Cultivate Calm & Emotional Balance
Simple Daily Support for Stress and Emotional Well-Being
The start of a new year often brings a mix of excitement, pressure, and emotional upheaval. New goals, changing routines, and fresh expectations can quietly increase stress—even when good things are happening.
Prioritizing mental and emotional wellness isn’t optional. It’s essential for overall health, resilience, and happiness.
Why Emotional Balance Matters
When life feels full, our nervous system is often the first to feel the strain.
Emotional balance helps us:
- Respond instead of react
- Stay grounded during change
- Navigate stress with greater clarity and peace
One gentle way to support emotional wellness is through aromatherapy.
How Aromatherapy Supports Calm
Did you know your sense of smell directly connects to areas of the brain responsible for emotions?
Research has shown that certain scents can influence emotional responses, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
Incorporating supportive aromas into your daily routine can help build emotional resilience and create moments of peace throughout the day.
Today’s Tip: Create Pockets of Peace
Instead of waiting for stress to overwhelm you, intentionally create small pockets of calm during your day.
These moments don’t have to be long or elaborate. A few intentional breaths paired with a calming scent can help reset your nervous system and bring you back to center.
How to Use Calming Essential Oils
Here are two simple ways to incorporate grounding oils into your daily rhythm:
Valor Essential Oil Blend
- Apply 2–4 drops to your wrists or neck in the morning
- Supports feelings of courage, confidence, and emotional grounding
Lavender Essential Oil
- Diffuse in the evening to wind down
- Or add a few drops to your pillow to encourage rest and relaxation
These simple rituals can signal your body that it’s safe to relax.
Why We Love These Oils for Emotional Support
Valor Essential Oil Blend
Valor combines Black Spruce, Blue Tansy, Camphor Wood, Geranium, and Frankincense to create a grounding aroma that inspires confidence, courage, and emotional stability.
Lavender Essential Oil
Lavender is widely known for its calming and soothing properties, making it a staple for relaxation routines, emotional balance, and restful sleep.
Small Habits, Big Impact
Emotional wellness isn’t built through one big change—it’s shaped by small, consistent habits.
By intentionally creating moments of calm throughout your day, you give your body and mind the support they need to stay balanced, even during busy or stressful seasons.
✨ What are your favorite ways to manage stress?
Here’s to cultivating calm and emotional balance—one peaceful moment at a time.
A Calmer End to Your Day (In Just 20 Minutes)
If your brain is still on at bedtime, falling asleep can feel like an entire project.
You’re tired… but wired.
Thoughts keep looping, the house is finally quiet, and instead of drifting off, your mind decides now is the perfect time to replay the day or plan tomorrow.
You’re not doing anything wrong.
Why Winding Down Can Feel So Hard
Here’s something important to know:
Your nervous system responds incredibly well to predictable routines.
When bedtime looks different every night, your body doesn’t know when it’s safe to fully relax. But when you repeat the same small cues night after night, your body begins to recognize the pattern.
It starts to understand:
“The day is done now.”
Small Cues Make a Big Difference
You don’t need a long, elaborate nighttime routine.
Even simple signals can help your body shift gears, such as:
- Dimmer lighting
- Less screen time
- A familiar, calming aroma
These cues gently tell your nervous system that it’s time to slow down.
Today’s Tip: Create a 20-Minute Wind
Instead of trying to overhaul your evenings, choose one wind-down step you can repeat most nights.
Keep it simple:
- Lower the lights
- Put your phone down
- Do one calming thing for about 20 minutes
Consistency matters far more than doing a long routine once in a while.
How to Use Calming Oils in the Evening
Aromatherapy can be a powerful and gentle way to support your evening routine.
Start With Peace & Calming® Essential Oil Blend
Begin your wind-down by diffusing Peace & Calming® (or inhaling it from your hands) as you dim the lights and shift into “evening mode.”
This simple step becomes a familiar signal your body can learn to associate with rest.
Add Tranquil® Roll-On at Bedtime
Keep Tranquil® Roll-On on your nightstand and apply it to your wrists or neck when you’re ready to settle in.
