Joy - Set Your Own Mood

Joy is a lovely signature Young Living essential oil blend that is both calming and uplifting. I like to keep a roller bottle blend of Joy and Stress Away with me all the time. I especially love to use it before bed, when I'm so tired that my mind won't shut off and wanders into dark places. It has also been a huge help in my efforts to release negative emotional patterns through aromatherapy. Essential oils directly interact with the limbic or emotional area of the brain through the olfactory system, so they are some the most effective emotional healers. If you've ever had days where you just want to go lock yourself in a closet and cry then you need this essential oil blend in your life.

Young Living says: "Joy™ is a delightful blend of Bergamot, Ylang Ylang, Geranium, Lemon, Coriander, Tangerine, Jasmine, Roman Chamomile, Palmarosa, and Rose essential oils that harmonize for a sweet, joyful aroma. When diffused, Joy creates a warm, comforting environment and inspires a romantic aromatic atmosphere. Wear Joy as a cologne or perfume to exude an alluring and irresistible fragrance that inspires romance and togetherness."

First, there's Bergamot. Bergamot is a lesser known citrus fruit - it looks like a cross between a lime and a lemon. Like other citrus oils it is very uplifting and calming as well as antioxidant rich.

Then there's Ylang Ylang. It "promotes relaxation, balances male and female energies, restores confidence and equilibrium," restful sleep, healthier hair, and circulatory support (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 158).

Geranium is one of my all time favorite oils. It smells so sweet and calming, much like rose. It can help to balance hormones and is incredibly beneficial for the skin.

Lemon is another one of my absolute favorite oils. I like to call it indispensable liquid sunshine because it is both energizing and uplifting. "It is stimulating and invigorating, promoting a deep sense of well-being" (158).

Coriander "has long been revered as a home remedy for nausea, aiding digestion, and supporting healthy immune function" (158). Whenever I'm anxious or upset, I'll often lose my appetite and feel nauseous and miserable. Which is why Coriander is such a perfect addition to this blend.

Tangerine is another antioxidant rich, relaxing, and uplifting citrus oil that fits right in.

Jasmine is a more expensive oil to purchase on its own. It "exudes an exquisite fragrance that revitalizes spirits and brings feelings of love, support, and joy" (158). When I lived in San Diego my favorite feature of our home was all the irresistibly sweet jasmine plants in our yard. Every time I smelled them I felt calmer and uplifted.

Roman Chamomile is incredibly calming and beneficial for the skin. It "combats restlessness and tension" to promote restful sleep. "It releases mental blocks and purges toxins from the liver, where anger is stored" (158).

Palmarosa "is stimulating and revitalizing, enhancing both the nervous and cardiovascular systems and bringing about a feeling of security" (158).

And finally, there is Rose essential oil. This is the oil that gets me most excited about this blend because it is so expensive to buy separately. About 22 lbs! of rose petals are distilled to create even a 5ml bottle of essential oil. Rose is both uplifting, beneficial for the skin and romantically inspiring of course. "It has the highest frequency among essential oils. It creates a magnetic energy that attracts pure love and brings joy to the heart" (158).

Specific Uses & Blends:

• Combine in a roll-on blend, diffuse, or add to epsom salts in a bath with Copaiba and Lavender to relax, promote restful sleep, and soothe discomfort.
• Diffuse or take as a dietary supplement with Peppermint and Copaiba to energize, soothe, uplift, and support healthy digestion.
• Take as a dietary supplement, diffuse, or apply topically with Frankincense and Copaiba to calm, uplift, and balance.
• Diffuse or combine in a roll-on blend with Stress Away to uplift and promote mental clarity and restful sleep.

 Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com to learn more about how essential oils can benefit you and your family! 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.

