What is your heart's desire?

We all fall off our path now and then, but most of us have deep desires that we are always trying to fulfill. I have to admit, that winter in Minnesota, really makes me question my path and where to put my heart! I've been pretty clear about working for my dreams, finding success and helping others. I've usually been grateful seeing  my heart's desires come true and I enjoy watching my family, friends and Young Living team  fill theirs.

The state of Minnesota has been pretty clear lately about how many obstacles will get in the way of my future! Starting in mid-January the arctic air dropped in for the Passion Rally and every day there were colder and colder temperatures plummeting down to break records, along with icy roads that didn't stand a chance to melt. This was all followed by piles of snow, which hid the ice underneath so we could forget about it. Growing up in the midwest, being a figure skater, I can usually handle cold temperatures,  ice,  snow and slick surfaces. What really gets me down are the short days, cloudy days and lack of sunshine.

We moved back from Bellingham, Washington precisely because I don't do well without sunshine. My brain and my body just want to sleep. I want to succumb to the circadian rhythms and hibernate until spring. Thankfully, February gives me that little hint, that spring is just around the corner and I will survive! I will shovel that snow, clear that path and hold tight to my dreams.

Meanwhile, I booked a ticket for Florida to maintain my heart's desire and sanity. Wanna come along?

 In spite of the cold, cloudy days and long, dark nights of winter.... January 1st does give me hope! It's an opportunity to dream again and plan again for another year. There's actually some time to organize your home and office without the distraction of sunshine, that makes you want to be outdoors. That's the flip side.... I keep telling myself as I also 'plan another trip to the Bahamas.'

In reflection, not everything I planned in 2018 went according to the blueprint. But in a deeper way, my reality unfolded beyond my control and sometimes I thank God, that it's not all up to me!

There are so many variables that can shift a plan or even an idea. There are other people in our lives. People that we love and have to adjust to the roles that they play in our lives. There are events that interfere or shift our paths, sometimes small and sometimes monumental! There are "side dishes" that call to our taste for all that life has to offer and there is always OUR HEALTH that can disrupt the timelines we have for ourselves and others.

My one constant goal every year, is WELLNESS, for me, my family, friends and really.... the world. I try to 'pre-plan' for my health and that's why I love Young Living! I have products that work, products that are safe and sustainable and essential oils from around the world. My plan continues to coincide with my hope, to bring essential oils and the wisdom of the people I have learned from,  to others.

​For 2019, I hope you and your loved ones are well, living purposeful lives and allowing the abundance to flow through you! I'll be planning some educational events to support the growth we all chart at the beginning of a New Year!

For those of us in the northern part of the world, snow and cold are eminent. Days are shorter. Nights are longer and it feels like we should slow down, sleep more and nourish parts of our selves that need tending to. My hunger pains are stronger and my mind is still thinking..... but there is so much to be done! I keep wondering if I should move to a warmer climate so I am not bound by the weather to accomplish all the things on my list or in my head. Or.... am I missing a greater message from a greater source.... to be here now!

​I traveled a lot this fall and I even carved out some "vacation time" mixed in with Young Living events and continuing education for the things I love. I wish I could string it all together like popcorn and cranberries to hang on a tree. I wish I could sit by the fireplace with a view of Medicine Lake and tell you all my stories and adventures. Lots of stories as a skating family.... but, my busy life always includes a deep desire to help more people adopt a healthy lifestyle!

This is the season of "Celebrating and Giving" for me and my family! We have received so much from our work and our relationships in the field of natural health, that our thoughts turn toward those who will still benefit from the great products and our leadership in the world of essential oils. We are blessed and will continue to extend our gratitude for all "the Rising Stars" and the future of Essentials for Healthy Living as we turn the page in 2019.

We have great plans for the coming year. I hope you can stop by our office in Golden Valley (weather permitting) to meet our staff, hang out, brainstorm your goals, rent space for an event, participate in a video or zoom call as we expand our community in Wellness, Purpose and Abundance! And let us find "The Light" in everybody's dreams.... together.

November is a time for gratitude! With the Thanksgiving Holiday just around the corner, we have had so much to be thankful for all year long! While we do our best to practice gratitude everyday, it is wonderful to gather those closest to us around the table for a Thanksgiving meal.
  We have had our share of both, lessons and blessings in 2018. We like to pause and think about how abundantly blessed we have been in our relationships. At the end of the day- it is the the people in our lives  that enrich our world the most.   We enjoy creating a warm and loving atmosphere in our home, especially as we embark on the holiday season. Young Living Oils used in a multitude of ways helps us to do just that! A favorite combination on our diffuser is Thieves with a few added drops of Cinnamon, Orange and Clove- it is fresh and cozy at the same time.

