blyssblog
“We find comfort among those who agree with us - growth among those who don't.” ~ Frank A Clark
Have you ever noticed that your best life lessons usually follow a period of tension or stress? That when faced with a challenge, we grow most by opening our eyes to the inner core of the issue and not its packaging. Packaging can be deceiving.
Growth comes about because of friction. Friction and stress are signs that change is coming. How we react to the stress and how we respond to the change is what enables us to move forward or to get stuck where we are. As difficult as it is at the time, when we surrender to the truth, we open ourselves up for growth.
You’ve probably heard the saying that there is good stress and bad stress. In my opinion, stress is stress. How we react is what makes it “good” or “bad”. And of course that’s all relative. Everyone’s capacity for dealing with stress is different in that we are all at varying points in our own evolution. With each challenge that we overcome and grow from, the next one doesn’t feel quite as onerous. We become more self-aware and more resilient to change.
So the next time you feel emotionally charged when someone tells you something that you don’t want to hear, or disagrees with you, remember that this is an opportunity for personal growth. Pause and really hear what is being said before you react. Don’t become stressed about it, just listen to your inner self and ask what it is that is upsetting you so much. Chances are you are just resisting a change that you have already asked the Universe for but it has come disguised in a different form. Remember there are no accidents.
So until next time my lovely blyssbeing, I wish for you a week free of “bad” stress. Embrace change and rejoice in the many gifts that it brings.
Love from your blyssmama
P.S A wonderful essential oil to bring peace of mind to a stressful situation is the Young Living Stressaway roll-on. This unique blend of copaiba, lime, cedarwood, vanilla absolute, ocotea, and lavender can be applied generously to your wrists, temples, neck, or simply inhale to relax and reduce any nervous tension. Pop by to see me at Crossroads Market for more information or send me an email and I can tell you more about it!
P.P.S. For those of you who enjoy the Farmers Market experience, I just wanted to let you know that Bearspaw Farmers Market opens this coming Sunday June 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. We will have our famous blyssmix granola for sale as well as the outstanding variety of soup and salad mixes from Simply Delish. Click here for a listing of all locations where you can find these products. Hope to see you soon!
Growth comes about because of friction. Friction and stress are signs that change is coming. How we react to the stress and how we respond to the change is what enables us to move forward or to get stuck where we are. As difficult as it is at the time, when we surrender to the truth, we open ourselves up for growth.
You’ve probably heard the saying that there is good stress and bad stress. In my opinion, stress is stress. How we react is what makes it “good” or “bad”. And of course that’s all relative. Everyone’s capacity for dealing with stress is different in that we are all at varying points in our own evolution. With each challenge that we overcome and grow from, the next one doesn’t feel quite as onerous. We become more self-aware and more resilient to change.
So the next time you feel emotionally charged when someone tells you something that you don’t want to hear, or disagrees with you, remember that this is an opportunity for personal growth. Pause and really hear what is being said before you react. Don’t become stressed about it, just listen to your inner self and ask what it is that is upsetting you so much. Chances are you are just resisting a change that you have already asked the Universe for but it has come disguised in a different form. Remember there are no accidents.
So until next time my lovely blyssbeing, I wish for you a week free of “bad” stress. Embrace change and rejoice in the many gifts that it brings.
Love from your blyssmama
P.S A wonderful essential oil to bring peace of mind to a stressful situation is the Young Living Stressaway roll-on. This unique blend of copaiba, lime, cedarwood, vanilla absolute, ocotea, and lavender can be applied generously to your wrists, temples, neck, or simply inhale to relax and reduce any nervous tension. Pop by to see me at Crossroads Market for more information or send me an email and I can tell you more about it!
P.P.S. For those of you who enjoy the Farmers Market experience, I just wanted to let you know that Bearspaw Farmers Market opens this coming Sunday June 3 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. We will have our famous blyssmix granola for sale as well as the outstanding variety of soup and salad mixes from Simply Delish. Click here for a listing of all locations where you can find these products. Hope to see you soon!
“Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” - Benjamin Franklin
Don’t worry…be happy. Easier said than done I know. But we all know what chronic worry will do to a person’s physical and emotional health not to mention that it is one of the biggest time and energy suckers going.
I’ve found the best way to rid myself of the worry demons is to smile. Yes, I said smile. It releases happiness endorphins and although I may look silly when I grin widely, it really does make me feel better. Then I say thank you.
So since, I know I’m not the only one out there that faces daily challenges that could easily let my worry ogres spiral out of control, I thought you might enjoy a chapter from Doreen Virtue’s book called “Angel Therapy”. Doreen is one of the foremost authorities on angels and has written several books on the subject. I was fortunate enough to see her in a workshop in Vancouver a few years ago and I can tell you that it was a very profound experience.
One of the things I really like about this particular book is that it is divided into chapters that address an issue or subject that we are looking for guidance on …guidance from a divine source. This chapter is simply called “Worry” and I am sharing it with you in its entirety.
“There was a time before you were upon this earth when sorrow was not mentioned in your thoughts. You felt a joyous excitement for the time that was to come, and you felt your heart stir with radiance, for your dawning was upon you. Then you awoke within your mother’s arms, and gazed upon the face of peace on mortal flesh and you hungered even then to remember what you had known an instant earlier. The memory had faded even at that moment when you recognized the face of terror inscripted upon the mother’s beaming smile, which told you that you were not at home.
Poor dear one, we see you so sweetly struggling to recapture the calmer times of your immortal heaven and to reconcile the two while you are not at home. Tread gently, dearest child. Your grace delights us, and we seek to ease your pains with gentle assurances that there never has been a greater time for your wisdom upon the earth than now. Great rumblings await you who meet us in thought, and your unfoldment is the exciting adventure that awaits us all.
Your grace has never been holier than at this very moment, and we ask you to hold strong in the belief that He awaits you the moment you hold the mighty love in your thoughts. Your cares and your worries are likened to dried leaves tossing in a great windstorm, and they crumple in the face of one who is stronger than their brittle complexion. Toss your cares and concerns windward. Feel His gentle breeze caress you with reassurances that the curvature of the wind around a corner or a wall is like the way His mind enfolds every problem, and reaches into every crevice of concrete.
Awaken from your nightmare of terror, dear one, and come into the sunlight of eternal warmth with us! The heart of all worries is melted in the gentle beams of love that radiate everywhere for everyone. The gentle beating of the mortal heart, which stands in terror at thoughts of danger and of lack, beats merrily at the memory of its early song of upbeat harmony that sways and dances.
Let your mind’s roar calm to a whisper so that we may intervene on His behalf and tell you sweet stories about your origin. Let us remind you of the immortal truth of your being, so that you shall hunger no more, nor wrestle with pain. For pain is a mighty giant in your imagination only, and as you depart from its stance, you see it dissolve into a puddle of memories as you trade one picture of sorrow for another of heaven. Do not depart from your memory of esteem in your mind, but hold it close in your heart always!
Think sweetly of us who grace your sides. Call to us when you need help to stay firmly rooted in this sure and steady knowledge of truth and of love. Never fear that we would leave you, for we could not, even if we willed. We are sure and steady fortresses, and we applaud your efforts that remind you of home.
Let the mirror in your mind reflect all memories of heaven, and bring this peace to sorrow, to melt away the cares upon the earth. Heal the sadness that you see in mirror thoughts, and gaze upon the dazzling and blazing light situated gently behind the mirror. Move your handhold on your thoughts so that it reflects directly upon the brightness and watch its dazzling brilliance obscure everything else. For when the mirror gazes directly upon the brilliance, no chance for sorrow stands in its way. The beaming simplicity of this logical move is in your hands at this very instant.
Feel the fun and light-hearted response of gaiety that shines from the light that is in us all. And we give thanks for your openness to this healing, and we love you, love you all.”
