Deliberate (Word 2022)

deliberate adjective; Done consciously and intentionally. Fully considered; not impulsive. Done or acting in a careful and unhurried way.

For many years I have chosen a word for my year. I often say that to me this is like a thread that gets woven into the tapestry of our lives. Some years the thread may be glittery and bright, and other years the thread may be a little heavier and denser in its unique makeup. Either way as I look at the tapestry of my life, I can see easily the threads that have been woven together to create something beautiful. I love to look at my bookshelf in my office and see eighteen years worth of journals and planners that have become the themes throughout much if my adult life.

My word for 2022 is DELIBERATE. 

I love words and I love to look at definitions. The definition that sticks with me the most is done consciously and intentionally. If you know me at all, you might see a very determined woman who rarely says no. I don’t think this is because I am a huge people pleaser, although maybe my gut is telling me that at some point I need to check in with that. I think I say yes to everything because I like to be the person who isn’t always “too busy, too tired, too overwhelmed, too stressed, too much in pain, too whatever”. I refuse (probably in an unhealthy way) to allow life’s challenges to dictate what I do. However, I am realizing that saying yes too quickly often leads me to feel frustrated and overwhelmed because in my heart I would rather be doing something else.

I also chose this word because I have a desire to shift my quick decision making and tendency for my abrupt communication style to one that exhibits a more thoughtful approach. I have a quick thinking mind and sometimes I can blurt out something without thinking through how it will be heard. I am tenacious in all of my efforts and learning to be more deliberate and temper my fast moving mind may be of benefit for more. I also have a tendency to say yes to everything and everyone, leaving myself at the bottom of the list. I want to be mindful of how I spend my time and say yes to things that really feed me, rather than commit to something for the sake of simply saying yes. I want to do better about filling up the margins of my own life, rather than with feeling overwhelmed come across as a need to have an impulse to create boundaries around things. To me the recent popularity of having boundaries feels like a fence that keeps things and people away, whereas margins are up to the person deciding for their own life how to fill that space. So I get to choose what goes within the margins of my life and I am going to choose goodness and things that feel right in my heart. Through conscious and intentional living, I intend to be more deliberate with my choices. I am laser sharp when it comes to my business and my personal health, but there is definitely space to grow in my choices and become more intentional with other areas of my life.

The practical ways that I plan to implement and welcome in the concept of being more deliberate includes blocking every Friday off as a day where I will choose how I fill it. I have gone through my planner and highlighted a block around every Friday for the year. That is at least 52 chances for me to pause, to check in and then decide how I fill my day. Another practical way that I am moving towards being more deliberate is I am wearing an amazonite mala necklace and a bracelet as a reminder. Amazonite is a stone of peace, truth, harmony, and communication. It’s been called the “peacemaker stone” due to its communicative abilities and will be a gentle reminder for me to communicate clearly, calmly and with intention. Amazonite also empowers and strengthens any intention that may be set in it, so this morning I held it closely and told it what it is here to remind me of. Finally, amazonite reminds us that we are in control of our own destiny and our decisions will affect our outcome.

The non-practical ways that I plan to use this thread in my life is I am going to make the space to be very open by feeling less impulsive and becoming more unhurried and slower in my life. I am planning to let go of the concept of hard-driven goals and instead have a sweet little map that will guide me to unknown outcomes. This in a very round-a-bout way feels more intentional to me. Slowing down, considering the course I want my year to lead me, and being conscious and awake in my decisions.

So often when we choose a word we can be inviting in some big challenges and hurdles and I am preparing myself that those will come. When they do, I may want to slip back into the old and very familiar ways of living. I hope that because I am speaking my word to anyone willing to listen when they see that old impulsive, always-saying-yes person, they will take a gentle hand and guide me back to being in alignment with my intention to become more deliberate.

Are you ready for 2022? Join me in a life of intention and awareness! What is your word?

