Top 5 self care acts that can be done in 5 minutes.

Self care is so important, it can actually change your body's chemical state to a healthier one. Yet, it can so easily drop to the bottom of the to-do list some days. It's not until after I crash and burn that I kick it up to where is should be. In order to get better at making self-care a priority, I wanted to come up with a list my top 5 self-care actions that can be done in under 5 minutes. Here is that list for you.

1.       Inhale.

Many studies validate that deep breathing can calm the body and mind. When practiced regularly, breathing exercises can even help reduce the risk of depression, anxiety, nervousness, and help you feel grounded or balanced. I like to build on that by inhaling essential oils too. Smells have a direct route to the limbic system in the brain which is location where many stressful emotions are processed. Essentials oils support the body and can even support the mind by helping it clear blocked receptors, support better cell communication, and may even balance the chemistry of our brain.  I like to inhale a pleasant scent because it makes the process of deep breathing a little more enjoyable.

2.       Writing.

If we only have 5 minutes, let’s be a little more intentional.  A gratitude list can cheer our  mood. A focus list can encourage. Here's is a link that explains how to soft focus. Perhaps a thank you card to someone that has been supportive, inspiring, or even overlooked lately can shift how we feel.

3.       Movement.

A short walk gets our blood flowing and lungs engaged. This can be enough to clear our mind and mood. Sometimes a good stretch of the muscles, or chair yoga to work out some sore spots and ease the body is what I crave. Our minds and body are connected, a gentle self-massage can stimulate and relax the mind and body.  Rub the feet, massage the legs, stretch the arms, just getting things flowing can help get things moving in our mind.

   4.       Observe.

What do I see? Flowers, shapes in the clouds, co-workers needing a hand, a long to-go list. Do we tend to look at what work needs to be done? (dirty floors, pile of papers to sort, a cob web in the corner) or do we see things that are pleasing? (a kid laughing, someone relaxing, a card from a friend) What has your mind been consumed with? (worry, planning, difficult emotions OR appreciation, creativity, or learning?) We have the ability to chose what we think about. If we are holding thoughts that don’t serve us, like regretting things in the past or worrying about something in the future that might never happen, it can exhaust our mind. Taking a minute to observe what your mind has been thinking about lately and think about higher thoughts like gratitude, creativity, and learning something new can change your mood, develop the mind, and change your body’s chemistry. Becoming aware of thought patterns that are exhausting, lead to negative emotions, and don't serve us is the first step to changing that tendency.

5.       Declutter

We tend to hold onto stuff that only ends up as extra weight, physically and mentally. Take those 5 minutes and see how much you can clear out. Or look at your to-do list and cross off anything that isn’t getting you to your goal, get focused on what matters. Keep going, take those 5 minutes and mentally forgive someone that upset you recently. You don’t have to do any actual actions, just imagine giving them forgiveness, letting go of hurt feelings, and moving forward successfully, for both parties. Next time you see them, take action from this healthy state. You might find it more powerful if you imagine someone offering you forgiveness. Follow the same steps but from the receiving end. Bottom line here. Let go of what is not serving us where we are now.

5 minutes may not seem like a lot but that's enough dramatically change how our mind is working, our body's chemistry, our mood, and how we treat other's around us. If you need to, write it in your schedule a couple times a day.  Have more time? or want more ideas? Here is a post from a friend the was featured in Lifehack blog. She lists 40 ideas for self care. Click here to read. Take Care!

Courtney Juhl

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Dealing with Demenita.

Keith was an amazing father to me growing up. I couldn't have asked for a better person to step up to the plate and fill that role in my life. He has the biggest heart. I grew up calling him dad because that is the role he played in my life. I am blessed and grateful to love two dads.

He was diagnosed with front-lobe dementia a few years ago. It has been hard to watch this process.
Dementia can be a fool’s love game. My dad is “gone” mentally, just a ghost living in his body. It’s been difficult to accept. However, every once in a while, I get to “see” him. Who he is at his soul level. In these moments I suddenly feel overwhelmed with tears of joy, crashing over me like a wave. I’m seeing a long lost friend, and I’m so happy I cannot hold back the tears. As fast as they rush in, they wash away, and I’m pull in a tidal wave back into seas of sorrow and loss. The pain stabs the chest, taking my breath, and just like that we say goodbye again.

