Citrus Bliss Breakdown

Citrus Bliss
Invigorating Blend

You aren't supposed to have favorites amongst your children, and while I love all my oils equally, I must say I like citrus bliss the most. This soothing, uplifting, bright and vibrant smell simply transports me emotionally and physically. It serves to deeply effect emotions, physical environments and even physical detoxification. Everyone needs a little extra bliss in their life...

Description:
Citrus Bliss Invigorating Blend merges the benefits of citrus essential oils. We combine the powerful essences of Wild Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Bergamot, Tangerine, and Clementine with a hint of Vanilla Absolute to form this unique and harmonious blend. Citrus Bliss has natural, potent compounds with cleansing properties. Mixed with water, Citrus Bliss is a perfect solution for wiping down countertops and other surfaces while producing a fresh, sweet scent.

Directions for Use:
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil to minimize any skin sensitivity. Avoid UV exposure to area of topical use for at least 12 hours after applying.

Primary Physical Benefits:
- Diffuse to help lift mood.
- Put 1 drop on your wrist and rub both wrists together for a great everyday perfume.
- Add 2–3 drops to dryer sheets to add a refreshing aroma to your laundry.
- Combine with doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil for a cheerful hand massage.
- Cleanses and purifies the air
- Helps reduce stress and uplifts mood
- Positively affects mood with energizing and refreshing properties

Primary Emotional Benefits:
Motivating, Inspirational and invigorating, Stimulates creativity and childlike wonder

Negative emotions addressed:
Disconnected, withdrawn from the creative, lack of motivation, insecure

Aromatic Description:
Citrus, Sweet

Body Systems addressed:
- Digestive System
- Emotional System
- Detoxification System

Cautions:
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas. Avoid sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.

Other Citrus Bliss references:
Citrus Bliss Spotlight
Doterra Citrus Bliss Blog
Confetti Bath Bombs
Floral Perfume Spray
Moisturizing Lotion Bars
Strawberry Citrus Slush
Using the Citrus Oils

To purchase Citrus Bliss connect with the wellness advocate that directed you here. Or if you are not currently connected with a wellness advocate visit my sales site at www.mydoterra.com/maggiedubois or contact me directly here for an opportunity to get your oil at a discounted price.
Sources: www.doTERRA.com, Emotions and Essentials Oils: A modern resource for healing
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

What is your launch trajectory?

Most of us have heard the platitude about an arrow being pulled back before it can go forward, as an illustration for managing the tough things in life. But I want to extend this. Not only does an arrow have to be pulled back, but the chord holding the arrow must be pulled taught. It strains and tightens, building up great energy. Then,  when that arrow is released,  it plows ahead with terrific force.

I believe that the things in life that cause tension and strain,  also cause great momentum when that tension is released and returned to a normal state.  The direction of that momentum however,  is up to the archer and the direction the arrow is facing. Will it plow into the dirt, or will it soar directly at the target?

When we face tough times we have a choice.  We can continue to zero in on our trajectory, even if for that season we don't make any forward progress.  We can continue realigning and focusing on the end goal all as the tension and difficulty grows and grows.

We can live in depression,  feel sorry for ourselves,  blame others for everything going wrong. We can mourn our lot in life and lament that others don't deal with this stuff (spoiler alert: your struggle isn't unique and you give it way more power when you pretend it is. Others have overcome similar, and wisdom can be found when we don't push others away ). Then when tension is over,  you'll plow right into the dirt. The place you've been aiming for all along.  And you'll be picking emotional, financial, mental and spiritual mud out of your hair for a long time.

We can live in distraction. Ignore the situation and live for momentary pleasure. We can pursue numbing agents to ignore the current reality.  And then when that tension is released we'll head in any direction but forward.  Off course, far from where we want to be,  and spending a long time finding ourselves.

Or, we can remind ourselves of the truth. We can surround ourselves with mentors that will counsel and encourage us. We can focus on self development, time with God, time with community. We can live open hearted and focused on our promises. And then, when that tension is released,  we will fly straight at our goals. The stress of life will propel us directly towards the best things in life.  Our trauma will become our testimony,  and our stress our speed at which we race towards the promises.

Where is your arrow pointed today?

Trust, Poetry and Some Rutabega

What does rutabaga and trust have in common you ask? In a small silly way, they both illustrate the growth that this last year has brought.

Once every few weeks this year I've had a dawning realization of some of the drastic changes happening in me... both physically and emotionally. This month marks a year. A year out of my house that was filled with mold. A year since the phone conversation where my husband revealed he had returned to his addiction... in the most extreme way. A year since I found out my already touch and go marriage was officially over. A year since I had to come to terms with the fact I would lose 95% of my earthly possessions to mold. A year since the peak of the mold illness that threatened my life...

This past year has been a journey back towards normalcy in many ways. But, the path back is much different now because I am different. Now I am clothed with the breakthroughs and strength only acquired through strain and trauma and the recurring choice to remain faithful or grow bitter.

As I walk this path, I've hit familiar road markers. Places I used to know before years of illness and betrayal tried to break me.

The physical changes began happening immediately, but the emotional and mental changes were more subtle.

The first thing that came back to me was a love of music. Something I feel I'd shut away because of the emotional impact it would have. I had shut down healthy emotions to survive. After my ex first broke my trust years ago, music became painful.

Then,  a love of art. I threw myself into creating... even though it wasn't all that good,  it was an expression of me. Something I used to do for fun.  I hadn't had much time for fun when I spent all my time plugging holes in the boat called "family".