Because it’s already diluted and ready to use, it’s perfect for bedtime—no thinking required.
Why We Love These Evening Supports
Peace & Calming® Essential Oil Blend
This blend includes oils like Blue Tansy, Orange, Tangerine, Patchouli, and Ylang Ylang. The aroma is sweet, grounding, and soothing—like taking a deep breath at the end of a long day.
Tranquil® Roll-On
Tranquil® includes Lavender, Cedarwood, and Roman Chamomile—three oils traditionally used in nighttime routines to encourage relaxation and rest.
You Don’t Need Perfect Nights—Just Predictable Ones
The goal isn’t perfect sleep every night.
The goal is helping your body feel safe enough to rest.
By repeating the same small wind-down cues, you teach your nervous system what to expect—and over time, falling asleep becomes easier.
Final Thought
What usually steals your sleep?
- A racing mind?
- A noisy house?
- Late-night scrolling?
Whatever it is, start with one small, repeatable step tonight.
Wishing you a calmer night and a more rested morning 🌙
How to Wake Up on Dark Winter Mornings
(A Simple Scent + Sip Routine That Works)
This morning at 5:30am, I leaned over my sleeping 14-year-old and whispered:
“Good morning… we’re going to IHOP.”
One eye opened.
Then the other.
Within seconds, she was out of bed.
Then the other.
Within seconds, she was out of bed.
The anticipation of pancakes and a special one-on-one breakfast date will wake a teenager faster than any alarm clock.
But we can’t go to IHOP every day.
And most mornings don’t come with a special date or a stack of pancakes.
They arrive quietly, asking us to function before we feel awake.
Why Dark Winter Mornings Feel So Hard
These dark, cold February mornings can make everything feel groggy.
When it’s still dark outside, the brain sometimes resists the “boot up” process. Anyone else feel that?
You’re technically awake…
But not fully online.
But not fully online.
That’s because our bodies love rhythm.
They respond to patterns more than the clock itself.
And when sunlight is missing, your brain loses one of its strongest wake-up signals.
The good news?
You can create your own.
You can create your own.
The Simple Scent + Sip Morning Routine
I call it a scent + sip routine, and it’s one of the easiest natural ways to wake up your brain.
It works because your sense of smell is deeply connected to memory and brain activity. In fact, smell is one of the strongest senses tied to emotional and neurological response.
Over time, your brain begins to recognize a repeated sensory pattern.
Just like my kids recognize that whispered invitation to pancakes…
Your body learns:
“We’re awake now… and we’re okay.”
How to Create Your Own Morning Wake-Up Signal
Instead of overhauling your entire morning routine, start small.
Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Choose a Bright, Uplifting Essential Oil
Pick one of your favorite Young Living essential oils.
- Smell it straight from the bottle
- Or add it to your diffuser
Breathe it in deeply.
Same oil.
Same scent.
Same signal.
Same scent.
Same signal.
Consistency is what makes this powerful.
Step 2: Pair It With a Warm Drink
Hold something warm in your hands:
- Water
- Tea
- Coffee
- Or a nutrient-rich drink
Sip slowly and start your morning gently.
The pairing of scent + sip becomes your brain’s cue that it’s time to begin.
Today’s Tip: Create a Repeatable 2-Minute Reset
Before diving into emails, school drop-offs, or work:
- Inhale your favorite bright oil deeply
- Hold a warm, comforting drink
That’s it.
This practice gives your body a familiar, uplifting start.
Light helps wake the body, but your senses—smell and taste—reinforce the rhythm.
Your body pays attention to patterns, not just the clock.
My Favorite Morning Picks
Citrus Fresh™ Essential Oil Blend
A beautiful blend of:
- Orange
- Grapefruit
- Mandarin
- Tangerine
- Lemon
- Spearmint
It smells like instant fresh air—even if you’re stuck inside on a gray winter morning.
It’s one of my favorite oils to diffuse first thing.
NingXia Red® 2 oz Singles
Now listen—I do LOVE my piping hot cup of coffee.
But for the sake of nutrition, I keep NingXia Red® 2 oz Singles in the house.
