A Love Affair

We all think we know what love is and what the definition is, but I resonate the most with how Brené Brown defines love–

We cultivate love when we allow our most vulnerable and powerful selves to be deeply seen and known, and when we honour the spiritual connection that grows from that offering with trust, respect, kindness and affection.

Love is not something we give or get, it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves.

For the first 30 years of my life I thought I knew what love was and that I was living as an example of love—dependable, reliable, giving, and selfless. I’ve come to now see that what I was really offering was anything but that. I was clueless, unaware, oblivious and at times, destructive.

Not to others.

To myself.

Back when I was young, married and raising three people I was completely asleep when it came to self love. I have come to realize now however that I simply did not like who I was, so loving me was not even close to being on my radar. I know now that when you love yourself, you take actions that care for yourself.

Back then I had no awareness that the fast food I was consuming and the sedentary life I was living was contributing to my very large body. I never connected that the heaviness I was in my body was a direct link to the heaviness in my emotions. I thought by being an amazing mom and wife I was all about love. And then I realized.

Not to myself.

When I began to what I like to refer to as “wake up” and get healthy, I started to like me. I was finding dark shadows that were lurking in my heart that were asking to be let out. I healed many things that were literally weighing me down. I forgave others. I accepted circumstances. I began to care for me.

The logistics in which I lost weight are simple–I changed my habits. I recognized what wasn’t working and made a very conscious decision to change it. Some of my strategies were this:

  • Eating meals on small plates
  • Chewing gum while I cooked
  • Teaching others to do their dishes
  • Putting trigger foods out of sight
  • Making sure my walking shoes were always with me
  • Changing routines to avoid mindless eating (taking long baths, going for a walk, learning to garden)

You see these simple changes were to avoid be being unconscious with snacking, portions, sedentary lifestyle choices and emotional eating. Many of these changes still remain part of my life.

By swapping out the mindless munching on snacks for bubble baths or a short walk, my mind was beginning to see the value in me. It is extraordinary what happens to a person’s soul when time is spent consistently alone on a walk. The changes that occurred both on the inside and outside were amazing.

I began noticing myself.

I have spent a decade and a half living like these habits—mindful eating, multiple daily walks, I even became a yoga and meditation teacher, and basically transformed myself from an angry obese woman to a healthy and happy woman.

A vibrant life was mine.

Then I got injured.

For the last seven years I have dealt with healing from four orthopedic surgeries and learning to live with chronic pain. This body that I had worked so hard to become healthy began to defile me. It was as if she was rebelling against this lifestyle of health and fitness. I began to feel a deep sadness for her.

While I have maintained a healthy weight for over 20 years, I have struggled with trusting my body. The multiple diagnoses felt at times like a betrayal. I mean, I spent a solid 10 adult years living on double cheeseburgers, fries and chicken nuggets without a stitch of pain or health issues.

I wondered many times why I began to develop inflammatory issues when I was now living my best life? I was loving my body’s ability to climb mountains, race bicycles, practice endless hours of yoga, walk miles and miles each day.

And yet, my body was struggling.

I have since learned to accept what is and have continued on living an extraordinary happy and healthy life. I still make daily choices around movement vs sitting, ice cream vs a single bite of dark chocolate, and binging on tv vs a long bubble bath. I’ve been extremely happy with the self love I have discovered by nurturing myself.

Loving myself.

The game changed about six months ago when I stumbled onto a strength training program. I was completely content with my body and it’s strength and flexibility-and my size- but was intrigued by this idea of committing to something new.

Questions of value immediately rose to the surface. The excuses were miles long. (I can’t do that because of my hip, that will hurt my ankle, I don’t need to do burpees, I don’t have enough weights, my body is “good enough”).

Deep down I knew that all of that internal dialogue didn’t sound much like loving myself. And I knew it.

So I began October 1st. A brand new love affair with myself. And like any new love there have bumps along the way—days I doubted myself and had some pretty bad words spoken, days I wanted to give up and go back to the inner narrative that I was “good enough”.

