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Blog Posts Tagged toxic free lifestyle | Verna Smoker

toxic free lifestyle

My family deserved better! Toxins!! Ugh!

My family deserved better!  Toxins!! Ugh!



                                    My people, my family living the best healthy life style 



Why I chose health and a chemical free lifestyle for me and my family…

  1. I don’t want to get sick. Who does? I want to be a healthy, active grandma. I’ll do whatever I can to minimize my risk of getting cancer, having a stroke or heart attack, or suffering an autoimmune disease.
  2. I want to have enough energy to do what I need to do each day. 
     
    Everything I do takes energy from cooking healthy meals, to being a wife and mom, to getting outside and playing with my grandkids. The diet and lifestyle choices I make...directly affect my energy.
  3.  I want to feel good.  When I feel good I’m a better mom, a better wife, and a happier person. I want my body to be strong, able, and fit.


I started this new life style in 2014. 

 Why all of a sudden was this important to me?

         It’s because ...  ONE DAY A LIGHT BULB CAME ON! 

         I finally started to connect the dots. 


After my Mom passed away due to Breast Cancer and... 6 years later my dad passed away due to bladder cancer... It got me thinking.


It got me thinking how my immune system may have been compromised while pregnant with our 2nd child who was born with a birth defect. Really? Could there really be something to that?


And then I ask myself...What caused my husband at the age of 61 to have a heart attack?


These are all questions I think about and I wonder if there were toxic chemicals that could have been avoided or... the hundreds of chemicals I was exposed to and put on my body each day or ... could it have been the many toxic cleaning products I used and most times had to covered my face with a towel so as not to breath in the chemical smell that literally made me feel like I was passing out. 


Looking back now I shudder to think how I was so naive and unaware of what I was really doing to not  just me, but also compromising my families health.


So the day that light Bulb came on was the best day ever! That is the day, with my husbands encouragement, I took a few wash baskets full of toxic products that were literally in every room in our home and I chucked them!!!  I did!!  I threw away hundreds of dollars worth of products and ... I made that first step to living a toxic free lifestyle, the best that I know how. 


That included checking labels on all the stuff I put in my grocery cart. Talk about time consuming ! Yes! but ... so worth it!


After doing a ton of research I decided to start my new life style journey with "Young Living"


So why Young Living you might ask?

I had heard that Essential Oils had many health properties and I thought I would try them.


With so many essential oil companies to choose from, which essential oil company is the best? After doing research I chose Young Living as my essential oil company for my family’s health. And here is why… 



                    My sister and I at the Young Living farm in Utah 



 Who is Young Living?


As the world leader in essential oils, we believe that everyone deserves a life full of abundance and wellness. Our vision is to bring the life-changing benefits of essential oils to every home, family, and lifestyle.


Not all oils are created equal. In fact, most of the oils on the market are synthetic, especially if they’re cheap. I know first hand that many oil companies try to stretch their oils and use fillers to do just that. Yucky fillers! Please beware. You get what you pay for.


Young Living oils are so pure, they’ve even developed their own purity standard called the Young Living therapeutic-grade standard. They’re marketed as the purest oils on the market, never synthetic or diluted, 100% “Seed To Seal.” check it out here


The YL story started more than 20 years ago with a simple, home-built essential oil distillery. Today, our farms and community span the globe. Because of our proven commitment to provide nature’s best, millions trust us to deliver superior essential oils. 


Young Living is a high quality company that consistently exceeds all of my expectations. I never worry about if they are pure or not. I went to the farm in Utah and when you see how they "plant the seeds to when you put that drop of oil on your skin" it is simply amazing! 


Another reason I choose Young Living is because of the Young Living foundation they are passionate about and ... to know I have a part in this makes my heart glad!  Such a good cause!


Check it out here, ]https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/company/media/partnerships/young-living-foundation


As I share my story with people I meet, it has led to a growing community of friends and has given me the opportunity of an unexpected successful business venture. I love to help people and there is nothing more fulfilling then that. I love what I do! 

 

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My brother... In the eyes of the world he was considered not Typical.... to me he was my brother.

My brother... In the eyes of the world he was considered not Typical.... to me he was my brother.
             This pic was 2 month before my brother passed away. Look how proud he was of me that day. His smile says it all!

My brother was a very unique and cool kid! Most people would refer to him as a special needs child but I never looked at him that way. Ever wonder why we refer to them as “Special Needs"?

 That never did sit well with me. First of all we All have needs in one way or another. I feel like it’s singling them out in a negative way. Maybe it’s just me.

Never the less… my brother was the coolest kid ever. He was my buddy! His name was Nelson and man oh days… I loved this kid! He called me Nun Nun. That was his nick name for me. Not because he thought it was cool or fun to have a nick name for me but the reality is… he was non-verbal. He could only voice "nun nun. My name is Verna, close enough, right?

