Yay! This is a special day.
I heard from my publisher that my book is live in their bookstore. They are drafting a press release to share the book with other sellers including Amazon, but when you buy directly from my publisher's website, my royalties are higher since we don't have to pay the middleman.
I've been working on this for over five years and have written the book at least three times. I almost feel shy as it finally lands out there in the world and out of my hands.
My prayer is that my journey to grow, heal from trauma and find Mr. Wright can inspire and encourage others with laughter, hope, insight and the power of redemptive grace!
Here is a sneak peek at one of the interior photos!
We all go through seasons when stresses are high.
My husband had a day off on Monday and really needed to let his body gear down. Instead of numbing with mindless activities, I suggested an at-home spa day! He was game!
I started with making him a nourishing smoothie with 1/2 scoop of Chlorella protein powder, 10 mg Collagen, 1/4 Avocado, 1/4 cup of Oat milk, 1 tbsp Coconut milk, 1/4 cup of Strawberries, topped up to the 2-cup mark with water. I try to make one of these for him most mornings since I already make one for myself. I handed him a Ningxia Red pouch, Super B for adrenals, Vit D/K, and mineral supplement to round out his nutrient care!
After a leisurely breakfast, I had him prep for a detox bath with some dry brushing. This stimulates the lymph system to circulate and drain as it is meant to. You just use a boar bristle brush to brush up from the feet to the groin area where the lymph drains. Then brush up the hands, arms, and torso to the armpits where the lymph can drain.
While he was brushing, I filled the tub with very warm water, Epsom salts and 4 drops of Rosemary Essential Oil. He soaked in the tub for 15 minutes to allow his muscles to soak in the minerals and let the Rosemary go to work on helping cleanse his body of toxins. It is normal to sweat after this. I have been doing this bath every 3 days for the last few weeks and found it really restful and helpful.
I learned about this routine during our YL team's summer lymphatic challenge. I really enjoy the benefits of the dry brushing and detox baths. At first, these actions stirred up headaches that eased in the bath.
I showed him my YL Satin Mint Facial Scrub and three-step Bloom skincare routine, and he loved how it made his skin feel smooth and hydrated.
Then I showed him how to apply essential oils for hormone balance, immune support and digestive care to help his body feel nourished and supported to function well. Supplements and essential oils are part of my daily routine - though I also include emotional oils.
For lunch, we included a large salad with balsamic vinaigrette to enjoy the benefits of olive oil and greens alongside his normal easy picks for self-serve meals. He remarked that he isn't usually so intentional about self-care. I mentioned that it is to have a resilient body that can handle neglect. My system is so sensitive that these are habits that are necessary for me to feel well every day.
After lunch, Lance and I enjoyed some reading time and then he had a restful nap on the couch for 30 minutes.
Some physical activity and creative time are great ways to nourish our body and spirit to reset. I was pleased when Lance mentioned how much more relaxed he already felt. A massage before bed will be the perfect finish to our spa day!
What would you include in your spa day?
I don't know how my guys can walk out the door without breakfast. I have a morning routine that I will wake early to make time for!
Part of that routine is a morning reflection, protein smoothie, supplements and oils. With an autoimmune disorder, I have to think about health and wellness every day. But I do think it is smart as a preventative care measure for anyone.
I'll break it down for those who are curious. The links will have more information for those who want to know more!
Morning Reflection:
I often choose the Lectio 365 app to fuel prayer and reflection.
Protein Smoothie Recipe:
I often double this to hand a smoothie to Lance before he heads to work.
1/4 Frozen Avocado (I like how frozen are always the perfect ripeness)
1/2 cup strawberries
Water to top up to 2 cups.
A Variety of Options for Different Flavours:
Berries (Fresh or Frozen)
Banana (I like to peel and freeze mine in chunks or halves)
Stevia if you want to sweeten it a little.