Those challenging days of the early love affair with my 51 year old self are gone. Now, I am in complete awe of what I have been able to do and overcome. I am happily shocked at the human body and it’s ability to transform. I am no longer held back by the story of age or injury and instead I am madly loving my ability and what I have achieved.

Not the amount of weight I can lift or the pushups I can now easily complete, but the confidence in my physical body to overcome pain, injury and doubt.

Amazing how much healing can happen when you say yes to YOU. Whether it is food choices, walking, yoga, mindfulness or even getting down with lifting weights learning to love myself has been a journey I am so grateful for.

I have found trust in myself. And isn’t trust a much needed part of love?

This new love affair is destined to last a long, long time and I couldn’t be happier.

February Love

Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves. – Brené Brown

As we move into February, I hope that this will be a month filled with an abundance of love, especially for yourself. As we know, this kind of abundant love comes from our inner heart and must be first directed at ourselves. Learning to love who we are can be the doorway to experiencing a life filled with joy and richness. For most people it is much easier to love others than it is to love ourselves. Speaking of others, be sure to check out for my LOVE gifts mini-catalog for your beloved or for you! There is something for everyone!

When we are living busy lives that are filled with everything that comes with being human–stressful jobs, demanding families, chronic pain, overpacked schedules— it is incredibly difficult to feel healthy and comfortably rested. When that is our overall experience day to day, the result is that we become stressed and burned out. In order to nurture the health of our mind, body, and soul, we need ways to recenter and restore. We need to learn to cultivate these practices in short spurts throughout the day, and also in longer stretches. A quick walk, reading a chapter in a book, calling a friend are just some of the things that can feed your soul.

Over the years I have become a master at the art of self-care. It was not always this way and over time my entire being had taken a toll. Now, I take daily walks to reconnect, I have developed a rich morning routine, I have a good network of friends, I am satisfied with my work beyond words, I enjoy working a jigsaw puzzle, and there is not a day that goes by without a luxurious bubble bath to sooth my soul. One of the first steps is to simplify your schedule and make time for YOU. It may sounds difficult, but the rewards are so rich. And the best part? By loving on yourself, you will in turn be loving on others with a better attitude and less stress. I’d love for you to take a listen to a recent podcast I was a guest on that describes how I went into the heart and learned to love myself and my life.

Speaking of loving yourself, I am offering a self-care package this month that is worth every penny. You’ll get three beautiful yoga practices to add to your library, my custom blend called UNCONDITIONAL, a soothing foot salve and bath bombs all bundled into a gorgeous package. I even have a special package just for the special men in your life!

This month is also a time to look at your physical heart and make a commitment to care for it through healthy choices like eating clean and exercise. Find ways to incorporate movement into your life and your heart will be happy. When the days are cold and blustery, consider making a hearty vegetable soup to warm your insides or enjoy a warm bath infused with lavender. Also, taking a few minutes everyday to be grateful is a powerful exercise in cultivating love. I find that gratitude is the best way to stay in a full heart of goodness.

As we focus on love this month be sure that beyond all the candies, flowers and romance, remember that YOU are enough exactly as you are. You are worth it and your life has purpose and meaning.

Look into your eyes and see what I see.

I have a variety of ways this month to nurture your mind, body and spirit. My events are all virtual and can take place anywhere! Be sure to sign up so that you get the goodies that often come with the learning opportunity.

The beauty you see in me is simply a reflection of you. ~Rumi

Essential Yoga–Release

Sometimes letting go is a far greater power than defending or hanging on. ? Eckhart Tolle

This practice and the essential oils used were chosen to help us let go of unwanted or hidden emotion and welcome in a more uplifting and hopeful support for your body, mind and spirit. Surrender! Let go and RECEIVE the oils as they assist you to move in favorable new directions.


If you need essential oils samples to work with this class, please reach out to me.

Be Ready To Practice

For this online workshop you will need:

  • Quiet space to practice
  • A yoga mat or towel
  • Water in a glass or stainless bottle
  • Soft, comforting meditation type music (optional)
  • Essential Oils
  • Bare (feet)
  • Empty (belly)
  • Open (heart)

Donations for this online Yoga practice are gratefully welcomed.

