Your Life As Art Photography by Pam

The Reality Of The Shutdown & Burden of Chronic Disease

Ive commented on this before, my strong disapproval of the fact that Walmart is allowed to be open, yet our small stores in our town are not allowed to be.

My husband found this post in one of his online snowmobile groups last night…

“Glad they shut down the trails! Now I have more time to go to Walmart to buy essential video games! I’ll head into 3 different circle K’s to find the freshest bag of cheese Combo’s and microwaveable pizza for a late night snack. Then I’ll head over to the LCBO to get my essential Captain Morgan’s spiced rum and 12 pack of Bush…. as I walk out of the LCBO I’ll notice that I don’t have any mix…. being closer to Dollarama, I’ll head in there to grab my mix and browse the candies and valentines decorations. Walking out the door I glanced at a family of 6 walk into Giant Tiger so I figured a big sale of PPE must be going on… unfortunately no sales and limited stock but I did dig up a puzzle in the sale bin, some slime in a can and a Bluetooth speaker that flashes its LED’s to the beat of your favourite song. I was getting sleepy after this huge day of essential travel so I went to Tim Hortons to grab a coffee… the drive thru was so busy I decided it was easier to walk right in. As I watched 10 employees grab from the nice display of Tim Bits I couldn’t stop my temptations and I ordered a 10 pack to go with my coffee. Pulling out of the parking lot I was sooo hungry. I was on the fence about what 8 open grocery stores I should go to or should I head back to Walmart? Instead I decided it was best to get fast food!!! The dilemma I had, it was before the 8pm shut down time so I couldn’t decide on Subway, Mr. Sub, McDonalds, Burger King, A&W, Harvy’s, Swiss Chalet, Wendy’s or Taco Bell. With so many decisions to make, I figured it would be easiest to run into Costco and check out their large menu of essential unhealthy food choices. My day was finally done, I was on my way home after all my essential shopping was done… then BOOM gas light came on… this worked out perfect because the gas stations don’t force us to pay at the pump so I was able to pick up a couple scratch tickets, charger for my cell phone and got a good deal on 2 for one beef jerky. Frig…. could you imagine if I had to pack a trail side lunch, pay at the pump and ride solo in natures back yard on my snowmobile? I’d never have time to get everything done I did today.”

As a family who snowmobile and have been living a life of empowered health for the last 6+ years (continually learning every day I might add)… can YOU see what’s wrong with this situation? Because this post (not our words) is exactly what is happening right now. The world is being “run” by massive corporations where the little guys are left to flounder to try and “make it”. Personally I would much rather support the “little guys” than ever step in another Walmart in my lifetime.

Truth bomb…

Especially when all of the above stores that are currently open feeding the nations junk food addiction – now is the time those of us in natural health ARE standing up, using our voices to share the utmost importance of NOT falling into this trap.

Chronic diseases are a true burden to our health care system.

For example –

“In 2016, there were 14,509 hospitalizations for diabetes in Ontario (IntelliHEALTH).
Four large-scale trials suggest that 50 to 60 percent of type 2 diabetes may be
preventable by eliminating modifiable risk factors such as physical inactivity, low
vegetable and fruit consumption, and tobacco smoking.31-34 About 90 percent of
Canadians with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.35″ (Source Pg 17)

This information is from the report from July 2019, The Burden of Chronic Diseases in Ontario.

“In 2016, there were 138,688 hospitalizations for cardiovascular diseases
(IntelliHEALTH). Hypertension is included in Table 2 because although it is not a cardiovascular disease, it is considered a major cardiovascular disease risk factor and is treated even if there is no definitive cardiovascular disease diagnosis. In Ontario, hypertension is associated with $273 million in annual direct healthcare costs,* and in 2015, it was the main cause of 555 deaths.17 The percentage estimates of cardiovascular diseases that could be prevented by reducing risk factors such as smoking tobacco, alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating and physical inactivity vary across a number of studies.18-21 For example, a large international study suggests that 90 percent of first myocardial infarctions in men and 94 percent in women may be preventable.21″ (Source Pg 16)

