For most of us there is a feeling of hope that kicks in on New Year's Day. There are emotions connected to each new year (similar to having a birthday), that makes us want to set new goals, have new dreams, plan new things and celebrate the possibilities! Even in an "okay space," our optimism seems light up!

It is also a moment to reflect on the past year. What events stand out as good or bad? Who has made a difference in our lives (good or bad)? Where were we, when this year started and where are we as 2021  ends (good and bad)? There's a little more to deal with than usual, but a new year can often feel like that. We can factor in a world pandemic, but let's concentrate on YOUR STORY and YOUR LIFE and what changes have sparked you, to be a better you?

Since social media is a big factor in our relationships, we have come to rely on the interactive forums of FB Live, zoom calls and recordings and daily posts on our group page. There are so many ways to communicate online, we all get a little overwhelmed sometimes. If you feel left out, I think that's a feeling we are all wrestling with in this expanding technical world. We've tried to link the website to our events, but haven't succeeded - yet! We want anyone who is interested in the Rising Stars Team to get the most up-to-date information we can provide. That's one of our own assessments over the past two years (or more), that we want a place people can feel welcome anytime and all the time!

It was a big year for changes at Young Living, too. The new website finally launched and we all did the best we could to be patient, to support our teams and support Young Living, while the navigated a huge overhaul to move us all forward, and to stay together.

​In this great Universe, even if some stars have fallen, many more have burst onto the scene. There are Supernovas out there, creating opportunities and lighting up the sky! This is a New Year. You can be a New You. We hope to collect a thousand new Rising Stars in 2022!

There's something about August that always makes me feel excited, like I'm in transition. Maybe it's embedded in our DNA to start harvesting all the fruits and vegetables that were planted back in May (or heading to the farmer's market to purchase the bounty of someone else's efforts). Maybe it's the circadian rhythms that are beating on our bones: the sun is moving southward,  days are getting shorter and nights are clear and cooling down fast. Maybe it's the ability to stand outside at night, gaze up at the stars, take a deep breath.... and feel incredibly  grateful!

The 'essence of August' this year is mixed with drought and smoke and some challenges. But, it is the 'constant, repeated and everlasting things' that keep us going. Nature doesn't quit! August always follows the cycles of the season and the cycle that life demands: seed to harvest, birth, growth and a purpose fulfilled. While garden rows and  leaves begin to curl up and dry out, fruit appears that was hidden under the great umbrellas of midsummer. If you look out at the trees, the dominant dark green colors are now fading and there's more contrast that allows us to distinguish the variety of life! The light and shadows are changing. The fruits and vegetables are ripe for picking. The jars and blenders are permanent fixtures on the countertop now. The best days are the warm, gentle, August rains that always leave a brilliant rainbow. (Wish I could put one of those in a jar:)

August pushes our 'inner survivor' to start gathering the fruits that summer fed, while we were at the beach. If you are a farmer or a hunter, your instincts are even more profound to gather and preserve food for your family or community. So how does Young Living fit into these thoughts? They continue to follow the cycles of nature and business. While they hold their commitment as the world's leader in essential oils and cutting edge science of plant-based, organic products, they are also number one in sales of all 10,000 MLM companies launched in the past 27 years! Young Living is going through inevitable cycles to keep up with technology, compliance and the demands of an ever expanding wellness market.

Approaching autumn, we can feel lucky and safe that Young Living is part of our lives and lifestyle! We swap recipes,  products, thoughts, stories and hope with our current members, family, friends, teams, leaders and corporate staff. We have an incredible garden that keeps growing, incredible farms and incredible people we can rely on in uncertain times. We keep going, in person, on the phone and virtually to pour on our essential oils, share our colorful, healthy ideas, and educate others about a lifestyle that can keep us above the wellness line during the  bumpy cycles of life.