Peppermint Essential Oil (1 drop with a Chocolate shake is awesome)
Cinnamon Essential Oil (1 drop can work well with berry vanilla combinations with lots of benefits)
Supplements:
I went to a naturopath to set up my supplement routine but if you want an easy button, there is an awesome multivitamin called Master Formula for adults with whole food ingredients that cover all the bases for mineral and vitamin support. I use it when I travel since it is organized in sachets for daily use. https://m.lfstps.com/xm51W/fwQ
When I don't use Master Formula I take:
+Magnesium Citrate (Bisglycinate works better for some people)
+Super Cal - Calcium supplement for bone health infused with essential oils for increased absorption - important for me since I had kidney stones years ago and don't want a repeat!) https://m.lfstps.com/3Iz/fwQ
+Super B - B complex supplement that is great for maintaining healthy energy levels, supporting mood and cardiovascular and cognitive function. https://m.lfstps.com/XwS/fwQ
+Vitamin D & K - For bone, and immune health. I love this one from Goodness Me https://goodnessme.ca/products/vitamin-d3-k2-1...
and a dose of Carlson's Cod Liver Oil - the lemon version makes it go down easily! Or there are capsules.
For Oils:
I make up rollers or put a roller top on the bottle for easy application!
Hormone Rollers:
+Progessence Phyto Plus - to support healthy progesterone and estrogen balance as I age. I apply a swipe under each arm or inner thigh. https://m.lfstps.com/pUJE/fwQ
+Endoflex - over the thyroid. https://m.lfstps.com/OjT5f/fwQ
+Nutmeg/Rosemary/Clove in coconut oil - Adrenal Care over adrenals. https://m.lfstps.com/obC/fwQ
+EnRGee - on feet each morning before I put on my socks to signal my body to get moving. https://m.lfstps.com/9WWB/fwQ
+Clary Sage - with Coconut oil on my ankle before I put on my socks to support healthy estrogen balance. https://m.lfstps.com/0uwv/fwQ
Immune Rollers:
With autoimmune, it is important to help my body with real challenges to train my immune system to focus on the right things.
+Thieves - on the bottom of the feet before I put on my socks.
+Raindrop Roller on spine
+Digize/Peppermint Roller over the abdomen for gut support
Emotional Support:
+Valor on wrists like a perfume - deep breaths as I say the day's affirmation. https://m.lfstps.com/wSCMG/fwQ
+Joy/ Frankincense/ Orange over heart as I think about joy bringing strength for the day. https://m.lfstps.com/wTG7/fwQ
+ White Angelica - across the shoulders to help me not wear other people's stress and negative emotions. https://m.lfstps.com/WjSd/fwQ
Ningxia Red Superfood Drink: I take this to my workspace in a large glass of water with a drop of citrus oil to enhance the flavour and benefits. It helps my energy and focus as it works at a cellular level to repair damage and help my body stay in healing mode. If I'm heading out the door, I put this in my stainless steel or glass water bottle.
This looks like a lot when I write it out, but I just keep four rollers in my bedroom and apply them while I'm getting dressed. Supplements go down with my morning protein smoothie and are pre-organized in a pill box for each day. And the morning rollers are pre-made and ready to roll on - it takes me a minute unless I want to linger with the emotional support stage for five minutes.
Ningxia is just part of my water drinking habit but with amazing benefits to keep my body handling stress well and providing the nourishment to keep all body systems repairing and working well.
This routine supports my wellness goals and keeps me feeling well for the challenges of the day to be flexible, love well, be fully present to people, and focus on tasks and priorities. I really notice when I miss my oils or supplements. I also really feel scattered when I don't take time to be still for a few minutes to reflect and pray.
Updated November 2022
Viruses are opportunistic. They look for a way into our bodies through any crack in our defences - a cut is a breach in our skin wall of defence. Our nose, ear, mouth, and eyes all offer access inside. When a virus gains entrance, it enters a cell and begins to use the resources of the cell to create copies of itself. The cell is gradually destroyed, and the multiplied copies of the virus look for new cells to inhabit and create copies. Viruses are multiplying and destroying new cells quickly, so it is best to fight colds and flu aggressively from the first symptoms. By the time you have a cold or flu symptoms, your body has been fighting for 24 hours or more and is asking for help.
