Join the Family!

Hey friend! Let me introduce myself and share my story with you.

A few years ago, when I was a busy college student, I developed some pretty seriously bad habits.  I stayed up late and/or pulled all nighters (sometimes when they were completely avoidable). I drank a LOT of coffee.  During my senior year, I developed some skin issues, plodded through periods of major anxiety, and struggled due to poor health choices.  Needless to say, I graduated and made it to the other side of things, but it could have been easier.

A few years down the road, my skin issues continued to increase in severity.  I had patches of dark, scaly skin on my sides and on my scalp.  I lost a lot of hair, had very splotchy skin, and struggled with moods and my weight. I also battled seasons of anxiety and knew I needed to make some changes.

I began to do some research and realized that most of my issues had the common denominator of a hormone imbalance.  I began to do further research and was alarmed to discover how many foods, shampoos, lotions, cleaners, and even what we store food IN had some form of hormone interrupters in them!

I had a few more "crunchy" friends who recommended essential oils as an alternative to beauty products and/or cleaning products.  Immediately, I decided I was not going to be one of THOSE people and shut that idea out.  Well, after struggling with various health issues and concerns about my health, I decided to run to the local health food store and purchase some essential oils.  I used those for quite a while and then I discovered Young Living essential oils.  Not only did they carry oils, they carried cleaning supplies, facial products, and hygiene items.  Plus, they have their Seed to Seal assurance policy and their reputation for being a reputable and honest company.  So, I joined a team and instantly became a part of a community that was (and is!) so supportive and informative. I have learned so much through our team and it's been so exciting seeing each of us support one another and share our love of plants and oils with others!

Now that I've been using YL products for a little over a year, my flare ups are less frequent and more manageable due to eliminating the harsh chemicals that are in soaps, shampoos, and cleaners.  I have discovered essential oils that support my body and cause the symptoms I experience to lessen. 

So...

If you, like me, are serious about making the switch to safe, clean, naturally sourced products that support the body, I would love to have you join my team!

There are two ways you can do this:

Retail Customer:

• Retail customers pay full retail price for all Young Living products.
• Retail customers may not take advantage of the Young Living compensation plan (getting paid for referring a friend) or the Essential Rewards program.
• Retail customers cannot purchase a Starter Kit.

Wholesale Member:

• Enjoy 24% off retail pricing on your favorite products.
• Enjoy the benefits and convenience of Essential Rewards (My favorite!)
• Participate in the compensation plan and earn commissions just by sharing Young Living.
• Join a community of passionate individuals who enjoy learning about nontoxic living.

If you DO decide to join our team and purchase a starter kit to jump-start your journey into clean living, here is what you'll receive:

• Your choice of a Home Diffuser
• Premium Essential Oils Collection: Lavender, Peppermint Vitality, Lemon Vitality, Valor, Peace & Calming, Citrus Fresh, Frankincense, Thieves Vitality, Purification, Raven, DiGize Vitality and PanAway
• Bonus oil: Stress Away 5-ml
• 2 AromaGlide Roller Fitments
• Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier, 1-oz.
• Thieves Household Cleaner 1-oz. sample
• 2 NingXia Red 2-oz. samples
• Product Guide and Product Price List
• Essential Oil Magazine
• Essential Edge
• Member Resources
• Private FB group where you can learn and connect with other EO enthusiasts!

Are you ready?  If so, here is where to start:

• Go to the sign up page.
• Please select Wholesale Member or Retail Customer
• Enter the member number, #14690483.
• Check your country and language preference
• On the next page, fill out your info
• Agree to the terms and conditions
• Select your kit, we recommend the Premium Starter Kit ($160)
• Select your choice of a diffuser
• At this point you can add more to your order if you’d like or you can check out with your starter kit.
• All done! Welcome to the family!

Count it all Joy

Life can be funny sometimes.  We all face our own unique trials and temptations.  And then, we also experience life "highs" and those mountaintop moments. And THEN, there are those in-between periods that can be uneventful and/or full of questioning and wondering what's next.

Since our recent move to GA (more to come on that in the future!!), I've been experiencing a rather drawn-out "in-between" period.  There have been SO many blessings and SO many mountaintop moments and answered prayers... the list could go on and on.  However, the devil is sneaky and deceptive.  He feeds us all sorts of lies and blinds us, at times, to what is TRUE.  So, when your joy has been sucked out of you and you feel like you just need some fresh air - count it all JOY. (James 1:2-4) These battles are temporary and their known.  They're completely known - by our Father.  He fights for us.  He is interceding for us.  He loves - more than we could ever comprehend.  Sounds all too common or cliche? Well, sweetheart, some things are just so good that they're repeated OFTEN. ;)

To make this somewhat practical, here are 5 ways to seek joy when you're feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or simply lost:

#1. Take time each and every morning to wake up before your daily duties and pray, read His word, and write 3 things you're thankful for.  There is something about a fresh, early morning routine that will set your day/week straight.  I used to be one of those people that would advocate for us non-morning folk by claiming that I "thought" better in the evenings.  Maybe.  But, it's SO important to just start things off with God and thinking of those areas in which He's blessed you.

#2. Organize.  Maybe this isn't everyone.... but if my house is a hot mess, I'm a hot mess.  There have been times where I will lay awake at night just thinking about how things aren't right in our casa. (Yes. I'm crazy. Matthew will vouch for this one.)  Log into your Pinterest account and behold - SO many organizational tips and tricks.  Go through your closets and donate.  Clean out the pantry and/or fridge (We are horrible at hording various dressings/BBQ sauces. Ugh.). Get rid of those missing-lid food storage containers.  It will make you feel lighter and more peaceful.  Promise.

#3. Go on a walk.  Tonight, I went on a walk in our neighborhood.  There were SO many things I didn't notice before... gorgeous roses in a yard a few houses down, pretty lawn mower lines (my fave!), all the dogs, and then... a hummingbird on my front door wreath!!  I was so excited.  I wish I would've taken a picture! I also met a sweet neighbor lady. <3 When Matthew and I moved here, we dedicated our new home to the Lord.  We wanted to make an impact on anyone that came through our doors and on each neighbors.  It's so exciting to see how God is making things happen - even for a super awkward introvert like myself! Ha!

#4. Set slow, practical, attainable goals.  Last year, I purchased Powersheets from a company called Cultivate What Matters.  Powersheets are a cross between a planner and bullet journaling (maybe?).  I don't know.  They're in a field of their own.  Anyway, they have been wonderful! I'm really TERRIBLE at starting things like this and then becoming overwhelmed because I set the bar too high.  Ha! This format keeps things simple and helps with mindset issues.  (They also have a fabulous community on Facebook that is a great place to start.)

#5. Clean up your social media or simply remove it altogether.  Most of the time, social media is not helpful - especially when you're struggling with your joy.  It's all too easy to spend invaluable time mindlessly scrolling.  Plus, there are far too many negative posts that are simply unedifying.  If you find yourself using Facebook, IG, etc. to find fault with others, get rid of it.  Most of the time, social media only paints one side of the story.  So, set ground rules for yourself.  Eliminate accounts that don't bring about positivity or are unhelpful altogether.  Take a day (or two... or more) off.  Rest your mind.  Focus on things that truly matter.

That's all.  Make room for joy.

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."

James 1:2-4