The  Orange Vitality Essential oil is a must-have culinary tool, especially at this time of year! A few drops added to your favorite pumpkin pie or squash soup recipe creates a bright contrast to the warm spices traditionally used. 
We asked our staff  to share ways they incorporate Vitality Oils into holiday recipes. Here is a fresh new twist on cranberries  shared with us by Cindy Monten.

Cranberry -Jicama Salsa
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1 red jalapeno pepper, seeded -minced
1 cup diced jicama
1/4 cup fresh mint chopped
1/4  cup fresh cilantro chopped
2 tsp sugar, maple syrup, or agave
1 tsp.salt
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
2-3 drops Young Living Orange Vitality

in a food processor coarse chop cranberries add onion and jalapeno pulse a couple times to combine
remove to a bowl toss with all other ingredients 
cover and refrigerate if not using right away

Note: try adding this to a turkey sandwich or create turkey & sweet potato quesadillas

It is NOT too early to be planning holiday events for your Young Living business and your family! Every year it seems that the holidays sneak up on us. Let's PLAN better, together and avoid the feeling that we are STRESSED OUT. Let's start with a dose of Stress Away, roll it over your heart, your neck and shoulders, if you don't have your shoes on yet, roll it all over the bottom of your feet. Ahhh! 

So what do you need to make the upcoming events feel more like fun and joy rather than work and anxiety? PEOPLE! We spend too much time worrying about having everything just right instead of hitting the 80% mark and get going. Instead of comparing ourselves and our abilities to host a small class or big event with the queen of perfection (________________ fill in the blank), be yourself! What do you want to accomplish? How do you want your guests to feel? Where is the best environment to make people feel welcome and loved? When will you commit and not worry about getting a 100% return on your investment. 80% is perfect! So are you!

Here's a few topics for the season that I have always found successful: Thieves product line; DIY Make & Takes; Emotional Release with Essential Oils; Savvy Makeup with a Holiday Glam Setting; Oils of Ancient Scripture; and always..... Essential Oils Introductory classes! 

Our office is open for ideas and supplies! Please feel free to contact us and remember you can host your small events right in our beautiful, fully stocked, Young Living display room!

We have to celebrate every last drop of summer and keep autumn where it belongs-after Labor Day!
While I know we still have a lot of summer left, somehow once August arrives- our focus shifts from the fun of summer to planning for fall.

Maybe it.... is seeing our children getting older, or experiencing the loss of important people in our lives this year. Whatever the reason for our desire, we know we want to hang on to these delicious days! As I  write this I am reflecting on Gary Young's passing and a dear friend, both who have left the earth too soon.

 Even with the losses and changes in our life, we feel so blessed to have spent a good deal of time with our family and friends. 
We enjoyed connecting with people dear to us, from Minnesota to Michigan, Idaho, Utah and Canada. We watched our daughter take a first place win with her short program in The Junior Ladies  figure skating competition in Sun Valley!
​Our business welcomed several new Rising Stars Team Members and watched many existing members meet their goals and reach higher! We gathered for educational events, Passion Rallies and of course -Young Living Grand Convention.

We collectively planted seeds for the future while reaping the benefits of seeds previously sown-together. Though I never have time to plant a real garden, it is symbolic of the cycles of life and the beauty of growing a YL Living Business! We are excited about the bounty we are all creating and we love living with Wellness, Purpose and Abundance while helping others to do the same!

​Here are a few pictures from our busy summer, we would love to hear about yours!

Let a picture say a thousand words!
Know that Gary is happiest on a horse, in the mountains, forests, desert or on any farm. This is where his Spirit soared and sought to replenish, if the world got him down. He listened to the wisdom of these places and was able to pass it on to many, many people.
Some people use the saying that when we pass we go "home or to heaven." Gary will be "at the farm!" He will watch over them and the people who work them and visit them. He will continue to connect us to the Spirit of the Earth and Great Spirit, beyond the mountain top. ​He has had more practice than most people, listening to the wind and carrying the voice of wisdom back to the people.
Let's picture Gary in the saddle, riding across every horizon, seeking answers and bringing more solutions for the healing of the world and the prosperity, all people deserve. His legacy will live on in the words of the Young Living Mission Statement. I have proudly adopted his vision in my role to provide "Wellness, Purpose, Abundance and Education!"
With a piece of my heart.... I will continue to love and honor this man and his vision!

We love this quote by an unknown author-
​" There is no way to be a perfect mother, but a million ways to be a good one."