Did I just figure out my WHAT?!

     I was introduced to the world of AA last year when a close friend of mine joined.  Well, technically introduced to the edge of the world of AA. They are a very exclusive group, as they should be.  I believe it is a fantastic organization doing wonderful work. I have heard about the successes of the 12 step program they follow. I'm pretty sure all of us know the Serenity Prayer.  I don't really know much about it other than that.  While everyone's path along these steps will always remain individual, the bond shared in the journey remains strong and devout.    
      So, what happens to those of us that need that kind of guidance back from the edge but don't have the specified addictions to become a member? What if you are addicted to the pain inflicted into your life?  What if something knocked you off your trajectory and you couldn't find your way back? What about those of us that struggle in silence with our issues because not one single element defines our pain?  What if you haven't been clinically diagnosed with depression and don't have the means to seek private counseling?   What if our outlets weren't drugs or alcohol, but self-loathing, isolation, eating, shopping, and about 1000 other things that aren't categorized as these group worthy "addictions"? What if we are just alone and overwhelmed?

     I decided to look into what they steps were and how they pertained to my needs in moving myself passed my pain.
1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol - that our lives had become unmanageable. ~ I can replace the word alcohol here with about 10 other words and this speaks volumes to me.
2. Came to believe that a power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. ~ I believe there are a lot of us that feel the same way I do, and that feeling is that we have been left alone or forgotten about. Some of us need help back to realizing we are not alone.
3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him. ~ I know from personal experience that being led back to God is not a straight path. I also know, for me, that it's a very personal relationship and is not easily defined by any formalized religion. 
4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves. ~ Whew, this is a big one.  I am assuming this is a big one in AA as well. To go down that well, to trust that you will emerge and not fall into a sea of despair when you begin is definitely something you need a guide for. When you feel alone and isolated and angry at the world, you make a lot of mistakes.  
5. Admitted to God, to ourselves, and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs. ~ This one goes along with #4 for me. A biggie. There are some things I have never admitted out loud to another living soul. So I carry that burden around with me every day. 
6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character. ~ Letting Go. Simple, yet difficult. 
7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings. ~ I would think this would be a difficult step as well, since most of us are defined by our story. Our story of pain, being wronged, of feeling justified to do the things we have done. We would also have to forgive ourselves and not believe we deserve those shortcomings any longer. 
8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all. ~ There's that well again. I would assume that everyone finds themselves on their own list. 
9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. ~ What an ultimate healing step. I think this step should also specify that you need to prepare yourself for not being forgiven. 
10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it. ~ Living with intention is what comes to mind when I read this step. This is something I have worked for, for a very long time.  Now reading the steps that precede it, I now understand why I haven't gotten there yet. 
11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out. ~ Laying down my pain. Actually walking through life without it. Living my life as it was actually intended. Amazing. 
12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. ~ To be honest, I feel as though I had a spiritual awakening just reading through these steps.  Light and heavy all at the same time. A burning passion stirring inside. 

     Wow. Just, Wow.  

     I have decided to work through these steps, as it pertains to my needs.  Taking an inventory of your life is an amazing experience.  I felt it on a small scale when I sat down with a Life Coach recently. We sat down and hashed out some life and business goals.  That was looking forward.  To be honest, as much as we may ever plan, until we look backwards we will always hold ourselves back. The key is, of course, to then let it go. So far, I feel it is going well.  I am alone on this journey and realize this is why they are passionate about their sponsors.  

     While watching Super Soul Sunday one day On-Demand, I came across an episode with Brené Brown.  She is a writer of books 'Rising Strong ', 'Daring Greatly', and 'I thought it was  just me' to name a few. She stated that her focus was to begin a global conversation about the experiences that bring meaning to our lives – courage, vulnerability, love, belonging, shame, and empathy. That statement really struck a chord within me.  I thought long and hard about what kind of global conversation I would like to create. I believe the answer reveals the heart of our passion or WHY.  Those of you that know me well, or have read my other entries, know that I have a wicked crush on Simon Sinek, the writer of 'Start With Why'.  I am extremely passionate about finding your WHY. Finding my WHY has made a huge difference in moving myself forward.  The next steps are then finding your WHAT and HOW. As I sat down to write this entry, I began in one place and ended in another.  That's usually the way self discovery goes, but we seem to never brace ourselves for that, do we? 

