Happily Ever After Means Choosing to BE Happy

A few weeks ago I went with my husband - yes, he may have been one of only two men coerced into the theater - to see the new Cinderella movie. I loved its beauty and simplicity and goodness, but I came away from it feeling depressed and irritable. I couldn't help but think "Why isn't my life a fairytale?" When I was a little girl I had watched Cinderella and left with the expectation that once I found my prince my life would be perfectly happy and relatively easy. I'm sure my leaders and parents tried to correct that in me, but I wasn't listening. When things were just as hard in my marriage as they had been in my life my previously I dealt with it by crying a lot and wondering how I was supposed to manage.

It was not until I CHOSE to try to be happy on my own and for myself that I began to truly be happy. Too often we come into marriage with the expectation that our loving spouse will carry our "happiness box" so to speak for us. Cinderella's life was hard and sad before she met the prince and apparently blissfully happy once they were married so this is the unrealistic expectation we have grown up with. I think what we often miss is that in spite of all the hardship Cinderella experienced in her life prior to marriage she still chose to be happy. She would sing and make friends even with the animals and mice for company. She worked hard and served those around her even when they did not deserve it. It is because she learned how to be happy on her own and carry her own happiness that she was so attractive to the prince and able to live "happily ever after" with him.

It is NOT the love of a spouse that enables us to live happily ever after, but rather the love and service we give no matter our circumstances. Watching Cinderella reminded me of how much I had fallen short of that and continued to demand that others around me provide my happiness rather than selflessly giving and finding my own. Now, I want to be clear that I do NOT agree or support the idea that service means allowing ourselves to be abused the way Cinderella was. Service means setting our own terms of how we feel inspired to serve others and NOT allowing other people to make all the demands and caving to their every whim. Kindness and service can still be had with appropriate boundaries and not allowing ourselves to be merely used. That is true courage and kindness. The "kindness" that enables other people's selfishness, abuse, and unhealthy behaviors is not love or kindness at all, but rather fear. And fear is not of God. I appreciated the way Cinderella stood up for herself at the end of the movie by telling her stepmother that she had never been and would never be her mother, but I wish she would have to stood up for herself more. Cinderella has never been my favorite princess - I much preferred The Little Mermaid and Pocahontas - but I loved the truth taught that true happiness comes when we have "courage and be kind." I simply think that she too was imperfect at having true courage and being kind.

The reality is that we will never be perfectly courageous or kind and neither will those we love. But just because our entire lives here on Earth certainly won't be fairytales does not mean that we can't have fairytale moments and days and even months. We can always strive for happiness while realizing that other negative emotions and experiences will intrude. There are some specific strategies I have adopted to practice and "live after the manner of happiness." But even so, sometimes I'm just sad and angry at how my life isn't what I envisioned it to be and that's ok. That's just part of this mortal experience. The important thing is that I be accountable and responsible for my own emotions and don't allow myself to dwell in the negative even if I must pass through it. By becoming more like the Savior I continue to practice and get better at living happily ever after no matter my circumstances.

I love how Bonnie L. Oscarson acknowledges in her talk "Defenders of the Family Proclamation" that not all of us or even the majority of us will experience an idyllic family situation. We create families to grow and learn, not just to be happy. "One of the hardest challenges in this life is to have faith in the Lord's timing. It's a good idea to have an alternative plan in mind, which helps us to be covenant-keeping, charitable, and righteous women who build the kingdom of God no matter which way our lives go. We need to teach our daughters to aim for the ideal but plan for contingencies." I would like to teach my daughter that life will almost never be easy and that's ok because even when it's hard we CAN still choose to be happy if we follow the Savior and become His hands here on Earth.

5 Life Changing Steps I Took to Make my Savior the Priority

My entire life I believed that my Savior's Atonement had redeemed me and was the way back to my Heavenly Father. But really applying that in the midst of a serious trial felt murky. I believe everyone has a very personal path to trod. And because the Savior has suffered for all of our pain and weaknesses only He can guide us through them. The only way to know how to give Him our burdens and let Him guide us through the roadblocks is to turn to the scriptures, the words of the prophets, and prayer.

I often feel most inspired and guided when I am doing what I know I should: reading Conference talks, reading my patriarchal blessing, attending the temple, and praying with true purpose of heart. But in the midst of a very difficult trial it can be hard to believe that such simple acts of faith can really heal the holes in our hearts. Healing often does not happen all at once, but "line upon line and precept upon precept, here a little, and there a little." But I know He can heal us.