Vibrations

Everything in the universe is made of energy that vibrates at different frequency levels. Even seemingly solid objects like a rock, or your physical body are now understood by scientists to be made up of constantly moving energy that is organized by waveforms and frequencies. The rate of frequency you (or an object) vibrates at is called your vibration. Even our emotions have frequencies! Understanding this helps us to understand why we resonate or “jive” with certain people easily, and when we have a natural desire to avoid certain people. You must have heard the old saying “Your vibe attracts your tribe”. This is also useful information when we want to adjust feeling in a constant emotional slump. Learn more about the frequencies of emotions here.

Through scientific clinical research, essential oils have been shown to vibrate at a higher electromagnetic frequency than any other substances measured. Crazy, huh?

Matter and frequencies

Both crystals and essential oils are complex natural creations. Their vibration, aroma, and visual beauty can have a wide range of effects on our energy and vibration. Crystals have specific and unique vibrations.

Combining both of these amazing, natural properties into a blend and then applying it to myself brings such a sense of completion to my mind, body and spirit. I can target specific energy points in my body—known as chakras—as well by choosing specific essential oils and crystals that resonate vibrationally with that energy center.

When people come into my home or my studio I often hear that they just “feel” the peace and goodness. I believe it is because I have crystals everywhere and the vibe that comes from them infused my space. I also am consistent in using aromatherapy in my home and work space to support my energy, mood and physical body.

There are so many ways that we can influence our energy centers but I love to use essential oils and gemstones, as well as affirmations, meditation and yoga. Curious to learn more about chakras and natural ways to balance them? Check out this free ebook

Jasmine Essential Oil

I cannot seem to get enough of jasmine essential oil lately. I find wearing it along my wrists, behind my ears, under my nose makes for a super calm, feminine feeling sassiness all day long. 

About Jasmine

Although native to the tropics, jasmine is cultivated in gardens around the world, thanks to its beautiful blossoms and exquisite fragrance. The aroma of Jasmine essential oil has an almost universal appeal. Intensely floral, it is warm, sweet, musky, and exotic. 

Due to the delicate nature of the blossoms, Jasmine cannot be distilled like other flowers. Instead, a precious, highly concentrated absolute is made from the flowers. It takes thousands of freshly picked petals to produce a 5 mL bottle of Jasmine absolute. There are over 200 varieties of Jasmine, most of which are native to warm climates in Northern Africa and Southern Asia. doTERRA Jasmine essential oil is sourced in Egypt from Royal Jasmine flower petals (Jasminum grandiflorum). Royal Jasmine is the most sought-after fragrance in the perfume and aromatherapy industries, thanks to its superior aroma. Of course, doTERRA’s standard takes that to the next level with added health benefits. 

Is Jasmine Oil Good For Skin?

Jasmine essential oil provides several skin benefits. It promotes healthy-looking, glowing skin and reduces the appearance of blemishes, fine lines, and wrinkles. It can also be applied to the scalp to nourish and protect the skin. When used in skincare, jasmine essential oil acts as an effective antibacterial, soothing dry skin and eczema and increasing cell turnover to lighten the appearance of scars. 

Is Jasmine Effective for Mood?

There is evidence that aromatherapy can effectively reduce depressive symptoms. A study that looked at jasmine essential oil found that when compared to a placebo, jasmine oil increased behavioral arousal. 

This included significant increases in blood oxygen saturation, breathing rate, and blood pressure. The participants in the jasmine oil group also reported feeling more alert. The researchers concluded that the stimulating and activating effect of jasmine oil could be useful for relieving depression and improving mood. 

Jasmine oil used in aromatherapy massage was found to be particularly effective.

Another study published in the Journal of Health Research examined the effects of jasmine oil inhalation on the central nervous system and mood. When inhaled, jasmine oil affected brain activity and mood states and the participants reported feeling more positive, energetic, and romantic. 

