Your Life As Art Photography by Pam

Saturday Morning Diffuser Blend | Bergamot, Bergamot Mint, Frankincnese & Douglas Fir

Saturday morning diffuser blend! I love intuitively selecting the oils from our wall rack in the kitchen!

Up this morning:
4 💧Bergamot – Oil of Self Acceptance
2 💧 Bergamot Mint – Oil of Revived Heart
2 💧 Frankincense – Oil of Truth
2 💧 Douglas Fir – Generational Wisdom

If you are looking to freshen up your space, cleanse the air and smell fantastic… give this blend a try! I’ve got it running in our bedroom, living room and our kitchen!

Bergamot in aromatherapy has many supportive health benefits – headaches, coughs, colds, acne, boils, eczema, dermatitis, skin irritations, cuts, bruises, burns and even digestive discomfort.

Bergamot Mint is a newer oil. This oil is calming, inspiring and cleansing to the air.

Frankincense is the king of oils, it enhances other oils and is powerfully grounding to the mind and body. This oil has renewing properties and is also beneficial to the skin.

Douglas Fir smells so fresh with its cleansing and calming aroma.

#diffuserblends #essentialoils #holistichealth #doterra #yourlifeasartessentials

Unlearn to Relearn

I read a quote the other day that completely resonated with me…

“In order to even begin to understand what’s going on in the world right now. You have to be open to the idea of unlearning almost everything you were taught.”

As I have moved through the stages of infertility to baby stages and now into their teen years this resonates now more than ever. Even when the kids were babies, the “norm” was Johnson & Johnson baby everything… which we did use, until I learned the ingredients in their products and ditched all of them, yup even full bottles.

There is a lot going on in the world where truths are being revealed, truthfully, my children have been my biggest teachers.

A few years ago my daughter received a birthday card and gift card in the mail from someone (adult) who chooses to not have a relationship with her, I suggested to my daughter that she call and thank the person, her response to me was “so this person doesn’t have to call or see me but I am the one who has to call them!?”. This literally stopped me in my tracks. I turned and looked at my daughter and said “no, no you do not have to”. She instead mailed a thank you card. Most recently in 2020, from the same person our daughter received a “Happy Belated Birthday” card in the mail, took her by surprise that it was a “belated”, however whatever that was this person’s choice. We moved on. For our son’s birthday, almost exactly 6 months later, he was sent a “Happy Birthday” card with a gift card in it in the mail… of course this inconsistency had our both children puzzled and emotionally scarred our daughter. A good life lesson, however, sometimes even adults can make decisions that even a child cannot understand.

Children, lets face it, in the big picture of the world, are the one’s who loose. They literally are at the mercy of the adults, simply because they are children.

Unlearn to re-learn now more than ever is so key, truthfully crucial to all of our mental health development.

The other night when discussing bedtime with the kids, when they reminded me they had a PD day on Tuesday!? Um what? Haha this I have to say is a first to have a PD day not on a Monday or Friday, however much like 2020 taught us, nothing is as it seems, the norm is no longer, we now create our new norm! We talked about bedtime, we have a routine with them, yes even as teens, at bedtime (whether its ours or theirs), we do our oil routine on their feet… Balance, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Frankincense and the Immune Roller sometimes on their neck, back, feet and whatever other oils I (or they, truthfully) feel drawn to using for them. My daughter reminded me, that even though she doesn’t have school and may watch a movie before bed, she knows how much sleep she needs and adjusts her bed time to that – whether at school or home!

A good handful of years ago, I began listening to Dr Shefali. She teaches about Awakened Parenting and Conscious Parenting. Genius honestly because it completely began to shift parenting within our household.

To unlearn what we knew and relearn what we wanted to create within our own home. A quote which has been on my About Pam page for many years, when our children were approx 3 and 4.

“While we try to teach our children all about life.
Our children teach us what life is all about.”

I used to despise hearing “why” sometimes over and over again… what I’ve realized is, we all must return to how we learned as children, to question everything, to ask why, to wonder, to dream…

Truthfully the only thing within our “control” is ourselves. Not our spouse, not our children, not our family or friends. The more we raise our own vibration in a positive way, facing any darkness or shadows that are in our life (or past), the better we can rise above every single day!

Soul Time | WHY Summit

Earlier this month I received an email from my meditation coach about an upcoming virtual WHY Summit with Gerry Visca and Angela Kontgen (my coach). Honestly it was a small investment for the value received, of course I was drawn to the number, it felt meant to be $111. Included with the day and a half virtual summit with recordings, also beautiful books published by Gerry with stories of real life people, real life experiences, people like you and me.

When I heard the date, I didn’t put much more thought into it, January 29 and 30th, the end of January, surely by then we would have snow and be able to use our snowmobiles (How to get Pam to enjoy winter more…? oh how I love to get out into the fresh air, beautiful scenery and ride!). But I still bought it, the time being recorded was a benefit, however I just felt compelled and that all would work out.