     So what's a Mama Bear to do now?  I believe my next logical steps are to create something that I always needed. They say 'Necessity is the Mother of Invention'. I am very passionate about single moms (single parents, really). I am mostly passionate about the effects this status has on their families.  I am also very passionate about nutrition and leading a healthy lifestyle.  I have done a lot of research and learning in these areas.  For the people that find themselves in a stressful, financially dire, and unsupported situation with their single parenthood, I want to offer a way out of that quagmire. I felt like I have floundered for years. There are a lot of poor decisions that are made when you are pushed into a corner.  Unhealthy eating is a big one, either done out of lack of funds or pure exhaustion. Time spent away from your children as your try to provide all they need.  Not being able to offer extra-curricular activities either because you can't afford them, or you cannot get them to all the practices and games or shows.  Not being able to move yourself forward in a career or business venture that would be able to provide better choices for your family because you cannot give the time required, cannot pursue the schooling needed to advance, or cannot produce the funds to make your dream happen. These are just a few things that come to mind when I think about the needs out there.  Believe me, I could go on for days with a list!  What this whole thing looks like is hard to explain.  I see it all perfectly in my head, I even have a building picked out.  I know, for sure, that the necessity is there.  
     Now let's get to work on the HOW.  

State of Emergency

     These last 2 months have been a whirlwind of emotion, busyness, and eye opening experiences.  I have written 3 other entries that seemed to each fall by the wayside. As my birthday happened, the holidays crept up quickly, and the end of the year drew near I couldn't seem to focus on one single thing. I think I wasn't allowing myself  any introspection until I really had the time to do it properly.  Once all of the holiday stuff was taken care of, I could finally sit and take it all in. Yesterday became that day.  I can't guarantee it will all make sense, but I do guarantee it needed to come out!
     I found out recently that a previous neighbor of mine was killed suddenly in a car accident.  It was shocking on many levels. She, her husband, and kids were that family that were just generally happy.  Nothing flashy about them, just pure unadulterated love for each other.  They went through their days as a solid unit. They were nice to all they met, just all around good people.  So, when she and her 3 year old perished in the accident, it shook me to my core. It really all can be over in an instant.  I can't imagine how hard this Christmas was for him and their eldest son. It really made me then think hard about people that get notified of something like that or a health scare diagnosis and turn their life and health around.  What do we all wait for?  We all know our mortality is a fact. We are all in a State of Emergency. Or, at least, we should be.
     What am I waiting for?  A dire diagnosis? A notification about a family member after it's too late?I already know what getting a cancer diagnosis feels like. It may not have been for myself, but as a parent, that feeling is the same.  I knew the changes that needed to happen instantly for my son.  So why not me?  Did I need to hear those words directed towards me to be effective?  I know that my body is not healthy. I know that my mind is not clear.  I know I am not happy with the way things are.  I decided, I am not waiting any longer. I am giving myself that notification and dire diagnosis today. I can give it a scary name, but I'm not sure it needs one.  For now we will simply call it out for exactly what it is.  I have Inflammatory Disease and someone I love is dying from it as well.  This is the leading cause of 99% of all fatal diseases, so that name is scary enough to me.  If I stay the current path I am on, I am looking at a lifetime of joint and muscular pain, a plethora of prescriptions for daily consumption, more prescriptions to counteract the original ones, possible heart attack, possible stroke, cancer. Take your pick, So there it is. My diagnosis. Consider me notified. Now is time for my State of Emergency flag to go up and signal the need for change.
     So, what' a Mama Bear to do with that news?  Well, make changes of course.  I wouldn't currently be in the condition I am in today if making those changes were easy.  I'm not going to kid myself that it will be all sunshine and daisies from here on out.  But, I do believe that this is the first time I really acknowledge the need for real change. I have built an amazing support system around me and am expanding my knowledge each day.  I am more mindful than ever of my choices and how they affect my future.  I'm not here to convince anyone that my way is the best way.  I am not following one person's suggestions.  I am using all of the things that feel authentic to me and know that is the right way for me. I am beginning a cleanse on the 8th, I joined a gym, daily meditation, yoga, essential oils, and I am committing to a Pescatarian diet once my cleanse begins.  Those are just a few things to begin my new journey. I am open to sharing my journey with anyone that wants to join in.  I believe wholeheartedly in accountability and information sharing.
      Over the past 2 weeks, I have been asked several times what my word for 2018 is.  After some work that I did with a Life Coach, I landed on Authentic.  Last year my word was Worthy.  That worked out fabulous for me! I believe it is time for me to get back to the basic core of who I am.  A lot of twists and turns, jaded experiences, and improper intimidation made me dull my shine.  I molded myself into someone that I thought people wanted me to be. They all kept leaving me. And I kept getting unhealthier as a result.  I thought I did it for them.  I was wrong.  Now, the right people are sticking around.  I believe it will only get better from here.  I still need to work on being comfortable in my own skin.  That doesn't have anything with being a size 6 for me.  That may never happen again.   And, that's ok. Being healthy, interesting, active, curious, and my best self is the end result that works for me.
     I wish you all the things for 2018 that make your heart swell, your pulse rapid, and sets your soul on fire!