You can reap the mental benefits of jasmine oil aromatherapy by using it in massage oil or in a diffuser, or by inhaling it directly from the bottle.

Is Jasmine an Aphrodisiac?

Jasmine’s romantic scent has long been believed to have an aphrodisiac effect. It’s been worn as a fragrance, and in parts of India, jasmine flowers are often included as décor at weddings in the newlyweds’ bedroom to set the mood for romance.

There is little scientific evidence to back its effects as an aphrodisiac. We do know that inhaling jasmine or using it in aromatherapy massage improves mood and has been reported to increase romantic and positive feelings, as well as energy levels. 

These things could, in theory, prime someone for romance and sex. Also, its stimulant effect on brain waves may make a person more alert to sexual cues, possibly increasing blood flow to the penis, according to a small study that looked at the association between odors and sexual response.

If you’re hoping to spice things up in the bedroom with jasmine oil, try dabbing some of the oil on your neck. Your body heat will enhance the scent. You can also add a few drops on bedding, to a warm bath, or to a diffuser in the bedroom.

Where Do You Apply Jasmine Oil?

Jasmine essential oil can be applied to pulse points for a calming aroma that uplifts mood and promotes a positive outlook. It evokes feelings of joy, peace, and self-confidence. In addition, Jasmine essential oil provides a myriad of benefits to the mind and body.When worn as a personal fragrance on the wrists and neck, Jasmine essential oil helps balance mood throughout the month and is highly sought-after for its ability to stir feelings of euphoria and romance. I love to apply Jasmine across my lower belly from hip to hip and behind my ears.

Are you ready to get Jasmine in your collection? You can grab one here. Check out this amazing ebook, too. It is packed with information to get you inspired to use essential oils for many uses in your home. 

Empower Yourself

People will drop over $100 per month on lattes and hundreds more on drinking and eating out, yet not want to spend $80 on a gym membership, or hundreds on therapy or a coaching program.

And then they wonder why they don’t feel good or aren’t reaching their goals.

People spend hours scrolling on their phones or watching Netflix and but don’t have enough time to read, meditate or go for a walk.

Your actions show where your priorities are, not your thoughts and ideas.

If you’re having a difficult time making changes to your health, happiness, relationships, business, whatever, take a look at what you’re investing in. Not just with your money, but your energy, time and/or attention.

The more you give to yourself, the more you’ll get back. You deserve to have everything you desire and nobody else is gonna give it to you but YOU.

If you’re worried about the price of getting started, you should see the cost of staying exactly where you are.

We are in the last few months of 2021 and I am offering this package that is worth well over $500 for a deep discount of just $325.

Time is limited to grab this deal.

This bundle also makes an amazing gift. The awesome thing about this program is some of the content is yours to keep and return to over and over.

•Assessment and Personalized Wellness plan ($125.00)
•Two private yoga sessions ($80.00)
•Two follow up Wellness Sessions ($80.00)
•Seven days of Wellness Program to motivate and inspire you ($125.00)
•One-hour body work/energy session. ($50.00)
•Crystal and Essential Oil Blend based on you primary wellness goal ($22)
•Bonus Self-Care Package ($140)
•Essential Oil consultation (free)

You are SO worth it.

Just send me a message and we can roll up our sleeves and get busy! I cannot wait to work with YOU!

Trying Essential Oils

All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

One of my favorite aspect to my “job” is helping people feel empowered by learning how to use natural remedies. These can address everyday issues that come up for most of us at some point; sleep trouble, dealing with anxious moments and life stressors, aches and pains, illness, and energy.

One of the things I love to do is send people a little package with samples. The sample pack also comes with information that explains how to use them. Generally, if you use an oil and don’t get the results you’re looking for, that’s OK, we can try something else.

It is always important to remember that using essential oils should be honored much like a medication. It is a remedy that needs supervision, and a little common sense.

Here are few things to remember before using them.