As we celebrated my birthday this week, we became aware that he has entered into a new stage. He is starting to be aggressive and violent. It was a shock to my brother and I, as he tried to hit my brother. In the moment we were dumbfounded, unsure of how to manage him. Mom knew how to distract him, but things were clearly getting worse. We both understand that it's not him, it's the disease. That reminder is helpful but doesn't release the emotions that still come with these experiences.

It's helpful to keep reminding us, but know that there is a different struggle going on inside of us. I know its not him anymore. Do I even miss him anymore? I'm trying to wrap my brain around what makes this hard to swallow. I know he's not in pain, or suffering. I'm grateful I don't have to watch that. These emotions are not of sympathy, they feel like they come from my very foundation. I guess it's the shock of seeing someone else in his body. It messing with me. I just want respect for the emotional journey I'm going through. Don't try to understand how I feel, just know some days are hard.

Let me try and enlighten you. First there is shock. Do you remember how you felt when you first saw the planes hit the towers? The disbelief? "That can't be happening?" feeling  There is a touch of fear, like when you see a demon possessed body in a movie. It's the fear of the unknown and strange. It makes you uneasy. There is a deepening feeling of loss. Even though I said goodbye a long time ago. It's a reminder, like watching a movie reenact it all over again, and you remember the pain and tears of saying goodbye. I feel the weight of a burden. Can I be there for him? Can I step up to this role? It's scary. I have deep love and respect for my mom for the care she has given.

Last night was the last night that my dad will sleep in his own bed at home, next to my mom. I don't even understand why that brings me to tears. Today was too difficult and authorities agree he needs professional care now. I'm glad my dad will get better care. I'm happy my mom will get assistance she needs and some of this burden taken off her plate. It's better for all that he gets this help and attention. I don't understand why this makes me cry. Every time he hits a new stage, I break down. I know it's coming. I know what the next stage looks like, what to expect. But when I experience it, it's still heartbreaking.

I know dementia is on the rise, so I hope some can read this and relate.
I use geranium essential oil over my heart and stomach. Aromatically this oil is a superstar for emotional support. I don't care for the smell, but find that each day gets easier. I also use a calming blend of essential oils for peace. I allow myself to feel. Acknowledging both physical and emotional responses and I'm releasing them as best I can. I try to embrace the feelings I have, weather I can justify them or not. I accept them as part of the process; they are neither good, nor bad they just are.

If you would like to talk with me, please feel free to email me. It can be about this journey or making you way through any other stages of life, either way, I'm open for a chat.

~ Courtney
Juhlsessential@gmail.com

Fear of support.

I shared about vulnerability and asking for help in my last post but here is a whole new take on getting support.

We were at church last Sunday; Pastor was sharing about Hope when God is silent. It was a great message about the times in our lives when we feel God isn't listening and we doubt we work. Towards the end of the service, Pastor changed things up and announced today he would encourage those that would like to receive prayer to raise their hands, and asked the church to gather around those that did. We would pray together for the ones that raised their hands.

My husband's hand went up....not just a little.... it went up.

I was deeply moved by his vulnerability to ask for prayer. It was his first time asking for support from our church family. He has been struggling with his health and we haven't found answers yet.

My eyes quickly felt hot with tears. The emotions raising inside of me were fiercely moving me with the urge to sob. I wanted to share with you how I gained control and moved through this surge of emotions.

I very quickly acknowledged what I was feeling and evened my breathing. I didn't want to breakdown from this tidal wave coming at me, at the support and prayer my husband was receiving. I was deeply touched but didn't what to release the floodgate I felt within. I focused on deep even breaths to gain control of my responses. It was effective at slowing things down. Now, I was just a little watery eyed. I was back in control.

I began to seek the source. I asked myself "why does receiving support and prayer move me to tears?" I waited and the answer that came floating up was "undeserving, unworthy."  Did I really feel like I didn't deserve the prayers, encouragement, or attention from my church family? Again, the answer that rose was a yes. It came from a subconscious place. It wasn't time for me to figure out why I felt unworthy or underserving. I just acknowledge that something inside me felt that way for some reason. I then made a conscious choice that we are worthy to receive this, and listened to the pastor's prayer while focusing on an affirmation that we deserve to receive. We are worthy of support and prayer. I welcomed it now from a peaceful place.

It wasn't until a group of people (both known and unknown) came to lay hands on my husband that I discovered this trigger. I didn't know this emotional block was there. I know we are worthy of God's healing and support.  I don't struggle with guilt or shame, because I believe God forgives us of our past. Prayer can be a powerful thing. When we combine spiritual requests with action, like laying hands on another. It creates an undeniable message to the universe of care, and support.