The weight of the world...on my mid-section

     On Halloween morning, I woke up to the news that one of my high school classmates had a massive heart attack and died just a couple of days earlier.  It really jolted me awake.  I wouldn't say that we were close friends, but I have many fond memories and knew him in my past all the same.  I am always startled when someone my age dies.  It truly reminds me that I am not 25 anymore. A lifetime of bad choices or family genetics could catch up with me at any time as well. I am in the midst of planning a girls weekend away to Las Vegas with my sisters. (Ladies, join us!) When I shared this news, my sister reminded me that this is why we are taking such a trip.  To live life to the fullest while we have the chance.  This is also why I have been taking back control over my health the last few years.
      Two years ago, I was laying on the floor wrestling around with my youngest son.  We both were laughing and having a good time.  He needed a breather from the tickle monster, so we both laid on our backs for a moment.  I couldn't have been laying there for more than a minute and I felt like I was being choked.  The weight of my size E chest was literally choking me. With this on top of the constant back pain I suffered,  I then made the decision to talk to my doctor about a breast reduction.  We have heart disease in my family, so this was my first step to combat the odds against me.  13 months ago, that finally became and reality for me.  This was not an easy decision, as it affected my family financially which then turned into emotionally.  I am grateful to my children that they stuck by me to make it happen, and have not regretted it since.  I had amazing people step up and help my family in ways I can never repay. I feel like a brand new woman.  My confidence is returning, but best of all I am beginning to feel comfortable in my own skin again. But, that was not my only health issue, so there was more work to do. Here comes the TMI part for some of you...
     I have not had a period since I became pregnant with my son in 2007.  Yes, 2007. After giving birth through C-Section, I got an IUD.  With having a C-Section, your body responds differently to postpartum.  Apparently, the IUD I chose has a history of stopping your periods.  But who was complaining, right?  I never dreamed the effect it would have on me and I assumed that it would return when it was removed.  That was not the case.  Since it was removed in early 2013, I have had a handful of period type things happen for a day at a time.  I have been to a few doctors that all say my tests are normal, and that I am healthy. I am not in menopause or even peri-menopause.  According to every test I have taken, I am normal. But...I cannot lose weight.  None of the doctors seem to feel that my lack of menstruation has anything to do with my inability to lose weight. No matter what I do, it will not budge. I have increased my physical activity, I watch my diet, and I stopped drinking all soda. Nothing changes.  The only fluctuation in weight I have had is the literal weight of my reduction.  I lost weight initially when I stopped the soda, but it came back.  I am stuck on this one number, and I don't like that number!  I had one doctor say, "Well, at least your not gaining!"  Yes, I should be happy about that, but I am not. This weight, I know is affecting my heart disease odds. Visceral fat is the worst kind, and that's what I have. 
     So, what's a Mama Bear to do?  Well, turn to my essential oils, of course! I have decided to begin using our Metabolic Blend called Slim & Sassy.  First of all, I love the name and second, I have read tons of great reviews.  Since my thyroid was removed in 2000, I am super sensitive to any stimulant, which seems to come with most supplements. (Not all, but most) I can't have any stimulants and am super susceptible to anxiety.  So, this works out perfect for me.  This blend has no stimulants and also has been known to work to regulate my hormones, which as I get older, I need! For me, this feels like a good fit.  Also, it is another way that I can use my oils to live a healthier lifestyle.  Back to those basics. 
     I'm not willing to sit on the sidelines any longer and watch my life happen to me. I can no longer tolerate the waiting for something to happen.  The time is now to step up and make it happen.  Now some of the healthier choices I am making with finally show some results. We all have our own path towards health, and I feel this is part of mine. 
     Essential Oils for me are not a new trend or even about a business. They truly have changed my family's lives.  No longer dependent upon over the counter medicines, no more cleaning my home with chemicals, no more anti-anxiety meds for me, no more daily allergy meds for my son, pain relief is at an all time high, everyone is sleeping solid, and we are no longer falling prey to the seasonal afflictions that come with each season. 
     I am super excited to receive my order and begin my new regimen.  My daughter said that I should document it, so that when I am smokin' hot I can look back and appreciate it more!  I have always wanted to be in one of those before and after stories in Prevention magazine. Maybe I can finally make that happen!  Here's to our Health! 

