SIX sparky years

I have been sitting here staring at a blank page for some time now. It's hard for me to write this post... Maybe cause it's crazy to me that you have been here for SIX years!

It does feel like yesterday you made your very early and scary entrance into the world. I often look back at these two pictures because they are a landmark for me. A fresh start, a shedding of fear and loathing and a celebration.

We had learned alot about parenting but at the same time having one baby was different. And different you have been from day one. You stand out.

You are funny - not even just funny but your humor is so unlike mine.. you get jokes I never think you'll understand. You articulate your thoughts and feelings through not being serious but it comes across. You LOVE people - especially your Papa and your friends. You crave quality time with people especially your Dad and good thing he is SO awesome cause that's what he craves too. You are teachable, coachable and on your way to excelling at every sport you have tried. You don't get easily discouraged but do want to win. At. Everything. You are super easy to be with.
The hardest part this year has been watching you constantly try for your brother's attention and approval and although I know this will change it's been hard to watch some days. I am so proud of you for persevering and although you have your outbursts of frustration for the most part you forgive easily and keep busy. You have LOVED Kindergarten and I can't wait to see you soar in Grade 1.

I am so honoured to be your mom and spend so much time with you. I am excited for you being able to get to school full time next year but will miss my little buddy in the afternoons. Your endless chatter, singing and jokes. Making you lunch and then more lunch and then more lunch ;)
I pray your heart always continues to be open to trying new things, exploring, being adventurous and unafraid. That your passion for the people you love will turn into the qualities of loyalty, compassion and steadfastness. Happy Birthday Jett.

a decade

I went through the archives this week reading through the moments ten years ago that made me a mom. I have tried to think back to that time and remember if I felt ready. Present day I never feel ready for all that comes with parenting. The days of tiny humans is long over in our house but I feel all sorts surrounding the task of raising growing humans.

When I had Noah & Ari I didn't really know anyone else with twins. It was so overwhelming. I am so thankful for this blog because for me that first year is not a vivid memory for me.. it was lots of days filled with survival and more sadness and crazy than I had space for. I do remember having my mom tell me when the twins turned one that the party was really for us.. we had made it.

And each year I hear her say that.. we made it. And now today. It's been a whole decade. Of scary, awesome, sad and joyful moments.

Being a mom actually means more to me now than it did before and for sure means more than it did when they were little. Our relationship has changed - I have to give up more control than I ever realized. Lara Casey (author of Make it Happen) said this the other day and I love it.

"She believed she could so she did" is lovely and instills confidence, but that doesn't last. I know a deeper truth. She believed she couldn't, so He did. I've made every "mistake," and I'm grateful because my falls led me to freedom. If God is your boss, there's no shame for all those imperfections, sister. There's just grace."

It speaks truth to my soul as I wake up each day imperfect in my motherhood but yet in awe of these boys who challenge me, surprise me and love big.

Ari - firstborn. Your compassion and love for life drives you. The start of this school year was tough on you and I am more than proud of all you have done and what you have pursued. You didn't give up and you worked hard. You are flying now! That is going to go a long way in your life. This afternoon when we walked outside you grabbed my hand and as I sat here to write it stuck out to me cause you always take time to grab my hand, hug me or tell me you love me. You care about others and don't have allegiance to any one particular person but love them all. Competition is not something that rates high on your life scale and it's part of what makes you care deeply for others and have an empathy that I value as part of who you are. I think you are going to be a champion for others and call out the good in those who don't quite see it in themselves. You started out life small and I know being a twin and constantly compared is not always easy but I see BIG life for you my boy.

Noah - You are a leader. People want to follow you. You are fun and full of life. You love your people and want to do good - I'm proud of you for realizing that what you do today and how you invest your time will produce lasting, tangible things for your life. A couple weeks ago when we went on a walk just the two of us I was struck by how much you crave one on one time - being a twin is not always easy and you have so much you want to say. I loved our conversation and the simplicity of just being together. You are a creature of habit and I love seeing you push yourself out of those things that make you comfortable.. reminds me of your Dad when we first met. You love excitement and being apart of the action of all things life.