Beautiful sunshine this morning through the windows and an orb!

With a deeper dive into myself in 2020, I felt true healing begin. Of the time that vaguely began, off and on, kind of a stumbling journey, many years ago. 2020 gave me stability and a base, somewhat ironic given the state of the world. I cannot deny fear, felt early on in the year, feeling energetically off and not liking it. Something needed to shift in a very big way, and it was going to happen whether I wanted it to or not.

I began 2021 with an open heart, a new appreciation of life, gratitude for our health, home and each other. A yearning to continue my inward journey. I began blogging, because I enjoy writing and enjoy reading about real people, real life. Truthfully, the word “celebrities”, feels negative and heavy, a large group of people that it really doesn’t matter to my daily life. Its REAL people who I find intriguing, living and learning in real life. Who you can feel when they speak, their authenticity and ingenuity.

I appreciate my journey I have been on, the ups and even the downs. The down’s was my push for personal growth, knowing that I needed the deep dive but wouldn’t lean in. Until I had to. That gentle push that one day may perhaps feel like a shove or kick down. Listen to your inner soul, your inner voice. You will find your way.

This morning Gerry asked us to think of not how, but why do I exist? I think of this daily. Of how I was able to harness my own health and shift it to thriving. Without even having to “think” this is what came to me… “I bring health inspiration, empowerment and alignment into the lives of mom’s.” How do I want people to feel about me? Genuine, Authenticity, Compassion, Transformation of my Health.

My real life. Of how trauma (whether emotional or physical) can stunt our growth personally, professionally and with empowered health. When we fall, we have the choice to get back up – when we choose to!

Set aside the HOW? This was a road bump on my journey.

Every single one of us who are living authentically, can learn from one another. We can learn from those who also choose to not live authentically, and re-direct our drive and focus to align with our true soul. Lifelong learning.

Last year I went to a couple new year events, and I am truly grateful this is the new year event that came up for me, I truly feel aligned and am excited for the rest of the day! I am grateful for investing this time and money into myself!

Leo Full Moon | January 28/2021

The past year has provided ample opportunity to take a step back and within. Aligning with the energy of the moon cycles, is one I am really enjoying learning about!

Our view of the full moon this morning out the bedroom window. With the angle, we could actually see the moon and 3 moons in front! So cool 🙌

With a laid back evening, literally taking it moment by moment. I allowed myself and my family, peace, love and time.

Intuitively, I created this blend (above) and filled our diffusers. In our two main living area diffusers and our bedroom diffuser.

Ylang Ylang – Oil of Inner Child
Whisper – Oil of Femininity
Clary Sage – Oil of Clarity & Vision
Cassia – Oil of Self Assurance
Elevation – Oil of Joy

I used to think a spiritual practice had to follow a certain timeline or that it had to be all or none. What I know is true, is that a spiritual practice, for me is committing to lifelong learning, for honoring my highs and lows, for committing to my “routine” whatever that may be for the day or night and most important listening to my heart and soul. I am working towards figuring out what works for me, embracing my spirituality even more each day and allowing myself to be true!

In all honesty, I am limitless!

Fresh Winter Air To Clear The Mind

So much in this world doesn’t make sense right now. Many of us have been challenged in a variety of ways over the past year.

Ever single one of us are experiencing this, at times up and down, each in our own way and emotions. Some unexpected twists and turns.

I personally find a lot of peace and solitude in being out in nature with loved ones, but also with my own thoughts. I’ve learned over time the best way to grow, personally and professionally is to feel my feelings. Being alone with my thoughts I have found comfort in this, where I used to just wish “it” away.

So grateful mother nature blessed us with an abundant snowfall so our teals could open and I could get out into the fresh winter air and clear my mind!

Who Needs To Give You Permission?

Hear me out.

When you think of wanting to do something or get something or even be something… do you ever stop and worry about what someone will think of you? Whoever it may be?

Who needs to give you permission to live your life?

I have been enjoying listening to podcasts when I am at work and in the evenings at home, as much as I do enjoy listening to music I really love how someone else’s perspective on life can feel refreshing and comfort.

Today I listened to a quick clip on you tube of Rachel Hollis. It’s been a while since I’ve listened to any of her clips and this one popped up first as soon as I opened the app. She talks about women, permission and anxiety. I heard her and thought holy crap yup so true.

Who needs to give you permission to follow your dream or simply listen to your heart and soul?

The beginning of this clip she talked about how people have asked her how she convinced people in her life that this dream was right for her. Honestly this is the most heat felt and genuine I have experienced when listening to one of her videos.

The truth is, for anyone, I must be my biggest supporter, believer and love of my life.

It’s when I begin to let in the “what if”, “he/she said”, “what will ____ think” mindset, I quickly self sabotage myself!
I remember clearly the early years of our move to a holistic lifestyle especially, it was completely opposite to the “norm” of society, and yet this lifestyle shift has supported me in healing many aspects of my health and continue to learn each day!

I give myself permission to be me, to be confident in my voice.

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!