All things calm...

With the holidays now over and the remainder of winter unfolding—sometimes intensely and other times gently, depending on your location—it's a perfect opportunity to turn inward. This is an ideal time to settle into your favorite chair or sofa with a cup of tea and contemplate.

What about the last year did you treasure most? How do you foster more of that in this coming year? How did the holidays go for you? Are there moments and events that you would like to lean in on and build off of? What would you like to delete if people pleasing wasn't a thing for you - and if you aren't, kudos to you - goals!

I often say that we cast our votes with our time and money. When I mentor women in AA, I eventually ask them to take a blank sheet of paper, position it horizontally, and write the days of the week from Sunday to Saturday across the top. Then, I have them list the weekly tasks and commitments that are non-negotiable, such as work, volunteer commitments, family events, and so on.

Now, look and see how much free time you have left. For some people that might be a lot left to plan amidst. For others, it might feel as though there simply isn't enough minutes in the day or week.

With the remaining time you have, how can you ensure that some of it is devoted to activities that bring you happiness? Perhaps it's meeting a friend for a walk by the sea, watching the sunset, or playing music. It could also be spending time alone to recharge, like journaling, organizing old photos, or planning for your future.

The point is, if we don't look at our time flow and carve out some of it for ourselves, it's so easy for it to just fly by, week after week. At the end of the month, year or gulp... our lives, are we going to look back and feel that we made ourselves enough of a priority that we are satisfied with how we spent our days? Gosh, it feels like this has taken a down turn, I'm not trying to be a bummer. This is meant to be inspirational.

I feel that I can share my experience about this topic on big goals. I love a big jump whether it's to move aboard a sailboat, fly to places far away - think Cook Islands or Egypt, buy that dream house and work on being chill through the process.

I recognize that I can improve my daily time management. In the coming year, I want to declare that I will spend more time walking on the beach, make room for my beloved elliptical, and enjoy more sunsets, as that is my sanctuary.

Which leads me to how we vote with our dollar. As I've been reorganizing our garage I have come across more stuff than we really need which equals more dollars spent than necessary.

My dad often emphasized the importance of distinguishing between needs and wants, advising to prioritize spending on needs. This was amusing, considering he once owned 22 vintage cars. However, knowing him, those cars were indeed a necessity for him, and they surely felt grateful (if you can imagine cars having feelings) to have found such a dedicated owner. He took exceptional care of them.

I digress....

I realized in the past few years that I was spending more on things, events and people than it really mattered to me and less on the things, events and people that did matter.

Having more years behind me than in front is simply a matter of math. I don't feel old in any way, but since I turned 60 just a month ago, it's clear that unless I live to 120, more of my life is in the past than in the future.

When considering purchasing an item with a 30-year warranty, it seems like the warranty's value is negligible. Similarly, knowing that we might not want a large dog when we're older and less strong, we question if Pearl will be our last big dog. Additionally, when I contemplate what other cars I might want when it's time to replace my current one and realize I likely only have two more cars to choose from, it gives me pause.

I am acutely conscious of how quickly time is passing, which makes me want to be more deliberate with how I spend my minutes and my money. Life, with all its ups and downs, is precious.

Moving forward, I aim to reduce my possessions (as mentioned in the last blog), embrace more chances to connect with my loved ones (as noted in the previous blog), and be conscious of our future by establishing goals (as discussed in the first blog of the year), because we are the authors of our own stories, and I want mine to be abundant!

Cheers to a life brimming with fun, laughter, learning, tears, curiosity, new experiences, connections, living, and love,

Shari

This week's blog is brought to you by Copaiba.

Copaiba essential oil is derived from the resin of the copaiba tree, which grows over 100 feet tall in tropical South America. Copaiba. It has been an integral component in traditional Brazilian health practices. doTERRA learned that the trees and the surrounding flora and fauna were disease free and this peeked their interest in this powerful oil.

Copaiba can:

• help soothe anxious feelings

• promote a clear, smooth complexion

• support cardiovascular, immune, digestive & nervous system health

• support a healthy inflammatory response

• cleanse & soothe the gums/mouth

The main component, β-caryophyllene (BCP), is neuroprotective & has cardiovascular and immune benefits. It’s a powerful antioxidant. It contains the highest levels of BCP among currently known essential oils. In a nut shell, it is your tried and true alternative to overpriced and under tested CBD. Copaiba is tested for purity and therapeutic properties, every time, every bottle.

We enjoy Copaiba oil:

• 1 drop under our tongue for internal health

• diffuse 3 drops of Copaiba, 3 drops of Adaptiv, 3 drops of Balance for

  de-stressing.

• combine deep blue and copaiba oil with a carrier oil for a one two punch on your aches and pains

How we enjoy Copaiba Touch:

• roll onto our pulse points

• roll onto the bottom of our feet, especially our big toe

• roll first then apply serenity or breathe stick, to amplify the result

Why we take Copaiba soft gels:

• a convenient way to enjoy the internal benefits of Copaiba essential oil

• supports the cardiovascular, immune, digestive & nervous systems

• eases digestive discomfort & protects the digestive system

• Copaiba oil contains the highest levels of BCP among currently known essential oils

• with its wide influence on key organs, BCP supports general well-being.

If you are an existing customer, simply log on to place your order. Need help with either finding your ID# or you have questions, reach out to me at 858 361 5312 OR Shari@LiveWellNaturally.us 

New to doTERRA? Click the link below to order the Copaiba trio. The cart is editable, if you'd like to start smaller or add other products to your order.

Copaiba please!