Essential Oils Overview 

It is recommended to only use pure essential oils and never take essential oils internally without the assurance of purity. Here is the only brand I trust.

FRANKINCENSE (AROMATIC/DIFFUSE):

PHYSICAL: Powerful and rare oil that is very diverse in its use on/in/around the body.The “one”oil you want if you can only have one!Known historically as a holy oil used for anointing and sacred ceremonies when spiritual awareness is desired. Distilled from frankincense tree resin harvested from a small region in the Middle East & Northern Africa.Highly researched for its ability to helps build and maintain a healthy immune system and function.Known to support the rejuvenation of skin and other epithelial tissue.Used aromatically to promote feelings of peace, relaxation and satisfaction.

EMOTIONAL: “The Oil of Truth” Connects us to our spiritual selves creating a healthy attachment to our actual father or the father figure in our lives. Reminds us we are loved and protected with a gentle, loving Divine spirit (God) Helps release us to break free from our past, making it an ideal oil to use for those seeking spiritual awakening and evolution. It allows us to come back within and focus our spiritual consciousness –ideal oil for meditation, contemplation, prayer and any spiritual quieting and practice. Used in today’s workshop to assist us begin letting go to receive the gifts of this time together.

WILD ORANGE (INTERNAL/DRINKING):

PHYSICAL: Powerful cleanser and purifying agent for surfaces. Protects against seasonal and environmental threats –as it is high in antioxidants and supportive to the immune system. Uplifting aroma lifts the mind and body. Taken internally or applied topically, this oil can provide relief from occasional digestive discomfort.

EMOTIONAL:“Oil of Abundance” Helps reduces anxious feelings, and calm emotions. Inspires creativity, a positive mood and brings joy & peace, happiness and FUN into your day. Encourages creative thinking and fearlessness. Used in today’s workshop to awaken us to approach this time with childlike wonder.

CITRUS BLISS BLEND –Invigorating Blend

PHYSICAL: Blend contains the oils ofWild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bergamot, Tangerine, Clementine and Vanilla—a combination of citrus fruits and a bit of vanilla to bind the “top notes”together. Provides uplifting and stress-reducing benefits of citrus oils. Some of the oils are known to support a healthy lymphatic system–our body’s primary method of disposing of excess fluids and toxins.Helps to physically and emotionally cleanse and disinfect the body, surfaces….us!

EMOTIONAL: “Oil of Creativity” Inhalation allows us to de-stress, soothe and sedate any nervous energy .Its role is to act as a “fire-starter” –reigniting our motivation & drive in an uplifting way. Reconnects and inspires us to creative, encouraging play and self-expression. Used in today’s workshop to help us release our burdens so we can rediscover our bliss!

ELEVATION BLEND –Joyful Blend

PHYSICAL: This blend contains the oils of Lavandin, Tangerine, Elemi, Lemon Myrtle, Melissa, Ylang Ylang, Osmanthus and Sandalwood—a combination of uplifting flower and citrus oils to encourage JOY! Excellent blend to reduce stressful feelings and low energy so we can increase our energy to elevate our mood. Using this blend helps promotes feelings of confidence and self-worth.

EMOTIONAL: “Oil of Joy” Designed to soothe the heart and help us let go of lower energy vibrations and lower vibration activities in our lives. As we shift into higher vibration and consciousness, old habits and addictions lose their appeal. This blend is like a ray of sunshine pouring into our lives, inspiring feelings of brightness, courage, happiness, humor, playfulness and fun! Helps us to see that worry and fear are unproductive emotions. Allows to begin recognizing that focusing on faith, hope and determination will support us to flow with life while remaining in peace and light. Used in today’s workshop to encourage us tolet go of those low vibrations and receive the highest support possible

SERENITY BLEND –Calming Blend

PHYSICAL–This blend contains the oils of Lavender, Sweet Marjoram, Roman Chamomile, Ylang Ylang, Sandalwood and Vanilla Bean Extract. Excellent blend for calming nervous energy or excited emotions in times of stress. Supports us to reduce anxious feeling throughout the day, and especially as we wind down our day and practice to relax and unwind. Promotes a restful sleep environment. Great for the bath or diffusing in the bedroom. Remember that relaxation of the mind = relaxation of the body and each of its systems –digestive, circulatory, respiratory, muscular, etc.