Safety Precautions:

• Essential oils are extremely potent and some should not be applied directly on the skin without diluting them first. (Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Thyme & Oregano to name a few).

• All citrus oils are photosensitive and should not be used on the skin for 12-24 hours prior to sun exposure. This means that if you apply to your skin and go in the sun for a long period of time, you could burn your skin.

• Some but not all doTERRA essential oils are safe for internal use. Do not ingest an oil without triple checking if it is safe for dietary use. Also working with someone closely who understand how to use essential oils is key especially when using internally.

• Babies & the elderly are more sensitive to oils and extra dilution may be required. My favorite carrier oil is coconut or jojoba, but I also add to lotion.

• Keep your oils out of reach of children & pets. Remember these are potent and powerful. They need to be treated like a medication with safety in mind.

To see my favorite essential oils and the ones that I use the most often, check out this free downloadable ebook and then let me know which ones you’d like to try!

My Lantern

Although I feel like I have spent the last ten years or so doing tons of self-work and unpeeling of the layers and layers of ‘stuff’ that has accumulated in my life, I still love that I am willing to do deep soul work.

A few years ago was a definite year of courage and the willingness to listen to my inner voice.  As the dust began to settle from the major changes in my life, I took a month or so off from the heaviness that can come when you are in the labyrinth of self-improvement.  Establishing myself into my new home space and adjusting (again) was my focus. It felt so good to pause from the rigorous self development and instead just enjoy myself.

A course on courage.

Not soon after, I began an online course on Courage.  Brene Brown has been one of my favorite authors and speakers in the last few years and when the course was offered, I said a gigantic YES.  To be guided through courage, vulnerability and shame with a leading researcher and expert was an opportunity I was not going to pass on.

Knowing that I had spent the previous year in the ‘arena’, I was curious as to what I would find I would need to explore in the bravery realm, but willing I was to examine it.  Lesson one offered over one hundred values to identify just one that guides your way in life; everything from accountability to balance to faith to humility to love to optimism to spirituality to well-being.  Where do you hold your highest regard and when this value is not in place you know you are off your path? In my ego mind I wanted my chosen value to be something easy like compassion or kindness.  My soul said go deeper than that and asked what is it that I know for sure, when this is threatened, I am off my center?

Safety.

Safety?? Yea, like in the form of being judged, not being seen or understood for who I am, financial risks, being unorganized and chaotic, feeling unsure of decisions, having people in my life who are disrespectful or threatening, allowing fear to creep in, etc.

Safety.

I wear the armor to protect my safety.

So going into the ‘arena’ again, I had to be open to the rawness and vulnerability of the emotional exposure around this value of safety and to be willing to set the armor down.

The Lantern

Using the metaphor of a lantern, she explains that the flame that burns is the identified value. The glass that surrounds the flame illustrates the behaviors you display and people that you have in your life that protect that value.  The handle of the lantern symbolizes when you have set your value down and walked away allowing your ship to get off course.

My flame is safety. My glass (behaviors and people) that keep my flame protected include  boundaries, choices, self-respect, meditating, journaling, keeping a budget, being organized, people who support and honor me, a knowing and exploring of self.  When I have set this value down I am allowing fear to enter, I take risks, I allow people to speak or treat me in ways that hurt, I am not grounded and I worry irrationally.

Knowing that this value is held in such high regard to me, I can see why some life decisions I have made, and the experiences I have been offered, have caused me to feel such anguish. In addition to better understanding what it is that stokes my flame, I am way more armed with tolerance as to what makes me tick and then respond when the value is threatened.

Safety.

Indeed my highest value for my life is safety.  I know when it is threatened or I am off course because of the internal responses that I have that then lead to behaviors that diminish the flame.  It is so clear to me now.  While compassion or kindness may have been easier, I am so grateful for this new knowledge about myself and can move forward in my life with a strong flame and people and behaviors that will protect that part of me.