Much of the United States is experiencing a drought. Many of the western states are fighting record breaking temperatures and fires. The heat and smoke have kept lots of people indoors this summer. But, the sky is blue again. The stars are bright and clear again and our Young Living members are Rising Up to the challenge. Let's fill our jars with rainbows, fruits and vegetables and more Rising Stars!

After months of 'hangin low," it's time to RISE ABOVE!

I think what we have all gone through this past year has been "one of those life lessons we will never forget." And even though it's not really over, we can "rise above" the parting clouds, the conflicts, the doubts and insecurities. We can rise above any storm, any darkness and any setbacks, because we have each other... and because we have Young Living!

Who hasn't been lathering on extra stress reducing essential oils? Who hasn't increased their diffuser use with uplifting aromas to get through the day (or the news:) Who hasn't doubled up on supplements like Super C, Super D, Super B, Multigreens, Sulfurzyme, OmegaGize, Inner Defense, ImmuPower or any other 'rescue remedies?'

Doesn't it make you happy to have the knowledge you need and the products you need to get through a long, cold, dark season (that you never knew would be so long)? Don't you feel stronger, having weathered a storm and maintained your optimism when others may have not done as well? Did you reach out to anyone who was struggling for some answers? Did anyone ask, "why are you so calm?"

If you feel that you did "rise above" the pandemic, it's seriousness, and all the world's opinions, would you say that Young Living and our community of oilers, gave you that strength and determination? I sure do!

On June 19th we will kickoff the second Virtual Convention to take a look back at our successes and Young Living's support as we sail into calm waters with an inspired sense of change, renewal and hope!

 Do you remember what you were doing in April of 2020? If you typically celebrate Spring or Easter or other holidays with family, were you able to be together? We tend to mark the passing of time by our shared experiences. And we have all shared a deep and prolonged experience over the past year!

I remember how much it hurt to think I'd be separated from my family last year. I remember trying to find a way to make April special as we "pivoted" in a big way. April was the first month of finding many things were going to be hard. Airports were shutting down, bars and restaurants were closing and schools were forced to send kids home to a new expectation..... parenting just  changed. I didn't expect that!

Due to a number of unforeseen events (and home maintenance), I ended up in Florida, with the most prolonged 'working vacation' imaginable. Our Florida-vacation-dream-home was suddenly just HOME, with a college student and high school student sharing tables, counter space, rooms, internet, zoom calls and cars. I had to share scavenging at "Faith Farm" with Dave who was now budgeting me on furniture and homeowner necessities.  Masks were in limited supply.... so we shared those, too!

Many of our usual tasks and work related patterns were put on hold. Many of our family, friends and coworkers were put on an "emotional hold" as we navigated all the challenges last year. I found myself in a different environment than I have ever imagined over Spring Break. I found myself locked down in tropical Florida instead of bitter cold Minnesota!

A true Minnesotan searches for signs of hope, because there's apt to still be ice on the lakes and snow on the north side of any March shadow.. I adapted to Florida quickly as I looked around at all the color, beauty and more green things to come! Florida helped me be an optimist. Florida supported my emotions and my adrenals! There is always "more to come!" There is always "hope!" And there will always be seasons in our lives that aren't "normal."

This April already feels better, don't you think? I think humans are only capable of about one year's confinement, whether it is our own choosing or a decree for the public good. I am reminded of the steps we go through during a period of grief or when someone we love dies: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance.

We could each tell our own story and we may each be in a different phase of grieving for a loved one, ourselves and for the world, but I think many of us are accepting that things have changed, due to a pandemic, but that we are resilient and hopeful no matter what. I am an optimist and my hope springs eternal, inside the heart of a rising star.

February might be one of my favorite months! First, because it's so easy to express "My Love of Oils" and use it as a theme to share Young Living from my heart. Just thinking about how much of my life is immersed in essential oils I tear up. Thinking about this journey and how far back my passion goes, makes me take a deep breath!