Then poetry. If you want to understand my emotional journey this past year, look no further than the poems posted on my blog. I don't purport to be a great poet, I'm sure my college creative writing teacher would cringe; but, the overflow of my heart tends to be best expressed in words.

Next came a recognition of my beauty. Now that may sound prideful,  but I don't mean it to.  I had hated my physical form for years. Blaming my "attractiveness" or lack thereof as one reason my ex chose to pursue what he did. But, as I was removed from that toxic environment I slowly began to appreciate my feminine form again. To dress it in ways that made me feel beautiful. And to take compliments and actually believe them.

Then,  I entered a new relationship. And, challenges quickly ensued. Not externally. My boyfriend and I connect and have a level of chemistry and communication that I had no idea was possible.  But... I had so many internal records on repeat in my head that i had to learn to turn off. And just about every one centered on my ability to trust.

As I kept bringing this to the Lord and he led me through, step by step,  my internal lies stilled. The day I realized I was fully trusting my boyfriend,  it was like a light illuminated my whole life.  Because it wasn't just trusting Nathan, it was trusting God. It was trusting the good things he had for me. It was trusting that my life could be better than the things I'd lost.

Tonight, I hit another marker.  A signpost named,  "love of cooking". Cooking was always one of those things I did because I loved it, and the more depressed I was,  the less I cooked. Tonight it was rutabega and baked crusted cod. (I told you Rutabega fit in)

I am fighting a head cold,  I'm under more external stress this week than I've faced in months... but still I slowed down enough to make a meal that took a great deal of time,  energy,  creativity and love.

So, it may be small. But it is meaningful. It reminds me that I'm living in an outward expression of joy I haven't felt for a decade.

Maybe all of these changes are small. Maybe they seem insignificant to some.  But as I look at the path I've traveled this past year, I hardly recognize the traveler that began the journey.

There are still sign posts to pass. I know vaguely of areas I haven't seen and felt in decades... but I know deep in my heart that they are coming. I'm walking hand in hand with Jesus, observing the beauty along the way. Marveling in his goodness and faithfulness. And enjoying some delicious home cooked meals as I go. Rutabega anyone?

Melissa Breakdown

Melissa
Melissa officinalis

Melissa is truly a jewel among essential oils. It's difficulty to procure serves to make this an extremely expensive oil, but it is worth the price. You'd be hard pressed to find a better oil to address anxious moments. It's strong, bright scent is easy to blend, and pleasant on it's own.

Description:
Melissa officinalis, also known as lemon balm, received the name “Melissa” because of its sweet, fresh, citrus-like fragrance, which was known to attract bees (Melissa is Greek for “honey bee”). As one of our rarest and most expensive oils, Melissa has a wide range of health benefits and uses.* Melissa is used as a flavor in teas and ice cream as well as with some fish dishes. Because of its positive effect on mood, Melissa has long been used to calm feelings of tension and nervousness. Diffusing Melissa at night can help initiate a restful sleep environment and promote emotional well-being. Melissa may also help to support a healthy immune system.*

Directions for Use:
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Dilute one to two drops with dōTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil then apply to desired area. Use with doTerra fractionated coconut oil to minimize sensitivities.

Primary Physical Benefits:
- Diffuse at night or rub on forehead, shoulders, or chest to help lessen feelings of stress and promote emotional well-being.
- Diffuse to create a relaxing environment that encourages a restful night’s sleep.
- Add to moisturizer or a spray bottle with water and spritz on face to rejuvenate skin and refresh the mind.
- May help to support a healthy immune system*
- Calms tension and nerves
- Promotes feelings of relaxation

Primary Emotional Benefits:
Light, Reconnected to spiritual, Releasing burdens, Joy, Energy, Enthusiastic

Negative emotions addressed:
Weighed down, Dark. Not true to self. Despair.

Aromatic Description:
Citrus, Herbaceous

Body Systems addressed:
- Digestive System
- Emotional System
- Immune System
- Integumentary System

Cautions:
Possible skin sensitivity. Keep out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician. Avoid contact with eyes, inner ears, and sensitive areas.

Other Melissa references:
Melissa Spotlight
Doterra Melissa Blog
Beta Caryophyllene
The Nueroprotective Benefits of Beta Caryophyllene
Using the Herbal Essential Oils

To purchase Melissa connect with the wellness advocate that directed you here. Or if you are not currently connected with a wellness advocate visit my sales site at www.mydoterra.com/maggiedubois or contact me directly here for an opportunity to get your oil at a discounted price.
Sources: www.doTERRA.com, Emotions and Essentials Oils: A modern resource for healing
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease

Student

Her fingers lightly press
Dancing through cords she knows
And notes she doesn’t
Her grasp of music is weak
But her heart is moved

As she dances across the keys
The discordant tune matches
The pangs of confusion
Of a reality that never will
Align with her memories

Her eyes clenched tight
She feels the movement
Rhythm of a life she remembers
And realizes she never knew
But swore she had under control

Sharps clash with flats
And chords follow no sheet
Some notes sweet but most foul
Like the life that fell off the page
And took a route unplanned

The tighter she closes
The more tears flow
She feels the pain of loss
And more of playing the fool
She loved too hard and too long

With eyes still closed
And tears not yet dry
Her fingers wander
Finding a true melody
Amongst the same notes

She is still a student
But she falters less today
Yesterday’s tune still hangs in the air
But today’s melody crescendos
Resounding steady in her soul