Your Life As Art Photography by Pam

These Are A Few Of My Favourite Things | Holistic Health

Sunday Morning Share

I truly appreciate mornings when I wake naturally and my morning falls beautifully into place!

I woke up naturally after 6am, rather than jumping on social media and scrolling through other people’s lives I have been reminded (many times) of the importance of starting my day with ME!

After listening to my Awake meditation with Angela Kontgen and journaling. Enjoyed a hot shower and then eat in bed to do some creative work on my blog.

It hit me, I have learned the best with life experience. Most times me, sometimes through others!

I was just talking with someone last week about their health successes. This person has been shifting their life and its resulting in true visual health benefits, one being weight loss! I reached out to share my happiness for them. Everyone’s story is different, however at times we can most certainly relate.

So I thought I would share my morning routine and why! We really can learn so much from each other, honestly this is how I have shifted my life and why I enjoy sharing about it so much!

Diffuser blend of Cheer and Motivate
Cheer – The oil of Cheerfulness (spicy happiness in a bottle!)
Motivate – The oil of Motivation (this oil smells like chocolate!)

I have been using Yarrow|POM on my face for a couple years now. I just love how it moisturizes my skin, and although my skin can be sensitive to some products and ingredients, it really enjoys the benefits of this blend of Yarrow and Pomegranate Oil. In addition to revitalizing again skin, this unique oil blend is also beneficial to supporting our metabolic, immune and cellular system, and can also be calming. I put Argan Oil in my hand then add in a few drops of Yarrow|POM and apply to my face, neck and upper chest after my shower.

We use a variety of holistic health supports in our home. Many of which are from The Eco Den and doTERRA. Products and people I trust and have shown us results!!!

I take the Lifelong Vitality Supplements, they are a 3 product system of a loose powder in veggie capsules. Super easy to digest and have truly supported my body before, during and now after my lifestyle shift! We also use some oil soft gels as well as some vitamin and mineral supports for during the colder months in Canada. On Guard + is a staple in our house and the Sisu Cold & Flu Rescue vitamin and mineral seasonal support. We also take the doTERRA Probiotics. Anything we buy from doTERRA, we are buying these products through me as I am a wellness advocate and greatly appreciate the power of their pure essential oils. I also take the Sisu Vitamin C, we also have a couple kinds of the Vitamin D drops – both of these I am grateful are available at The Eco Den, a local holistic store!

Oh and my deodorant! People seriously you need to ditch the shit deodorants! SO many of them have toxic ingredients, the deodorant is applied on lymph nodes… its truly the snowball effect. Ive tried a few different kinds, of the traditional roll on, also the deodorant crystal, Ive even used just oils straight up (don’t use citrus in the summer on any exposed skin). I must share that disclaimer, because my next sentence is that in the summer I love just using oils for deodorant when we are at the beach! This Humble brand is a traditional roll on with natural ingredients and it works!!! I am SO happy with this deodorant brand and thankful The Eco Den also has it!

My morning tea, whether I am at home or work, is Turmeric Tea. Simply 1 drop of Turmeric oil in the bottom of my cup and then 12 oz of hot water on top. Sometimes I will also add in a drop of something else, On Guard, Lemon, Wild Orange, Peppermint!

Disclaimer: NOT every morning or weekend is identical or alike this. I have been hard on myself at times to have a solid routine. I have learned its routine of being conscious in my day that’s key, it does not matter how (long) or when, everyday will be different and thats ok! I share this because I have been able to create the routine of using these products which support my health in an awesome way! No one is perfect and that is what makes us all so unique! For example on the weekends, my morning meditation and journal session is much more purposeful and time abundant, whereas during the work week I have less time to myself in the morning so I need to prioritize. During the week I am however on point with taking my supplements everyday at lunch, which varies most days however my body certainly appreciates the mineral and vitamin and omega support!

Hope you had a great day – whatever you did! Whether you got outside, or cuddled up on the couch :)

@humblebrands @sisuvitamins @the_eco_den @doterra @doterraca

The Beauty of Nature in Winter

One of my favourite reasons for enjoying snowmobiling is being out in nature.

The white snow, so pure and clean.

As I ride along, my photographers eye bursting with ideas and breathing it all in, appreciating the true natural beauty of our local community trails.

The colours of the trees popping against the beautiful white snow. The peaceful sounds of nature, breathing in the fresh clean air.

Your Sunday Inspriation! A couple quotes I heard the other day from Phil Good.

“When you share, you are clearing your shame.” And;

“The more you ignore your shadow, the more it will multiple.”

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!