At a time in my life when I was questioning the power of the Savior and the Atonement to really heal the brokenness around and in me, I received such a powerful spiritual witness of the Savior's infinite love and power that I will never forget. I was at a crossroads in my life. I wanted desperately to believe that the Savior could heal me and my family but I also did NOT want to act foolish or naive. I wanted more than ever to do the right thing for me and my family. I was lead to Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk, "Lord, I Believe" and it gave the exact strength that I needed and prayed for in that moment.

I was struck by the scripture story Elder Holland referenced:

 "35 While he yet spake, there came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house certain which said, Thy daughter is dead: why troublest thou the Master any further?

 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, he saith unto the ruler of the synagogue, Be not afraid, only believe.

 37 And he suffered no man to follow him, save Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

 38 And he cometh to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and seeth the tumult, and them that wept and wailed greatly.

 39 And when he was come in, he saith unto them, Why make ye this ado, and weep? the damsel is not dead, but sleepeth.

 40 And they laughed him to scorn. But when he had put them all out, he taketh the father and the mother of the damsel, and them that were with him, and entereth in where the damsel was lying.

 41 And he took the damsel by the hand, and said unto her, Talitha cumi; which is, being interpreted, Damsel, I say unto thee, arise.

 42 And straightway the damsel arose, and walked; for she was of the age of twelve years. And they were astonished with a great astonishment." (Mark 5:35-42). 

In that moment when I read those highlighted words, for they felt highlighted in my mind, I felt the Spirit testify to me that though many will doubt and scorn and disbelieve, my Savior does in fact have the power to heal. He has the power to overcome even death, and ANY affliction we face here on Earth if we turn to Him. I felt as if He was speaking to me in my heart and commanding me to "Be not afraid, only believe." 

This was especially significant for me because for most of my life I have struggled with self doubt and anxiety. I have often feared that I am destined to fail or that I am naive and hopeless. But our Savior repeatedly assures us to "Be not afraid." Only when I trust in Him and His plan am I able to relinquish my fears. He assures us: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." (John 16:33).

Sometimes though, in the every day grind and painful living it is difficult to know just how to turn to Him. I believe every individual will learn to turn to Him in their own unique way. But these strategies are some that help me in the midst of my pain.

1. Let the Savior In to Clean Up the Broken Pieces For You. I draw a physical picture of what my pain looks like and imagine the Savior in it cleaning up the mess or breaking it down piece by piece every time the pain hits. So many times I have felt too ashamed of my brokenness to let Him in to clean it for me. But only He can. I can not do it on my own. Once, my pain felt like a boiling tar pit that I was drowning in with fire all around. I had managed to get myself out of the pit but the tar was still stuck to and burning me. I did not believe that even the Savior could clean such a mess. How could I possibly ask Him to clean it? The answer: He already has. He already knows how. When I allowed myself to imagine Him there He did not look around with disdain and exasperation and ask "Well how come you let it get like this?" No, He came and sat down beside me and hugged me. He just let me cry for a long time. He didn't care that I was covered with tar. He didn't care about the mess. He cared about me. He sat with me for as long as I needed Him. Every time the pain hit I could imagine Him still there with me with His arms around me. Only when I was ready did He get up and begin to put out the fire. Once the fire was out the tar pit solidified and it and the scorched ground became the foundation for new, unanticipated growth. The tar on my skin was the last step. Some of it is still there. But wherever He touches, it disappears.

2. Replace Lies with Truth. Write a list of the self defeating lies I have come to believe about myself or others and replace them with the truth. I put the lies in a box labeled with what they are lying about. For example: "I am afraid so I feel the need to control everyone and everything" is one of my box labels. In that box are lies such as "If I get hurt by someone it is my fault." 

The corresponding truth box is labeled "I can trust my Savior so I do NOT need to be afraid or control. I can learn to love like He does." The corresponding truth to the lie is "Hurt happens because we are all broken. I can not control it. It is not my fault. There is no way to completely avoid it. All I can do is follow the Spirit, set appropriate boundaries, and give my hurt to the Savior (see number 1)."

3. Meditate. Consciously Center Yourself. Breathe and focus on just one word, one feeling when panic starts to set in. For me it is "love" and sometimes "light." I do this all the time every day, whenever I feel fearful or overwhelmed. I simply focus on breathing and on the exhale I focus on and mentally say "love." If other distracting thoughts and fears try to intrude I acknowledge them calmly and continue my focus. It always calms me if I do it consistently. I have found that essential oil blends like Joy and Stress Away also help me center and calm myself in tandem with these strategies.

