How many time a day, week or month do you start a sentence with “I wish…”? For me recently, it’s been a lot. Having two kids in less than two years was all fun and games until the little one became a toddler. In the last few months it has felt like I’m running on a hamster wheel that is going way too fast, and I can’t get off. I’ve been so stressed, trying to juggle a demanding full time job and my role as wife and mother. All four of us took turns being sick for two months and it really started to wear on us. I remember one day specifically, I felt like I was failing in all areas of my life. I found myself saying, “I wish I didn’t have to work so I could just be with the kids”. I realized after saying this, that I’m actually very fortunate for my job. I’ve been with the same company for almost 13 years and they have allowed me to work from home for 6 of those years. Because of that, I am able to raise my kids in the town I grew up in, close to family and friends. Instead of wishing my job away, I should have been thankful for it. This is the moment I decided I needed to reevaluate my thought process and make some changes.

It’s funny how sometimes things happen right when you need them to. After posting something on Facebook about my 3 year old refusing to sleep, a friend texted me and offered her Young Living diffuser and some oils to try. At this point I figured I had nothing to lose, so why not. After trying them I was instantly hooked. Not only did I feel like it was making a difference, my kids were getting into it too. At 1.5 and 3 years old they loved filling the diffuser with water and pushing the button to turn “the blue light” on. They also liked when I used the oil roller on their feet. My littlest one would sit and say “toe, toe, toe” when he saw me with a roller in my hand. The oils quickly became a part of our daily routine and I was eager to see how they could benefit us further.

I decided to order the starter kit so I would be equipped with the basics. With the help of my friend Renee, guiding me on how to use the oils, I have been able to combat sickness, stress, and the endless sleep struggles that come with being a mom. For anyone that feels these oils are a fad or a scam, let me assure you they are NOT. I wholeheartedly believe these are working. As mentioned before, the four of us were sick for TWO MONTHS before being introduced to Young Living. Since then, we have only had one inkling of a virus coming on (my youngest had a fever for two days). I used oils, Ningxia red (a “special drink” as my kids call it that is loaded with antioxidants and immunity boosts) and Thieves cleaner, and we were able to fight it off. I know it sounds crazy but every other time my son has had a fever it’s ended with an ear infection and antibiotics. The last dose of antibiotics we were on, resulted in a call to 911 and a trip to the pediatrician the next day because he was struggling to breath. What I thought was croup was actually an allergic reaction to the medicine.

Before anyone thinks I am an all-natural, anti-vaccine, anti-medicine mom, let me clarify… I am NOT. I vaccinate my kids, I use Tylenol or Ibuprofen when they have fevers and I’m all for medicine when/if it works. What I am, is a mom who is stressed and tired and has a two little ones that are allergic to penicillin/sulfa drugs. I am willing to try anything to keep my family happy and healthy and Young Living has been that answer for us. If you are at all interested in hearing more, please reach out to me. If you are ready to jump in and give it a try, here is the link to order your starter kit (or anything else for that matter) Click Here. Keep in mind this brand goes far beyond oils. There is Savvy Minerals make up, YL Seedlings (a free from harmful ingredients, plant-based, product line geared towards babies and young children), Slique (products designed to support healthy weight-management efforts) and so much more. I hope you all can sense my honesty and know that I am not trying to sell this stuff to make money (although I wouldn’t complain if I did). I really just feel so strongly about it, I want to share it with others.

I’m determined to make 2018 a healthy and positive year for myself and anyone else that wants to join the ride.

**Please note you need to understand how these oils work before using them, especially with young children. The safe method to follow is “low and slow”… 1 or 2 drops of oil in a diffuser can be plenty. I am part of a Facebook group that is a great resource for what’s safe and what’s not for kids. If you would like to be added (even if it’s just to ask some questions and do some research) just let me know.