Thanks Doreen. I needed that!
Wishing you all a worry-free week, until next time,
Love from your blyssmama
P.S A precious Young Living essential oil that I especially like for dealing with anxiety, worry and to protect against negative energy is White Angelica™. This calming and soothing blend encourages feelings of protection and security. It combines oils used during ancient times to enhance the body's aura, which brings about a sense of strength and endurance. This exquisite blend of bergamot, geranium, myrrh, sandalwood, rosewood, ylang ylang, spruce, hyssop, melissa and rose, in a base of almond oil, works great when applied to your shoulders. I also like to dab a bit on my earlobes and behind my ears to help open my clairaudience abilities. If you’re interested in learning more about this powerful essential oil, let me know!
I’ve found the best way to rid myself of the worry demons is to smile. Yes, I said smile. It releases happiness endorphins and although I may look silly when I grin widely, it really does make me feel better. Then I say thank you.
So since, I know I’m not the only one out there that faces daily challenges that could easily let my worry ogres spiral out of control, I thought you might enjoy a chapter from Doreen Virtue’s book called “Angel Therapy”. Doreen is one of the foremost authorities on angels and has written several books on the subject. I was fortunate enough to see her in a workshop in Vancouver a few years ago and I can tell you that it was a very profound experience.
One of the things I really like about this particular book is that it is divided into chapters that address an issue or subject that we are looking for guidance on …guidance from a divine source. This chapter is simply called “Worry” and I am sharing it with you in its entirety.
Worry – by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D.
“There was a time before you were upon this earth when sorrow was not mentioned in your thoughts. You felt a joyous excitement for the time that was to come, and you felt your heart stir with radiance, for your dawning was upon you. Then you awoke within your mother’s arms, and gazed upon the face of peace on mortal flesh and you hungered even then to remember what you had known an instant earlier. The memory had faded even at that moment when you recognized the face of terror inscripted upon the mother’s beaming smile, which told you that you were not at home.
Poor dear one, we see you so sweetly struggling to recapture the calmer times of your immortal heaven and to reconcile the two while you are not at home. Tread gently, dearest child. Your grace delights us, and we seek to ease your pains with gentle assurances that there never has been a greater time for your wisdom upon the earth than now. Great rumblings await you who meet us in thought, and your unfoldment is the exciting adventure that awaits us all.
Your grace has never been holier than at this very moment, and we ask you to hold strong in the belief that He awaits you the moment you hold the mighty love in your thoughts. Your cares and your worries are likened to dried leaves tossing in a great windstorm, and they crumple in the face of one who is stronger than their brittle complexion. Toss your cares and concerns windward. Feel His gentle breeze caress you with reassurances that the curvature of the wind around a corner or a wall is like the way His mind enfolds every problem, and reaches into every crevice of concrete.
Awaken from your nightmare of terror, dear one, and come into the sunlight of eternal warmth with us! The heart of all worries is melted in the gentle beams of love that radiate everywhere for everyone. The gentle beating of the mortal heart, which stands in terror at thoughts of danger and of lack, beats merrily at the memory of its early song of upbeat harmony that sways and dances.
Let your mind’s roar calm to a whisper so that we may intervene on His behalf and tell you sweet stories about your origin. Let us remind you of the immortal truth of your being, so that you shall hunger no more, nor wrestle with pain. For pain is a mighty giant in your imagination only, and as you depart from its stance, you see it dissolve into a puddle of memories as you trade one picture of sorrow for another of heaven. Do not depart from your memory of esteem in your mind, but hold it close in your heart always!
Think sweetly of us who grace your sides. Call to us when you need help to stay firmly rooted in this sure and steady knowledge of truth and of love. Never fear that we would leave you, for we could not, even if we willed. We are sure and steady fortresses, and we applaud your efforts that remind you of home.