“HEALTHY BODY WEIGHTS
Healthy eating combined with physical activity are important for maintaining a healthy body weight. Complex factors such as the cost and availability of healthy foods, competing life concerns, available options for physical activity, personal biological constitution and mental health status are also determinants of healthy body weights.88 Overweight and obesity, commonly measured by body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference are independent risk factors for several cancers, ischemic heart disease and diabetes.89,90 In 2015/2016, 61.5 percent of adults in Ontario ages 18 and older had a BMI of 25 or higher, which is classified as overweight or obese. 91 The percentage of Ontario adults ages 18 and older who were overweight or obese was higher in 2013/2014 than in 2003. 84″ (Source Pg 29)

“CONCLUSION
Cancers, cardiovascular diseases, chronic lower respiratory diseases and diabetes
cause about two-thirds of all deaths in Ontario. This report, produced jointly by CCO and Public Health Ontario, estimates the burden of these four chronic diseases through their mortality, incidence, prevalence and hospitalizations. It shows that the overall burden is considerable and that there is a disproportionately high burden of these diseases in Indigenous populations and people with lower socioeconomic status in Ontario. Chronic diseases not only reduce the quality and length of people’s lives, they are also expensive to treat. The direct healthcare costs linked to the four major chronic diseases are estimated to be $10.5 billion a year in Ontario.* Tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating and physical inactivity are risk factors that are common to the major chronic diseases. This report shows that addressing these risk factors – which also have a higher prevalence in populations with health inequities – is critical to reducing the health and economic burden of chronic diseases in Ontario. The burden of chronic diseases that could be reduced is described in this report by estimating the proportion of chronic diseases that are preventable, the prevalence of chronic disease risk factors, the percentage of deaths linked to each risk factor, and the costs of the risk factors on Ontario’s healthcare system and on society as a whole. For example, the total annual direct healthcare costs and indirect costs
(e.g., lost productivity due to disability and premature mortality) for these risk factors are estimated at $7.0 billion for smoking, $4.5 billion for alcohol consumption, $2.6 billion for physical inactivity and $5.6 billion for unhealthy eating, including $1.8 billion for inadequate vegetable and fruit consumption.” (Source Pg 37)

In my own health journey, one thing I have learned first hand is that our health is affected by what we put in and on our body. When I made the choice to say NO to “being in the normal range” and knowing that was not reflective of my actual health and how I was feeling, I’ve honestly never looked back.

What we put ON and IN our body directly affects our health – immune system, cardiovascular, digestive, endocrine – our ENTIRE body and mind!

The more we know! The better choices we can make!

An Ounce of Prevention

Growing up the norm for me was if you have pain, take a pill. This became my own norm into my teens and 20’s. Its an easy road to travel down, as most times when you take that pill, you get relief fairly quickly for the symptoms you are feeling.

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!”

As much of the world is currently living in fear, which is understandable when many people rely on information provided by the government etc for health. Now is an amazing time to truly be in touch with your body, mind and soul and make necessary changes to truly live your best life!

Wellness is investing into yourself in both time and money – investing in healthy food, drinks, products used in the home (cleaning, body care etc) – is MUCH cheaper than when you are forced to “invest” in yourself with illness.

One of the most effective ways we have found to be proactive and thinking “prevention” in our home, is these beautiful little brown bottles of oil! Our bodies recognize plants, there is no side effects when used properly and can provide your body and soul with a lot of positive health benefits!

The year of natural health is NOW! This is truly where 2021 is headed and I am SO excited for people to be empowered within their own homes and health!

Boundaries and Returning to My Inner World

I enjoyed a beautiful conversation with my mental health coach, Angela Kontgen. “Meditation Coach” is what came to mind as I began writing, however a big part of our conversation was not seeing it “just as a meditation” and rather as a crucial part of my daily routine.

There is SO much going on in the world right now. It’s easier to focus on peace and happiness within the walls of our home, as we choose to not watch the news. Going out in the world, it’s unfortunately clear of what is happening. Especially seeing so many businesses closed. As someone who plays a big part in operating a business, this makes me feel so sad. I am grateful we have been working the entire time. We live and work in a small town, honestly the best living, especially with kids!