Stress Away - Chill Out

Oh, Stress Away, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Truth be told, I can be a bit of a drama queen. My emotions often get out of control and have way too much sway in my mind, especially during that time of the month if you know what I mean. So, I've been told to "take a chill pill" more than once. This beautiful, heavenly blend was an answer to prayer. It calms me so much that I have to be careful to only diffuse it at night and I keep a roller bottle of it and Joy on my person at all times. I really wish I had known about this blend earlier, but I'm so grateful they include it in only the Young Living Premium Starter Kits. In fact, it's now included in every Starter Kit as the bonus oil, which makes complete sense because I could not think of a better introduction to the power of essential oils than this blend.

Young Living says: "Young Living’s Stress Away™ essential oil blend is a natural solution created to combat normal stresses that creep into everyday life. Stress Away is the first product to contain the unique stress-relieving combination of lime and vanilla pure, therapeutic-grade essential oils. Stress Away also includes copaiba and lavender to reduce mental rigidity and restore equilibrium. Featuring powerful plant constituents, such as the cedrol found in cedarwood and the eugenol that occurs naturally in vanilla, Stress Away can help induce relaxation and reduce occasional nervous tension.*"

The first knockout ingredient of this perfect blend is Copaiba which "is an oleoresin like Frankincense and is exuded from the trunk of the copaiba tree in South America...in modern pharmacology it is used in products that soothe and protect the skin. Its hypnotic-like properties work" to calm the nervous system and support restful sleep (Essential Oils Pocket Reference, 176). It also soothes discomfort, supports digestive health, respiratory health, and cellular normalcy. It's a miracle oil much like Frankincense.

Next we have Lime which is "well known in folklore for its ability to cleanse, purify, and renew the spirit...It can stimulate and refresh a tired mind and can help with" emotional support and wellness (176) because it is a rich antioxidant much like other citrus oils.

"Cedarwood is high in sesquiterpenes, which stimulate the limbic part of the brain, the center of emotions and memory. It stimulates the pineal gland, which releases melatonin, thereby improving thoughts, cognition, and memory. It is very stabilizing and grounding" (176).

Vanilla is in large part what makes this blend smell so heavenly. It is also very soothing and calming.

Ocotea "has a complex aroma that induces feelings of fullness or completeness, creating an environment of peace and tranquility" (177). It is also high in sesquiterpenes and "may help enhance weight loss by helping to balance the pituitary and endocrine systems" (Reference Guide for Essential Oils).

Finally we have Lavender - the Swiss Army Knife of essential oils. It "has been documented to improve concentration and mental acuity" (177) in two recent Japanese studies in 2005 and 2008. It has been used to calm, soothe, cleanse and so much more. It is very beneficial for skin and hair care as well.

Specific Blends & Uses:

• Diffuse to support restful sleep and relaxation.
• Diffuse with Geranium to create an uplifting, fresh smelling atmosphere. 
• Diffuse or Create a roll-on blend with Joy to support emotional balance, peace, and relaxation.
• Diffuse with Lemon and Peppermint to energize and encourage mental clarity and focus.
• Diffuse or combine in a roll-on blend with Frankincense to soothe discomfort and encourage positive thoughts. Excellent blend for meditation and prayer as well.
• Add to hair products or DIY Hair Serum for healthier, fuller, longer, and shinier hair.

I don't know that I've ever smelled something so heavenly as this blend being diffused. It never fails to relax me. I can't imagine living without it now. Email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com if you're tired of living without it too and want to learn more. 

*Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These statements have not been tested or evaluated by the FDA and so they are NOT intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. 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.

What is Sacred if not Sex?

For the duration of this post I will be quoting quite heavily from a particular talk given by one of my favorite apostles: Jeffrey R. Holland's "Of Souls, Symbols and Sacraments." The full piece may be accessed here.

All my life I had been taught that sex was sacred. Never bad or dirty or something to be laughed about. It was only when I entered high school that I realized with horror and dismay how twisted and misunderstood something as sacred as sex had become.