Back to the Basics

     As we were driving to doTERRA's  Post Convention Tour last Thursday, I mentioned to my friend that I have a recurring theme that keeps presenting itself when I meditate.  The theme is to get Back to the Basics.(and then for some reason the song Back in the Saddle by Aerosmith plays in my head!) I have felt this way a few times in my life.  Sometimes I feel like I get so wrapped up in all the "Bigger, Better, Faster, Now" of the world, that I forget what I am truly grounded in.  I can tell when I get caught up there, because I am scatter brained and irritated.  So she responded with, "Well, what does back to basics mean to you?"  I was actually taken aback.  I really thought I knew. I suppose it always meant a simpler way of doing things.  I had this idea in my head, but it appears it was more of a concept than an actual plan.  We had reached our destination shortly after that, so the conversation ended there.  But not in my head. I was very moved by a few things I heard at that evening's presentation and it got the wheels spinning even faster.
     So what's a Mama Bear to do to figure out how to bring balance back into the fold?  For we all know, that when Mama is crazy, the whole house is crazy.  Or whatever variation of that saying you like to throw out there.  A long time ago, I was introduced to a woman that quit a very successful career in Direct Sales and decided to become a consultant  for people like me.  She had created a program called Digging Deeper. The core fundamentals of the program focused on what she called "Your 8 lanes of life".  Your life is broken down into 8 categories or lanes. They are Spirituality, Family, Health, Work/School, Personal Development, Financial, Social, and Community. The first step is to define how each of these pertain to your personal life.  The category's weight of attention they receive from you ebb and flow, depending on where you in life.  Sometimes, your family life is full front and center, sometimes it is your work or school, etc. This is the natural roller coaster of life. No one thing stays at the top of the list every day of your life.  (You may think it does, but dig a little deeper and see for yourself). Once you clarify what these look like, you can even go a step further and look to the future. What would you like these to look like in 1 year, 5 years, 20 years.  I especially like to use this method since it helps me break things down.  We call have our niches.  But, I digress. Back to the Basics!
     I sat down and really started to think about what those Basics are for me.  I think we all have an idea of how we want our lives to look and feel, but few of us take the time to sit down and figure out how to get there.  What does it really take for me to live the life of my dreams.  I'm not talking about that grand mansion having, billion dollar lifestyle.   I'm talking about the one that really makes our soul content.  We have all heard the saying, "A goal without a plan is just a dream". So, I guess it's time to sit down and write out that plan. For me, looking towards an end picture and working backwards seems to help.  It really does help me to identify if I am willing to do the work to reach that end vision.  Because, lets face it, if I am not willing to do the work, it will never happen.  No amount of wishing or dreaming will ever make that happen. 
     What does that look like for you?  Have you ever sat down and defined the different areas of your life?  Does the thought of doing something like this excite or scare you? The first time I did it, I was a little mad.  I really wasn't focusing on the things that took me closer to my goals.  That was a tough pill to swallow.  So, of course, the excuses of a busy life came out to play.  I think it is always good to revisit where we are headed.  For all I know, I could very well be still chasing after dreams I no longer even feel drawn to, just simply out of habit.  I am not who I was even a year ago.