Yesterday I took my husband to his follow up appointment with the surgeon who rebuilt his ankle. He was given clearance to use a cane and to find footware that will fit his healing foot. Our local shoe store has been closed, by government restrictions. As we were driving we see Walmart is open, of course right. Well, give the benefit of the doubt, they do sell food 🙄 . Ok, let’s go check it out and see if the shoe section is open…

Not only is the shoe section open… the ENTIRE store was open. You could buy whatever you want. Including things that are sold in small local businesses, that are currently shut down due to the “risk” for people’s health. Small businesses that have no where near as many people in them that Walmart and Costco do. This makes sense how? Home Hardware and Canadian Tire have to do curb side pick up. But drive to a bigger town and you can walk in, look at and buy all of the same things… shoes, clothes, fishing stuff, hunting, camping, kids toys, bedding, towels, plumbing stuff at Walmart.

But the government “cares about us”. They are only doing this for “our safety”. People are literally loosing their livelihoods as big corporations like Walmart and Amazon are raking in the profits (its documented about Amazon). Needless to say we were not in their long. I felt completely confused, angry, and quite bitter towards the government.

Later the same day, we learn about elementary’s delay back to school. You know, kind of like back in March when we were told 2 weeks, and then March break ended 6 months later. I do agree with Ford who mentioned about how kids have runny noses and coughs… yup every single winter they do! Crazy right. Our kids lives have been turned upside down, their mental health greatly affected (when I say “our” I mean parents as a collective), this isn’t better for them.

After work I remembered about my scheduled call with my coach Angela at 530pm. I am so grateful for having reached out to her earlier in the week. She hosted our monthly symphonies for the mind’s inspiration on Sunday and encouraged anyone who was feeling challenged to reach out.

I am honestly a very conscious person when it comes to health and wellbeing. Yes, there was a time I was not. There was a time I was actually ignorant towards my health. My life has completely changed in the last 6 years that I am SO proud of. It began with truly taking charge of MY health and following MY inner direction. I understand MY health, my kids health, is my responsibility, no one else’s and every single person, our health is not one size fits all. Its unique. A pill for this, can suddenly mean you now “need” a pill for that. To continue doing what IS working and has been for the last 6+ years 😉!

Angela reminded me of this last night. The importance of my daily introspection. The importance of not just seeing it as “meditating” but as balancing my inner world. Which IS crucial to living in peace. The importance of turning off the outside world as much as possible. For our mental and physical health.

She also reminded me of the boundaries needed with my phone in the bedroom. Being in a business that provides essential service, my phone is typically not been far from me. In the past few years I have been allowing myself to embrace better boundaries. It’s so easy to get caught up in instant gratification. However there is lots of times I am personally busy, groceries, kids, bathroom. It’s not logistically possible to answer. So if that’s ok, there isn’t a dire need to need my phone beside me at night. I’ve been reluctant in the past, honestly because “what if?!”. We have had a lot of “stuff” happen, lost loved ones and this has held tight to me receiving those phone calls. Especially when a couple were tragic accidents. When Angela said get the phone out of your room, I instantly thought no, I wont hear it and the more Angela and I talked about the importance of this, I remembered the new layout of our master bedroom. Which includes a dressing room… the perfect place! It’s the perfect compromise as it’s out of our room, but still near by.

After dinner, before doing our kids oils I took some time for me, I journaled and meditated. I listened to our monthly Symphonies of the Mind‘s meditation, Awake (how appropriate!). After so many inconsistent sleepless nights, I slept awesome! It also helped that I remembered to start our diffuser as well and enjoyed the newest blend AirX (its SO good!!!). I fell asleep much easier too! I woke shortly after midnight and then slept solid until just minutes before my alarm went off at 530am! 🙌

My inner world is my foundation, every single day! Morning and night and sometimes even at lunch. 2020 brought upon us a unique opportunity for growth. 2021 is where it all comes to life 🙌💕💫

What If Its Too Late?

Could go a lot of different directions huh… I’m one who is continually working at getting away from thinking of the “what if’s”. Being conscious IN THE moment, vs thinking of what if this or that. In true alignment when I am being vs thinking of doing.

This post is more of a wake up call… If you choose to see it that way.