Let the mirror in your mind reflect all memories of heaven, and bring this peace to sorrow, to melt away the cares upon the earth. Heal the sadness that you see in mirror thoughts, and gaze upon the dazzling and blazing light situated gently behind the mirror. Move your handhold on your thoughts so that it reflects directly upon the brightness and watch its dazzling brilliance obscure everything else. For when the mirror gazes directly upon the brilliance, no chance for sorrow stands in its way. The beaming simplicity of this logical move is in your hands at this very instant.
Feel the fun and light-hearted response of gaiety that shines from the light that is in us all. And we give thanks for your openness to this healing, and we love you, love you all.”
Thanks Doreen. I needed that!
Wishing you all a worry-free week, until next time,
Love from your blyssmama
P.S A precious Young Living essential oil that I especially like for dealing with anxiety, worry and to protect against negative energy is White Angelica™. This calming and soothing blend encourages feelings of protection and security. It combines oils used during ancient times to enhance the body's aura, which brings about a sense of strength and endurance. This exquisite blend of bergamot, geranium, myrrh, sandalwood, rosewood, ylang ylang, spruce, hyssop, melissa and rose, in a base of almond oil, works great when applied to your shoulders. I also like to dab a bit on my earlobes and behind my ears to help open my clairaudience abilities. If you’re interested in learning more about this powerful essential oil, let me know!
“Cooking is like love. It should be entered into with abandon or not at all.” - Harriet Van Horne
Several years ago after a short flight from Calgary to Vancouver for a one day workshop, I shared a taxi with a fascinating young man whom I have continued to share a valued friendship with. His name is Jason and his special relationship and philosophy about the intention of food preparation has stayed with me all these years.
As someone who loves to be in the kitchen preparing food either just for myself or for others, I have always relished the zone I get into when I’m working with food. Jason helped me to understand how the way we think and feel transfers our energy into the food so we must be mindful of our intentions when we are working with food.
When I ran across this chapter is Madisyn Taylor’s book – Daily OM, I knew she must have been thinking of Jason when she wrote it. I share it with you all today and dedicate this week’s blog to my good friend Jason. I hope you enjoy!
Conscious Cooking – Preparing Food with Intention
“We are what we eat, but more important, we affect what we eat – from the cutting board to the pot to the table. The health-imparting properties of food, also known as the life force, are subtly changed by the way in which we prepare it and the spiritual qualities we project into it.
Thoughts and emotions, both positive and negative, are absorbed by food as it is prepared. Think of the powerful healing properties of what you have cooked for a sick relative or friend. Chicken soup is simply that until it is prepared with the intent to heal. As you cook, your intentions – be they loving, sad, destructive, creative, or joyful – are infused in the food. And food prepared with positive intent provides nourishment not only for the body, but also for the soul.
Before you can begin cooking consciously or with intent, it is necessary to remove sources of unpleasantness of distraction. Transform your kitchen into a comfortable, relaxing, and nurturing space. Concentrate on positive thoughts each time you enter it, because negatively can affect the taste and nutritional value of the meals you make. It may be helpful to think of food preparation as a type of meditation in which your thoughts are free of the “buzz” of the world and are centered and focused on the task at hand: cutting vegetables, measuring liquids, blending spices and adding herbs.
Devote the same amount of time and energy to simple tasks as you would to the preparation of a complex recipe, as this honors the processes involved in cooking. As you work, concentrate on nourishment and feelings of love. If you like, you may want to speak, chant, or sing a blessing over the ingredients before they are prepared to impart your positive intent. Finally, be present in the cooking process from beginning to end by paying attention to the beauty of your ingredients and the magical way in which they blend to become something new.
A Zen saying instructs cooks to “see the pot as your own head, and see the water as your life’s blood” Consciously and lovingly cleansing, peeling, chopping and stirring ingredients bring you closer to your food and in consequence, to those to whom you serve it. During preparation – as your soul exists in the moment to give nourishment – your meals will be a source of intense life-force energy and joy to you and others.”