Our body is prepared to meet the threat with white blood cells, and the ability to create more tears, ear wax, or mucous to flush the invaders out. Sleep is an amazing way to support the body's healing efforts! Deep rest allows our body to get on top of healing any damage and rounding up the invaders. So calming the body for rest is key!
But we don't want to leave the invaders to multiply unchecked. Our family has learned to be aggressive in our countermeasures - meaning, we do something supportive to our body every hour we are awake.
At the first sign of a virus - sore throat, increased nasal discharge, elevated temperature, sneezing - we know our body is on the defensive against an invader. So instead of turning off the body's natural defences by chasing symptoms, we go for the root of the problem. Thankfully, many Essential Oils are recognized by Health Canada as Natural Health Products to help our bodies win against invaders!
Here is our favourite tactical response team:
Prevention:
We apply a few drops of Young Living's Thieves Essential oil to our feet daily to help support our immune system. We put a roller top on our bottle to make it easy to put a swipe on each foot in the morning. Thieves is a blend of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus Radiata, and Rosemary essential oils. Named after the Thieves who robbed the homes of people who died of the plague without getting ill, Thieves is known for its immune care. It is also used for its cleansing power in YL cleaning products such as laundry soap, hand soap, dish detergent, Fruit & Veggie Spray and Household cleaner.
Keeping a baseline of nutritional support is also important. During cold and flu season, we are sure to have Vitamin C available (this is our favourite kind). We take Vitamin D3 (1000 IU) with K2 (100mg) daily (we like this one). There are liquid D-drop versions for little ones that can be very helpful in supporting the body's immune system. We also pay close attention to gut health and use probiotics as needed to keep yeast and bad bacteria in check.
Dietary Recommendations:
We avoid sugar and dairy while our body is fighting. Dairy thickens mucous secretions making them harder to expel from lungs and sinus cavities. Sugar wipes out some white blood cells with every teaspoonful which makes it harder for our body to surround and eliminate the multiplying virus. By eliminating sugar at the first sign of cold viruses, it made it clear that our boys were actually sick because they never give up sugar lightly.
Nutritionally, we choose a soft-boiled egg, collagen smoothies or bone broth for easy-to-digest protein and colourful vegetables and fruits for antioxidant power to repair cell damage. Our favourite nutritional powerhouse when we are sick or for prevention is Ningxia Red. 2 oz a day goes a long way toward supporting our body's efforts to heal! More details can be found here: NingXia Red Spotlight (lifestepseo.com)
When we want to increase our level of protection, we add our Raindrop Roller which contains 7 oils.
Raindrop Roller:
10 drops each of Oregano, Wintergreen, Thyme, and 50 drops of Aroma Siez (or 10 drops each of Basil, Cypress, Marjoram, Peppermint, and Lavender - the oils in Aroma Siez).
Top a 10 ml roller bottle with a carrier oil of choice. (I love liquid coconut oil since it has a long shelf life and no scent).
These oils can be purchased separately or are collected together in the Raindrop Collection here.
We roll this one on the spine every morning and a few times a day during intense seasons. These can be used on all ages - just dilute more for little ones.
Top a 10 ml roller bottle with a carrier oil of choice. (I love liquid coconut oil since it has a long shelf life and no scent).
These oils can be purchased separately or are collected together in the Raindrop Collection here.
We roll this one on the spine every morning and a few times a day during intense seasons. These can be used on all ages - just dilute more for little ones.
At first symptoms we take:
- Homeopathic Oscillococcinum tubes or 'flu tubes' as we call them – 1 tube every six hours for 3 doses
- Increase Thieves to a swipe on the feet every two hours. Dilute as desired with carrier oil. With littles 2 and under, put a carrier oil and a drop of Thieves on your hands and let it absorb a bit before giving your little one a foot massage with it.