I sat here and read those two paragraphs and realized you are both the best parts of your Dad and me and also uniquely your own. Gosh what an amazing thing! It honestly blows my mind that I get to be a part of this. Your stories. I can't wait to look back at the chapters but I am most looking forward to watching each page get filled.

I pray that you will continue to keep these things in your heart: there is nothing more important than showing up and putting yourself out there. To be seen. I want you to dare to live your life and not be selfish. To think of others first, show compassion, be love, teach humility, to be able to be wrong and to know your footprint on this world will have impact.

You are worthy of love... no matter what you wear or how much you look like each other. Your stories are entwined for sure but you each have your own book! You belong to that.

I celebrate this last decade with more passion and excitement than ever before. I celebrate each of you for who you are and who you are becoming. Happy 10th birthday Noah & Ari. Double Digits. This mama is proud and so thankful you help me each day see myself as worthy of the title mom.

one little word: twenty sixteen

Choosing my one little word each year has been something that has shaped me. It's being present and awake and stepping up to be my best self physically, emotionally, spiritually, creatively and within my relationships.

I feel its so important to establish what I am longing for and looking for this year. I am not into making resolutions - not many seem to ever stick and I also don't' need another thing I feel I have to live up to. That just sounds stressful. It's something I can look to as a yardstick to measure life by.

The process is always different.. this year it came easily. As I reflected on the past 8 years I just knew. You can read up on my past words:   2008: Simplify, 2009: Choose, 2010: Present,  2011: Shine, 2012: Authenticity,  2013: Worthy, 2014: Enough, 2015: She Who Is Brave Is Free

Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light. ~Brene Brown

Light is energy that makes it possible to see things. Something that makes vision possible, to ignite something. I feel this is the culmination of so many things that have led me to this moment in time. I have had some powerful words and dreams spoken over my life and to me walking into the light is being brave... I sing because I am free. His eye is on ME. 

Matthew 5:4 BE the LIGHT. Let your LIGHT SHINE

Chase the light.. wherever and whatever it may be for you. Chase it.
If you want light to come into your life you gotta stand where it's shining

For more info on where One Little Word started head over to Ali Edwards blog: http://aliedwards.com/projects/one-little-word

One Little Word 2016 #olwhd

So like I have done for the past 8 years I am putting myself out there. One Little Word. It's been so symbolic for me. Shaping my life. The Power of words is not something to underestimate.

I have had years where it has jumped out at me.. years I had to wait till the final hour.. but ALWAYS it shaped me and it's been brilliant to follow through the years and see the faithfulness of God in each word. I want to experience this with you!

Join me this year! Follow me on IG and use #olwhd

I will be gifting three people with gifts from MantraBand, Maehandmade and Sacred Arrow. I can't wait to see your story unfold!

You can read my past choices: 2008: Simplify, 2009: Choose, 2010: Present,  2011: Shine, 2012: Authenticity,  2013: Worthy, 2014: Enough, 2015: She Who Is Brave Is Free

one who rises

I am deeply impacted by books, music & movies.. the emotional part of me either can get lost in the romance, unpredictability, adventure and movement and the part of me that doesn't want to conform rises up and loves something to stand for.

Today I saw Insurgent - I loved the books and loved the first movie and could not wait for the second. I was having a hard time remembering the book and went into this one forgetting a lot.. I'm going to go deep here but God really spoke to me through this movie.. more than I even realized.. as I drove home I burst into tears.. If you have not seen it I am not going to necessarily spoil it for you but my perspective correlates to the end of the move.







Tris struggles in this movie over what has happened to those she loves - she blames herself for not being able to protect them and she feels everyone who comes in contact with her will get hurt... She is unable to forgive herself and let go... I have been praying into the tendency I have in my life to self sabotage. It causes me to feel unworthy, unloved, misunderstood and lets doubt creep in.. like my beautiful friend Crystal says you gotta BENCH those thoughts.. don't even let them suit up. They can't play..

ok so near the end Tris has to conquer a simulator and she has to fight herself... and in order to win the sim she learns she actually has to put her fists down and forgive herself.. let go and the self who is facing her and wants to destroy her.. can't. It has no power.. And in all love and beauty of the movie this realization not only sets her free but it allows the factions to learn the truth that they were all an experiment and there is so much more for them beyond the wall than they ever realized.. they are free...

of course in true movie fashion the music and the people streaming out of the buildings it all evokes emotion in me.. but as I sat there wanting to see SO badly what was on the other side of the wall I thought.. she had to let it go, forgive herself and be free. And then guys they are just all rushing towards the wall cause they all want whats over there.. just keep going!!

