Time to get a little more personal! lol Because three years ago, two amazing blog friends shared something life-changing with me during a fun blog retreat (I’m ready for another trip, girls!). If you don’t know, my blogging career began 10 years ago at a time when we bought this old fixer upper farmhouse, a journal of our DIY projects, the before and after results and encouraging others to ‘show off’ their handwork, creativity and DIY. Yay!

BUT it was also a time when my mind decided to go through something where working outside of the home really wasn’t an option anymore. And going out in public was an ordeal and took a lot of courage. Anyway, I did leave the house on occasion and I really had to force myself to step outside of my comfort zone. So much that even for this blogger’s retreat trip, while everyone else was flying into the same popular airport then meeting up and all taking two sponsored cars to the beach home; I paid more to fly into a closer airport and hailed a cab. Ridiculous, right? But if you suffer from something similar, you understand. The fact that I was even there in the first place was HUGE but I still had to deal with my quirks and apologize for my weird embarrassing high maintenance ways. Thankfully, most of the issue is “in my head” because that group of amazing friends were so nonjudgmental and accepting. Isn’t that the best? True friendship!

So while everyone was piling in the cars and heading out to dinner, I apologized that I “wasn’t feeling well” and would be staying behind at the beach house because well, occasional anxiety induced (TMI alert!) digestive issues. If it had only been sweaty palms and a racing heart, I might have put on a brave face and tried. Okay, no I wouldn’t have. I missed out on a lot of things because of my fear and issues. 

Well, I have to tell you…the biggest thanks EVER goes to my amazing friends, Beth from UnSkinny Boppy and Carrie from Making Lemonade blog for sharing about essential oils. it’s a day that really was the starting point of my decision to make healthier choices. If they hadn’t shared, I shudder to think of where my unhealthy lifestyle would have landed me or how my fears would have held me back. 

I am forever grateful! Trying that essential oil, experiencing fast benefits that enabled me to be more active at the retreat is something I will never forget. When I got home, I immediately ordered the Premium Starter Kit and that began my journey to a healthier me. Now I’m still learning every day but my eyes are open to how horribly bad I was treating my body and that all of the DIY and creativity in the would wouldn’t make my beautiful home…safe. All of those toxic chemicals really are contributing factors to poor health. A beautiful home truly starts with creating a safe environment. 

If someone would have told me three years ago that I’d ditch my Yankee Candles, Bath & Body Works, my Versace perfume, my fake lavender laundry regimen; that I’d quit smoking (yea, that’s a biggy – I was an ashamed closet/outdoor smoker), begin exercising and eat cleaner; I would have laughed out loud and probably coughed up a lung doing so. :/ 

It didn’t happen overnight. I’m still working to take better care of this ::mumble::-something-year-old body but you guys, it was EXACTLY what I needed to take those first few baby steps, something I’d been procrastinating. It’s a decision I will never regret.

And my dear friend, I really want the same from you. So much so – and it doesn’t have to come from me (although of course I’d be honored to welcome you to our amazing circle of oily friends).  If you’ve been on the fence or holding off or rolling your eyes at that friend who is over-the-top passionate about their essential oils – connect with him or her asap and open yourself up to learning and experiencing even just a little but a good fair try to see those amazing health benefits for yourself. If you don’t have that friend, consider me…I’m VERY passionate about them and really want you to take a baby step towards a healthier, happier you. 

I jumped in with both feet and started swapping out chemicals in my home and changing my lifestyle to one that was more proactive and wellness-based. I am no longer afraid to leave the house. And with a mother and sister diagnosed with breast cancer one year apart with no genetic link; it’s evident that our environment and what we consume is a contributing factor. 

I absolutely was not looking for this type of career (who ever is?! No way! No thank you very much!) but when I fell in love with the products and forced myself to step outside of my comfort zone to host a class at home, I got a check from Young Living and then learned more about this generous world leading company, I realized I could leave a legacy (You guys! …leave a legacy and business to my daughters and grandson) — simply by sharing what I love just like I share favorite restaurants, clothing and music, and helping others in the process as well as live a healthier lifestyle myself and create a safer environment for the people I love (looking at that sweet baby boy’s face, I told myself that I wanted to be around to see him grow up to be an amazing man and I wanted to give him the things I couldn’t provide for my girls), I made the commitment to learn and share with others.

I told myself that “hey…what do I have to lose? I’ll give it a few years and really stick with it. Really really … even when it’s hard or discouraging.” But most days? It’s so rewarding. And I’m so blessed by so many amazing friendships and a huge supportive community so that even if it feels overwhelming, I have the direction, advice and guidance I need from rock star business leaders to even doctors and nurses on our team giving this decision even more credibility. I’m surprised that I find it less demanding too. 

So far, in 3 years’ time, I’ve achieved the awesome rank of SILVER with Young Living! guess what? Only 0.2% actually reach this leadership level in the entire company, and the average SILVER leader is blessed with a paycheck of around $2000/ month!!! Yes, you read that right and the average Silver leader works 18 hours a week, just part time hours. I also earned a free trip to a Young Living farm! How exciting is that? I will continue to share and earn and help others to make healthier choices. And work really hard to help those on my team reach those levels of success too – I am surrounded by integrity and inspiration every day (you guys know who you are! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!!!).

Do you have 18 hours a week to change your life and the lives of others? Then we need to talk! It’s less work than my blog and currently making equal or more income than my blog with the potential to retire my husband as well as give back in a BIG way (the ultimate dream). See the 2016 Young Living income disclosure here. Join us. Join our amazing team (blogging not necessary!). 

All it takes to get started is purchasing the Premium Starter Kit. There are NO obligations. No hidden fees or tricky agendas. Get the Premium Starter Kit with 11 essential oils (12 if you order in May) and a diffuser (and more gifts from me including my favorite educational material and goodies with a generous $25 value personalized for you (you choose from several gift options) when you use my member ID as sponsor and enroller #1836762). Click HERE to get yours. 

What are you waiting for? 

Have more questions? This is my passion and I’m available! Let’s chat! 

Stay tuned for a fun giveaway later this week!