Day 28: Oily Life

A couple years ago I started a journey toward more natural living.  I'd like to say it was a quest to better myself from the inside out, and that was certainly a part of it, but the instigator was unemployment.

For the first time in my adult life, I was facing not having a job or insurance.  And that was a scary place to be.

At the time I was dependent on multiple meds, always sick and in pain, and suffering from a couple autoimmune diseases.  If you were ill and called me, I would probably catch the cold over the phone.  It seemed I was always on an antibiotic and the quick care was a revolving door.  Aside from not having insurance to pay for this lifestyle, I was sick of being sick.

Time and again my research kept bringing me to essential oils.  I had no idea what they really were and doubted they could really do all they claimed but it peaked my curiosity.  Centuries of people taking care of themselves with what was on the earth couldn't be wrong.

The more I studied, the more my research took me to doTERRA and I almost signed up as a wellness advocate several times.  But I always backed out because I didn't really know what I was doing or who I was signing under.  And then I was invited to a workshop by a friend.

I ordered my enrollment kit that night and never looked back.  Months of using personally and studying daily, I now consider myself a regular oiler.  In fact, I can't imagine my life without them.

Whether I wake up feeling nauseated, have a headache, need to clean my counters, or want to boost my immune system, there's an oil for that.  My morning starts with oils and vitamins, my middle is filled with oils for needs or emotions, and my evening ends with oils to support restful sleep and aiding my body with whatever it needs.  I've completely wiped out the need for OTC and feel better than I have in years.

The past couple days I've seen the need for a tad bit more emotional support than necessary though.

I'm trying to be brave and supportive, as my baby has his wings and is driving on his own.  But truly, I'm a wreck.  And I'm in constant prayer that my son doesn't have one.

He hasn't quite learned the need to send a simple "here" or "leaving" text, despite my pleas.  And the weather has been unrealistically unkind.  Tonight he ventured to a nearby town for sushi and got caught in a monsoon on the way home.  While I'd like to say I kept calm, it was not the case.

Jesus and lavender are all that held me together until he dripped through the door.

While today was on the unusually strong side for emotional support, I'm thankful no matter the need, there are natural solutions I can turn to for a little assistance.

If you're curious about alternative healthcare or would like a sample, I would love to chat with you.  My new passion is researching oils to find the best match for your needs.  It is my oily JOY!

Essential Cleaning

I don't know where the tradition of spring cleaning came to be but it's one I've always followed.  Driving around the other day, it seemed everyone was in the mood to dust off winter and bring in the sunshine.

Not having the luxury of a padded vacation package anymore, I don't have a week to spend working on it though.  (Sadness...as spring break begins this weekend!)  Now I just do it in spurts and thankfully my hubby helps!  Last week, without me even hinting, I came home to freshly laundered curtains throughout the house.  ...He's a keeper!

Last year, around spring break, we were knee deep in ripping up our 15 year old carpet.  No major projects this year but I am bringing out the essential oils to clean again.  Many of the recipes I made last season I've continued to keep out all year long because they worked so well.  It's enabled me to replace all the toxins my old cleaning supplies contained for more natural choices.  And they're cheaper too!

This past week I did a virtual workshop sharing many of the cleaning tips and recipes.  It was such a hit I thought I'd post some of them for my joyful readers too.

Here's one I created and used to freshen the floors while waiting for the new carpet.  It's continued to be a staple to freshen up the living room but I've also sprinkled it in the bottom of the trash can and in our cars before vacuuming.

Another economical switch I made was swapping out fabric softener for this recipe.  The vinegar removes any stinky smell and softens the clothes, 

all that is left behind is the lovely scent of essential oils.  

Maybe it is the extra sunshine or the cool breeze coming in but I actually enjoying cleaning windows this time of year.  And the scent of peppermint energizes me for whatever else I need to tackle!

And my favorite recipe using essential oils are these wipes.  I use them daily!

Visit my EO Facebook page here to view the video

If you don't have essential oils, I would highly recommend doTERRA.  It is what I chose for my family after months of researching the many options out there.  If you're not sure how to get started, send me a message or visit my site at www.mydoterra.com/heatherblair1.

Why I Chose Essential Oils

A little over a year ago, I began researching essential oils.  I was facing unemployment and for the first time in my life, I was also uninsured.

For someone with an autoimmune disease that catches colds over the phone, it was a scary place to be.  Knowing I couldn't afford to just run to the doctor if I became sick, my search for healthier options kept leading me to essential oils.

Finding (a company I can't tell you the name of), researching further, and even seeing it on blogger friends' pages, I went as far as nearly becoming a member.  And then chickening out at the last minute.  What did I know about using EO?  Where in the world would I start?

So, I put it on the back burner and moved to using vitamins whenever I felt sluggish.  By the grace of God, I made it through the next year only being ill enough to need antibiotics once.  Even then, I only took them to get back to work sooner.

In reality though, antibiotics rarely made me feel better.  And I hated being so dependent on medicine.  I watched others have to take a full dose, and then go back for another, because it didn't help.  I really wanted a more natural approach.  I wanted to take preventive measures.  I needed a healthier choice for my family.

A few weeks ago, I read about a friend's experience using EO on Facebook.  So convinced in the product, she scheduled a workshop to share the product with others.  And I was lucky enough to be invited.

When I walked in, the lady passed around peppermint oil and offered to anyone wanting to try.  Suffering from allergies, it is rare I can breathe through my nose at all.  That night, my left side was completely blocked.  Within 15 minutes of taking, I could breathe through both sides!  I also drank a water with lemon oil and, while I don't know of any immediate benefits, it was very refreshing.  Later I learned it could be used as a detoxifier.

By night's end, they probably thought I was the quickest, easiest sell in history, but in reality it was the missing piece of the puzzle I'd been waiting for.

This week, my oils arrived!

The day it arrived Noah was complaining of a headache (rare for him) and Tina was scratching her arms from an eczema outbreak.  Reading for recipes and instructions, I put peppermint on Noah's temples and lavender on his foot.  For Tina, I mixed up a few into coconut oil and had her put it on her arms after her shower and again this morning.  And Tim and I snoozed off into lullaby land with our diffuser.

This morning, I certainly felt more refreshed.  In fact, sleeping so soundly, I nearly didn't make it in time to the restroom this am!  Oops!  Noah shared that he fell asleep in the middle of his show, something he isn't known to do, being a night owl.  And - his headache was gone.  As of this post, I've not seen Tina for her results, but this morning she said it was slightly better, after only one application.

I'm still new but am so excited about learning more on essential oils.  If you're in the area, I'm planning an informational workshop next week.  If not, I'd be happy to chat with you online.  In the meantime, you can visit my site here.

Do you use EO?  I'd love to hear from you and the successes you've had.