I will never forget a particular instance in high school. A couple of boys were skeptically questioning my best friend and I about why Mormons refused to have sex before marriage. I immediately and boldly, almost reflexively, declared: "Because sex is sacred." I thought everyone knew that. Or at least I thought everyone should. I have never been laughed at so cruelly and mockingly as I was then. I felt humiliated because their callous laughter made my skin crawl with the mocking significance and emptiness of it. A hollow emptiness reflected in their eyes. They could not even comprehend the idea.

Could not even comprehend it.

I felt some shame because I could tell that even my Mormon girlfriend was uncomfortable and wished I hadn't said it. I didn't blame her. Their laughter had been particularly harsh. But I could not understand. How could something so true be so wholly rejected by our society as a whole?

Elder Holland compares the sins of murder and immorality, identifying immorality as second in seriousness only to murder. Tragically and unsurprisingly these two most serious sins have formed an inseparable bond in rampant abortion now being passed off as perfectly normal and harmless - back up birth control. How have we become so blind to the light of Christ? How has the devil deceived us so? Even so, at least we still have laws outlawing most murder, except for of the most innocent and helpless among us. Elder Holland gave this particular talk in 1989 though:

"No, fortunately, in the case of how life is taken, I think we seem to be quite responsible. The seriousness of that does not often have to be spelled out, and not many sermons need to be devoted to it.

But in the significance and sanctity of giving life, some of us are not so responsible, and in the larger world swirling around us we find near criminal irresponsibility. What would in the case of taking life bring absolute horror and demand grim justice, in the case of giving life brings dirty jokes and four-letter lyrics and crass carnality..."

I do believe that there is nothing Satan desires more than to see us abuse, animalize, and laugh about the most sacred gift we have been given - our bodies and the ability to create life. These are God given gifts. And just because they have been given to all men, even to animals, does not give us the right to abuse and animalize them. Far too often we see sex trivialized with:

"Any animal can have sex. It's not special. We shouldn't have to restrain ourselves. It's only natural. It's my body. But don't tell me not to destroy the body growing inside me. I'm not a breeding horse. I can do whatever I want with my body, regardless of how it might harm others or myself."

Elder Holland hit the mark when he called it a destructive "moral schizophrenia." Because it is not my body. It is a gift - a priceless gift given us by God. One that we take so very for granted.

"Our soul is what's at stake here--our spirit and our body ... The purchase price for our fullness of joy--body and spirit eternally united--is the pure and innocent blood of the Savior of this world. We cannot then say in ignorance or defiance, 'Well, it's my life,' or worse yet, 'It's my body.' It is not. 'Ye are not your own,' Paul said. 'Ye are bought with a price.' So in answer to the question, 'Why does God care so much about sexual transgression?' it is partly because of the precious gift offered by and through his Only Begotten Son to redeem the souls--bodies and spirits--we too often share and abuse in cheap and tawdry ways. Christ restored the very seeds of eternal lives (see D&C132:19, 24), and we desecrate them at our peril. The first key reason for personal purity? Our very souls are involved and at stake."

Sex is meant to bind people together. To create love and life. Is there anything more beautiful and divine than that? And yet, we use it as a weapon. We equate it with eating a meal - just a normal, trivial bodily function. We act horrified and wronged and immensely burdened when it creates an undesired life because we can not even connect the sacred act of sex with it's main purpose - to create life. Instead, it is all too often used to utterly and completely destroy countless lives and precious bodies. Soul and body tossed to the wind with a mocking, scornful laugh and shrug of the shoulders. No wonder we suffer from so many addictions and psychiatric conditions further crippling our society.

I can not conceive of anything more incredibly selfish and blind than acting like "it's no big deal" because we're too afraid and weak to confront the truth. We are not animals. We are children of God and we have a responsibility to act as such. But instead, so many of God's precious children would rather debase themselves to mere animals driven only by instinct and lust rather than accept the responsibility and immense consequences that immorality entails.

For those who might contest that marriage is but a mere slip of paper and so long as two people are committed and in love sex is healthy and right. I would contest: how can we possibly devote something so incredibly sacred to another person - the potential to create a child with them and seal our souls together - if we are not willing to enter into a public declaration and binding of our commitment, to promise our entire lives and beings to each other first?