Passion evokes purpose. This has never been more true than in this season of my life. I am passionate and have more purpose than ever before but it's in these times that we have to suit up and realize the enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. Being brave is being free. What an incredible opportunity we have.

I plan to be a world changer. I plan to move forward. I also plan to remember my worth and who I am. Take captive every thought and be FREE. SO much more is coming. SO much more.

Hello 2015 - a twist on one little word.

Choosing my one little word each year has been something that has shaped me. It's being present and awake and stepping up to be my best self physically, emotionally, spiritually, creatively and within my relationships.

I am never looking for perfection. But I want to choose to let go of things outside of my control and to figure out who the best-me-right-now really is.

I am always thinking about my journey  My word is always there, in front of me, and each year it evolves a little more. My goal is to move forward even when I can see and hear my fear and apprehension staring me in the face. I commit to engage in my choices this year.. to be brave in my Spirit so it leads me. The past two years I  have waded through being worthy and becoming enough. It's time to soar baby.. time to be FREE.

I admit I have never had the process be as unclear as it was this year... I just could not choose. I was wavering between two words and usually it is so clear.. sometimes a whisper and sometimes a shout. I went to bed saying goodbye to 2014 and praying for a dream or a sign or something to show me which way to go... I woke up with a statement. Since this past year has been about not comparing, not worrying about this or that.. I figured I could break the mold this year (maybe telling of what is to come). SO I bring you my one little statement for 2015. 

She who is BRAVE is FREE.

Boom. 2015 is going to blow my mind. Not going to be afraid to fall cause I have a feeling I am going to soar!

35.

I just spent the last while looking through each birthday post. You all know how much I love birthdays. Something about the feeling of looking back over the year.. but you know the part I like the most is the anticipation of looking FORWARD.

I am like a fine wine. I most definitely get better with age. Last year I was settling into my season of waiting.. of doing nothing... of just being.. worthy. It was a time of huge growth for me.. This is what I wrote on the eve of my 34th birthday...

my heart says yes

on the eve of my 34th birthday.

dear heather,

what if every day were the perfect day to finally be exactly who you were always meant to be? What if everything you ever wanted was just on the other side of fear? what if inside you was a place to be happy, pure, simple and full of joy... yes I know amidst the chaos of life. would you believe it's possible? what if instead of perfection you held yourself to the highest standard of grace? that would be incredible wouldn't it? you are bright. what if you did everything with so much love in your heart that you would never want to live any other way. let this truth sink in. you are confined only by the walls you build yourself. big truth. i think it's time to find your wings. to soar. i know you love birthdays.. you are quick to say each year you get better. it's life lived that causes you to re-evaluate your decisions, to learn from them, to grow and to move forward. you have done alot of moving forward this past year.. i know some of it has been hard and i am proud of the way you have allowed yourself to not be a victim anymore. it wasn't easy but i am so proud of you.

please trust in the process of not being a doer but soaking in being. just being.

cheers to the best year yet.

What a beautiful thing for my heart to read this. Since then life has CHANGED... I have been filled with purpose and passion like never before. I feel more alive today than ever before. I feel like each season of my life has prepped me for this. I am standing on sacred ground for me cause the only way I could have gotten here is with God.. with letting go of what I thought I wanted and letting Him lay new opportunities in my lap. I have given each moment over and allowed myself to be led.

In some ways this last year has been one of ups and downs. The season of waiting that followed my birthday last year helped me grow and when it was time for me to come out of that I was set on a fast forward in some ways.. But through all of it I look in anticipation at the bigger picture. My Why has become more important than ever.

I have always been passionate about helping people.
I have always worn my heart on my sleeve and won't stop now.
I have always wanted to matter. The difference is now I don't really care what other people think I know I matter.