Healing Touch

Most of you know me as a yoga teacher, but I am also a Healing Touch Practitioner. Awesome, eh? Have you ever had a healing touch session? 

In Healing Touch therapy, practitioners use their hands to help restore balance and harmony through working with the human energy field or life force. This is done in a comfortable setting, fully clothed and is a great way to treat unsettled feelings in the mind and body.

Through heart-centered intention and skill, practitioners use their hands to re-establish the natural flow of energy. Healing Touch practitioners do not force or push energy but allow balance and harmony to “reboot” the energy system.

The benefits are amazing:

•Non-Invasive

Healing Touch is done without the use of invasive procedures and offers a gentle, holistic way of healing.

•Effective

Research has shown that Healing Touch facilitates the relaxation response and enhances the healing process.

•Non-Toxic

Healing Touch restores balance and harmony to our natural biofield without the use of pharmaceuticals.

If you are feeling stuck or have feelings that just seem off, or are experiencing pain, I would love to see you! It can be done in person or virtually! Schedule yours today!

Adrenal Support

Have you been hearing others talk about adrenal fatigue but not sure what it means?

What is adrenal fatigue?

The theory behind adrenal fatigue basically says that our body’s immune system responds by revving up when we are under stress. The adrenal glands, which are small organs above your kidneys, respond to stress by releasing hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are part of the “fight or flight” response. They increase your blood pressure and your heart rate.  When we live in a constant state of stress, emotional/physical pain, we can easily slip into this cycle. Of course, reducing stress and adding in some healthy habits is a great way to stop this phenomenon. Adrenal fatigue is sometimes hard to catch and the symptoms can be vague, but once you know what you are dealing with, it’s fairly easy to treat. Do you feel tired and worn out all the time, even though you’re getting plenty of sleep? Do you crave salty foods and have trouble losing extra pounds? Maybe you’ve been to several doctors and none of them can say what’s wrong with you.

  • Some signs that your adrenals are working too hard include:
  • •fatigue
  • •burst of energy before bed
  • •low blood pressure
  • •trouble getting to sleep
  • •reliance on caffeine

Along with increasing water, reducing daily stress, meditation, movement and eating a healthy diet I have also for many years been using a blend of essential oils to help support my super tired adrenals. Now, we have Tulsi, also known as Holy Basil, which increases this already awesome blends effects on combating adrenal fatigue.

My tried and true blend includes: Clove, Rosemary, Frankincense, Lemon, and Basil (or Holy Basil) and literally lasts for months.

I apply this to my low back along the sides twice a day. I can tell the days I don’t use this…so easy. Of course, reducing stress, eating well, movement and plenty of water are a must too! ?

If you opt to buy these oils know that the oils in this blend have a huge variety of uses beyond just the adrenals, so you’re also investing in natural cleaning, mood support, aches and pains, hair growth, endocrine issues, and sleep to name just a few. If you’d love to try a blend, just reach out to me! I’d love to help you!

Check out this amazing ebook to learn more about how plants can help our body and feel free to reach out to me with questions or if you’d like to purchase a pre-made blend from me!

Balancing Your Energy Centers

Are you curious about your energy centers, also known as chakras? Years ago I had heard about them but had no idea what they were. Since then I have spent years studying the chakra system and learning powerful ways to balance them so that my mind, body and spirit are optimal.

There are seven major energy centers in the body known as ‘Chakras’.

Chakra is a Sanskrit word that means “wheel”. Our seven main chakras are connected to our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. Blocked energy in our seven chakras can often lead to illness, so it’s important to understand what each chakra represents and what we can do to keep this energy flowing freely.

There are many ways to go about balancing the chakras but two of the most accessible, effective and relaxing practices are aromatherapy and crystal therapy. When paired correctly, crystals and essential oils can create potent combinations that help to release blocked energy and restore the body to full charge.

Chakras are invisible to the naked eye and yet interconnect our physical and spiritual selves.

