My journey continues to be an ever evolving work of art. I am reminded of a quote from Maya Angelou, “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”
Mic Drop!!
This really sums up my life. I have grown and changed; I try new things all the time and as I go on my journey I find that I am learning more about myself. I am learning my strength, perseverance and above all else I am learning to follow my own path.
My Path!!
That path is not always the most traveled. And there are people out there who judge and ridicule my ideas and passions. But it is my path nonetheless, and I am proud of all I have learned. With each lesson I am growing and learning how I can be a better person.
Has this path always been easy...nope. It is messy with a lot of twists and turns. I am always willing to jump on board and try something. The things that have worked for me I keep in my routines and those that don’t, well they are thanked and let go of. But I can honestly say that the Me of today has grown so much compared to the me of yesteryears.
My purpose has also become more refined, and part of my purpose is helping women see the value in themselves, as I have found my value. I work everyday to create the life I desire and put my limiting beliefs in their place (deleted). My mindset is put through daily tests, but my affirmations of love and devotion to my purpose set me up to being the best me I can be.
What are you going to do to be your best self? Are you ready to start conquering your limiting beliefs and walk your true path?
I vote your victory in finding your true path.
Join my Facebook group Naturally Chic Moms for more on this journey. We are a fun community of women supporting each other on our journey to find balance and purpose.
Finding your purpose is a journey that so many women are on. This journey can be a winding road. You might even take a few detours or even a U-turn in order to find our true place, and what you need may change as you go on your journey.
My journey began as a young woman who was focused on finding a career and success in the business world. At that time I knew I wanted to stay focused on my career, and having kids was going to be great, but it wouldn’t change my focus. And then…
BOOM!!!
My life changed in the blink of an eye.
I had my first baby!
Everything changed, and my career was the farthest thing from my priority. My purpose and identity became wrapped up in being a mom. I was great at that and it made me so happy. All I wanted to do was change my career to be a Stay at Home Mom...That was my dream job after having a baby.
My husband, who knew me, and my passion for helping and serving others, knew that choosing to stay home would eventually leave me unfulfilled. So instead, I completely changed from a business career to working at a daycare part time. I quickly realized that I loved seeing my little one (eventually ones) in school, while I still was able to realize a new dream.
I found teaching to be a great way for me to find purpose. I was able to have a lot of time with my family because I worked part time until they were both in school. I still had the flexibility to be with my family and make that a priority, while allowing myself to grow and learn as I helped others.
As my children have grown, and become a bit more independent. I have learned that being a mom doesn’t have to be my only identity. I have so much that I want to do and give to the world, that I need to give myself permission to be ok with loving myself and finding what my calling is.
I began to do things that I enjoyed...painting, self care, girls trips with friends and a lot more self discovery of what my purpose in the world is. I found so much of myself when I would read books by women who are empowering other women to find their journey.
The first book that I read that resonated with me on a deep, soul touching level was Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. I was able to look inside of myself and find that there are so many parts of me that are valuable.
More of the journey to come in Part 2.
It’s hard to believe that it has been a couple of years since my journey to finding natural products began. When I first thought about changing to a more natural lifestyle, I felt anxious!!
My mind automatically went spiraling about where to find quality products, how much work it would be to make everything and just how to do it all with little kids at home. I didn’t know the first thing about what went well together or what ingredients would be healthy for my family.
I took a step back, and chose to go on my journey slowly. I wanted to find the right things for my family and for myself. I decided that I would choose one thing and focus on that, and then when that felt right I would choose the next area to work on.
I began my journey with oral health!! The first thing I tried was making homemade tooth powder. I opted to try the tooth powder because I had so many of the ingredients, and I knew that it was truly all natural (because I was mixing it up).
I made and used this for probably 2 years, and it really made my mouth feel great. I felt clean and fresh for such a long time after brushing my teeth.
But it was SUPER messy!! My sink was always filled with powder and it just seemed to get everywhere.
It was the messiness that led me towards finding something else. I started using Thieves dental care from Young Living. I had used Young Living essential oils, but I had not tried any other products. When I was visiting my mom, I used her toothpaste to try it out.
I loved how it made my mouth feel!!
WOW!!
I use both the toothpaste and dental floss and love them both!! Now, I know I can have a great plant based toothpaste and dental floss without the mess of the tooth powder. I also know that the ingredients are clean so I can feel good about using them in my mouth.
I also wanted to start using a mouthwash that was really clean and free from harsh chemicals. I decided to try making my own before buying any.
It was so easy!
I always make my own mouthwash, and all I use is filtered water and Vitality essential oils. I usually just use Peppermint Vitality, but sometimes I will put a drop or 2 of Thieves Vitality for an extra clean feeling. I like the cinnamon flavor that it adds.