So for my 35th year.. wow how can it get better... Each day it's surpassing my expectations. I think I want to take it all in.. to really enjoy where I am at. So much to be thankful for: family, friends, health, wellness, the freedom to stay home, my business and the community I have found there which has breathed new life into me, for thriving and refusing to stay stuck.

Our message in church today rocked my socks... I wanna run this race to WIN. To populate heaven and do more than just sit and watch life pass by.. to not stay in the same place cause it feels comfortable. We are made for SO much more. Don't just sit and watch.. participate, act, serve.. What drives you? What gives you life?

I anticipate an amazing year.. already filled with so many new adventures I never dreamed possible. For new friendships fuller and deeper than ever before. And for GROWTH.. I have learned we must keep growing, changing, learning.. to stay the same and closed off blah.. I don't want it.

I want to be free. Soaring has begun and I am only going up.

Join me? Come on.. you know you wanna....

with hope

the odds don't matter. 

what a beautiful statement and relates so well to all aspects of life. I read it on a blog and not only did it resonate with me but so did the personal story of Heather Von St. James. She is a vibrant blogger who has dedicated her life to raising awareness for Mesothelioma. Just in case like me you were not aware what that is.. Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. It carries a poor prognosis and early detection is key! 

Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked in jobs where they inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers, or were exposed to airborne asbestos dust and fibers in other ways. Washing clothes of a family member who worked with asbestos also creates a risk for developing mesothelioma. 

This story hit home for me and has a personal twist. My Grandpa was an electrician and my Dad spent many many hours as a young kid crawling around attics with my Grandpa. It was a trade he would do till he retired a few years ago. Last year he was dealing with some lung issues and the end result of that is a spot in his lungs that they equate to being there from too much exposure to Asbestos. Thankfully his are diagnosed as Pleural Plagues around his lung area. They do an annual CT scan and so far believe it's scar tissues.. so while we are thankful there are SO many who are not so lucky. So I am happy to share with you that...

September 26th is the 10th annual Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Awareness is key..I have found in my own journey to health & wellness.. so much we don't know keeps us from acting in a positive way. So please read Heather's story here at her blog http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/

I have been reading a lot about the disease and the struggles people with this disease go through and what hits me is the isolation that comes with disease. I think it's true for all disease and unless we are willing to share it with others we will remain alone. It's true of my struggle with mental illness and depression.. although mine is not severe it's still a constant battle of the mind and allowing myself to be alone and not share keeps me in the dark and worse than that it keeps others in the dark thinking they need to struggle through disease alone.. That should never be the case. So as a blogger I am joining in a community of like minded people to bring you some facts.

Asbestos kills more than 100,000 people annually.
It often takes 20 years after exposure for the first sign of sickness to hit.
And I ashamed to say Canada is still exporting Asbestos today. 

So lets not be silent.
Raising awareness is key. Raise your voice.
http://www.mesothelioma.com/heather/awareness/#.VCB2yigrV38

Journey to Joy - First Edition

I am super excited to announce the first edition of Journey to Joy! I always have so much I want to share with my team and this was the best way to go about it. Well I thought it was until I could not attach it. So you are being led here to read the very first edition. Whether you are here because you are on my team or interested about learning more this is a great place to start! 

Lots of awesome events coming up for you to attend to equip yourself with more knowledge and more education and in turn more freedom.

Please take a moment to read the newsletter. 

Jekyll and Hyde

Keep calm because this is the moment. - Jekyll and Hyde

I saw that the other day and it is fitting for right now. today. here.

I feel a lump in my throat tonight as I sit here and try to get some work done.. the only thing I can think of as my heart starts to race is that I have 4 days of work left. 6.5 years. I remember standing at the window when I answered the phone when we lived on Duster Bay being offered this job. I had two not even 2 year olds and this job literally saved our lives. The benefit of working half days was a gift.. being able to get out of the house for part of the day but also be home worked perfect for us. I also entered a job I literally fell in love with.