EMOTIONAL–“Oil of Forgiveness” Assists in calming feelings of hostility, fear, anger, jealousy, rage and resentment. Encourages us to forgive others and offer compassion vs holding criticism and judgementin our expectations of “perfection”. This blend helps us look in the mirror first, before blaming someone else—which comes comes from our own unhappiness, shame and life pain. As we forgive ourselves and others–we connect with love, openness and receptivity. We heal our heart so love can flow freely within us as we practice forgiveness. Used in today’s workshop to find compassion for our self, so we can see this in others

BALANCE BLEND –Grounding Blend

PHYSICAL: Blend contains the oils of Spruce, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, HoWood, Blue Chamomilein a Fractionated Coconut Oil base (one of the few doTERRA blends already diluted for use.) Designed to help us ground our emotions and physical body –to keep our foundation balanced, no matter what we encounter in life. Harmonizing blend –helping to bridge body, mind and spirit together. Using this oil aromatically and topically helps lessen stressful and anxious feelings. Creates a sense of calm and well being –promoting whole body relaxation. Can be applied topically to soothes sore muscles & joints while promoting circulation.

EMOTIONAL: “Oil of Grounding” Reconnect us to our roots/core self if we spend a lot of time thinking, speaking or in spiritual activity. For those who avoid long-term commitments & find themselves drifting with the wind. Brings tranquility to our spirit in grounding us with its calming tree and flower oils. Brings presence to the moment so we can achieve our longer term goals –as a tree grows slowly over time from a solid foundation. Used in today’s workshop to help us groundourselves in all that we have experiencedtoday, letting go so we can receive a better version of ourselves

Thank you for enjoying Essential Yoga Release. I am looking forward to sharing more of these amazing experiences with you.

Self-Care Series

School is back in session for most and that means many parents will have a little more time to think about themselves. For many, many, MANY years I neglected my own well being thinking that I was being a great mom by giving every ounce to my kids. Wrong.

Before long I was overweight, angry and exhausted.

Long ago, when someone mentioned to me the idea of practicing self-care, I had no idea what that could be and I had an immediate reaction that is was selfish.

Boy, have I ever come a long way.

Not sure what self-care looks like for you? For each of us it can mean so many things. There is no one-size fits all when it comes to self care.

The good news is, if you are not sure what self-care can be, I can help! I have an amazing virtual self-care package that includes a variety of tools to help YOU take care of YOU. And the best part? It is self paced and can be done on YOUR time, in YOUR space, but with my loving support.

Check this out! I’d love to walk alongside with you on finding YOU again.

Essential Yoga–Connection

Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves. ~Brene Brown

This workshop uses oils designed to help us open the heart, forgive, let go and greet the world from a place of emotional & physical balance. February is the month of the heart where we open to a new view and move ahead with love and trust. The oils in this workshop are a wonderful combination of aromas. If you need essential oils samples to work with this class, please reach out to me.

Essential Oils

YLANG YLANG (AROMATIC/DIFFUSE):

PHYSICAL: Helps equalize or balance key body functions such as our respiratory and circulatory systems. Popular oil in perfumery. Aphrodisiac qualities assist with sex drive and impotence as it helps with hormone balancing—allowing us to connect with others. Helps promote restful sleep as it assists with anxious feelings and balancing our emotions. Calming, lessening stress and tension –“cools down” agitation, helping the nervous system to bring itself into balance.

EMOTIONAL: The Oil of the Inner Child. Ylang ylang is known as a powerful remedy and connector to our heart. It reconnects us to our childlike nature, innocence and our intuition. Opens up our sexuality when fear or anxiousness has created a block. Helps release past emotional trauma, in a natural, nurturing & gentle way. Used in today’s workshop to set the stage of a calming, approachable nature within so we can begin connecting from a place of balance.