- Dietary Dropper bottle: We keep a mix of these ready for ingestion at the first symptom of throat irritation, fever or congestion. We take every hour during acute needs and then taper off as our symptoms resolve. I have been using this regime with my children since they were over 6 years old. YL also has an amazing supplement called Inner Defense available to Canadian members through our NFR site. Contact me for details. For children, you can open a capsule and apply it to their feet with a carrier oil as noted above.
- Diffusing any pleasing combination of one or two drops of Purification, Thieves, Peppermint, Lemon, Lavender, Frankincense, Copaiba, and PanAway, RC can lightly humidify and clean the air as it assists the body's fighting power and soothes cough and cold symptoms. Generally, in a medium-sized room, we use about 6-9 drops total of essential oils. Use whatever you find pleasing.
- In a large glass of water, we often add 1 drop or a toothpick swirl of Lemon Plus oil, and one drop of any other dietary oil of choice (Peppermint and Lavender are favourites). Sipping at these throughout the day can be soothing and help support the body's healing efforts.
- Young Living Frankincense Plus has just recently been approved as a dietary oil by Health Canada. One drop under the tongue is supportive to all body systems.
- Our list of other immune boosters include Vitamin C, Sore Throat Tea, Bone broth, Thieves lozenges, Essential Oil Throat Spray, Thieves or DIY Chest Rub, Cod Liver Oil.
For Children:
- If you are not comfortable with ingesting oils, or your children are between 2-6 yrs, Oregano, Frankincense, Lavender, Purification, or Lemon essential oils can be applied topically in a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and rubbed into adult hands before massaged into a child's feet. The bottom of the feet is a non-sensitive area for hot oils. Young Living's oils are so potent, one drop or two is plenty in a carrier oil.Oregano is not recommended for children under two. The others are great options.
- For children, Frankincense, Copaiba and Lavender oil can be diluted and rolled on a sore throat, on the chest to ease congestion, on cheekbones or inhaled for helping clear sinuses. These oils are extremely gentle yet effective.
Please don't let these suggestions overwhelm you! This blog is to help those of you who purchased an essential oil starter kit use the oils you have effectively. The recipes can be put together as needed for symptom relief.
Recipes:
Dietary Dropper Bottle:
I keep a pre-mixed dropper bottle ready for when our bodies require extra support. Our family takes 5 drops of our dietary oil mix every time our irritated throat or other symptoms remind us:
15 Oregano
15 Peppermint
15 Lemon
15 Lavender
15 Frankincense
Top with coconut oil in a 15 ml dropper bottle. This is an adult dilution. Use half the drops for 7-12 yrs.
I keep a pre-mixed dropper bottle ready for when our bodies require extra support. Our family takes 5 drops of our dietary oil mix every time our irritated throat or other symptoms remind us:
15 Oregano
15 Peppermint
15 Lemon
15 Lavender
15 Frankincense
Top with coconut oil in a 15 ml dropper bottle. This is an adult dilution. Use half the drops for 7-12 yrs.
Immune Roller
10 Thieves
10 RC Eucalyptus Blend or Frankincense
10 Lemon
Put 10 drops each in a 10 ml roller and top up with liquid Coconut oil.
Apply every 1-4 hours as symptoms remind you, on sore throat, congested chest, wrists, behind ears or if too strong for your sense of smell, begin with bottoms of feet or along spine for fever. This roller can be used preventatively as well during cold and flu season.
10 Thieves
10 RC Eucalyptus Blend or Frankincense
10 Lemon
Put 10 drops each in a 10 ml roller and top up with liquid Coconut oil.
Apply every 1-4 hours as symptoms remind you, on sore throat, congested chest, wrists, behind ears or if too strong for your sense of smell, begin with bottoms of feet or along spine for fever. This roller can be used preventatively as well during cold and flu season.