I can smell the lavender! I can see the farm where it all began. I can see D. Gary Young teaching a handful of students with a gleam in his eye that was so contagious, we all fell in love with HOPE for the future of natural health and wellness. The more I learned about essential oils and their value to my personal life and my professional life as a Physical Therapist, the more I signed up for another class.... and another class.... and another.

We were witness to a movement, while sharing Gary's pioneering spirit... poised to change the world. I saw my "doom and gloom attitude about helping people," turn around to getting results with my patients and my enthusiasm began to spread to my family and friends., My excitement has barely wavered in twenty four years. I'm still friends with many of those early birds who showed up in remote places to learn about the oils, oil-infused supplements, sustainable farm practices, organic thinking and opportunity to help more people. The only time I have pulled back a little was due to exhaustion. I am admittedly a workaholic, but found the perfect way to channel it!

We are highlighting Gary's book and dedicating February 2021 to his vision. Young Living is The World Leader in Essential Oils and we have over 6,000,000 product users to keep that vision alive and expanding. If what we have learned, applied and shared for over 27 years wasn't working, I wouldn't be here and you wouldn't be here, either. 

"For the Love of Oils" comes from the world of plants, the flowers, trees, leaves and seeds in nature. I think "nature's love for us" is captured in essential oils to connect us, and bring us back to "our senses!" I might be a good messenger, as a leader in Young Living, but the true messengers are in those" little bottles of LIGHT." The true message is from Our Creator that gives us something to support our human needs. Nature symbolically shows us a better way to act, to heal, to feel compassion and empathy,  and to ultimately live harmoniously  in the world.

It only takes a minute to open a bottle of essential oil, drop some in the palm of your hand, rub your palms together (maybe hold them in prayer) and then breathe in the aroma to tap that part of you that says, "for the love of oils, let's keep going!"

We don't like "resolutions" for New Year, we like "reflections" and then figuring out what wasn't working and how we can begin a "New You" journey. Everybody thinks about how they'll move forward in a new year (or perhaps a pivotal birthday or even a traumatic event) that makes us rethink the past year and reset our future. Many of us have been challenged beyond our senses in 2020. No one could have prepared for the world turning upside down, except that some of us have  more tools than others to ride out some tough waves in 2021.

I tend to reflect on my years with Young Living, because I started this journey during the holiday season in 1998. I reflect on how my life changed because of essential oils and how my drive to find the best natural path to wellness for me, my family, and to aid in the recovery of my patients in hospitals and clinical settings, would go in the direction of my goals. I had no idea that I could become so well educated by a company created by Gary and Mary Young back in 1996. I had no idea that I'd be surrounded by so many great people (and professional relationships) that would help me as a student as well as a future teacher. I didn't know that I would become a teacher, and a leader or that that role would be woven into my dreams. Essentials for Healthy Living was meant to encompass my mission, and include a yearly (and lifelong) focus on wellness, purpose, abundance and education.

This year, more than ever, I am focused on my family's health, my friends and my Young Living team to stay above the wellness line. It's time to prove that a strong immune system is the best way to face an ever changing environment. I doubt that Gary was projecting how essential oils in every home in the world, could make a huge difference right now. We know that a global world, means global contact. We also know Young Living is on the forefront of science and research to give us the best information and support possible.

Essential oils are "little bottles of LIGHT." How many times to see or hear that we have to "be the light" in these dark times. How many of us truly understand the transfer of photosynthesis into plant life is light! And that we have the ability (and the right) to apply them, diffuse them and share their amazing power with the world. This is not a comment on any prevalent disease, it is a comment how how nature is always producing an answer. We have to watch for those answers, while reflecting on where each of are today, in a new year, under new circumstances.

I'm starting my "New You" commitment to declutter. My brain is cluttered, my office is cluttered, my home is cluttered and it's time to purge and reorganize in order to "see the light at the end of the tunnel." I have plenty of essential oils to help me get there. I have plenty of nutritional supplements to build my immune system to stay vibrant and I have plenty of great people around me to celebrate another year. We'll reflect on 2021 in December. Meanwhile, I hope you find the "New You" that you've been waiting to see in the mirror.