     It's time to get back to the basics!

Like a kid in a candy store...

     I am super excited about 2 things and so I thought I would share them with you!  The first thing is that dōTERRA's Post Convention Tour is coming to Denver on October 19th.  dōTERRA recently held their annual convention in Salt Lake City.  They then graciously hold post convention tours around the country for all of the people that were unable to attend the event.  We had many new oils that were introduced at that time.  This brings me to the 2nd thing I am excited about.  As a benefit for being a Wellness Advocate, we were able to purchase kits of the new oils.  I placed my order yesterday and am giddy with excitement as I await its arrival!  I would like to introduce these oils to you as well.  I don't have first hand experience yet, so that I can share later when I do.  
     I must preface this with a statement as require by the FDA: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
     Drum roll please... 

• Yoga Trio:
• Arise: Enlightening Blend
•  A blend of Grapefruit, Lemon, Osmanthus, and Siberian Fir essential oils
•  Ideal Yoga Poses: Standing, Arms High Standing Stretch, Half-Moon
• Anchor: Steadying Blend
• A blend of Lavender, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Black Pepper, and Patchouli
• Ideal Yoga Poses: Seated Meditation, Seated Twist, Bhu Mudra
• Align:  Centering Blend
• A blend of Peppermint, Basil, Geranium, and Jasmine Flower
• Ideal Yoga Poses: Warrior II, Triangle, Gate Pose
• On Guard Spray:   
• On Guard Sanitizing Mist kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria 
• Helps protect your family and home against environmental threats  
•  Blend includes Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary 
• Copaiba:   
• Derived from the resin of the Copaiba tree which can grow upwards of more than 100 feet and can be found in tropical South America 
• Helps soothe anxious feelings
• Supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems
• Siberian Fir:
• Native to Russia and Canada. It has a refreshing, woody scent that is known for its calming and relaxing properties.
• Primary uses are to soothe skin irritations and reduce stress.
• Blue Tansy: 
• Comes from the annual yellow-flowered Mediterranean plant
• An important oil in the dōTERRA Deep Blue blend
• Helps diminish the appearance of blemishes
• Perfect for massaging into skin with fractionated coconut oil or lotion after a long day of work or intense exercise
• Jasmine Touch:
  •  Can be applied to pulse points for a calming, yet euphoric aroma that uplifts mood and promotes a positive outlook
  • Reduces the appearance of skin imperfections and promotes a healthy-looking, glowing complexion
  •  Regarded as the “King of Flowers,” Jasmine is prized for its highly fragrant aroma, making Jasmine Touch ideal to use as a personal fragrance throughout the day
• Rose Touch:
• One of the most precious essential oils in the world
• Can be used to balance moisture levels in the skin, reduce the appearance of skin imperfections, and promote a healthy and even skin tone
• Can be applied to pulse points for an uplifting aroma throughout the day
• Neroli Touch:
•  Neroli essential oil is derived from the flowers of the bitterorange tree; there are three oils derived from this same tree—orange is derived from the orange peels,Petitgrain from the leaves and twigs, and Neroli from the flower
•  Instills relaxation, uplifts mood, reduces feelings of anxiousness, and promotes overall well-being
• Applied topically, Neroli can be used to soothe skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes

     So there they are...the 10 little beauties I am anxiously waiting for.  I can't wait to incorporate them into my current routine.  I am especially excited about the Copaiba Oil as we all have heard the amazing effects of CBD Oil.  I am equally excited about using the Yoga Trio in my current practice.  I am nerding out on these new additions knowing that dōTERRA has done painstaking research on bringing us only the best while also providing jobs and fair trade through our Co-Impact Sourcing model.  They say that we are attracted to products that are produced by company's that share our core values, this company does that for me every time.  Not only do I get a natural way to take care of my family, I am helping make the world a better place with integrity and accountability and that makes my heart sing!

You'll float too...

     Lately, I have been feeling all sorts of scatter-brained.  So much so, I couldn't focus long enough to create a blog post last week. So many different changes in my life and I am just trying to keep up.  I am learning new systems, ways of doing things, tapping into old memory banks, and trying not to let myself get caught in a wormhole of waiting for the other shoe to drop. (This is an old, tried and true method I have of mucking up the good things in my life) When my boss contacted me and said, "Book us for a 90 minute float for our monthly self care", I was stoked! Since she had told me about going her first time, I was trying to figure out a way to experience it myself.  Not only was this such an awesome treat bestowed upon me, it was exactly what I was needing.  From the time the appointment was booked, I was counting down the days. Yesterday was the day.

     My experience went like this: When I was taken in to the room, I picked my background sounds and meditation to listen to while I was on the inversion table.  That was fantastic!  I need one of these in my home.  When my time was complete on the table I gently came full tilt, undressed, and promptly headed to the shower.  I rinsed off and headed toward my deprivation/float chamber.  I opened the door and climbed inside.  Holy darkness, Batman! I eased myself into position and began to float.  I have some crazy claustrophobia, so I wasn't sure how I would respond once in the environment.  I can safely say, I never had a fearful thought.  I felt like I was in a cave, gently floating down a river.  Slightly rocking, twisting and turning, gliding further and further into the cave.  Then the light show began.  It was like the Northern Lights dancing around above me.  Beams of ethereal lights kept swooping toward me, kind of surrounding me, lifting back and dancing above me.  It was trippy, transcendental, calming, exciting, and serene all at the same time.  I kept floating.  There is a signal that gently starts chiming when your time is done.  I eased myself back to the real world, sat up, and slowly climbed out of the chamber.  I walked to the shower and climbed inside.  It was magical.  I felt loopy.  I must have been in my own world a little too long because they came and knocked on my door to check on me.  I emerged from the room and back to reality.  The whole car ride home was pretty surreal.  I was still hazy.  (thankfully, I wasn't driving!) About 2 hours later, my mind became crystal clear like a shot. It was like someone walked up to me and lifted a veil.  I felt so fantastic the whole day.

     This morning when I woke up, everyone was irritable, including me.  I felt like everything was just not going as planned.  My children feed off my energy.  I quickly realized that I had not been a good patron of the beauty I experienced and did not take care of myself properly after.  I did not drink nearly the amount of water I should have.  I counteracted all of the detoxification the Epsom salt produced and filled my body with easy, fried, greasy food.  Around 10am this morning, it hit me like a ton of bricks.  The fog, the nausea, the pressure headache, the irritability.  Yuck, Yuck, Yuck, a thousand times Yuck! 