I resisted my health for a lot of years. I lost a piece of myself in teens, which led to neglecting my own self care and at one point, stopped listening to my true soul.

The journey isn’t always smooth or straight, challenges help us grow, really they do, honestly 😐. But seriously as hard and trying challenges can be and feel like, they really do help us learn and grow! 🙏

I can distinctly remember journaling to myself, about 6-8 months before my husband and I met that I wanted to meet a man who loved and respected me, and who also got along well with my family. This is my first memory of truly manifesting in my life. As we met at a completely unexpected opportunity 🥰.

At a time when I was confused and very hurt, I knew how I wanted my life to shift and began steering in that direction.

When we were challenged with infertility, how much did we truly want to grow our own family, I prayed with my heart for a healthy baby. I also spoke the truth that I didn’t think I could endure that pain again, and were blessed with our perfectly timed, surprise baby who completed our family.

When my kids were young I was naive, I was ignorant, I knew from our infertility journey that my health was headed down a path that would one day need saving. I purposely ignored my body’s cues, over and over. Yet complained freely, and honestly too much about how I felt like shit or couldn’t sleep, didn’t feel well, etc etc.

Our health is truly ours, not one person can ever take that from us. Much like our education, whether its life lessons or school curriculum based. I’ve been told that was a saying by my Granpa Hap. “The one thing no one could ever take from you, is your education.” Truth! 🙌

I had numerous people comment to me AFTER I lost over 60lbs that they thought I looked health at my before weight. I appreciate the comment, however every time my response has been… I WASN’T!

But, it wasnt just “loosing weight”, yes that happened and I am grateful for it. That was not my main focus at all.

I began educating myself on the ingredients in our various products, the ways we handled health care in our home, what I was eating and drinking, what goes on and in our body. It was shocking for me.

A journey that one has to experience to have a full understanding. It involves truly committing to ME. Committing to me and then immediately after, my family. It involved me being vulnerable, stretching my mind, taking baby steps, pausing when needed, using my voice/buying power, to commit to always learning!

How I feel now, in my 40th year (a-hem…) I would love to sit down with my 20 year old self. Oh my goodness no, actually my 15 year old self. I am in the best health I ever have been AND that’s even after an IBS flare up over the holidays! I have learned, when I listen to my body, life flows so much more magically. Physical and mental health! Of course with the 80/20 or at times 90/10 “suggestion”.

If I hadn’t began shifting my life over 6 years ago, my life would not be where it is today. If my life wasn’t where it is today, meaning I did not integrate positive changes, my health would have been in significant jeopardy.

It’s a daily work in progress, continually learning, circling back with gratitude and learning what it really means to feel good!

Generational Wisdom | Diffuser Blend

Today’s blend was intuitively selected, starting with two bases I wanted to use to direct our day… Truth and Manifestation!

Manifestation, emotionally is within Litsea a powerful oil that is newer to our market, unique and smells bright and fresh. The meaning behind this oil from the Essential Emotions app is: “Litsea is a powerful mobilizer of the will. It is especially helpful in encouraging individuals to follow through on their inspiration and promptings. Litsea invites individuals to have the confidence to act on the information given and to trust in wisdom that may be beyond current understanding. This oil also teaches that one must learn to trust the inner voice and rise above fear of rejection, being misunderstood or the need for external confirmation. As such, Litsea assists in the manifestation of infinite possibilities.”

This oil is one that empath’s will find truly helpful this year as we move from 2020 and into 2021 and all that it entails.

Truth is found with Frankincense, the king of oils.

The other two that jumped out at me were Cardamom and Douglas Fir. Douglas Fir came to my mind and I already knew that is for Generational Healing/Wisdom. Cardamom is the oil of Objectivity!

How AMAZING do these 4 go together to shift energy! Incredible right!!!

For those of you who welcomed 2021 with arms wide open, understanding things may, will, get “worse” before it gets better, this is a blend you may want to try today!!! These oils smell beautiful together and also support our physical health as well!

Did you know the Frankincense we use has significant renewing properties for the skin and is beautifully grounding, so perfect for relaxation. I personally use this oil to also support my immune and nervous system because of its grounding properties and benefits to the skin.