Each of the seven chakras is tied directly to a specific region and nerve center of the body. It is believed that each of the chakras absorbs and filters the energy that we emit through our thoughts and actions as well as through the thoughts and actions of all those that we come into contact with. When one of the chakras is out of balance as a result of negative energy flowing through it, it begins to spin too slowly or too fast. When a chakra is not balanced, it can effect that physical region of the body and also effect very specific aspects of our spiritual and emotional selves.

I am so excited to share with you an ENTIRE chakra series ONLINE.

You can choose between investing in the entire series for a discounted bundle rate, or pick and choose which chakra you’d like to focus on. I am happy to help guide you through a quick assessment of which energy center you might want to address.

For each chakra we will focus on the aspects of that energy center and learn how to balance it through discussion, yoga session, a custom essential oil blend with gemstones, and a beautiful crystal. Cost per chakra is $30, or the entire series/blends/gemstones is $197 (valued at $315)Also included is a free downloadable ebook. Once registered you will get an email from me with content and a package in the mail!

Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.

YOU Are Worth It

Worthiness is such a tricky beast. It seems this most everyone has at one point struggling with feeling worthy.

Have you?

  • Have you ever felt so uncomfortable in your skin you avoided really ever looking at yourself in the mirror?
  • Have you ever been so insecure that the thought of being visible scared you?
  • Have you ever said things to yourself that you would never say about another person?
  • Have you ever longed to find out why some people just seem to radiate happiness?
  • Have you ever been so miserable with your health that it felt like you’d never be any different?
  • Have you ever had so much bottled up emotion that numbing it was your only option?
  • Have you ever wondered what you are on this Earth to do?
  • Have you ever listened the quiet inner voice of yourself BEGGING to be let out?

Me too, friend. Me too.

What if I told you that I used to be an angry, bitter, lonely, extremely heavy (in mind, body AND spirit) person that could not be alone with herself for five minutes without some serious negative self-talk? What if I told you I lost over 100 pounds by changing my mindset about myself? What if I told you that I thought the only reason I was born was to struggle and raise my kids? What if I told you that I have been exactly where you are?

What if I told you I learned how to value ME?

Now, what if I told you I could give you some systematic choices and alternatives that are life sustaining and could possibly change all of your answers to the above questions? What if I was in your corner WITH you as you bravely began to navigate across new territory? What if I held the map for you as you take the first few steps? What if I was in your corner to cheer you on and encourage you to live your best self?

Are you ready?

People will drop over $100 per month on lattes and hundreds more on drinking and eating out, yet not want to spend $80 on a gym membership, or hundreds on therapy or a coaching program.

And then they wonder why they don’t feel good or aren’t reaching their goals.

People spend hours scrolling on their phones or watching Netflix and but don’t have enough time to read, meditate or go for a walk.

Your actions show where your priorities are, not your thoughts and ideas.

If you’re having a difficult time making changes to your health, happiness, relationships, business, whatever, take a look at what you’re investing in. Not just with your money, but your energy, time and/or attention.

The more you give to yourself, the more you’ll get back. You deserve to have everything you desire and nobody else is gonna give it to you but YOU.

If you’re worried about the price of getting started, you should see the cost of staying exactly where you are.

We are in the last few months of 2021 and I am offering this package that is worth well over $500 for a deep discount of just $325. Time is limited to grab this deal. This bundle also makes an amazing gift.

The awesome thing about this program is some of the content is yours to keep and return to over and over.

  • Two private yoga sessions ($80.00)
  • Assessment and Personalized Wellness plan ($125.00)
  • Two follow up Wellness Sessions  ($80.00)
  • Seven days of Wellness Program to motivate and inspire you ($125.00)
  • One-hour body work/energy session. ($50.00)
  • Crystal and Essential Oil Blend based on you primary wellness goal ($22)
  • Bonus Self-Care Package ($140)
  • Essential Oil consultation (free)

You are SO worth it.