Elder Holland summarized it perfectly when he said, "Such an act of love between a man and a woman is--or certainly was ordained to be--a symbol of total union: union of their hearts, their hopes, their lives, their love, their family, their future, their everything. It is a symbol that we try to suggest in the temple with a word like seal."

When I was pregnant I was fascinated by the type of video they show you in high school biology. The one where you watch the creation of life from conception to birth. I was in awe that something so miraculous was taking place inside of me. And for the duration of the video I had tears streaming down my face. Admittedly, I cried quite a lot while pregnant, but never before had the miracle of life struck me so intensely as it did while I was actively participating in that blessing. When I watched the DNA from the sperm unite with that of the egg to create a completely unique human being, and not just any human being, but a literal testament of the sacred union and eternal love and commitment my husband and I promised each other I was completely overcome. I sobbed, and continued to cry as I watched and felt that miracle come to life. A miracle that has my nose and my husband's smile. A literal physical union of both of us.

I truly believe that children need to feel and know that they were created out of love. Not just sex, and especially not casual sex, but love. It is incredibly empowering and beautiful.

It blasphemes not only our own bodies and the Atonement, but it mocks God's ultimate power and purpose - the creation of love and life - to take sex lightly.

"Sexual intimacy is not only a symbolic union between a man and a woman--the uniting of their very souls--but it is also symbolic of a union between mortals and deity, between otherwise ordinary and fallible humans uniting for a rare and special moment with God himself and all the powers by which he gives life in this wide universe of ours. ...

I submit to you that you will never be more like God at any other time in this life than when you are expressing that particular power. Of all the titles he has chosen for himself, Father is the one he declares, and Creation is his watchword--especially human creation, creation in his image. His glory isn't a mountain, as stunning as mountains are. It isn't in sea or sky or snow or sunrise, as beautiful as they all are. It isn't in art or technology, be that a concerto or computer. No, his glory--and his grief--is in his children. You and I, we are his prized possessions, and we are the earthly evidence, however inadequate, of what he truly is. Human life--that is the greatest of God's powers, the most mysterious and magnificent chemistry of it all--and you and I have been given it, but under the most serious and sacred of restrictions. You and I who can make neither mountain nor moonlight, not one raindrop nor a single rose--yet we have this greater gift in an absolutely unlimited way. And the only control placed on us is self-control--self-control born of respect for the divine sacramental power it is."

And so to all of those like those teenage boys who have laughed at me, or those who were never taught, or those who have shied away from the responsibility it entails I testify with unflinching certainty: Sex is sacred. And I will not stop saying it.

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.

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.

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.

Jump Start your Wellness Journey with Essential Oils

I always thought essential oils sounded way too good to be true before I tried them! Then, when I started to get interested in and hear more about how useful these oils are, I thought I could never afford them. Sound familiar? Well, fear no more, because the brand new 2015 Starter Kits have been released and they are the best possible value for the highest quality oils on the market! I did a lot of research before jumping in with essential oils, because while the Premium Starter Kit is half the price of what its components would retail for separately, it was still a major investment. Months later, I am still SO glad I chose Young Living and the Premium Starter Kit to jump start mine and my family's journey toward greater wellness. These kits are truly worth their weight in gold because of their life changing and even money saving possibilities!

Did you know there are multiple Starter Kits available at a range of prices? The Premium Starter Kits are the best possible value and the best way to jump start your journey toward better health and wellness! And there are six different and equally useful Premium Starter Kits available. So, what's new in these lovely starter kits? The to die for Stress Away blend has replaced Citrus Fresh as the bonus oil and is included in every single kit! The Premium Starter Kits now come with a range of different diffusers. And instead of Melaleuca (Tea Tree), Joy, and Stress Away, the Premium Essential Oils Collection comes with Copaiba, R.C., and DiGize - some of the most popular essential blends and single.