Cardamom as a natural health product is beneficial to the digestive system and also supportive to help relieve colds and cough. We like to use this in the diffuser or topically in our home.

Litsea is currently available out of the US warehouse (which Canadian’s thankfully have access to!). The main chemical constituents of this oil is Citral, which may support healthy cellular function, immune health and nervous system function. This chemical constituents is also helpful to calm and soothe muscles. The other primary chemical constituent of Litsea is Limonene. Limonene can support healthy respiratory, gastrointestinal, immune, cellular and nervous system function. Litsea also has great cleansing properties. (Source – doTERRA)

Douglas Fir, I love how fresh this oil smells. This oil can be beneficial when used in an all purpose cleaner for your home or office. Its also beautifully supportive when used with coconut oil for a back or body massage.

With truth combined with generational wisdom, objectivity and manifestation this is the perfect Sunday blend to wrap up the holidays and return back to somewhat of a “norm” tomorrow. Well for the adults anyway! This is why for us, in our household anything we can do to support naturally our emotions and physical health, the better. As we pivot in to the new year and new way of living!

Adrenal Fatigue | My Experience

I first learned of adrenal fatigue after my introduction to essential oils.

Adrenal Fatigue is:

“Adrenal fatigue isn’t an accepted medical diagnosis. It is a lay term applied to a collection of nonspecific symptoms, such as body aches, fatigue, nervousness, sleep disturbances and digestive problems.

Your adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones that are essential to life. The medical term “adrenal insufficiency” refers to inadequate production of one or more of these hormones as a result of an underlying disease or surgery.

Proponents of the adrenal fatigue diagnosis claim this is a mild form of adrenal insufficiency caused by chronic stress. The unproven theory behind adrenal fatigue is that your adrenal glands are unable to keep pace with the demands of perpetual fight-or-flight arousal. Existing blood tests, according to this theory, aren’t sensitive enough to detect such a small decline in adrenal function — but your body is.” (Source – Mayo Clinic)

Throughout my health journey, one thing I am consistently working on is body – mind awareness. At times however when you are in the “thick of it” it can be hard to recognize this within yourself what your body might be signaling.

For me this week, my body was signalling hard, and has been for more than a few weeks now. Understandable right, husband falls has a significant accident that drastically shifts our home and work life just 2-1/2 months before Christmas.

This week, in between Christmas and New Years when I was commenting to my husband about back pain I was experiencing, it hit me… pain, insomnia, digestive issues – the words Adrenal Fatigue jumped into my mind to research this again, already knowing which oils I would be reaching to for support.

Check out the emotional relation of Adrenal Fatigue from Essential Emotions to look deeper… “Am I refusing to comply with life as it is? Am I trying to control things outside of my reach?”.

This resonates with me so much. This year has been an internal what is right, what is wrong struggle. Knowing and understanding the importance of what goes in and on our bodies, homes etc is crucial to our well being, and yet being told a mask will save us? I digress… But also more important it was shifting from having 2 strong, capable individuals, parents, partners within our home (and business) to suddenly me shouldering, well pretty much everything. Was that the reality, no. Not at all. But I got so wrapped up within my mind of everything I had to do, it became quite overwhelming at times. I am intentionally grateful for our kids, they had already stepped up this year helping around the house and property, they stepped up even more after their dad’s accident. Truth be told though, it was an emotional roller coaster that affected us all and honestly triggered PTSD on a few levels.

Prior to the holidays I had great intentions of “all that we would do” around the house with our time off. Truthfully, what we have accomplished physically, has been minimal, which is completely OK! Exactly what we have been doing, resting, relaxing has been our priority and its exactly what we have needed. There is nothing and no one saying, this or that had to be done. Sure we have a few projects left that we had to put on the back burner after Jaz fell, however when the time is right, they will be completed! And… as we have learned about every single renovation to our home, sometimes when it feels like we “should” be doing more, there is a reason why we aren’t and it will eventually fall into place even better than first imagined!

So… Naturally I knew the oils I would reach for, to support my body. Zendocrine and AromaTouch – Also deep blue for the back discomfort.