On a second note, I was moved my hubby's vulnerability to admit his struggle. He hadn't been displaying much concern for what he has been dealing with. I know that sometimes confessing something out loud or in action is a big step. I, too, have had feelings or thoughts that I didn't want to say out loud because that meant it was real. I encourage you to stop allowing denial to play a role in your life. Admit your fears, sadness, grief, or shame out loud.  You can't fully receive support unless you express the battle you feel inside. When we hide in denial, we are lost meandering around trying to avoid the pain of moving forward. This only delays your growth and healing. The fastest way to find healing and deep happiness is to move through the struggle. What are we waiting for?

If you are in need of a lift or support, I encourage you not to wait for another to do something. They might be lost in the own emotional struggles and unable to truly hear your call. I encourage you to play the role you need. Show yourself kindness and self-love. Here are some ideas of what that might look like.
1. Prayer and mediation.
2. A hot bath, maybe a candle burning and relaxing music playing.
3. Buy yourself flowers,  or something nice.
4. Take a peaceful walk in the park or along the beach.
Do something for yourself that you hope someone would do for you. Don't wait for others.

I love this next step. Write yourself a letter or card and fill it with words you want to hear.
"You are beautiful. You are perfect just the way you are. I wouldn't change you for anything"
"I'm proud of you. You did a great job."
"You are amazing. Your strength inspires me. You continue to persevere with grace. "
"Thank you for all the work you do. You are beyond helpful. Thanks for your support."
Don't allow yourself to get catch up in your frustrations with another. This isn't about them!
This is about YOU. If you feel yourself getting worked up or emotional, gently guide your mind back to a peaceful place of self-love. You are essentially telling God and the universe that you are deserving, even if no one else is there to say it. You still need to hear/ see and receive it.

I love defusing Bergamot essential oil, it's so uplifting. On an emotional level is assist with feelings of being unworthy. It supports our self-love and self-respect. It gives a confidence boost. It helps to quite our inner critic and raise our self confidence. It's such a happy oil.

If you would like support, please feel free to contact me. Maybe you feel victim of your surroundings and want to change, or you want more control over your emotions and mental inhibitions, I would love to talk with you. We can set up a phone call when you have time to share what you're going through. I'll give you support and follow up with you within a couple says to see how your doing, for free! You can send me a message with your phone number or reach out to me at 608-289-1113

~ Courtney

The success and weakness in "doing on our own".

"When we attach judgment to receiving help, we knowingly or unknowingly attach judgment to giving help." -Brene Brown, Gift of imperfection.

There was a time in my life when being self-sufficient was my goal. I was getting over a broken heart and I was fully embracing the "I don't need a man" line and I moved up to "I don't need anyone." I was having a really hard time adjusting to life after my best friend had drifted out of my life and my high school sweetheart had broken up with me. It was a period of deep pain and isolation. I decided that best way to move forward was to be independent. I started a new path in life.

This belief extended beyond my relationships. I really struggled to ask for help at work or school. I saw asking for help as a flaw and weakness. I couldn't be the amazing, independent person if I had to ask for help.

In the book Gift of Imperfection by Brene Brown, She talked about this trait as the myth of self-sufficiency.
"one of the greatest barriers to connection is the cultural importance we place on "going it alone." Somehow we've come to equate success with not needing anyone."

In my professional life, I played a role in creative problem solving with managers to break it down to "in order for us to reach these goals, we simply have to work as a team. In order for us to work better as a team we need to communicate our weaknesses and ask for help"
I had a really hard time asking for help. I felt incapable of doing my job, needy, like a whiner, uncomfortable, and sometimes unworthy. It was a skill I needed to develop and I knew it would help me in my personal life.

As a manager, I watched my team to learn why the 'best' were so good at their jobs. Those that could ask for help when they were overwhelmed or behind, without attaching drama to it, were the ones that were most successful at reaching goals. They were not ashamed to ask. They didn't start swearing, or throwing a fit. They didn't get emotional. They strived to stay as efficient and effective as possible while telling others how they could help. They asked for help, them delegated.

I've tried to coach that culture in my team. I praise them for asking for help. I openly ask how they are doing, and explain that unless they are 100% it's ok, lets get you help. I can even work on ways to help them delegate their assistance.