The change I am MOST excited about though are the redesigned essential oil bottle labels! They are so professional, legible, functional, and just plain beautiful. Plus, they now have a a clear line in the back to show how full or empty the bottle is so you can anticipate the need for a refill much more effectively.

Even if essential oils or any starter kit seems to be way out of your price range, there is something for everyone and every budget at Young Living. A Basic Starter Kit includes the following for a totally affordable price:

• 5-ml Stress Away™
• AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
• 10 Sample Packets
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles
• 2 NingXia Red® 2-oz. samples
• Product Guide and Product Price List
• Essential Oil Magazine
• Essential Edge
• Member Resources

For those who are looking for the absolute best that Young Living has to offer at an incredible value, the Premium Starter Kit with the Aria diffuser is the way to go! The Aria diffuser features LED lighting, a remote, and even acts as a speaker system that can connect with your phone to set the perfect mood along with the rejuvenating power of diffused essential oils.

• Aria Diffuser
• Premium Essential Oils Collection:
  • Lavender 5-ml
  • Peppermint 5-ml
  • Lemon 5-ml
  • Copaiba 5-ml
  • Frankincense 5-ml
  • Thieves® 5-ml
  • Purification® 5-ml
  • R.C.™ 5-ml
  • DiGize™ 5-ml
  • PanAway® 5-ml
• Stress Away™ 5-ml
• AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
• 10 Sample Packets
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles
• 2 NingXia Red® 2-oz. samples
• Product Guide and Product Price List
• Essential Oil Magazine
• Essential Edge
• Member Resources

If you are looking for a mid-price ranged, sleek, and professional starter kit, the Premium Starter Kit with a Bamboo diffuser is an excellent choice! The Bamboo diffuser diffuses over a wider range, not nearly as much as the Aria, but more than the Dewdrop or Home Diffusers. It is also beautiful, sleek, slim, white, gender neutral, and the perfect, almost invisible addition to any room.

• Bamboo Diffuser
• Premium Essential Oils Collection;
  • Lavender 5-ml
  • Peppermint 5-ml
  • Lemon 5-ml
  • Copaiba 5-ml
  • Frankincense 5-ml
  • Thieves® 5-ml
  • Purification® 5-ml
  • R.C.™ 5-ml
  • DiGize™ 5-ml
  • PanAway® 5-ml
• Stress Away™ 5-ml
• AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
• 10 Sample Packets
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles
• 2 NingXia Red® 2-oz. samples
• Product Guide and Product Price List
• Essential Oil Magazine
• Essential Edge
• Member Resources

 The Premium Starter Kit with the Dewdrop diffuser is the most affordable of the premium starter kits and an amazing value. The Dewdrop diffuser kit is equivalent to and the same value as the Home diffuser Premium Starter Kit (pictured above). The only real difference is that the Dewdrop diffuser is a bit more gender neutral and less conspicuous than the gorgeous Home diffuser.

• Dewdrop Diffuser
• Premium Essential Oils Collection;
  • Lavender 5-ml
  • Peppermint 5-ml
  • Lemon 5-ml
  • Copaiba 5-ml
  • Frankincense 5-ml
  • Thieves® 5-ml
  • Purification® 5-ml
  • R.C.™ 5-ml
  • DiGize™ 5-ml
  • PanAway® 5-ml
• Stress Away™ 5-ml
• AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
• 10 Sample Packets
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles
• 2 NingXia Red® 2-oz. samples
• Product Guide and Product Price List
• Essential Oil Magazine
• Essential Edge
• Member Resources

 The Premium Starter Kit with the Home Diffuser (pictured above) is such an incredible value for access to a life changing lifestyle with essential oils. It's my personal favorite, and equivalent to the kit I started with with just a couple of changes.