Since I have changed my dental routine, my check-ups continue to be great. My mouth feels great and I am so happy that I can drink OJ right after brushing my teeth if I go to brunch with the family!!
This week I have been drawn to something bigger than myself. I have been reminded time and again that everything is in Divine Timing, and the universe knows how to best give my family what we need. What I think I want is not always where the universe is guiding me. After months of being at home the universe is guiding us back to school, which means change.
Change for everyone in our family!!
I go back to work and the kids go back to school. So we need to find our new normal...again. This can sometimes leave my husband not knowing how to help, or where he fits in. For our family, we have found that the best way to support each other during changes is to be present.
Be present!!
So when we go back to school our routines seem to shift. Video games and TV are all powered off during the week. Oh boy, that can be a challenge...for everyone. The first month takes a little getting used to, but then it always becomes a normal and integral part of our routine. Of course, computers are allowed for homework and such, but surfing the web needs to wait for the designated time, the weekend.
Having this routine means everyone has time to spend as a family. We give our focus to each other and not to a non-living thing.
I enjoy cooking with my family. Or sometimes they just eat the meals I cook. I love to try new cookbooks and have my kids plan our meals with me, so I know they will eat and probably like them. One of my go-to cookbooks is Magnolia Table: A Collection of Recipes for Gathering. It is from Joanna Gaines, and she has put together some great, wholesome meals that my family enjoys. I have already gotten a few requests.
Chicken and Dumplings here we come!!
Aside from cooking supper, well we are flexible and we focus on things that our family enjoys doing together. It changes and we take turns selecting the activity so that everyone can share what they enjoy with each other. I have a feeling we will be doing some family work-outs this fall.
Boom!!!!
Finding ways to share your time is something that is different for each family. We enjoy going on walks or runs, well, most of us do. We love to spend time outdoors. Going to an apple orchard or a corn maze are some of our favorite ways to be present with each other.
Where will you put your attention as we head back to school? How are you going to be present with your family??
Hey, hey everyone...I hope you were able to find some tips in Part 1 and Part 2 of How to Get a Good Night Sleep Without Medicine that helped you. I know you are excited to see how I finish my days.
Let’s get to it!
Finding balance is something I strive to do throughout my day, but it is even more essential as I am winding down. These last few tips are some of my favorite ways to end the evening. They really help me to get to a place of zen and balance.
Are you ready???
7. Relax with a Warm Drink.
Remember that we are relaxing and getting our bodies and minds ready for sleep...so it is best to keep it caffeine free. I really enjoy having mint tea, but sometimes I like a bit of variety. If you aren’t sure, try a variety pack, and then you can try them all to see what suits you best.
In the winter time, I do like to make some homemade hot cocoa. When I was growing up, I would hear that warm milk would help you sleep. So somehow that was ingrained in me, and having an evening cup of cocoa really relaxes me!!
8. Read a Book
As evening winds down, I enjoy having a book that I keep by my bed. I like to spend my last 15-20 minutes reading. Well, sometimes I only make it 5 because it is so relaxing for me. I like to keep a book that is really easy reading, and something that I can easily put down as I start to relax and my eyes get heavy.
I keep the books for classes or things I need to remember for reading during the day. Some of my favorite authors for my evening reading are Nora Roberts, Nicholas Sparks and Mary Higgins Clark. For me these stories are easy to go in and out of as I can relate to the characters!!
Keep the books real and avoid the blue light from your phone or other devices.
9. Use Sleep Music or White Noise
At my house the kids use sleep music to wind down and relax daily. Even if they wake up in the middle of the night, I will hear the music start and when I check on them they are already sleeping. We like native flute music or guitar music. Find something that is relaxing and soothing for you.
My husband is more a fan of white noise, so we run a fan in our room all year round. In the warm months we will have it blow on us to also give us relief from the heat. When the days begin to shorten and the nights grow cooler, we just turn the fan to face the wall. Then we still get the noise, but it is not blowing directly on us.
If music or a fan are not your style, and you still like having some noise, then maybe a noise machine is for you. Find what works for you and relax!!
10. Aromatherapy
My favorite way to wind down to sleep is using aromatherapy. There are so many relaxing smells and blends that I have found to put my mind and body in a restful mood. My favorite oil to use in my evening routine is Lavender. I think it smells great, and when I incorporate it into a routine consistently I like how I feel.
Lavender is not the only oil that you can use for relaxation, but it is the most well known. I recommend using Young Living essential oils. They have premade blends that you can buy, or you can use single oils that you enjoy. Reach out if you have questions or are interested in learning more.
Join my Facebook group Overwhelmed + Grateful Moms for more great wellness ideas. We are a fun community of moms supporting each other on our journey to find balance.