NingXia is a superfood drink, and my body genuinely loves it. Drinking it at the same time each day helps signal my body to wake up.
The singles are pre-portioned, which makes consistency easy. The formula includes Ningxia wolfberry puree, a superfruit blend, and citrus oils like Orange and Yuzu.
(If you want to understand the hype around it, listen to my podcast episode on NingXia!). Listen Here
Why This Routine Works
Smell activates memory pathways in the brain.
When you repeat the same scent and sip combination daily, your brain begins associating it with “start the day.”
It becomes your IHOP whisper.
And the best part?
It’s simple.
It’s natural.
It doesn’t require changing everything.
It’s natural.
It doesn’t require changing everything.
If Mornings Feel Heavy, Don’t Overcomplicate It
If mornings feel foggy, rushed, or overwhelming right now:
Don’t overhaul your life.
Just anchor it.
One oil.
One drink.
One repeatable signal.
One drink.
One repeatable signal.
Over time, your brain will respond.
What’s harder for you in winter:
- Getting going in the morning?
- Or hitting that mid-afternoon slump?
Comment below and let me know.
Here’s to a brighter start ☀️
After Valentine’s Day Love Potions
Healthy, Natural Options for Intimacy
I have some information many of you would appreciate—but might never ask.
So let me spare you the embarrassment while I metaphorically put on sunglasses, a hat, and an overcoat to share it with you.
When I was a young bride learning all the new rhythms of married life, a bedroom challenge popped up that I timidly brought to a trusted friend and mentor. With grace and wisdom, she explained that during certain seasons of life—and even certain times of the month—a healthy lubricant can make marital intimacy more comfortable and enjoyable.
(Okay… that may have sounded a little too literal—but you get the idea.)
Why What You Use on Your Body Matters
Before we talk recipes, let’s talk why this matters.
Your skin is the largest organ of your body. What you put on it doesn’t just sit there—it’s absorbed. That means products either support your health or introduce unnecessary toxins.
Many conventional lubricants on the market contain artificial ingredients, dyes, and additives that don’t build health—and shouldn’t be used on such sensitive areas.
Low libido has become a common concern for both men and women. Exposing our bodies to unnecessary toxins certainly doesn’t help. Toxins can affect hormones, drain energy, and contribute to fatigue—and let’s be honest, none of us feel our best when we’re tired and run down.
Time to Clean Out the Love Drawer
If you’ve got a secret drawer of products you haven’t looked at in a while, consider this your gentle nudge to clean it out.
Because I’m about to share a few simple, natural love potion recipes that may just become your new favorites.
The Simple Base That Changed Everything
After learning about the many benefits of coconut oil, my very creative husband started experimenting with different essential oil combinations.
The base was always the same:
High-quality coconut oil.
From there, he created a few different blends:
- Coconut oil + peppermint for a cool, invigorating, “wake up the senses” option
- Coconut oil + lavender for a warm, soothing, de-stressing blend
- Coconut oil + warmer essential oils (with a word of caution—some oils are very intense)
Let’s just say… oregano is not a friendly oil unless you enjoy the sensation of fire. 🔥
The bottom line?
Coconut oil mixed with your favorite essential oil can become your most trusted nightstand secret.
Storage and Simple Packaging Tips
Because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, it’s best stored in a container with a wide opening.
We keep our blends in simple 8 oz containers, ready to use. If you want something prettier, Pinterest is full of fun storage ideas.
Practical and pretty—win-win.
Why Coconut Oil Is a Smart Choice
If you need a little more convincing, here are some of the reasons coconut oil is such a great option:
1. Moisturizes Without the Sticky Feel
Coconut oil leaves skin feeling soft and clean—not greasy or sticky.
2. Supports Thyroid Health
Studies suggest coconut oil’s unique properties may support thyroid function—important for energy and overall vitality.
3. Supports Metabolism
If a little coconut oil ends up being ingested, no stress—it’s known to support metabolism.
4. Helps Improve Mineral Absorption
Coconut oil may help the body better absorb calcium, vitamin D, and other minerals that support bone health.
