My daily affirmation this week has gone something like this,  "I am expanding in abundance, success and love as I inspire others to do the same."  My experiment with affirmations has been fascinating to me . As I am mindful of what my purpose is, I also am more present in the moment, not distracted by the deadlines ahead and the big goals I have set for the longer term.. making the journey much more enjoyable. This morning my amazing God woke me up with a reminder that it is not on my own strength that I journey, He is there. It is not my mission, He invited me. He does not intend for me to be weighed down, he wants me to be free and experience abundance of life. Now, please do not misunderstand - I do not think this means easy, wealthy, care-free. There is a difference. Many times we get our words confused, abundance and success does not always appear as we expect. Perhaps it will be just the opposite. That's what it is - abundance of life and all it brings and the ability and awareness to experience the glory in it all. It seemed this morning to come out of the blue, reminding me that I am part of a love story between humans and our Creator. 

To really get ahold of all of that, we may have some work to do. Much of the work we have is an inner work. While it may be very simple shifts in the way we think, this is often the toughest work to do. We are all leaders in some capacity. On a daily basis we are faced at minimum with tasks of self leadership. Most people I talk to aren't  very kind to themselves in this role. How do you greet yourself in the morning? Studies show that our self talk matters. The power of the subconscious is incredible, we ought not ignore it just because we don't often understand it. 

I read an article by Jim Rohn, about leadership that I want to share with you. In doing so, I also introduce you to a fun resource for life and leadership - bonus! I believe it hits on the very basics of our character and integrity as leaders. Leadership of self, in our homes, friendships, workplaces - private and public leadership, same thing. To experience abundance, success and love, we need to be open to it. We all have barriers from time to time that need to be removed.  Let's be mindful, let's be our best, let's give it all and experience a daily expanding abundance, success and love!
Enjoy!

7 Personality Traits of a Great LeaderThe qualities of skillful leadership
 

Arborvitae -  is a new favorite of mine. Known as the “tree of life,” Arborvitae is majestic in size and abundant in therapeutic benefits. Arborvitae essential oil has a high content of tropolones, a group of chemical compounds that protect against environmental and seasonal threats, have powerful purifying properties, and promote healthy cell function. Hinokitiol, one of the tropolones in Arborvitae, protects the body from harmful elements while supporting normal cell activity. This compound also contributes to Arborvitae’s natural insect repellent properties. Thujic acid, another tropolone found in Arborvitae, has been studied for its ability to protect against common threats in the environment. Native to Canada, all parts of the Arborvitae tree were used extensively by Native Americans for health benefits and for building vessels, totem poles, baskets, and clothing. Because of its natural preserving properties, Arborvitae prevents wood from rotting, which makes it popular in woodcraft and for preserving natural wood surfaces.


On an emotional level, Arborvitae is known as "the Oil of Divine Grace". It is a grounding oil, reminding us that God's grace can be felt and experienced here on earth; it is not distant or separate. God can hep us find balance in our lives and know what we should hold close and what we should release. True strength comes through a willingness to receive God's strength. Try this:  apply a drop of oil to your wrists and neck, take a deep breath in, stand strong and tall - trust in the flow of life, live by Divine grace - all the way down to the cellular level! 

USES

• Apply 1–2 drops to areas of concern on the skin.
  
• Add a few drops to a spray bottle with water and spray on surfaces or hands to protect against environmental threats.
  
• Apply to pulse points to promote healthy cell function.
  
• Diffuse to purify the air and to repel insects inside the home.
  
• Mix 4 drops of Arborvitae essential oil and 2 drops of  Lemon essential oil for a natural wood preservative and polish. 

References / Adapted from:  

Hill, D.K. , A Review of the Biological Activity and Therapeutic Value of Great Arborvitae Essential Oil. Aromaticscience.com. Retrieved from http://aromaticscience.com/great-arborvitae-essential-oil/

http://www.doterratools.com/single-oils/arborvitae-essential-oil/

Emotions & Essential Oils, A Modern Resource for Healing. 3rd ed. Fall 2014. 

Finding balance in life is one of the greatest challenges to most people. All it takes is reminding our cells how to be perfect!

Ask any experienced oil user about their daily regimen- most, if not all will include this beautiful oil. Balance in life is key. Balance in the body is crucial. If there is one oil that can support our body in achieving the balance it is designed for- it just may be this oil blend.

• Promotes whole-body relaxation
  
• Soothes sore muscles and joints
  
• Evokes feelings of tranquility and balance
  
  

The warm, woody aroma of Balance, dōTERRA®’s grounding blend, creates a sense of calm and well- being. We perfectly blend Spruce, Ho Wood, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, and Blue Chamomile with Fractionated Coconut Oil to offer an enticing fragrance that promotes tranquility and a sense of balance. Spruce, one of the oils in Balance, was used by Native Americans for medicinal and spiritual reasons and is still used today to bring harmony to the mind and body. Ho Wood, Blue Tansy, and Blue Chamomile can soothe sore muscles and joints, promote circulation, and relax the body, while Frankincense supports cellular health and overall well-being. 

USES

• Begin your day by putting Balance on the bottom of your feet to lessen stress throughout the day.
  
  
• Balance is a great oil blend to use during an AromaTouch Hand Massage.
  
  
• Feeling anxious? Apply Balance to your wrists or neck to help with nerves.
  
  
• Diffuse in your car during road trips to create a calming, soothing environment.
  
  DIRECTIONS FOR USE
  
  Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
  Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. See additional precautions below.
  
  CAUTIONS
  
  Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.
  
  

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