I believe this starts when we are young. The praise we get when we can tie our shoe, ride a bike, wash our laundry, or any basic skill, has been confused. Unfortunately, our culture has mistaken the ability to do a task on our own with human connection. We need others! This need or drive for connection is deeply seeded in us. It even has biological responses. Based on Brown's research we all need love and belonging in our lives. "we are biologically, cognitively, physically, and spiritually wired to love, to be loved, and to belong. When those needs are not met, we don't function as we were meant to. We break. We fall apart. We numb. We ache. We hurt others. We get sick." I know this isn't the only contributing factor, but it shows that love and belonging improves our quality of life.


Enjoying morning coffee with our dog.

As I work on making deeper connections in my life, I must remember to be vulnerable and ask for help. I must remember not to judge other's that ask for help, but be open to connection with them. Asking for help is a great way to cultivate relationships. It shows a level of self-love, vulnerability, and openness to those you ask. It develops belonging and trust.

I'm exploring the use of aromatherapy. I love using Cedarwood oil. It's the oil of connection. On an emotion level it supports our ability to reconnect with others, and our sense of community. Try giving yourself a nice foot rub with 1 drop on each foot at night. I find it so relaxing and I just drift off to sleep.

If you would like support, please feel free to contact me. Maybe you feel victim of your surroundings and want to change, or you want more control over your emotions and mental inhibitions, I would love to talk with you. We can set up a phone call when you have time to share what you're going through. I'll give you support and follow up with you within a couple says to see how your doing, for free! You can send me a message with your phone number or reach out to me at 608-289-1113

~ Courtney

Gratefulness leads to abundance. + 2015 goal.

I can't say what exactly started this habit, I've actually done it for years. I was able to embrace it in a new and impactful way 2 years ago. It's a habit I will keep for the rest of my life. This tool was awkward at first, but has improved my relationships, stress levels, finances, and more.

Let's start with the year I challenged myself to begin every journal entry with 10 things I'm thankful for. I committed to writing at least 2x a week same the year I was planning our wedding.  As a DIY bride there were many stressful days as I was trying to create the wedding of my dreams on our simple budget. After the wedding I took some time to look over the journal. I was so grateful, the memories I will keep forever will not be the stress, mental blocks, obstacles, or challenges along the way. It will start with all the love, support, encouragement, and victories I had during the journey. It focuses myself or any reader to look over that time period as a very joyous phase.

So what does gratefulness have to do with abundance? Great question, but let me finish my story.

The following year, I cut back on the list. I only required myself to write 5 things I was thankful for, but added 5 blessing, miracles, affirmations, or lessons to the list. This was the year I became an entrepreneur. I almost gave it up, more than once. It is scary and hard to create your own business. By journaling this way, I was able to see the lessons, not the failures. It was a great addition to my list of things I'm thankful for. It trained my mental eye to become more sensitive to my gut feelings, see God's hand in things, and embrace all the affirming encouragement to keep going.

There are many life lessons I hope to share from this year. This one is such a joyful one. Here is how being thankful has allowed abundance to enter my life.

1. When I am thankful for all that I have, I'm more confident and creative. I am able to approach challenges with the tools I have, feeling confident I have what it takes to complete it. In the past I found myself focusing on what I wanted. It was often followed with a sense of lacking. I would struggle to get through challenges thinking I "needed" something to achieve it. I had thoughts like "if I just had more sleep", "if I just had more help", "if I just had product X". When writing my thankful list I was able to sit back and see I was getting help, support, and I did have many tools to use.

2. When we are grateful, we are happier. I found that even on the hardest days, when hitting that goal of 10 things (I tried not to repeat any item during a month, so sometimes I had to be creative) when I was finished, I had changed my mood. It felt like moving from a space of struggle to a space of completeness or wholeness. During the second year, when I added other items, I was able to see the lessons vs. failures, growth and development vs. struggle and hardship, my abilities and strengths vs. weaknesses or short comings. I began to fall in love with the journey instead of simple wishing for the end. I was happier and fascinated discovering who I was, and where I was gong.

3. When I am thankful and happy, I don't need "more". I had more control over "retail therapy" and emotional eating. I was crossing things off a want list and found myself sharing more. I started seeing ways to simplify my life by getting rid of what was only taking up space in my home. I was spending less.

So I'm taking it to the next step. My goals for 2015 will continue down this path with a few new changes. I will continue to write 5 things I'm thankful for plus 2 affirmations or blessings, and finally my act of abundance.