5. Supports Balance in the Body
Its antifungal properties have been shown to help reduce yeast and candida overgrowth.
6. Naturally Protective Properties
Coconut oil has antibacterial, antiviral, and antimicrobial qualities.
A Win-Win for Love and Health
Loving your spouse and caring for your body don’t have to be separate goals.
With simple, natural ingredients, you can protect your health while enhancing intimacy—without unnecessary toxins or artificial additives.
Now if you’ll excuse me…
I’ll be keeping my hat, sunglasses, and overcoat on for a little while longer. 😎
Between the Sheets: Why Intimacy Matters in Marriage
The world revolves around sex—literally.
Without it, the human race would quietly fade out in about a hundred years. But sex is more than biology or reproduction. It adds an element of life we crave—connection, desire, and an awakening of emotion that reminds us we’re alive.
(It’s one reason I even host a private Facebook community where I dispel common sex myths—no trench coat, hat, or dark sunglasses required 😉.)
Why Sex Brings Life to Marriage
Have you ever watched a James Bond movie with your husband?
If not, there’s a chance you live in a cave—or might be dead—so let’s assume the answer is yes and move on.
Would any of the 26 James Bond movies be half as intense without the music?
Of course not.
The music builds anticipation, heightens emotion, and adds excitement. Without it, the story falls flat.
A Marriage Without Sex Is Like a Movie Without Music
Let’s try a more feminine comparison.
Imagine The Sound of Music renamed:
A Story of a Large Family Escaping the Nazis… With No Music.
It wouldn’t be a heartwarming story of love and hope—it would feel more like a dry documentary.
Marriage works the same way.
A marriage without intimacy is like a movie without music.
Blah.
Why Sex and Marriage Need Each Other
Marriage and sex go together like coffee and hot.
Who wants lukewarm coffee every morning?
Marriage and sex also need each other like a sunny day needs a breeze. All sun and no breeze becomes scorching. Add the breeze, and suddenly the earth sings.
An exciting, connected sex life doesn’t just make marriage sweeter—it strengthens it.
Sex Protects the Foundation of Marriage
Jennifer Flanders once said:
“Sex does for a marriage what good landscaping does for a house—it adds beauty and protects the foundation.”
Think about landscaping for a moment.
When it’s nurtured and cared for, it blooms season after season. When it’s neglected, weeds grow, ant beds appear, vines overtake everything—and even the foundation of the house can be damaged.
Sex within marriage works the same way.
It needs consistent attention to flourish and to protect the foundation of the relationship.
And consistency is key.
Sex is better when it’s consistent—just like it’s easier to keep a ball rolling than to stop and start it over and over again.
What If You Don’t Love Sex Right Now?
f intimacy with your spouse feels stale—or if your desire has quietly slipped away—decide right now that it doesn’t have to stay that way.
You can grow to love it again.
You can even crave it.
You married each other for a reason. There is something worth nurturing, protecting, and reviving—and intimacy is a powerful place to start.
Supporting Desire Naturally
If your get-up-and-go has gotten up and left, a few supportive tools can help.
Some couples enjoy using essential oil blends like Shutran to help support desire and connection for both husband and wife.
Sometimes a small sensory shift opens the door to renewed intimacy.
A Lighthearted Marriage Moment
The other day, I was pushing my toddler around Walmart in a shopping cart when she suddenly asked—very loudly:
“Mom, do you have superpowers?”
The question caught me completely off guard.
Superpowers? Me?
Before I could answer, she added confidently:
“Dad says you do!”
Ahhh… mystery solved.
I’ll take that compliment any day.
And the funny thing is—I know exactly why he thinks that.
Thank you very much. 😄
Final Thoughts: Don’t Neglect What Matters Most
Sex isn’t everything in a marriage—but it is something.
When it’s nurtured with intention, consistency, and care, it brings warmth, connection, and strength to the relationship.
Just like music in a movie, intimacy brings marriage to life.
And that’s worth tending—between the sheets and beyond.
Bright Mornings, Even When It’s Still Dark Outside
When it’s dark in the morning, it can feel like your brain never fully boots up.