Every year I tell myself to "do less" in December so I can enjoy the holidays with my family. But instead, I gather them up to come to the office and help pack gifts for our Young Living Family!

We have dozens of gifts going out to our members and leaders and support team. I guess what's on my heart this time of year, is the gratitude I feel that I become inspired to say thank you and give back. "Tis the Season" to give, for I have received so much! And this year, I can't see people in person and give them a hug.... so what else can I fit in a box?

2020 has been the most challenging twelve months we have ever seen and had to navigated, each in our own way. We are blessed to have Young Living as a resource we can turn to. We can trust that our products are pure, selected for their abilities to support our healthy lifestyle and have kept us "above the wellness line" with a minimum of effort.

We feel free to ask for help from our leaders and the corporate office to guide us through some tricky waters. I think, essential oils make us better people! (There were a few folks that could've used a little Humility or Transformation:) I think a lifestyle that is built on wellness education and a "Seed to Seal" promise, has given us the strength and confidence to get through this year and the future, together.

And with a great big sigh of relief, it is almost over! We can take a deep breath (choose your favorite oil) and start planning for 2021. Maybe you're still lathering on Valor or maybe you're beginning a daily ritual of Into the Future so you're ready to hit the ground running. I found out that taking time to walk, talk, soak in the tub and just breathe has helped raise my appreciation for living on "Medicine Lake." I think the best medicine comes from my thoughts!

If you're still trying to "wrap up" some darker moments that you, a family member, a friend or team member have had to deal with, do it with Hope. Hope is one of the great emotional ribbons we have to move forward. Hope is like the extra touch you put in a box– or on the box, as you wrap it up for someone else. A gift is a gesture of hope and love we have for each other. I am reminded as I end this year that these thoughts return to my first thought: I may never "do less" during the Holiday season, because my heart is full of hope and love for thousands of people who are part of my family and I need to tell them how much I care! where I am happily filling boxes to get to the post office by 4:30 today.... and Dave, Maddy and Mason will just have to put up with me for another year.

Don't tell Dave that I've already bought lots of little Christmas gifts for next year, too:)

Last year during this season, we hosted The Be Vibrant Event in Minnesota. As hard as it is to put on a big event, we loved receiving the excellent education from so many professionals. While packing up, there were hugs and gratitude from the attendees and they promised to keep the Be Vibrant theme going, as winter blew harshly out the hotel doors.

Little did we know that a year later, we would all be learning from home, educating via Zoom, grateful for our health and cherishing the ability we have to continue sharing our knowledge with so many new members!

There have been some challenges for our Young Living friends and their family members and we don't take that likely. We aren't always poised to help everyone, but we freely share what we do for our own family's wellness, with others. We double up on all our nutritional supplements! We diffuse essential oils in every room. We do it, because we know how much they help keep us happy. We commit to the combinations of essential oils and supplements that reduce our mental stress about illness, reverse the low energy of worrying, and uplift the sadness of confinement, boredom or separation from our loved ones.

We stay Vibrant, because we have great tools! We keep on going, because we're educated and constantly improving on the choices we make. We know what we can control, and we "diffuse" the things we can't control. We adapted the "pivot don't panic" as soon as it was coined. Every household is dealing with schedule changes on a daily basis. One day the kids are home studying online, the next day they're back in school. That alone is making parenting more challenging than ever before!

We aren't just parents anymore or Young Living leaders anymore. We're stretching the limits of our technical skills and communication skills using new platforms. We're students, teachers, counselors and home-health directors. Many of our successful leaders learned how to juggle the demands of a  family and growing a Young Living business years ago, but not like this! We're all learning together.