What is a daily act of abundance? Well, here is how I'm going to define it, as I challenge myself.
Everyday I will give to another from a place of gratitude and abundance. This may include encouragement, support, aid, act of kindness, or even a gift. I hope this will help deepen some friendships and create new ones. I hope that by giving to others, life will give back to me. This is about sharing what I have, so others may find joy and abundance too. As we hope to buy a house this year and take on other dreams, I hope that cultivating abundance will allow me to enjoy what I have and the quest ahead.



 
 


I'm not sure what this will look like over the course of a year. I'm nervous about it. But any goal that makes you a little nervous is always worth trying. I hope everyone that reads this will be on the receiving end some day. I trust that 2015 has many great things in store for my husband and I. I'm supper excited for 2015. Let's have a great year!

Courtney Lathrop-Juhl

Change the script

Rewrite the script!

We all have an inner dialog. It may be conversations we want to have, or don’t want to have, to stressing over that to-do list. This inner dialog sometimes doesn’t always work in our favor, but with effort it can.

Example: You hurt your finger. Now every time you touch it, it hurts. So what do I do? We keep touching or bumping it. And what happens? It remains irritated or even continues to get worse.

When our minds start to repeat “scripts” or thoughts/ conversations over and over again. It can have physical / emotional responses. “I’m so tired.” Over and over again. Then I start to make more mistakes, equaling more work, or “validating” that I am tired. I've be consumed with this thought that it’s no wonder I am not preforming to my best and making mistakes.  I'm not focused on work!

Here is a personal example of the impact of such scripting.

I was at work (I had multiple jobs at the time). I had a lot on my plate, bult I was really excited about how things were going. I was learning, gaining lots of personal development. I was seeing dreams come true. However, because of this growth period, I was drained emotionally and physically. I found myself showing up to work and stating “oh, I’m good, but I’m really busy. I’m feeling a bit burned out” The more I talked with coworkers and went on with my shift, the more I was stressed out about my to-do list and the things that needed to be done for my other job. I found myself leaving with a headache and lots of anxiety.

When I was home that night and reflecting, I realized a few things. First, I can do this. I have made time, and I’m keeping balanced expectations. Why do I feel so anxious? Second, that my “script” doesn’t match my truth. I started journaling, then found it! The more I kept saying “I’m just so busy.” or “I’m really worn out.” Or “I’ve got so much going on, and I’m so tire” The more it became true EMOTIONALLY.

I dug deeper to find my honest truth. I was pushing myself, but not too hard. I was making time to eat, sleep, and relax every day. What was it that I really wanted my friends and coworkers to understand? I wanted to express that I was tired, to explain my lack of energy and enthusiasm. I wanted them to respect my personal growth, and what I was achieving. It then dawned on me that if I communicate what I want them to understand, I could stop the script that was draining me.

The next day at work I did just that. Instead of sharing the old “I’m tired” I shared “I’m good, I just….” And would share new skills, achievements, or journeys I was on. What happened? I actually felt really proud of myself and had more energy. My coworkers responded with respect or advice to help and followed with “you must be really busy and tired” In turn giving me the sympathy I was seeking.

In the end, check your “script”. What thoughts are you repeating/ sharing? What do these words accomplish? What is it that you want to accomplish? Why?  Keep asking yourself why. Once you discover answers, look for ways to change your approach and rewrite your script to reflect your goals and dreams.

When I journal during times of deep reflection I will often diffuse oils depending on the emotions that are associated with the circumstance. Here are some examples:

Bergamot for self-acceptance, white fir for possible generational issues, Lemongrass for clearing, rosemary for adjusting and transitioning to name a few. I highly smelling oils as you journal, and rotate the oils.

Blocking your blessings

Blocking your blessings.

At church this morning, Pastor M. Jackson spoke about blessings, and how we are the richest people. I really enjoyed the message. Later that day as I was pondering this sermon and wondered; how many times have I avoided life’s blessings?

Let me share with you some of the blessings I feel I may walked away from unknowingly.

1.       Money. In not taking a job offer, because I thought it would be too hard, or I was afraid of what would be required of me. Later, as an entrepreneur, I’ve had opportunities for sales that I missed. Instead of sharing how I could help, and going into price and payment options, I simply replied that some people love it, but didn’t tell them how to get it. I fear being pushy, or becoming a “salesman”.  I’ve discovered several ways I block a sale because of my own insecurities.