The alarm goes off, the house is quiet, the sun is nowhere to be found—and suddenly everything feels slower, heavier, and harder to start.
If winter mornings leave you reaching for more coffee just to feel human, you’re not alone.
Why Dark Mornings Feel So Hard
Here’s something interesting: your body responds to patterns, not just the clock.
When mornings feel gloomy, your nervous system lacks the familiar cues that say, “It’s time to go.”
Light is a big part of that—but it’s not the only one.
Your senses, especially smell and taste, can help reinforce a routine and gently signal your body that the day has begun.
Today’s Tip: Create a 2-Minute Morning Reset
Instead of reaching for more coffee right away, try creating a simple, repeatable morning reset.
It doesn’t need to be elaborate or time-consuming. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s consistency.
Before diving into your day:
- Open a curtain or window if possible
- Take a few slow, deep breaths
- Pair the moment with something you actually enjoy
This small ritual becomes a familiar “start signal” that helps your body shift into go-mode.
How Scent Supports Brighter Mornings
Scent is one of the fastest ways to influence mood and energy.
How to Use It
- While getting ready, diffuse Citrus Fresh™ Essential Oil Blend
- Or inhale it directly from your hands for a bright, clean-smelling start
Citrus Fresh™ feels like instant fresh air—even when you’re stuck indoors and it’s still dark outside.
A Simple Sip That Supports Morning Energy
Taste can also become part of your morning reset.
How to Use It
- Keep NingXia Red® 2 oz Singles in the fridge or your bag
- Sip one with breakfast for an easy, on-the-go superfruit boost
Because they’re pre-portioned, they make consistency simple—no measuring, no prep.
Why We Love This Morning Pairing
Citrus Fresh™ Essential Oil Blend
This uplifting blend includes Orange, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Tangerine, Lemon, and Spearmint. The scent is light, energizing, and refreshing—perfect for winter mornings when sunlight is limited.
NingXia Red® Singles
Each single includes Ningxia wolfberry puree, a blend of superfruits, and citrus oils like Orange and Yuzu. It’s an easy way to support your body first thing in the morning without overthinking it.
Consistency Beats Intensity
Bright mornings don’t come from doing more.
They come from doing one small thing consistently—something your body begins to recognize as the start of the day.
Whether it’s scent, a simple sip, or a quiet moment of breathing, these gentle signals can make winter mornings feel more manageable—and even enjoyable.
Final Thought
What’s harder for you in winter?
- Getting going in the morning?
- Or hitting that mid-afternoon slump?
Either way, small daily habits can make a big difference.
Here’s to brighter starts—even when it’s still dark outside ☀️
How will you celebrate Valentine’s Day with your spouse?
Where we live, enjoying a quiet, romantic dinner at a restaurant on Valentine’s Day is basically impossible unless reservations are made a month in advance—and neither of us is quite that organized.
So our Valentine’s panic usually goes something like this:
“OH MY WORD! TOMORROW’S VALENTINE’S DAY!”
Cue both of us running to Walmart to grab cards and candy for the kids… and for each other.
And honestly?
That’s okay. I like our style.
Why We Skip the Crowds on Valentine’s Day
Overstuffed restaurants.
Insane traffic.
Long waits and rushed meals.
Insane traffic.
Long waits and rushed meals.
It’s crazy.
And I’d much rather… stay home.
So instead of fighting crowds, my husband and I stick to a simple Valentine’s Day tradition that’s become one of our favorites.
Our Go-To Valentine’s Night Tradition
We eat chocolate we purchased in a hurry, give each other back massages, and relax together.
(Okay—maybe not the dramatic staring into each other’s eyes 😄—but we definitely go for the chocolate and back massages!)
Chocolate and a back massage with the one I love… who could ask for more on Valentine’s Day?
I’m Picky About the Details (For Good Reason)
I am particular about two things:
1. The Chocolate
Give me dark, salted Ghirardelli.
No substitutes. It’s the best.
2. The Massage Oil
This matters more than people realize.
The oil is going to be absorbed through my skin—and potentially my whole body (assuming the kids don’t have a crisis in the middle of our fun!).