It's the best blend. Outgoing by nature I have loved my front line work. Being surrounded by amazing co-workers makes going to work easy. So many things I could say about my job. One thing is for sure.. I will miss it. Terribly. Thinking about the people I get to work with every day is what is causing this lump in my throat.. I know they will all be ok without me but I will miss their everyday presence in my life. From my corner coffee break table, to the hall behind me and the two people who occupy those spaces and make me thankful to sit where I sit. To the one I share my space with... and my heart. 

I know I made the right choice and am following my heart and my passion.. I am so blessed to be able to work from home and be more available to my family and the new circle that welcomes me.. but part of my heart is broken into a million pieces because as crazy as it may seem to you my life at 675 Prairie View Drive changed the course of our home.. made a struggling mama to twins survive those first few years.. it wasn't only the work place but the nurturing loving hands who held, read stories to, sang songs with, played endless rounds of duck duck goose, who fed, cleaned up after, prayed for and LOVED my boys.. it was a village. My village. 

Change is scary, but like my Dad said to me "Take risks... what's the worst that can happen?" I think I have found who I am meant to be over the past 6.5 years.. my village, my people they have all helped me get here.

So for the next 4 days I plan to relish each moment. To take it all in. Cause really I have SO much to be thankful for.. so much to look forward to. So much life to live. What are we without our village?

So this week.. I will send my boys down the driveway on their bikes to school, pack up Jett and my morning smoothie. We will turn on the Eagle and listen to Chuck. I will get coffee and get Jett a blueberry muffin. I'll drop him off at Shirlies and drive to work. I'll park in spot #6. And just like now.. I'll probably cry.

I have so much to be thankful for. My heart is full. And a tiny bit broken. Grateful for so much.

We celebrate 4 today.

4 years. Hard to believe it's been 4 years.

I thought about you a lot today as I wrote this blog post in my head. My mind wandered back to 4 years ago... Lets face it my body was not good at keeping babies inside till it was time and you were no different. My water broke one week before you were born when I was not quite 35 weeks. I still had a week left of work and what followed after that early morning when I thought I had peed the bed is still not my favourite week to think of. Gushing water for 6 days was less than fun. My mom and my Aunt took me in 8 days after my water broke for my fetal assessment it was a Monday. June 7th. I thought I was home free. Finally 36 weeks.. I figured they would send me home and say I could deliver locally...   and when the ultra sound tech quickly put her wand down and left the room I knew this would not be the case. The rest is a whirlwind. You needed to come out right then and there... Very reminiscent to 4 years earlier when I called the Stallion from a Winnipeg hospital and told him he should very quickly come so he could be here when you were born. He was on the roof of Access Credit Union and asked if he could finish his job.. the surgeon sort of politely said no. You have always done things your own way and in your own time and no matter how much I rush you you don't stand for it. Thankful 4 years ago you didn't let me rush you... the amount of things I did to get labor started would have probably cost you your life or mine had I succeeded. I remember the feeling in the OR.. I was all full of emotion and today as I looked back at those photos this one stood out to me.. this was the ugly cry... If you have had a CSection you know the moment.. it's not pain it's just a feeling of knowing the pulling and tugging is going to at any moment turn into a cry.. maybe it was a subconscious this is my last baby or the realization that I would never get a different kind of birth story...

At 4:47 with the Stallion and my super midwife Marla by my side you came into this world. A firecracker from the start.

And we have loved you ever since. 

 .

Jett you are one of a kind. You can light up any room with your smile, charm, wacky sense of humour and sparkling personality. You are adventure, sparkle, shine and grit all rolled into one. You can make us laugh and you can entertain whether it's from the banister of the stairs or on the piano. You truly have a compassionate heart and LOVE the people in your life especially your friends at Shirley's. You are wise beyond your years and daily talk about going to preschool next fall. You can count to 30 and say your ABC's no problem. You retain incredible amounts of information and have a special knack for remembering the lyrics to songs. Spending time with you on our morning rides to town is always a highlight you love to copy whatever Chuck says on the radio that morning or yell out the words to your favourite songs.