Just send me a message and we can roll up our sleeves and get busy! I cannot wait to work with YOU!

Frequencies of Emotions

Yogi’s have known for thousands of years that there is something magical and mystical inside of each of us that is influenced by our thoughts, surroundings, foods, and even our emotions. Scientists are catching on and people are realizing that our emotional well-being, and our energy can be not just measured, but it can also be influenced with a few adjustments to our everyday habits and attitudes.

I learned about this frequency of emotions mindset many years ago, but I didn’t have the language to make sense of it or share it. With some researching and learning, I now feel confident that I understand it and I have definitely seen how the subtle changes that I have made over the last eighteen years in my mind, body and spirit has set into motion the abundant and happy life I now live. We all have met someone who seems to have really “good vibes” and I know that we have all had people in our life that seem to bring us down. That is their energy and how our own energy interacts and received it.

Prior to my great wake-up, I was living in constantly very low vibrating emotions; fear, anger, disappointment, blame, and shame. The outward manifestation of this chronic mindset was that I was physically heavy, I was depressed, I had trouble sleeping, I had little motivation, and even less joy in my life. I had yet to discover a purpose and a passion, and I was living my life on autopilot barely even recognizing that I was alive.

Since my transformation in my mid-thirties, I live in a nearly constant state of happiness and abundance. Experiences that I have wanted to happen, seem to happen. I find the right people at the perfect time. I am inviting into my life amazing opportunities on a seemingly weekly, if not daily, basis. There seems to be little to my life that I wish was different, except perhaps having less physical pain. However, despite having a chronic pain disease I am able to compartmentalize that experience into a place of better understanding and usefulness for my life.

Not that my life is unique because we all have situations in our life that are less than ideal, but it is what we do with it that changes the game. Here is what I have in my world that could send me down the spiral of blame and shame, if I chose to allow it–raising a disabled daughter day in and day out, multiple chronic pain diseases (including lupus) that cause pain and fatigue, the grueling self-employment lifestyle of being 100% dependent on myself to make money and survive, having raised three children alone and with who still lives with me (which means I have technically been a 24/7 caregiver for 31 years with no break), I have never received a financial windfall, my father chose to completely opt out of my life, my children’s father died from self-neglect at a super young age leaving them without any chance of a turn around, I have had multiple orthopedic surgeries in the last 5 years that have taken a toll on my body, and my joints continue to deteriorate despite my greatest effort to be healthy. Pretty heavy, right?

With all that heavy emotion how do we manage our emotional frequencies (vibes) and how can we work to raise our vibration?

Let’s imagine for a moment the image of a ladder. The middle rung of the ladder represents contentment. Contentment is often thought of as a Zen like experience where all is well. It is something that most of strive for at certain times in our life and when we arrive there, we sigh heavily feel as though we have arrived. Hold on. One step under contentment is complacency. Yea, complacency. That emotion where we feel like, ehhh I don’t need to put that much effort into this, or try that hard. Complacency is that who gives a shit mindset where half effort becomes routine. One more step down the ladder we are living in boredom. Then creeps in loneliness. Then sadness. Then blame. Then shame. Then defensiveness. Then anger. Then fear.

Feel that heaviness?

Go back up the ladder to contentment. Imagine again what that feels like. Now, one step UP from contentment is hope. One of my favorite definitions of hope is to expect with confidence. To me hope is walking towards something positive and good with a knowing that it will become. Feels amazing, yes? Well above hope is curiosity. Above that is joy. Above that is happiness. Above that is bliss. Keep going and you will reach the complete wholeness of feeling grateful. A grateful being is a person who lives in a constant (or near constant) state of high vibes. When we live in that plane, we attract all great things into our life–people, experiences, opportunities, purpose, and love.

Here is where it gets even better.