Congestion Roller:
10 Lavender
10 Lemon
10 Peppermint
Put drops in a 10 ml roller topped up with carrier oil.
Roll on cheekbones, temples, behind ears and forehead as desired for sinus pain and congestion.
10 Lavender
10 Lemon
10 Peppermint
Put drops in a 10 ml roller topped up with carrier oil.
Roll on cheekbones, temples, behind ears and forehead as desired for sinus pain and congestion.
SALINE NASAL OR THROAT SPRAY:
Add 1 cup of boiling water to 1/8 tsp of Natural Sea Salt & 1/8 tsp of Baking Soda - dissolve together and let it cool.
When just warm, add 1 drop of Essential Oil - I like Frankincense for its anti-inflammatory properties and for soothing irritated skin. Lavender or Eucalyptus would also be good choices.
This can be put in a nasal spray bottle, a throat spray bottle, or both.
Sore Throat:
Frankincense and Lavender are very soothing to tissues, so we put a few drops of each in a teaspoon or tablespoon of Castor oil or Cod Liver oil to drink in order to coat and soothe irritated tissues in the throat.
Drink warm teas to thin mucous secretions so the body can keep moving them out. Celestial Seasonings Throat Coat with Lemon Echinacea is a favourite - add a tsp of honey and a drop of Cinnamon for added benefits.
Throat Lozenges - Thieves Throat Lozenges and Cough drops are available through the US site and are game changers. They are sugar-free and loaded with immune support while soothing symptoms!
Mouth Rinse:
A choice of Thieves Mouthwash or a DIY with Peppermint, Lavender and Frankincense dietary oils can be mixed in a glass water bottle and used to gargle and swish around the mouth as desired to clean and help the body heal sore throat or other irritated tissues.
A choice of Thieves Mouthwash or a DIY with Peppermint, Lavender and Frankincense dietary oils can be mixed in a glass water bottle and used to gargle and swish around the mouth as desired to clean and help the body heal sore throat or other irritated tissues.
Chest Rub:
A DIY chest rub can be made by combining our Eucalyptus oils, RC, or the Peppermint/Lavender/Lemon mix with solid coconut oil or a natural lotion you like. We also really like the Thieves Chest Rub YL introduced recently: https://m.lfstps.com/tnqj8/fwQ
Bath to Soothe Sore Muscles:
- Panaway, Lavender or Frankincense mixed with Epsom salts can be added to a bath to ease sore muscles and relax the body and mind.
- For Body Ache - Agilease & Sulfurzyme have been so helpful to keep our use of NSAIDs really low - We only used Ibuprofen to help us sleep if the pain was too high for rest. We are careful with Tylenol and Ibuprofen because they can irritate the digestive system, are hard on organs, and can sometimes allow the virus a deeper hold since we turn off the signals that remind us to keep fighting throughout the day!
Tummy Trouble Roller
15 Digize
15 Peppermint
In a 10 ml Roller bottle top up with carrier oil.
Roll on the abdomen or back of the neck.
+ Inhaling these essential oils is so helpful in assisting with nausea.
+ A spoonful of honey may calm an irritated stomach.
+ We also use the same homeopathic 'flu tubes' and oregano oil with these types of viruses.
15 Digize
15 Peppermint
In a 10 ml Roller bottle top up with carrier oil.
Roll on the abdomen or back of the neck.
+ Inhaling these essential oils is so helpful in assisting with nausea.
+ A spoonful of honey may calm an irritated stomach.
+ We also use the same homeopathic 'flu tubes' and oregano oil with these types of viruses.
Almost all of these oils and a diffuser are included in a Starter Bundle for best value by Young Living. There is also an amazing Starter Bundle for Kids with a sound machine and night light owl diffuser with oils prediluted to use with Little Ones! The Desert Mist diffuser is my favourite in the Starter Bundle for its long diffusing time and ability to travel!
I hope you and your family find healthy days free of invasions this season. And when viruses come knocking, I hope you grow in confidence to find the tools to shut the door quickly.