2.       Emotions. Holding onto my fears, worries, doubts, or even anger instead of letting go and receiving Joy, peace, or love. When I was younger, I would spend so much time focusing on “mistakes”, “failures”, or embarrassing moments. In recent years, I have learned to let go, can do so much easier and faster. I am amazed at what happens. This has happened to me many times, but let me give you one example. An accident happened that put my husband and I in a very dangerous position. Afterwards, I was blown away at the magnitude of it. I couldn’t believe we were unharmed and not going to the hospital. I cried that night. Thinking I wouldn’t be able to be in that situation again. I had to tell my family I couldn’t do the work anymore. I was so stressed about it, and felt I was going to let them down. I had a long week ahead of me and need to let it go until morning. When I woke, I was FILLED with peace and courage. I can’t explain it other than it was a huge emotional transformation without reason. I sat back, knew it was from God, and opened my arms to receive more. It never left me.  

Those two examples of money and emotions can be very impacting on someone’s life. They are not the only blessings I have missed, there have been others.  I don't look at those moments as failures. I see them as learning tools. It’s when I started to see the little blessings and focused on them, that I really started being able to accept them.

I turned my attention to be thankful, and trying to see the supernatural in the world. I worked to train my mind to focus only on what I wanted to create more of, and let go that which I didn’t. The law of attraction describes that “like attracts like”, the more you focus on what you want from a state of abundance and gratitude, the more you attract blessings. It’s the energy you generate.

I began to journal 10 things I was thankful for, so I would live my life from a perspective of abundance. I looked backed on my days to try and see all tiny miracles.

Moments I saw as blessings:

1.       Conversations with someone that would lift me up. I believe God works through us, even when we don’t realize it. Some of these conversations would be a competitor speaking wealth and encouragement to me. Another moment is helping someone through life issues. Our conversations brings light to the problem in a new way and they feel motivated and encouraged to address it with confidence. Other times, it’s just being there for someone so they feel heard. Allowing them to release and move forward.

2.       Someone or something being at the right place at the right time.

3.       A compliment, encouragement, or inspiration from a book, photo, friend, or even stranger.

The easiest way for me to allow more blessing into my life was to focus on them. From Pastor Jackson sermon, God blesses us every day.

Ephesians 1:4 He chose us. Ephesians 1:5 he adopted us. Ephesians 1:6 He accepted us.

Ephesians 1:7 He redeemed us. Ephesians 1:8 He showered his grace upon us. Ephesians 1:11 He included us in his inheritance. Ephesians 1:13 He sealed us with his spirit. He blesses us.

I chose to start with a thankful heart. I listed what I was grateful for that day to live in abundance. Then I would write any marvelous moments that felt like tiny miracles. Teach your mind to see all the blessings that surround you.

Today’s journal entry:

Things I’m thankful for:

1.     A good craft fair show yesterday. 2.     My hubby and I getting through this weekend with enough energy. 3.     Our health. (flu going around) 4.    Vehicle is running fine.  5.     Being able to bond with some amazing people.

Blessings

1.     I was able to find harmony to a beautiful song at church. I was moved by the song. Later, a lady told me I had a beautiful voice. She was moved by my singing today. I think it was a gift to us, I normally don’t find the harmony.

2.     My hubby was able to bond with people. He has a way with reaching out to others that I don’t. I’m always amazed at the friendships he forms so easily. It blesses both of us.

3.     Being able to volunteer. It was fun. I hope someone was touched by it.

4.    Amazing vender’s at the fair. They were kind and encouraging. They hugged us, and my competition came over to shake my hand and speak wealth, encouragement, and prosperity to our business. I was deeply touched.

5.     People sharing that they love the service/products we make. I’m always blessed and encouraged by this news. Being able to help others warms my heart.

6.    I went to take a photo outside, and a hawk landed in a tree yards in front of me. I just stared at the beautiful bird. It felt magical. I was afraid to move. I mentally said “thank you” to the universe for creating that moment for me.

Examine your days. Can you find any moments that were divinely created? Have you ever felt that you let an opportunity pass? Embrace them as a lesson, not a failure or mistake. There are no failures. Next time, welcome them with open arms, and be thankful.

Diffuse wild orange for abundance, and gratitude. Diffuse either black pepper, frankincense, or vetiver for unmasking repressed emotions and connecting spiritually.