Zendocrine is a blend of Cilantro, Geranium, Juniper Berry, Rosemary and Tangerine. It is the detoxification blend and emotionally is known as the oil of Vitality and Transition. The emotions it supports is self-sabotage, transitioning, limiting beliefs, apathetic, revitalized and purifying.

As much as I didn’t necessarily realize it, I was self sabotaging myself mentally by feeling like I had to do it all – especially with Christmas approaching this felt even more intensified.

Aroma Touch is a blend of Basil, Cypress, Grapefruit, Lavender, Marjoram and Peppermint. Emotionally this blend is known as the oil of Relaxation. Emotions supported by this blend are tense, stressed, rigid, inflexible, relaxed, balanced, flexible and comforted.

Referencing the book by Louise Hay, You Can Heal Your Life on page 139 – “PAIN of any sort, to me, is an indication of guilt. Guilt always seeks punishment, and punishment creates pain. Chronic pain comes from chronic guilt, often so deeply buried that we are not aware of it anymore.” Interesting right, anything we feel physical CAN be related to emotions that we may not even know we are feeling! Page 140, “STIFFNESS in the body represents stiffness in the mind. Fear makes us cling to old ways, and we find it difficult to be flexible.” This can be a truth for many of us for 2020 with the mass amounts of fear and guilt being projected. Page 128 speaks of “THE BACK represents our support system. Problems with the back usually mean we feel we are not being supported. Too often we think we are only supported by our job or by our family or spouses. In reality, we are totally supported by the Universe, by Life itself.” ” The middle back has to do with guilt. All that stuff that is in the back of us.”

Back Affirmation “I release the past. I am free to move forward with love in my heart.” (Louise Hay Page 152)

Emotionally Adrenal Problems emotionally are, “Defeatism. No longer caring for the self. Anxiety. Affirmation: I love and approve of myself. It is safe for me to care for myself.” (Louise Hay Page 147)

What happens when we get “busy” in life? I know for me, that is when my self care begins to get neglected. Its almost like I slightly detach from my true self, because my true self KNOWS what to do when I feel x, y, z or will know where to find possible solutions. Living in the midst of a stressful event, whatever it might be, so many things become feeling over whelming.

The horrific emotional response from simply hearing of my husbands accident honestly had me flipping from one extreme to the next – gratitude it was “only” his lower leg and ankle, to intense fear of “what if” or what it could have been. I could feel myself pulling in, I could feel me reaching my tipping point, I apologized more than once to the kids for snapping at them. This was a situation that was completely outside of our control and each day we were navigating through.

The Purge

Enjoying more time at home has re-aligned me in the purposeful use of our oils. They are so much more than just smelling good!

Today, I felt inspired by Desiree Mangandog with her Purging 2020 blend.

It’s a blend of Tea Tree, Marjoram, Cypress and Petitgrain.

Tea Tree – Oil of Energetic Boundaries
Marjoram – Oil of Connection
Cypress – Oil of Motion & Flow
Petitgrain – Oil of Ancestry

Over the holidays I began reading a new book I received for Christmas, “Think Like A Monk” by Jay Shetty.

One bolded sentence that really jumped out at me today was, “The less time you fixate on everyone else, the more time you have to focus on yourself.” Jay Shetty

If any of this resonates with you, I am confident it can help you to transition to a higher level. Especially the essential oil diffuser blends to cleanse your physical space you live or work in. To realize your importance in YOUR world and how crucial rest and relaxation is for the betterment of your life. Along the way, this also means facing your own shadows, shining light on the darkness. To understand that what anyone else is doing, has no bearing or reflection on what you are doing in your life. Stay in your own lane! Perhaps purge your own expectations.

Rather than thinking you need to do this and do that, just be. Whatever that may be, in the moment. Just be.

Initially I had a list of things we could do over the holidays, having time off at home. However what has been most important is not doing anything that isn’t in alignment and embracing what is. Even if that has meant writing a lot, inspirational reading, watching movies, napping, meditating. We have crossed some things off our lists, have physically purged some items, recycling and garbage from our home. Mainly not putting pressure to do this or that. Honor my choices and honor the need for downtime. An energy purge!