4. Be Accountable: Apologize for Negative Thoughts or Words. When I start thinking negatively about someone, I walk up to them in my mind, explain and apologize for what I thought. They don't say anything because it's just for me to correct my thinking patterns. I don't need their forgiveness or understanding. Sometimes the person I need to apologize to is myself. Then I walk away from the negative thought. If the negative words were said out loud to the person then the apology should also be said out loud to the person with no qualifications or justifications.

5. Read Inspired Words and Pray about them. Whatever I'm struggling with I pray about and then I read: scriptures, talks, patriarchal blessing, inspired books that pertain to it. If it does not draw me closer to the Savior then it is not of God. If it does, then it is. Inspired words illuminate instead of obscuring. Inspired words usher in the Spirit.

These are crucial steps that continually draw me closer to the Savior. When I neglect even one of them I feel farther from the Spirit, more fearful, overwhelmed, and depressed. They have changed my life for the better and so I felt the need to share them. It is a process and I have a long way to go. But I was lead to the tools I needed to live a healthy life and for that I am forever grateful. I believe as new challenges arise I will be lead to more healing tools. If these steps do not work for you I know the Spirit and the Savior will guide you to the specific healing tools you need in your specific situation if you seek them. He is the way - the only way.

Essential Oil Beginner's Guide

When you start any new lifestyle there can definitely be a bit of a learning curve. Often there are specialized terms and language used amongst "oilers" that might be confusing for a beginner. I know I was confused. I highly recommend the Essential Oils Pocket Reference to become an expert and especially if you plan on sharing the oils. But I decided to compile a quick list of definitions and explanations for oiling beginners that should help you get started.

1. Dilution: Essential oils are very concentrated and potent. So, most of them should be diluted in order to be used safely, especially on the skin, internally, or for children and those with sensitive skin. To dilute an essential oil is to add a vegetable oil to it. This vegetable oil should be one that nourishes the skin and quickly absorbs, which is why it's called a carrier oil.

2. Carrier Oil: A vegetable oil used to dilute essential oils for gentler application. Ironically, actual vegetable or canola oil is NOT a suitable carrier oil because it doesn't absorb into the skin very well at all. My two favorite carrier oils are fractionated coconut oil and Young Living's V-6 Enhanced Vegetable Oil Complex, which is a combination of fractionated coconut oil, sesame seed oil, grape seed oil, sweet almond oil, wheat germ oil, sunflower seed oil, and olive oil. Jojoba and avocado oil can also be excellent carrier oils. If ever you experience irritation while performing a skin patch test - testing an oil or blend on a small area of the forearm for possible sensitivity - the only way to dilute and neutralize it is with a carrier oil, NOT water. Simply apply the carrier oil as needed.

3. "Hot" Oil: This is a type of essential oil that will almost certainly cause skin or intestinal irritation if used or ingested undiluted. Always be sure to check the bottle labels for recommended dilution before performing a skin patch test or ingesting essential oils. A few examples of "hot" oils are cinnamon, clove, lemongrass, peppermint, oregano, thyme, eucalyptus, Exodus II, Thieves, and PanAway. These oils should be avoided for young children or only used on the bottoms of their feet and always diluted.

4. Neat: to apply an essential oil undiluted. There are some gentler oils that do not require dilution and can be applied "neat" except for children under the age of 2 or those with very sensitive skin. Even young children and those with sensitive skin can often use these oils safely if diluted. A few examples of such oils are Myrrh, Blue Cypress, Blue Tansy, Cedarwood, Cistus, Copaiba, Elemi, Frankincense, Geranium, German Chamomile, Helichrysum, Idaho Tansy, Ishpingo, Jasmine, Lavender, Ledum, Manuka, Melissa, Neroli, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Ravintsara, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Rosewood, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Valerian, Vanilla, Vetiver, and Yarrow.

5. Seed to Seal: This promise, while it may be a trademark, is what sets Young Living apart from any other essential oils company. Young Living is the only reputable essential oil company to own their own farms so that they can directly control the quality of ingredients that make up their essential oils. All weed control is done by hand and only their own essential oils are used as pesticides. They test both the raw ingredients and batches of oils with state of the art in house testing called Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry and 3rd party testing.