• Home Diffuser
• Premium Essential Oils Collection;
  • Lavender 5-ml
  • Peppermint 5-ml
  • Lemon 5-ml
  • Copaiba 5-ml
  • Frankincense 5-ml
  • Thieves® 5-ml
  • Purification® 5-ml
  • R.C.™ 5-ml
  • DiGize™ 5-ml
  • PanAway® 5-ml
• Stress Away™ 5-ml
• AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
• 10 Sample Packets
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles
• 2 NingXia Red® 2-oz. samples
• Product Guide and Product Price List
• Essential Oil Magazine
• Essential Edge
• Member Resources

For the devoted or aspiring athlete in need of a daily boost there is the incredible Premium Starter Kit with NingXia Red. It is an antioxidant rich, energizing drink formulated by Young Living that supports general wellness and energizes. It is excellent added to juice, smoothies, or any other energy drink. Plus, it's an incredibly healthy alternative to the sugar and caffeine that we too often fall back on to get us through the day.

• NingXia Red 2-pack
• 30 NingXia Red Singles (2 fl. oz. ea.)
• NingXia Nitro
• 5-ml Stress Away™
• AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
• 10 Sample Packets
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles
• 2 NingXia Red 2-oz. samples
• Product Guide and Product Price List
• Essential Oil Magazine
• Essential Edge
• Member Resources

And finally, there is a Premium Starter Kit with Young Living's infamous Thieves products. Thieves is an essential oil blend formulated based on four thieves who robbed the dying and the dead during the Bubonic Plague and escaped illness by covering themselves in a mixture of herbs. "This Starter Kit is ideal for those wishing to replace harmful chemicals in the home with powerful, natural alternatives." I use Thieves in my indispensable All Purpose Cleaner  and Sanitizing Spray because it's so powerful and yummy smelling. And the Thieves toothpaste has done wonders for strengthening my weak, sensitive teeth.

• 15-ml Thieves
• Thieves AromaBright™ Toothpaste
• Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash
• 2 Thieves Cleaner
• 2 Thieves Foaming Hand Soap
• 2 Thieves Spray
• 2 Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier
• 5-ml Stress Away™
• AromaGlide™ Roller Fitment
• 10 Sample Packets
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Business Cards
• 10 Love It? Share It! Sample Oil Bottles
• 2 NingXia Red® 2-oz. samples
• Product Guide and Product Price List
• Essential Oil Magazine
• Essential Edge
• Member Resources

Do you want to know what the very best part of jumping into essential oils with a starter kit is? Let me tell you - it's those invaluable Member Resources listed at the bottom of each kit. Member Resources include the following:

• 24% Discount on ALL Young Living products only so long as you make a 50PV (usually about $50) purchase PER YEAR. And yes, your premium starter kit will qualify as your PV order for your first year. All of the Premium Starter Kits are valued at 100PV. But the Basic Starter Kit, while significantly cheaper than the others, has no PV (point value). 
• Access to the Essential Rewards program. This is a totally optional program that you can enter and leave at any time for any reason. It allows you to make monthly purchases while earning a percentage of the PV back to redeem for free product. It also allows you to redeem free oils and promotional offers from Young Living with qualifying purchases. The longer you participate in the program, the greater your percentage of points earned will be.
• Free mentoring and education from a sponsor who is committed to guiding you in your wellness journey and will often offer promotional offers of their own.
• The Opportunity (never an obligation) to share the Young Living lifestyle with others and earn commission as others join your oiling team.

Signing up with a Premium Starter Kit was one of the smartest moves I ever made for me and my family. It is such an incredible community and opportunity to improve your health and happiness in the way that nature intended. Set yourself up for success in life and with these powerful oils by jumping in with a starter kit that fits your specific lifestyle. By choosing me as your sponsor you will qualify for monthly promotions plus devoted mentoring and essential oil education! You can get started on this empowering journey by clicking here and entering my member number 2546134. If you're simply interested in learning more feel free to email me at rach.dorian@gmail.com with any questions you may have!

*Disclaimer: This post is NOT intended as medical advice of any kind because I am not a doctor. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and so they are not intended to cure, treat, or prevent disease. The oils 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.