Energies are shifting in a big way, lean into what you need and follow your heart! 🥰

I’m Scared For My Health…

Someone told me this the other day and I honestly didn’t respond. What someone wants to do for their health is their choice.

Which, everyone has the right to be respected of their opinion. Just as I have the right to be respected for MY opinion and how I have chosen to live my life.

I have learned that simply “treating” symptoms, does not get to the root cause of WHY I was feeling X, Y or Z. The various pills etc were simply treating the SYMPTOMS of what I was feeling. Much like taking an over the counter product for a headache.

This is a great example actually. As I used to heavily rely on over the counter pain meds for the variety of pain I used to be in.

It was after I was “treated” for depression, for a few years that it finally clicked… WHY am I feeling like this, what am I ignoring and not facing or dealing with?!

The biggest, my own physical and emotional health. When you put your body in a shit storm of various chemicals and toxins (in food, drinks, over the counter meds, beauty and body care, cleaning products…) this WILL directly affect our health, and did for me!

It takes dedication, to a level many of us have not been to before. Of turning on the “norm” and opening up to what it’s and how beautiful the outcome can be, with trust and perseverance.

When I commited to saying NO to daily use of over the counter pain meds, it was a true adjustment that tested me to my core, because I felt awful. I am doing this why?!

But then… when you come out the other side, much like the fish bowl above on the right. Everything begins to make much more sense, I felt SO much better, but my journey had truthfully just began!

That was June 2014… this year, in a few months, it’s been 7 years since making the shift in our home and there is no turning back!

It is however a personal journey for everyone and one that we must find ourselves. We can share all the info we can or want to, however it’s when each person has an ah-ha moment in their life, the change to uplevel, the chance to hear something again, that they may have heard for years, but it’s like the first time.

I have not been scared for my health, confidently, for the last 4+ years. Since the beginning of 2017 when I truly committed to embracing this health journey and making a significant shift in my life.

It’s not about health shaming, its about health empowering. We are all on our own unique journey! ~ Pam

Welcome 2021 – Peace, Love & Awake

Yes, technically its “just another day”, however spiritually it’s a brand new chapter in life. An opportunity to have purged out “old energy” and re-birth new, focused, aligned energy.

Peace and Love are the words that came to me in December as my words for 2021. 2020, my words were grace and ease. Lord knows there was a lot of grace, and much more forced ease.

I woke with my alarm, however as we stayed up after midnight, my body was needing a bit more rest, fell back asleep and woke closer to 8am. I pulled out my dailygreatness planner/journal to start my day!

2021 energy feels muddled, but bright. It is incredibly heart warming to see so many people taking control of their health and realizing that this is our responsibility and what IS within our control. To step away from fear, and live with confidence in ourselves and our bodies. A healthy home lifestyle, healthy eating, drinking, habits, weight and sleep. All crucial and key to healthy living. Its heart warming to know with my own journey has inspired others and especially my own family who I share my daily life with.

Angela’s meditation for January 2021 is AWAKE! One of her best meditations that I really enjoyed listening to! My mind was completely at ease able to surrender. To step away from the everyday consciousness and into my subconscious.

I was waiting for inspiration for our 2021 diffuser blend and found it after listening to Angela’s AWAKE meditation! The following oils were selected intuitively and as always the emotional uses of each oil is beautifully aligned. Feeling inspired by Angela’s meditation I called this my Happy 2021 – Awake Diffuser Blend

2 drops – Douglas Fir – Generational Wisdom
1 drop – Litsea – Manifestation
1 drop – Juniper Berry – Dark
1 drop – Melissa – Light
1 drop – Tea Tree – Energetic Boundaries
1 drop – Cypress – Motion and Flow
2 drops – Grapefruit – Honoring the Body
2 drops – Tangerine – Spontaneity
1 drop – Roman Chamomile – Spiritual Purpose

This blend, because it contains alot of oils I opted to put in the diffusers in our main living areas vs all 8 of our diffusers.

A mentor who I admire shared this video as we enter 2021 and the various energies it brings. Its fascinating and I see and feel so much truth of it. SO many people do not allow themselves to feel, their feelings. This is the root of so much sadness, violence, addiction and unhappiness. Also physical illness. Our emotional health is directly linked to our physical health. So when we allow our physical self to honor what our emotional self is feeling, to shine light on the darkness, we strengthen. Living in fear and constant worry, will eat away at someone’s health, immune system, weakening. Raising to a level of trust, fueling with real food and water our health will thrive.