He passed away very unexpectedly when he was 12 years old just 3 month after my husband and I got married. The pic above shows just how proud he was of us on our wedding day. The suddenness of his passing left me heart broken to say the least. The connection and bond I had with him was strong. Yes, he was nonverbal but he sure had personality. He was loved by everyone who ever met him, he was silly, inquisitive and... maybe not typical in the worlds eyes but in my eyes he was my brother. It didn't matter, I loved him just like he was.

One thing I wish...I wish we had access to oils back then. I think of so many ways the oils could have benefited him not only with his immune system but for brain health, stress levels and anxiety. 

Because he was nonverbal… I set up a school room in my bedroom when I was 12 years old and he was 6. I was the teacher and he was my student. I wanted him to talk so badly so everyday I would flash a stack of flash cards in front of him and hoped that he could sound out the words for me. It never happened. Only girbish sounds like Nun Nun.

Nelson would be 59 years old today. I suppose if he was diagnosed today he would be on the autism spectrum and... looking back it changed who I am today. The privilege of being his sister has made me more aware of kids and adults who the world labels as “not typical” but... lets me see the beauty behind their eyes and look into their beautiful souls. I also have two nieces who are on the Autism spectrum and I love them to bits! They are blessed to have a mom that uses oils on a daily basis with them and… have seen great results. 

Below are ways to use essential oils if your child or adult needs support emotionally or boost their immune system. The three main ways to use essential oils are aromatically, topically, and internally.

As always, when using essential oils on adults or children, you never want to put them directly into the eyes or ears. You also want to be aware of any blends that may contain citrus oils as these are photosensitive and should be avoided if being exposed to direct sunlight.

You may have to get creative with how you will get the oils into your child’s system, especially if they are sensitive to smells, but it can be done!

* Infuse sensory materials with essential oils, rice, DIY play dough, bubbles.

*Add ‘diffusers’ to the room where your child is working or playing…use cotton balls, corks, felt pads, anything that absorbs oil and place around the room.

*Diffuse while your child is not in the room, the effects will still linger but the scent won’t be as strong when they enter.

*Spray your child’s sheets with a calming blend about an hour BEFORE they go to bed.

*Add oils to everyday-use products like shampoos and lotions.Add Vitality oils to your child’s smoothies, drinks, or food. 

*Be sure to avoid plastic containers when adding oils to food and drinks.

 **As you begin to use essential oils on and around your child, it is best to start with just one oil at a time so you can appropriately determine the effects. Then build from there. 

 Common Oils...Though this is not an all-inclusive list, these are some of the most commonly used essential oils for children with special needs and the benefits they provide.

Vetiver - promotes calm and relaxation; can help with sensory-processing issues

Lavender - can help calm, relax, and balance emotions rooted in anger & frustration 

CedarWood - can help promote peaceful and restorative sleep

 Frankincense - can help with focus and can reduce negative emotions or reactions

 Peppermint - soothing and can calm restlessness

 Bergamot - increases feelings of wellbeing, relaxing for the mind and body 

 Valor - promotes courage and self-esteem

 Peace & Calming - can help to calm nervous tension and promote relaxation

Focus & Concentration...There are many reasons a child may struggle with a lack of focus or concentration, some of which could include the following:

Separation anxiety

Feeling left out

Fear of what others may think

Stress or trauma

Learning disorders

Let’s talk about a few Young Living options that can help with concentration!...Brain Power seems to be the first go-to for many parents in helping their children with better focus and concentration. This is one of my favorites for me!! It contains powerful oils such as Sacred Sandalwood, Cedar wood, Frankincense, Melissa, Blue Cypress, Lavender, and Helichrysum, which are very high in sesquiterpenes. Google the benefits of sesquiterpenes… very interesting. Diffuse or apply topically to the back of neck, brainstem, temples, or under the nose as needed.

There are plenty of other oils and supplements you can use to support your child’s focus and concentration. Dilute and apply the oils below to the back of neck, top of head, and their big toes. Allow your child to inhale these oils from the bottle or out of the diffuser. Remember that consistency is key with the use of essential oils and supplements. 

 Mindwise - an incredible supplement that gives the brain essential fatty acids to support normal brain function. 

Mighty Zyme - an all-natural, vegetarian supplement designed to help children combat the negative effects of enzyme depletion, which is a precursor to body dysfunction that could impede growth and brain development.

Vetiver - an essential oil with a distinct earthy and grounding scent, which can help your child stay calm during tense times.

CedarWood is an essential oil high in sesquiterpenes, which makes your brain happy.

GeneYus is an essential oil blend with similar sesquiterpenes levels as Brain Power, which can help your child focus and concentrate on the task at hand! Plus it comes prediluted so it’s ready for use! Note: If your child has a nut allergy, you should NOT use this blend.

Clarity - an essential oil blend specifically designed to provide greater mental concentration and alertness. 

Peppermint - an essential oil with an energizing aroma that boosts alertness. (Extra dilution suggested to decrease cooling sensation when applied topically.)

