up. They are temporary – whatever they might be. A physical mess or feeling emotionally “messed up” and lost. Its all temporary. An opportunity for growth.
What helped me – admitting to my kids that “the mess” gave me anxiety and that its perfectly ok to feel that way. Opening up to them, was opening up myself. Admitting that takes away the desire for perfection – because lets be real. Life isn’t perfect, NO ONE’S life is perfect. Life is a journey, through the good times and the messes. The more one tries to control, the less control they actually have. The more someone can admit defeat, the freer you can be.
Find the magic in your “mess”.
Remove comparison and judgment.
Simply be YOU and encourage your children to be themselves!
What does International Women’s Day mean to me… as a woman, mom, wife, aunt, sister, daughter, friend, neice, granddaughter…
Empowering myself to be the best version I can be by investing in myself with holistic health care, natural whole foods, self care, surrounding myself with positive people.
Raising children to live with respect in truth, honesty.
Honoring and respecting girls and women, also boys and men.
Live my life with my partner, not because I have to or need to, because I choose to.
Encouraging children to speak up and offer their opinions without the influence of others.
Encouraging children to follow their heart, express their feelings and know they have the potential to do or be whatever or whoever they want to be!
Be a positive influence to myself and others in the world.
Be true to my values and ethics.
Personal care as a mom is crucial, as a couple is important, as a family is smart!
Knowing when to reach out to ask for help and being ok to attend counselling.
Crying is natural, cleansing and emotions are meant to be felt and moved through.
Every single relationship requires work on both sides regardless of which type of relationship.
Challenges are given to us for us to grow and learn.
Patience is a virtue.
A woman, girl, man and boy can be whoever they want to be!
Its 100% OK to speak my mind and be confident in doing so as long as its respectful to me and others.
Never apologize for standing up for yourself when you are speaking the truth.
Equality, we are all on our own path of life and while mine may be different than yours, its our own individual journey meant to be experienced – not judged.
Conscious parenting my children in a “busy” electronic filled world.
The value of education – something no one can ever take from you is knowledge you gain and apply in life.
These are things I remember everyday and not just today…
There are still a lot of people who feel women do not know as much as men or should be in a role of authority. Working in what used to be known as a “men’s industry” I still encounter this within our business, albeit its so much less. I am very strong in voicing my opinion and have had to on a couple occasions that if our male customers could not respect the women in our office, we would no longer do business with them. Although I somewhat shocked myself when I made that statement, it completely stopped the customer in their tracks. Give respect, but know you are always worth respect in return – no matter who you are!
Be strong. Show all the women in your life strength and vulnerability. It takes a very strong person to admit if they need help! Even stronger to choose a lifestyle that is “out of the norm” but so very right for your life. I think of how in my own life, I took a leap of faith and its transformed our life. Transformed our health. I am so very grateful for each and everyday. Start your day with gratitude. Be grateful for all that women have achieved. Reach for your own stars, wherever they might be. Realize that being a woman holds so much potential, not to be or do everything a man can, but to be our best. Women and men were not designed to have the exact same equal abilities. Embrace your femininity and uniqueness of YOU!
Wednesday morning when I read that we have a new moon this evening, everything began falling into place and ‘making sense’ to me of some energetic happenings in our home. Many people joke about “there must be a full moon coming” because people’s moods can be affected along with their overall energy and well-being.
Everything in this world is energy. One of my favourite forms of energy is essential oils! After reading that we have a new moon happening tonight, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to give our home an energetic cleansing during my lunch.
I started by loading up ALL the diffusers in our home with an energy cleansing blend of 2 drops each Lemongrass and White Fir (you can substitute Siberian Fir for White Fir) and set the diffusers to run either 4 or 5 hours. These oils emotionally and physically will assist in cleansing the space they are used in. Lemongrass is The Oil Of Cleansing and White Fir is The Oil Of Generational Healing. We have diffusers in each of our bedrooms, main living area of our home and the family room in the basement.
Once all the diffusers were up and running, I began to smudge our home. I started in the basement in the furthest corner, to help push any negative energy out. Before I lit the sage I said a prayer and called upon my spirit guides of the highest truth and compassion.
Wednesday night, we did our nightly ritual with essential oils on the kids as well as balancing their chakra’s with my pendallum and crystals. They also each got a back rub with oils as well. Did you know that essential oils vibrate at a very high frequency! Its so fascinating. Just by incorporating them into your daily life you can raise up your own vibration which can have a positive effect on your physical and emotional health!
The oils we used on their backs last night were ones my daughter commonly selects… Serenity – The Oil of Tranquility, Breathe/Easy Air – The Oil of Breath, On Guard – The Oil of Protection and Lavender – The Oil of Communication and Calm. They benefit from the physical immune boosting, calming, respiratory supporting of these oils but also their emotional support as well. I am so honored to be able to provide my kids with a new norm of what our bedtime routine is. Its also a beautiful way to connect with the kids before bedtime to assist in calming, talking about the day or the day to come and just be together <3
This was the first time I smudged our entire house, I can see its going to become a new routine for me as well as I love the new open, airy, positive shift within the energy of our home.