6. Distillation: how essential oils are most often extracted from their plant constituents. It is a delicate process. "Fragile aromatic components are easily destroyed by high temperature and pressure, as well as by contact with reactive metals such as copper or aluminum. This is why therapeutic grade essential oils should be distilled in stainless steel cooking chambers at low pressure and low temperature" (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 21).

7. Roll-on Blend: the combination and dilution of essential oils with a carrier oil in a convenient, purse and pocket size glass roller bottle. This is one of the safest and most effective ways to use essential oils because then it's pre-diluted and ready to go any time, anywhere. Plus, you can mix different oils to magnify them for a specific purpose. It's also especially convenient and useful for safe application to wiggly children.

8. GRAS: Generally Regarded as Safe for human consumption. Some of these are Basil, Bergamot, Cinnamon Bark, Clove, Copaiba, Coriander, Fennel, Frankincense, Geranium, Chamomile, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lavender, Lemon, Lime, Marjoram, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Oregano, Peppermint, Rosemary, Spearmint, Thyme, Valerian, Vetiver, Abundance, Citrus Fresh, DiGize, EndoFlex, Joy, JuvaCleanse, JuvaFlex, Longevity, Thieves, M-Grain, Purification, Relieve It, Sacred Mountain, and White Angelica. For the full list consult the Essential Oils Pocket Reference. My two favorite ways to ingest oils are diluted with carrier oil in a veggie capsule or a couple drops of citrus oil in my water.

9. Photosensitizing: Essential oils that should generally not be used on skin exposed to direct sunlight or UV rays because they can make the skin more sensitive and prone to sunburn. These are Angelica, Bergamot, Citrus Hystrix, German Chamomile, Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Orange, and Tangerine.

10. Therapeutic Grade: Essential oils that are pure and high quality enough to be used to support the body, directly on the skin, and even internally. Many essential oil companies will claim that their oils are pure and therapeutic grade but there is no standard or restrictions required for making that claim. It can be thrown around as easily as "natural" and "green." "Pure essential oils contain hundreds of different bioconstituents, which lend important therapeutic properties to the oil when combined." I believe only Young Living can guarantee that their oils are truly additive free, 100% pure and therapeutic grade.

 Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com to learn more. I would love to hear from you.

 *Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These product(s) have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to do what it was meant to do, like nutritional supplements. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Eternal Families Do Not Just Happen

It seems like a lot of Mormon families and couples take it for granted that because they were sealed in the temple they will automatically have an eternal family. I certainly took it for granted, until the first major storm hit and I suddenly had to choose. I had to choose every day to walk towards that beacon of an eternal family without being able to see even a foot in front of me. I was alone and scared. When they talked about eternal families in Church I felt like I had failed in what matters most because mine was falling apart.

What I learned was that eternal families do not just take great effort. They take great faith. Because too often our eternal families will appear to be stolen from us by abuse, illness, inactivity, addiction, loneliness and so much more. It is at these crossroads that we must exercise faith to listen to the Spirit and heed its promptings. No two families will be the same and so what works for one in a crisis will not work for another. Only the Spirit and a loving Father in Heaven, of whose eternal family we are and always will be if we so choose, can guide us in achieving this divine goal - an eternal family of our own. The hope is never lost if we abide by the Spirit and put Christ at the center of our lives.

Sometimes though it may seem difficult and almost impossible to create a Christ centered home in the midst of trial. When other family members are unable to contribute or even detract from the Spirit, how do we remain close to it? I love what Cheryl A. Esplin had to say:

"Strong eternal families and Spirit-filled homes do not just happen. They take great effort, they take time, and they take each member of the family do his or her part. Every home is different, but every home where even one individual seeks for truth can make a difference."

Darkness can only make a single candle shine brighter. If we carefully cultivate our individual light by staying close to the Spirit through scripture study, prayer, and service, it will shine that much brighter and act as a beacon to others. When I was struggling in my own marriage and struggling to bring the Spirit into our home I prayed fervently to know what to do to fix the situation. The firm and consistent answer I received was to cultivate my own spirituality and testimony. So I began to get more consistent about my scripture study and prayer. When the real storm hit I was spiritually prepared to turn to the Lord rather than to fall prey to fear and doubt because I had heeded the prompting to strengthen myself. In the midst of the storm I prayed, read the words of the prophets, and attended the temple with a thirst I had never before experienced. And never before have I felt the Spirit so strongly. I received a testimony that Heavenly Father and our Savior are deeply invested not only in our personal lives, but in the eternal welfare of our families. Angels and miracles will abound to save families. Even if they cannot be saved in this life or in the way we hoped for, the prayers of faithful family members will always be heard and their hearts comforted.