You love playing catch, riding your none training wheel bike, going golfing with Grandma & Papa... well lets face it anything that involves your Papa is good in your books, you see the world through adventurous eyes and I cannot wait to see where this life takes you. May the sparkle always be in your eyes may you never feel you have to stay inside the box.. I think your adventurous spirit is something you should find freedom in. I wish for you lots of fort building, many big puddles to splash in, hitting home runs, piles of dirt & sand to build in, lots of fish to catch and stars to count.

Happy 4th Birthday Jetty. You are simply the best.

welcome june.

Success is an ongoing journey. Not a single event. One of the keys to success is passion... Growth is almost always painful, change is most often scary but like my Dad said to me What fun is life without some risks?

Embrace where your life is headed. Do what you love. Open your arms, mind and life to new adventures. Life is about the people you meet. Live your dream and wear your passion. To find your gift and give it away as Shakespeare would say.

The things you are passionate about are not random they are your calling. I would not have known 5 months ago that I would be where I am at right now. I feel like as I keep moving forward the doors keep opening and God keeps showing me He has me right where He wants me. I had spent the last half a year prior in a season of waiting... not sure what was in store and then this beautiful gift fell into my lap and it changed our lives. I have found that special gift that I need to pass on.

So with new energy and imagination for time to make my soul happy. I am moving forward and switching gears to working from home full time. I went to work 7 years ago because being a stay at home mom was not working for me or my family. I found the most perfect job for me and have been extremely happy there for the last 6 years. It gave me life, joy and introduced me to people whom I love and enjoy spending half a day with. Over the last few months my life has taken a different turn... I am loving building my team with Young Living and pouring myself into the people this amazing company has had me come in to contact with. To stop every day and speak with people about Essential Oils is what I want to focus my energy on. I can't do it all and so I am listening to my heart and following this dream.. with only this one precious life it's all I can do. So come June 26th I will be self employed and will work from home. This company has given us more than we could imagine and we are so blessed to be apart of it. The Oils have literally changed our lives and it would be wrong for me to sit on that and not share it. I am all in. I take a 25 hour intensive course this coming weekend which will give me an amazing source of knowledge and inspiration. I have big plans .. big goals, big dreams.

This is my new mantra... my new life goal. I really need to get this on my wall.

May my heart be kind, my mind fierce and my spirit brave. To respond to every call that excites my spirit. To have loyalty be the tune my heart sings and to know I am enough just the way I am.

It's going to be a good one. A really good one.

celebrate eight

 
 

 

During random moments over the past week I have turned to the Stallion with wide eyes and wondered aloud.. how are they turning 8 this week? well today is the day we celebrate eight. 8 years with our boys. What an adventure it has been.

 

They made me a mama and they have walked this road with me as I learn how best to nurture them. It has not been very easy and those first few years are ones I am thankful they may not remember. One thing is for sure. I am so blessed to be called their mum. They have helped me grow, helped me realize I am enough and made me a far better person than I ever could have been without them.

 

Ari my first born.. although a sneaky move got you the title of out first. You were always Baby B. You are kind, caring, compassionate and full of a tender heart. You see the world through the eyes of an inventor. You want to know how things work, how they came to be and you thrive on learning facts about everything. Your love for knowledge has been evident this year as you have thrived on studying First Nations people, Nova Scotia and your favorite The Bluenose. You know facts about those things that most people don't. You love studying how things work and your lego building shows that following the instructions is usually boring but building something bigger and better and from the blueprint of your mind is far better.

You have close friends - you see your friendships in quality not in quantity. I love the loyalness in your heart. You are my snuggle bunny and I love how you tell me even when you are all big and grown up you will stay my snuggle bunny forever. Does my mama heart good.

With a spring in your step, a thirst for knowledge and a deep caring heart skies the limit for you my boy. When skies are grey you always make sure we all still see the sun.
 

 

Noah. Our leader. You are wild, fun & free. You dance to the beat of your own drum. You love people. You love having friends and being a friend. You crave attention and praise. You remind me it's ok to be loud and have fun. You are learning so much this year about the little leader inside of you. We are so thankful for your teacher this year. She has really helped point you like an arrow in the right direction. Boys so full of spunk like you, full of stories and thought can either use their powers for good or for bad. She has really shown you that you can be used for good. I am proud of you and your love for writing your own stories, for taking on chapter books with pride.