Cheers to 2021! I feel like we will all continue to enjoy more time at home (decluttering and organizing is a great tip to truly enjoy the space). I feel the energy is going to still be rocky for a bit, but there is hope. The more empowered people become, the more confident they are in their life.

Let us all AWAKE to 2021!

Meditations – For anyone interested in guided meditations and have been wanting to get started, not sure maybe where to start or who would be a good coach, Angela is inspired…

“In 2021 I’m helping 100 lovely humans with the practice of a Peaceful Mind.. everything and anything is possible from that place…”

I’ve discovered that it’s bigger than the practice of meditation…it’s the practice of a peaceful mind and what that means for our life and these times we live in…how a peaceful mind serves and supports and strengthens us from within…that’s where it has to happen…

But that’s hard for us humans…because the world is a very noisy place and our minds reflect this…and we believe it’s not possible for us or not accessible… we might have tired it and it’s too hard…I get it.

These times are calling for us to Wake up and be guided, now more than ever, by something so peaceful and true within…

So if you have ever sat there wondering about Symphonies for the Mind…what the heck it’s all about…or maybe you have been on the journey before…maybe it’s time to explore it…or explore it again…be part of it…so you don’t feel so alone on this journey towards a more peaceful mind…“

Angela is hosting her monthly Symphonies for the Mind coaching call this Sunday at 8pm. If this speaks to you in anyway, I encourage you to reach out to Angela for access to the call, to get a feel for what Angela’s purpose of Symphonies is and how it truly can assist someone in their daily life. I can honestly say, meditation for me is unbelievably calming, grounding and centering. My body and mind feel at ease and aligned when I meditate. A goal I have for myself in 2021 is daily meditations, no matter what!!! ✌

💫 FREE MEDITATION OFFER! 💫

If you are curious of what Angela’s Symphonies of the Minds is, Angela is offering a free 2 week preview for any of my clients! Be sure to let me and Angela know you read about her meditation offer here! 💫

Gratitude for 2020

This year has been a bit of a roller coaster in so many ways.

This morning I woke up feeling inspired. I even woke before my alarm, feeling intentional I set that intention yesterday, to keep my “routine” or what my “ideal routine” is and relax later. I really do enjoy waking up early before everyone, I can enjoy time alone. Journal, read, meditate, listen to an inspiring podcast, which I did this morning. My energy felt ignited and inspired.

Ready to close off 2020, also thankful for 2020 as a year of growth. If 2020 has taught us anything it’s that our own personal development and self care is key in everyday life. Also that our home should be our sanctuary, our safe place, filled with fun, laughter, health, happiness, understanding, love and compassion – true comfort, whatever that may be.

We needed 2020 to truly open our eyes and remind us of what is really important in life. 🥰

This morning I had a few things to do downtown, and with today off it worked perfect. A spiritually and soulful productive early morning and then checked things off my to-do list with my husband’s company!

When I was heading out to get the diffusers going with our cleanse blend and start our coffee and tea, I found this…

Not completely out of the norm, as we have a green bird 😂, however this feather was literally across the room from the bird and she really doesn’t loose a lot of feathers. Feathers are a beautiful sign spiritually 🙏.

Feather symbolism takes on different meanings, depending on who you ask. In general, though: feathers symbolize the protection and love of guardian angels, the wind, the creator, and even the connection one has with God. (Source)

Before heading out, I tackled my night stand, purse and wallet. Clear out the clutter! Start fresh. It’s amazing how quickly areas can become cluttered with everyday life. Clearing out the clutter is honestly like a breath of fresh air for me!

Honestly I want to learn more about Feng Shui. I am enjoying having books back in my life, but am genuinely interested to know the various feng shui do’s and don’t for things like this, especially since I keep the current books on my night stand.

I feel blessed to be where we are at in our life and grateful for our health, happiness and home! And… there is always room to grow 🙏💕

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Your Life As Art Photography by Pam