 Here are a few other non-oily tips for increasing focus and concentration in children:

  • Prepare an environment, free from distractions
  • Establish a schedule or a routine
  • Allow time for frequent breaks or a power nap
  • Break large tasks or goals up into smaller ones
  • Add more protein into their diet, which has the ability to raise concentration levels

 For some children, the lack of flexibility in their thinking can make a seemingly simple task of transitioning from one activity or place to another extremely challenging. There are several different strategies you can employ and oils you can use to help your kiddo stay calm and accept these transitions.

 Transitioning Strategies:

  1. Clearly define how long the task or activity will last using a timer or some other visual cue.
  2. Allow your child to see what is coming next by using pictures or creating a schedule.
  3. As much as possible, stay consistent in your daily routines and transitions.
  4. Plan ahead and don’t rush; this will only cause added stress for you and your child.

 Suggested Oils:

Surrender - helps one surrender control

Acceptance - opens the mind to accepting new things

Grounding - promotes feelings of stability and balance

Common Sense & Brain Power - help to support clear thinking

Ylang Ylang - boosts confidence and balances emotions

Northern Lights Black Spruce & Idaho Blue Spruce - promote feelings of confidence and calm

White Angelica - repels negative emotions and energies; known as the “tantrum tamer” oil

 Please keep in mind, all children are different. You may need to try a few different oils to find the one that works best for your child. All of these oils can be diffused or applied topically. As we talked about previously, dilute as needed. Allow your child to choose an oil, ask them what scents they prefer, and how they feel after using it. Sometimes they know better than we do!

The following essential oils are not recommended if you have epilepsy. Note that this is not a full and complete list: 

  • Eucalyptus Essential oil
  • Fennel Essential oil
  • Lavender (Spike Essential Oil) I find that regular Lavender is perfectly fine.
  • Sage Essential oil
  • Yarrow Essential Oil
  • Rosemary Essential Oil (all types)
  • Wintergreen
  •        Please do your research ....

Moms, family members and caregivers ... Here are some oils I recommend to help you get through the challenges of everyday life.

  • Stress Away: Melt away the tensions of the day.
  • Valor: This blend creates feelings of courage and confidence.
  • Forgiveness: This blend helps release hurt feelings and negative emotions.
  • Acceptance: This blend allows you to overcome feelings of denial and be open to accepting new things.
  • White Angelica: This blend dispels negativity and creates feelings of peace, calm, and security.
I would love to hear your story.... We all have one. 
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Meet Verna Smoker

 

The moment we heard the doctor say…


“ITS A BOY”


My husband and I were over the top excited with the birth of our second child.


Those words were music to our ears, UNTIL the music was drowned out by, “Your baby boy has a birth defect, your son is born with spina bifida”. The next few days were a blur of emotions. I was scared, really scared.


I was 22 years old. We were young parents. This was not suppose to happen!


We were told that our baby would need a shunt placed in the ventricles of his brain to relieve the pressure of the spinal fluid on his brain, better known as, hydrocephalus. This was all so foreign and terrifying. Surgery after surgery became our baby’s life.


FEAR, SADNESS, ANGER, DISAPPOINTMENT, GUILT and BLAME on MYSELF became part of my world. Would our baby boy have brain damage? Would he walk? Let alone…live?

Surgeries and long hospital stays all took a toll on my emotional well being.


Instead of being raw and vulnerable with my feelings, I buried them. I was “Super Mom” (or at least that’s what I thought). I learned to wear a mask and I was good at it. I looked the part and I acted the part because I was “Super Mom”. 


However, I pushed my feelings down DEEPI pretended they were not there. This way I DID NOT NEED TO FEEL so deeply. It took awhile to notice, years to be exact, but I was slowly losing control of my emotions. My stress was going through the roof. Panic attacks and depression became real in my life.


Years passed.... 


At the age of 23, our son developed a brain infection which caused him to have colonic status seizures (you know, the kind that do not stop except through medicinal interventions). TERRIFYING to watch!

To top it all off, my husband survived a heart attack (thankfully he is doing well), my mom died of breast cancer, and a few years later my dad died of bladder cancer.


All of this added even MORE STRESS and WORRY.


By Gods grace, and because of our deep faith in HIM, we have and continue to weather the storms. 


Because of the RESEARCH I've done, today, WE DO LIFE differently. We’ve discovered ways to implement and make changes that support our IMMUNE SYSTEMS as well as our EMOTIONAL and BRAIN health. We’ve made changes in the amount of TOXINS that we surround ourselves with. We have become more aware of how “toxic exposure” has an affect on the internal structure of our brain and can trigger both short and long term effects. 


I’ve also found ways to manage my stress level. Those terrifying panic attacks no longer torment me. We have  found the tools we need to live our BEST LIFE, and for that, I am grateful. 


It's our life, and though there are parts of it that we continue to look for solutions in, we will continue to move forward. 


LIFE IS A JOURNEY, and it is BEAUTIFUL. 


If any part of my story connects with your own story I would love to chat and connect with you.



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