     So what's a Mama Bear to do?  Break out the oils of course.  Peppermint was on deck to help ease the nausea.  Deep Blue was next to help ease the stiffness in my neck (I did not properly stretch before bed). But, it was the fog that was the worst part.  I had recently created a Focus Blend for my 15 year old to have with her at school. Of course, she took it with her! So, I grabbed the Peppermint again and added it with Wild Orange and whipped up my own roller ball.  Eureka! The veil was slowly lifting again.  I started consuming water like I had just found an oasis in the desert.  I retreated to my room where I meditated with Deepak and Oprah followed by a regenerative yoga session with Rodney Yee.  I took care to not overdo for the remainder of the day and kept up on all my after care instructions as I should have the day before.

     Lessons learned from this experience: I will definitely be back in the deprivation/float chamber as soon as I can make it happen.  I highly recommend it.  I will definitely follow all after-care instructions from trained professionals. I have a new favorite roller ball recipe. And, I need to listen to my body more often, not only when it is crying out in pain or distress.   

Much love <3 

     

What's that grumbling in my tummy?

     On August 24th, I took my last sip of soda (hopefully forever).  This was a significant day for me, not only because it is the anniversary of my sister's passing, but also because I am a lifetime soda drinker.  Or pop, as I called it back in my Michigan days.  The withdrawal from this beverage was worse for me than cigarettes.  I knew it had a hold on me, I just didn't realize how much of my life it controlled.  Thankfully, Black Pepper, Lavender, and our Serenity Blend oils were my refuge from the storm.  And believe me, there was a storm.  We all know Lavender has calming properties, and by the very name you can assume that Serenity has the same.  I have been asked about why I also used Black Pepper oil, since it has been known to curb tobacco addiction and not sugar. My answer is not very glamorous or profound in any way.  I was desperate.  I found myself in a screaming match with my 14 (now 15) year old daughter.  I stopped abruptly mid-sentence and realized that my reaction no where matched the topic of discussion. What's a Mama Bear to do? My skin was tingling and I was irate. I remembered hearing about Black Pepper and didn't frankly care if there was evidence to support my needs.  With one single inhale, I was transformed.  I quickly threw Serenity and Lavender into the diffuser and apologized to my daughter.  Each day began to get easier and easier with the help of this magical trio.
     So, what's the deal with the rumbling in my tummy?  Oh, it's the sounds of change.  I had made a decision to avoid all carbonated drinks, since for me, they are a slippery slope towards Dr. Pepper.  My tummy started to go through some major changes that I didn't expect. I won't lie, it was pretty or pleasant. The way I was digesting my food and drink was changing.  My system needed to figure out this new way of doing things.  I normally fed my belly a steady diet of processed food, soda, and sugar.  There were a few smoothies, lean meats, fruits, and veggies mixed in but not a lot!  I will be completely honest here.  I thought my diet was ok.  It was approved by a weight loss doctor, so I convinced myself I was on the right track.  Now that I have not been drinking soda, I am craving better foods.  Whole foods. When I ate the new foods I was supposed to, I didn't feel so hot. I know it sounds strange. I couldn't believe it myself.  So I asked myself again, What's a Mama Bear to do?  Do I go back to eating the crap I know is bad for me just because my system is used to it?  Heck no!!  Adding DigestZen to the mix has been helping tremendously.  This oil gives me the ability to allow my system to adjust to the foods it should be handling with ease. Releasing the toxins it has been used to for so long.  It is my new best friend.
     Because I always believe there is more to the story, this really got me to thinking.  How many times do we go back to old habits, stay with toxic people in our lives, and perhaps jobs that are bad for us?  I believe it is because of that uncomfortable change you go through when the bad is removed.  Logically, we assume that if it is good for us it will feel good. The saying "The devil that you know" makes perfect sense here.  Stepping out of your comfort zone can be uncomfortable.  But to me, that short period of transition is worth it.  Accepting that I am worth the effort has made all the difference. 
     I learned a strange lesson by quitting drinking a beverage that I know is bad for me. But, I am happy for the new found knowledge.