So, where do we start when the dream of an eternal family appears hopeless, overwhelming, and distant? We start with ourselves. The only heart we can truly give to Christ is our own. In His keeping he will heal it and make it whole, no matter how imperfect our family. He can also heal our families and guide us towards that goal if we let Him. Too often we try to repair our broken families on our own and then if our families crumble we blame ourselves. But we were never meant to do it alone. Only our Savior can create an eternally whole heart in us, and so only our Savior can help us create an eternal family. I believe the work of building eternal families continues beyond the veil, before and after this mortal life has ended. But the work we do here, the degree to which we welcome the Savior into our hearts and homes here and now, will have a lasting impact on our eternal family. If He is at the helm of our lives we will not want for family in the eternities or for happiness here.

Marjoram: Relaxing Muscle Soother

Did you know that "Marjoram was known as the 'herb of happiness' to the Romans and 'joy of the mountains' to the Greeks?" (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 90). I added Marjoram to my oil collection for its soothing properties on both the body and the mind. I was very excited to try it along with my equally amazing Frankincense and PanAway during my menstrual cycle and it did NOT disappoint. It was very uplifting, soothing, and relaxing. I have found that Frankincense, Marjoram, and Lemon in a veggie capsule along with PanAway in a roll-on blend are incredibly effective at soothing and relaxing sore, tired, or tense muscles.

Young Living says: "Marjoram (Origanum majorana) has a woody, spicy aroma. A calming oil, it has a warming effect on both mind and body and soothes tense muscles after exercise. It is beneficial for occasional simple nervous tension* and may also be used for cooking. Marjoram has an approximate ORAC of 1,390,055 (TE/L). TE/L is expressed as micromole Trolox equivalent per liter."

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Diffuse with Lemon and Peppermint or Thieves to support the respiratory system.
• Take in a veggie capsule with Frankincense and Copaiba to soothe discomfort.
• Take in a veggie capsule with Frankincense and Thieves to support the immune system, soothe, and uplift.
• Diffuse or combine in a roll-on blend with Lavender and Copaiba or Stress Away to calm, uplift, and support restful sleep.
• Take in a veggie capsule with DiGize to support the digestive system and digestive comfort.
• Combine in a roll-on blend with PanAway to soothe tired, tense, or sore muscles.
• Diffuse with Purification or PanAway to eliminate odors naturally and support the respiratory system. 
• Add to epsom salts along with Lavender and Copaiba for a relaxing, soothing bath.
• Add to favorite recipes for some extra zest.

If you haven't tried this oil yet, you have got to add it to your list. It is generally regarded as both safe for human consumption and safe for children.* Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com to learn more! I would love to hear from you.

 *Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These product(s) have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to do what it was meant to do, like nutritional supplements. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Melrose: Cleanse & Protect

I added this wonderful Young Living blend of essential oils to my Essential Rewards order soon after reading Debra Raybern's Gentle Babies book about how to safely use essential oils for babies, children, and during pregnancy. It is frequently recommended throughout because it is similar to but gentler than Thieves - Young Living's infamous immune system supporting blend. It does not contain the stronger, "hot" oils of Eucalyptus or Cinnamon Bark that Thieves does, but is still just as cleansing with two types of Melaleuca. It is still fairly strong and should be used with greater caution around children under 4 years of age.

Young Living says: "Melrose™ provides a protective barrier against skin challenges. When diffused, Melrose can help dispel odors."

The first essential oil ingredient is Rosemary. "Rosemary essential oil helps support a healthy lifestyle regimen and well-being*." It is also included in Thieves and it smells nice and fresh. It is a stronger oil though so it is NOT generally recommended for very young children under 4. But I have used it safely diluted on the bottom of my 20 month old's feet and diffused.

And then there is Melaleuca Alternifolia. I use it most frequently for cleaning and skin care. "With a fresh, crisp aroma, Tea Tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) helps maintain a healthy-looking scalp and hair, and reduces the appearance of blemishes. Apply to feet and toenails when needed."

Next there is Clove. "Clove essential oil promotes a healthy immune response, and may support overall wellness*" with its high antioxidant content. It is also very soothing of physical discomfort.

And finally, there is Niaouli or Melaleuca quinquenervia which "supports skin health" to top off this beautiful blend.