Strong leaders know they are role models for their teams. That responsibility is an incredibly, positive force. We can apply it to getting through tough times and continue to help others. We can also apply Vitamin D3, B, C, zinc, Sulfurzyme, MultiGreens, NingXia Red, Thieves products, Inner Defense, ImmuPower, RC, Exodus II, Ravinsara, Copaiba, etc.

Our Gratitude goes out to Gary and Mary Young for building a company that cares about people! Our gratitude includes everyone who enrolled to learn more, share their knowledge, teach what they know, embrace the idea that essential oils, whole foods and nature's way is powerful and has granted us a sense of security, many people do not have right now. Keep sharing.... so other families can have what you have!

If you've been around natural health nuts, you know that we'd rather gather acorns, walnuts or pecans than commercialized corn - that turns into high fructose corn syrup! Even without scientific documentation, most of us can see the relationship between too much sugar, and long, cold, sedentary months can equal illness. Our inability to fight off common, winter-related illnesses are directly related to how strong our immune system is. And our immune system requires some pretty tough choices and discipline, starting with LESS SUGAR!

Our American diets are SAD! Add short days, little sun and the intensity of a winter storm to our psyche and we all want to reach for some comfort food! And kids? Kids just want sugar in everything! And we are up against a big, powerful industry to limit junk food, processed food, toxic food, and easy food colorfully splashed all over the media, that it's hard to win at home. Add CV_19 and watch healthy, caring restaurants shut their doors and the lines at fast food restaurants stream around the block 20-30 cars long! Your chances of getting sick might be waiting in the fast food lane.

We are experiencing the biggest TRICK ever in our lives! How do you think Young Living members are responding? Our membership is exploding. This puts pressure on our warehouses. Our out of stock item list can be frustrating, but our supply chain has glitches, too. We are growing and shifting under a new paradigm. Thankfully, we can do it with pride and grace. We're surrounded by strong, healthy thinking people! We're adopting new ideas and adapting to new ways of building our businesses, even while we're spinning at home with the challenges of shared workspace and online demands (which differ for every member of a household).

If you found yourself with a few extra pounds and inches on your body in May, check in now, before we head into another long winter. Get creative with your workout options! Indoors: yoga, pilates, aerobics, dance, spicy boxing, etc. Use the marvel of technology that you can find on cable or YouTube! Please get outdoors: walking, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, fishing, skating, etc. It takes less time to get your heart rate up and burn calories when it's cold! And above all else, learn how to create healthy, sugarless treats!

We have a cooking challenge going on on the Rising Stars Team FaceBook page. If you aren't following the page, that's okay, but we hope you're following good cooking habits at home!

September is harvest season. If you are a gardener, you may be overwhelmed with the bounty right now. There's something about fresh food that demands attention to be processed and preserved that non-gardeners don't understand. (Kind of like "make hay when the sun shines." It's non negotiable:) Gardeners know how to perform a kind of triage: what is best left on the vine; what has to be processed immediately; what crops will be fine in a box or bushel basket for a few days and when will I actually find time to clean up the kitchen and eat the abundance of  fresh picked goodies!

Did anyone use this "shelter at home" time to plant a garden? Were you able to involve your kids or grandkids? Did you know that gardening has become part of some schools curriculum to teach children where good, healthy food actually comes from? Did you know the origins of essential oils and nutritional supplements are plant based? :)

Young Living has helped millions of people "rediscover" where essential oils come from, where their little colored pills come from and where good health comes from. An organic, whole food diet, supplementing for the lack of minerals and other vitamins that have been depleted from our soils, is the foundation of education in our industry. We aren't driven by sales. We are driven by God's bountiful resources that can change lives. Lifestyle can be taught!

We hope you have visited a Young Living farm. We hope you support farmer's markets, roadside markets and small family farms that value the precious soil, seeds, environment and work ethic that makes us strong and healthy. Enjoy the recipes our members share this month and remember what an awesome blessing we have in our Young Living family and with the Rising Stars!