WILD ORANGE (INTERNAL/DRINKING):

PHYSICAL: Powerful cleanser and purifying agent for surfaces. Protects against seasonal and environmental threats –as it is high in antioxidants and supportive to the immune system. Uplifting aroma lifts the mind and therefore, the body as we take in a sip. Taken internally or applied topically, this oil can provide relief from occasional digestive discomfort

EMOTIONAL: Oil of Abundance. Helps reduces anxious feelings, and calm emotions. Inspires creativity, a positive mood and brings joy & peace, happiness and FUN into your day. Encourages creative thinking and fearlessness. Used in today’s workshop to help us recognize that there is an abundance of love that surrounds us and when we tap into it –it can help lift us up.

FRANKINCENSE

PHYSICAL: Powerful and rare oil that is very diverse in its use on/in/around the body. The “one” oil you want if you can only have one! Known historically as a holy oil used for anointing and sacred ceremonies when spiritual awareness is desired. Distilled from frankincense tree resin harvested from a small region in the Middle East & Northern Africa. Highly researched for its ability to helps build and maintain a healthy immune system and function. Known to support the rejuvenation of skin and other epithelial tissue.

EMOTIONAL: The Oil of Truth. Connects us to our spiritual selves creating a healthy attachment to our actual father or the father figure in our lives. Reminds us we are loved and protected with a gentle, loving Divine spirit (God). Helps release us to break free from our past, making it an ideal oil to use for those seeking spiritual awakening and evolution. Used in today’s workshop to open our heart from a place of peace, love and support that comes from deep within us and connects us to our highest self.

AROMATOUCH BLEND

PHYSICAL: Blend includes: Basil/Marjoram/Lavender/Peppermint/Cypress/Grapefruit. Referred to by doTERRA as the Massage Blend. Relaxes, calms and soothe muscles and joints –great choice to apply after a rigorous workout. Promotes circulation in the tissue to which it is applied. Oils in the blend support the healthy function of the respiratory system as well.

EMOTIONAL: The Oil of Relaxation. Opens the heart and mind –relaxing as it provides comfort in times of grief or sorrow. Calms and slows the body, therefore the mind as well as it releases tension. When muscles release tension and we slow down, we reconnect with our heart and it opens, allowing us to move in harmony with our body. Used in today’s workshop to connect with our spirit and ask where our path will lead.

GERANIUM

PHYSICAL: Helps support clear, healthy skin. Used to balance emotions. Assist with blood flow and circulation–a gentle oil used to calm nerves and lessen anxious feelings.

EMOTIONAL: The Oil of Love and Trust. Helps us restore our confidence in the goodness that surrounds us and in our world. Assists our desire to establish trust when trust has been broken by others. Reopens the heart –softening anger and helping heal emotional wounds. Instills unconditional love and trust with those who are stuck in the mind so they can begin focusing on their heart. Used in today’s workshop to help all of us connect with our true emotions. 

BALANCE BLEND

PHYSICAL–Blend of Spruce, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, HoWood and Blue Chamomile. Designed to help us ground our emotional and physical body –to keep us centered or balanced about whatever challenges cross our life’s path. Soothes and relaxes sore muscles and joints. Assists the nervous system to remain healthy and balanced. Harmonizing blend –connecting body, mind and spirit together and calming anxious feelings. Frankincense in the blend is known to support cellular health and overall well being.

EMOTIONAL— The Oil of Grounding. Calming tree and flower oils that brings tranquility to our spirit. Helps us reconnect or settle into our “roots”–very important to help those who spend a lot of time thinking, speaking or in spiritual activity.Good for those who tend to avoid long-term commitments to root down like a tree rather than finding themselves drifting on to the next thing, with the wind. Applying it helps us stay present in the moment to achieve our longer term goals –as a tree grows slowly over time. Used in today’s workshop to help us take the emotions we experience through the layering of these oils, and reconnect them into our heart as a way of “grounding” ourselves at the close of this gathering

You can purchase the essential oils here and that will give you exclusive access to education, mentoring and a free personal wellness coaching session. Plus I will teach you all the ways that you can also use these essential oils that you purchase for this class. The uses are endless! To learn more about the basics of essential oils and how to use them safely and effectively, check out this gorgeous ebook.

The yoga practice that compliments these essential oils and the theme of connection, just click here.