So no sticky, toxic goop for me. I want something smooth, warm, and pure.
Our Favorite Massage Oil for Valentine’s Day
Our current favorite is Ortho Ease by Young Living, with a few extra drops of Lavender essential oil added in.
Honestly, Ortho Ease doesn’t need anything added—it’s already amazing—but we add Lavender just for fun.
- My husband loves the smell
- I love the warmth and gentle tingly feeling
- Lavender keeps me comfortable when my back is exposed
It’s relaxing, soothing, and just feels… special.
Keeping the Spark Alive in Marriage
That’s a little peek into how we usually spend Valentine’s Day—or any romantic night together.
And yes, even after:
- 25 years of marriage
- 11 kids
- Multiple pets
- Too many loads of laundry to count
…it’s still important to make time for each other.
It doesn’t have to be fancy.
It doesn’t have to be expensive.
It doesn’t even have to be Valentine’s Day.
It doesn’t have to be expensive.
It doesn’t even have to be Valentine’s Day.
Whether it’s a holiday or just your weekly date night, intentional time together matters.
Simple Traditions Can Mean Everything
Keeping passion alive in marriage often looks like small, meaningful choices—choosing connection over chaos and presence over perfection.
So tell me…
Do you have any special Valentine’s traditions?
Last week, we did what we’ve learned to do best in January—run toward the sun ☀️
My husband and I packed up our six youngest kids (ages 12–24) and headed for the Virgin Islands by cruise. And oh… it was everything you imagine—salty air, sandy toes, sun-kissed skin, and that deep, much-needed exhale.
Then we came home.
Sunshine traded for ice forecasts overnight.
Total weather whiplash. 😅
Total weather whiplash. 😅
And honestly? Our bodies felt it immediately.
Why We Crave Sunshine (It’s Not Just in Your Head)
There’s a reason we long for the sun.
There’s a reason our bodies feel better in the summer.
There’s a reason our bodies feel better in the summer.
At the beach, we’re immersed in mineral-rich ocean air and saltwater. We naturally breathe in and absorb trace minerals like:
- Magnesium – calming and restorative
- Iodine – essential for thyroid health
- Trace minerals – used for energy, immunity, and balance
Add in vitamin D from the sun, and suddenly the body can actually use those minerals efficiently.
A single day at the beach does more for the body than we often realize.
The Winter Mineral Gap
Winter isn’t just cold.
We lose:
- Sun exposure
- Sea air
- Natural mineral absorption
So when energy dips, moods shift, and immunity feels weaker, it’s not “all in your head.”
👉 It’s the mineral gap.
Short, cold days are harder on most people—physically and emotionally—and research consistently shows winter takes a toll on immune resilience.
Today’s Tip: Build Immune Strength With Daily Support
If a trip to the equator isn’t in the cards (same 🙋♀️), the next best thing is consistent daily habits that help support your immune system during the colder months.
Daily support matters more than occasional fixes.
How to Support Immunity Naturally (Simple Daily Habits)
Here are a few easy ways to support immune strength through winter:
Inner Defense®
- Take one softgel daily
- Supports immune strength and overall wellness
Thieves® Vitality Essential Oil
- Add one drop to warm tea or honey
- A warm, spicy blend that supports the body’s natural defenses
Mineral Essence
- Add 2–4 dropperfuls to a large glass of water
- Helps replenish minerals often depleted during winter months
Why We Love This Daily Immune Support Trio
- Inner Defense is packed with immune-supporting essential oils to help keep you feeling strong and supported
- Thieves Vitality offers comforting daily wellness support, especially during cold and flu season
- Mineral Essence helps fill the mineral gap when sunlight and sea air are missing
These small, consistent habits help the body stay resilient—without overwhelm.
You Don’t Need the Tropics to Feel Strong
Would I happily return to the Virgin Islands tomorrow? Absolutely.
But until then, daily immune support helps bridge the seasonal gap.
Winter doesn’t have to mean running on empty.
With the right habits in place, you can feel supported, strong, and steady—no passport required.
Wishing you a healthy, resilient winter season 💛