We don't always see eye to eye these days.. but I often sit back and am thankful for your beyond the box thinking, for not wanting to settle for things you don't understand. Your energy and zest for life will make you great Noah.  I pray you will be the kind of leader you would want to follow and that you will be full of inspiration and motivation that make others want to do good.

May your eyes always be filled with wonder & may you never settle with an answer you don't fully understand. May your days be filled with running full blast at the things you want... you are the kind of guy that will chase those dreams and tackle them head first.

 

My biggest hope is that my boys will always go after their dreams, pursue justice & be filled with compassion. Raising kids is no joke.. Thankful our journey is always part of the bigger picture. Ah that's a good reminder... Let us all be looking towards the bigger picture.

 

Happy Birthday Noah

Happy Birthday Ari

 

 



take another little piece of my heart....

I meant to write this post last week but it was a tough week for me emotionally and physically. This may be all over the place but I need to get it out...

I have been on a journey.. I'm always on a journey... I said to someone this week it feels like I am always in the pruning stage.. I always want to learn I want to be captivated, chasing running after God's heart and He is just not done with me... He is constantly teaching me things. I think this year I am just finally really listening. I want to chase after His heart. His ways are SO good.

I took a hit this week that normally would have wrecked me.. thankfully I have people in my life who can help me see it for what it was.. someone else's stuff .. they tried to project it onto me and for the first time I could see it for what it was. Nothing I needed to pick up and carry. I am always who I am.. I wear my heart on my sleeve. My beautiful friend Carmen sent me this graphic.

Isn't that awesome. I love it. It so resonates with me. I am finding this new adventure I am on.. the thrill the rush..  the more I see the more I want. Ok.. ANYWAYS.

Here I am.. sitting on so much passion I feel like I may burst. I am daily connecting with new people and being able to share my love of Young Living Essential Oils.. I want to invite you to a seat inside my head just for a moment.. ;)

I have no interest in selling you anything. I sold Norwex for years.. I've done parties you name it. I love the products and it was not hard to sell. This is not a party business... This is so much more special than that.

This is healing. This is health. This is Quality of Life. For me I have been able to lay hands on people and oil them up while praying for health & healing. I have been able to cry over the joys of being able to be pain free. This is so much more than a party... this is a celebration of something that God made. He gave us plants and someone has been brilliant enough to realize that through the Immune System of those plants through the life blood of a plant we have something that crosses the blood brain barrier and initiates healing from the inside out. This is incredible. I can't not share that. 

I feel personally I did not stumble onto this by accident. It's on purpose. He does things on purpose. If we take the time to sit and listen and be still... in my season of waiting I called and I let my soul rest.. His grace abounds in deepest waters. 

He never fails us. 

Oils are not a cure all.. I know that. I have however heard and seen with my own eyes the power of health. I just feel like I am calling the Spirit to lead me even though the world is full of skeptics, full of doubt.. We are stronger in HIS presence... I want to get out of the boat... sick of being in the boat. What would it look like if we lived life away from the fear that has us stuck in the boat. I feel alive. Trust is scary.. I almost gave up again this week.. told the Stallion that black heart was looking better and better... but then I looked up and realized if I call upon His name He will keep my eyes above the waves. I can jump out of the boat and walk into the life He has for me. I want to make a difference I want to share my life, my heart. That is why I am passionate about sharing the oils. I have lived for too many years under the shadow of Depression and Anxiety and caring what people think. For 34 years.. that's enough. I am enough. 

I am letting Him guide my heart. I mean after all He is the one who has been fixing it up. What does your boat look like? Lets jump!!

do what you love.

do what you love. love what you do.

8 words. my new mantra.

I am going to be 35 in a few months... I LOVE birthdays.. I get better and better every year. And now I feel like I am finally where I am meant to be.. still moving forward for sure.

All the bumps along the way have lead me here. They have shaped me and some have defined the path I walked. God's plan will always be greater and more beautiful than all of my disappointments.