Simply by shifting our attention up, lifting our chin, looking up, elevating our heart we immediately move up from contentment to hope. I mean literally look up. So much of our life is hunched over, head down either worrying or working. Carrying SO much emotion that can feel heavy it makes our physical body shift downward. Constant downward looking, we begin to sink into the spiral of low and often heavy vibration frequencies.

The frequency of abundance measures the same as the frequency of a wild orange. The higher up on the tree, the higher we feel. This is why certain essential oils have the ability to shift our emotional state simply by smelling them. You can learn more about the brain and aroma here.

A simple and powerful tool to keep yourself on the upside of the ladder is to literally look up and notice the tree tops, the clouds, the sky, how your heart lifts with the simple tilt of your chin, take mindful and complete breaths and fill your heart with gratitude. Smelling pure wild orange essential oil is just an added aspect to this magic that can powerfully shift your mood.

Are you ready to work on your emotional frequencies and start attracting experiences and people into your life that resonate with you and your highest vision?

I currently have some personal mentoring session times available if you’d like to learn more about how to shift your emotional frequencies, including the use of crystals and gemstones. Reach out to me, I would love to hear from you! Also, enjoy this upward spiral and downward spiral image to see and feel how good it is to live above contentment.

Pumpkin Energy Balls

It’s all things fall around my house. I love the smell of diffusing earthy and spicy essential oils. Baking good things with pumpkin and popping a hearty stew in the oven is heaven.

To me pumpkin means comfort.

These little energy balls are a little taste of fall in small bite, plus they give a great boost of energy without a bunch of sugar or processed ingredients.

You probably have all of the stuff in your pantry to make these awesome pumpkin energy balls. I take them on the go with me!!

Ingredients:

  • Old fashioned oats-I like to use old fashioned oats because they create a chewier, heartier energy ball. Plus, I always have old fashioned oats in my pantry. You can use gluten-free oats if you need the energy balls to be gluten-free.
  • Ground flaxseed meal—I love adding ground flaxseed to boost the nutritional value of the energy balls. Ground flaxseed adds fiber, omega 3 fatty acids, and protein. Make sure you use ground flaxseed meal and not whole flaxseeds.
  • Chia Seeds—These little seeds are a loaded with nutrients and make a great addition to the energy balls. They add fiber, protein, healthy fat, calcium, magnesium, and antioxidants.
  • Spices-Ground cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves add lots of fall flavor to the energy balls. You can also use pure essential oils—buy only one drop—they are powerful!
  • Salt-A little bit of salt is all you need, but don’t skip it! It makes all the flavors pop and a little salt is actually good for most of us.
  • Almond butter-The almond butter is the base of the energy balls and makes all of the ingredients hold together. If you don’t have almond butter, you can use peanut butter.
  • Pumpkin-Make sure you use pure pumpkin puree, you can find it in the baking aisle in a can of almost any grocery store. The pumpkin will keep the energy balls nice and moist plus the flavor is amazing.
  • Honey-Sweeten the energy balls with honey! The honey also helps the energy balls stick together.
  • Vanilla extract-A little splash of pure vanilla extract is always a good idea!
  • Mini Chocolate Chips-Mini chocolate chips are the perfect finishing touch to the pumpkin energy balls. The pumpkin chocolate chip combo is always a winner. If you don’t want to use chocolate chips, you can leave them out and add dried cranberries. Or add dried cranberries with the chocolate chips!

Recipe:

  • 2 cups oats
  • 2 tablespoons flax and chia
  • 3/4 cup nut butter
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Splash of vanilla (or wild orange essential oil!)
  • 1/4 mini chocolate chips

How to make energy balls:

  • Mix together all of the dry ingredients to make sure the spices are distributed evenly.
  • Add the almond butter, pumpkin, honey, and vanilla extract. Mix until all of the ingredients come together and a “dough” forms.
  • Stir in the mini chocolate chips.
  • Roll the mixture into balls, about 2 tablespoons per ball. You can use your hands or a cookie scoop to do this.
  • Place the balls in an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

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