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Use as a substitute for Thieves for those with more sensitive skin.
• Diffuse with R.C. to support the respiratory system.
• Diffuse or combine in a roll-on blend with Frankincense and Lemon or Lemon and Copaiba to support the immune system, energize, purify the air and uplift.
• Diffuse with Lemon and Peppermint to energize and support the respiratory and immune systems.
• Diffuse with Lavender and Copaiba to calm and support restful sleep.
• Combine with Lavender, Copaiba, and Frankincense to soothe and protect skin in a Spray or other medium.
• Apply to feet and skin when needed.

Feel free to email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com to learn more! I would love to hear from you.

 *Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These product(s) have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to do what it was meant to do, like nutritional supplements. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.

Geranium: Uplifting Skin Care

Geranium is reported to be beneficial for all skin types - sensitive, dry, and oily skin alike. It is most often used for calming, uplifting, hormonal support, and skin care. I use it daily in both my DIY Hair Serum, Facial Cleanse & Moisturizer, and Hand & Bath Soap. Plus, it is a principal ingredient in two of my all time favorite blends - Gentle Baby & Joy - which are amazing for both expectant mothers and children's overall emotional balance and skin care.* Geranium has a sweet, citrus-rosy, fresh scent that smells like rose perfume to me. It is much like Rose, but at a quarter of the price. That is one of the best perks about Young Living essential oils - no matter what might be out of stock, out of budget range, or just not your favorite, there will always be a substitute.

Young Living says: "Geranium essential oil has an uplifting, floral aroma. Diffuse its balancing, peaceful, and calming aroma or apply it topically to help maintain the appearance of tender skin. Geranium includes the naturally occurring constituents citronellol and geraniol, and is an important ingredient in many skin care products, including ART® Creme Masque, Boswellia Wrinkle Cream™, and Animal Scents™ Ointment, as well as Acceptance™, Awaken™, Believe™, and Clarity™ essential oils blends. "

Geranium is so excellent for skin care, fragrance, and balance that it is included in a wide variety of Young Living blends and personal care products. A few I hope to try are Acceptance, AromaGuard Meadow Mist Deodorant, Awaken, Clarity, Copaiba Vanilla Moisturizing Conditioner and Shampoo, Dragon Time Bath & Shower Gel, Endoflex, Envision, Evening Peace Bath & Shower Gel, Forgiveness, Gentle Baby (have it, love it), Gratitude, Harmony, Inspiration, Joy, JuvaFlex, JuvaTone, KidScents Bath Gel, KidScents Lotion, Lady Sclareol, Relaxation, Release, Trauma Life, etc. Well, maybe more than a few. Hopefully, you can see why it might be incredibly useful to have on hand. It is one that can be applied "neat" or undiluted and in higher concentration except for children under 2 and those with sensitive skin. When diluted it is generally regarded as safe for all skin types and ages.

I find that whenever I am overly hormonal, I also break out. So, it is very helpful to have Geranium for both those unfortunate things. It would also make a nice substitute for Lavender if necessary and that is no small task.

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Add to your favorite personal care and skin products to enhance their effects.
• Add to epsom salts with Lavender and Copaiba for a calming, soothing, and uplifting bath.
• Diffuse with Lavender and Copaiba to create a relaxing, soothing, uplifting, and romantic atmosphere.
• Combine with Lavender and Copaiba to nourish and protect tender skin in an All Natural Hand & Bath Soap.
• Combine with Frankincense, Melaleuca Alternifolia, Lavender, and Purification to cleanse and nourish skin in a Facial Cleanse & Moisturizer.
• Combine with Cedarwood, Stress Away, and Lavender to create a protecting, detangling, and nourishing Hair Serum.
• Diffuse or combine in a roll-on blend with Lemon to uplift, energize, support the immune system, and create a fresh spring or summer like atmosphere.
• Diffuse or combine in a roll-on blend with Stress Away to support restful sleep, create a sweet, floral perfume, calm, and balance the emotions.
• Use along with Lavender, Cedarwood, and Frankincense for children's skin and emotional care.

Do yourself a favor and try this amazing oil. Feel free to email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com to learn more. I would love to hear from you.

 *Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These product(s) have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. They only help your body to do what it was meant to do, like nutritional supplements. Caution should be exercised with first time oil use - skin patch tests prior to use and dilution with carrier oil - especially in children. Children, especially under the age of 6, should never ingest essential oils without advice of a healthcare professional since they are concentrated and potent. If you are under the care of a physician, nursing, taking prescription medication, or pregnant please consult your doctor prior to use. Keep essential oils out of reach of children.