 There will be a few times in your life

when all your instincts will tell you to

do something, something that defies logic,

upsets your plans, and may seem crazy to others. When

that happens you do it. Listen to your instincts

and ignore everything else. Ignore logic, ignore the

odds, ignore the complications and

just GO FOR IT.

~Judith McNaught

Right? So good!

do what you love. love what you do.

Jump Start!

This week has been a long one of treats and my willpower has taken a hit.. I know I have choices and try to make good ones but often I revert back to my treat mentality.. if I have had a long day I tell myself I deserve that treat.. or I am feeling stressed so I turn to that white fluffy paska bun.. Is anyone on this path with me??!! I have done this Re-start once before and felt incredible so I figure after this weekend it's time to clean out the system and get a jump start back on the wagon! So I am offering it to anyone who wants to join me. I have limited supplies so it will be first come first served. So what is it? Well the Shakeology 3-day Cleanse!!

Want to cleanse your body of toxins and lose 3-10 pounds in just 3 days? If you answered yes, then you have to try this cleanse!! I've done the Shakeology 3-day cleanse and I lost 5 pounds probably mostly water weight but it felt great to clean out my system so I could get that junk out!

About the Cleanse:
The Shakeology cleanse is unlike other popular cleanses because you actually get to eat real food! the Shakeology cleanse is a calorie restricted, nutrient-rich cleanse based around my favorite drink, Shakeology. There are no strange drinks, vinegar, or constant running to the bathroom on this cleanse! With the 3-day Shakeology cleanse, you won't be starving yourself or feel like a zombie. This cleanse is a safe and healthy way to cleanse our body of harmful toxins, decrease water retention and bloating, get rehydrated, lose weight, jump start your metabolism, and increase energy!

Benefits:

• rids your body of harmful toxins
• provides you body with nutrient dense calories
• decreases water retention and bloating
• helps with nutrient absorption and efficiency
• rehydrates your body
• helps you lose weight
• gives your metabolism a boost
• renews your energy
• gets your body regular
• jump starts your weight loss and fitness routine

The Shakeology 3-day Cleanse Explained:
The Shakeology 3-day cleanse is an innovative way to use Shakeology as a cleanse. The schedule is easy to follow and is different than other cleanses because it is actually a "performance cleanse". What this means is that in most instances you can still do it along with your regular workout or fitness program.The Shakeology cleanse can also be used to look your best before a big event such as a wedding, beach vacation, high school reunion, etc. No matter what your reason is for cleansing, here's the instructions to follow:

Keep in mind that while it is ok to continue your normal fitness routine while doing this cleanse, INTENSE EXERCISE SHOULD BE AVOIDED! So if you are doing P90X or Insanity, plan the Shakeology cleanse for your recovery week. This cleanse is also a GREAT way to jump start any fitness routine or effort to eat clean. Just follow the 3-day schedule as outlined below right before you begin and really kick off your transformation!

Frequently Asked Questions:
How many calories will I be consuming each day throughout the cleanse?
800-1,100 calories per day

How often can I do the Shakeology Cleanse?
Ideally you should do it no more than once per quarter (every 3 months). Schedule a cleanse when you start a new workout program or use it it if you feel that you need help breaking through a weight-loss plateau.

Should I/Can I still do my workout during the Cleanse?
Honestly this depends on the individual. You'll have less energy so consider doing it during a recovery week. Always remember not to compromise proper form and safety during your workout if you are lacking energy.

Can I do a 1-day or 2-day cleanse?
YES!! Some people will see results in just 1 or 2 days. Do not do the cleanse for more than 3 days!

Should I continue to take other supplements during the Shakeology cleanse?
Other vitamin and mineral supplements are not necessary during the cleanse. Refrain from taking any other Beachbody supplements like Results & Recovery or Energy & Endurance because of the sugar content.

 

How much does it cost?
The Shakeology cleanse kit costs $45 and includes 9 packets of Shakeology and 5 bags of green tea and me!

If you are interested in giving the Shakeology 3-day cleanse a try or would like more information email me heatherdifran@gmail.com 

Lets do it together! Again I am only able to do offer this to a limited number of people so let me know!

Young Living April Promo

HA! My terrible freeze frame... Happy April friends!