Love from your blyssmama
P.S - Have you ever thought about using essential oils for culinary purposes? I do all the time. Of course you need to make sure the oils you are using are pure, therapeutic grade oils such as the ones I carry from Young Living. I use lemon, grapefruit, orange, peppermint, ginger, cinnamon bark, nutmeg, clove, basil, oregano, black pepper and dill. But there are plenty of others in the Young Living collection that would be great for cooking such as tarragon, thyme, marjoram and many others. I invite you to contact me if you are interested in knowing more about the culinary side of using the living energy from Young Living essential oils.
As someone who loves to be in the kitchen preparing food either just for myself or for others, I have always relished the zone I get into when I’m working with food. Jason helped me to understand how the way we think and feel transfers our energy into the food so we must be mindful of our intentions when we are working with food.
When I ran across this chapter is Madisyn Taylor’s book – Daily OM, I knew she must have been thinking of Jason when she wrote it. I share it with you all today and dedicate this week’s blog to my good friend Jason. I hope you enjoy!
Conscious Cooking – Preparing Food with Intention
“We are what we eat, but more important, we affect what we eat – from the cutting board to the pot to the table. The health-imparting properties of food, also known as the life force, are subtly changed by the way in which we prepare it and the spiritual qualities we project into it.
Thoughts and emotions, both positive and negative, are absorbed by food as it is prepared. Think of the powerful healing properties of what you have cooked for a sick relative or friend. Chicken soup is simply that until it is prepared with the intent to heal. As you cook, your intentions – be they loving, sad, destructive, creative, or joyful – are infused in the food. And food prepared with positive intent provides nourishment not only for the body, but also for the soul.
Before you can begin cooking consciously or with intent, it is necessary to remove sources of unpleasantness of distraction. Transform your kitchen into a comfortable, relaxing, and nurturing space. Concentrate on positive thoughts each time you enter it, because negatively can affect the taste and nutritional value of the meals you make. It may be helpful to think of food preparation as a type of meditation in which your thoughts are free of the “buzz” of the world and are centered and focused on the task at hand: cutting vegetables, measuring liquids, blending spices and adding herbs.
Devote the same amount of time and energy to simple tasks as you would to the preparation of a complex recipe, as this honors the processes involved in cooking. As you work, concentrate on nourishment and feelings of love. If you like, you may want to speak, chant, or sing a blessing over the ingredients before they are prepared to impart your positive intent. Finally, be present in the cooking process from beginning to end by paying attention to the beauty of your ingredients and the magical way in which they blend to become something new.
A Zen saying instructs cooks to “see the pot as your own head, and see the water as your life’s blood” Consciously and lovingly cleansing, peeling, chopping and stirring ingredients bring you closer to your food and in consequence, to those to whom you serve it. During preparation – as your soul exists in the moment to give nourishment – your meals will be a source of intense life-force energy and joy to you and others.”
Love from your blyssmama
P.S - Have you ever thought about using essential oils for culinary purposes? I do all the time. Of course you need to make sure the oils you are using are pure, therapeutic grade oils such as the ones I carry from Young Living. I use lemon, grapefruit, orange, peppermint, ginger, cinnamon bark, nutmeg, clove, basil, oregano, black pepper and dill. But there are plenty of others in the Young Living collection that would be great for cooking such as tarragon, thyme, marjoram and many others. I invite you to contact me if you are interested in knowing more about the culinary side of using the living energy from Young Living essential oils.
“Remember, there are no mistakes, only lessons. Love yourself, trust your choices, and everything is possible.” - Cherie-Carter Scotts
Time to return to our next installment in the Virtues Project series. Only four left in the series that we started February 1, 2011. We’ve covered a lot of topics with a few detours along the way, but back to a subject that I love to think about - that of trust.
Trust to me means having faith and confidence in knowing that what is happening right now is exactly the way it is supposed to be. That as our quote says, there are no mistakes – no accidents – only gifts in the form of lessons for our personal growth in this lifetime and beyond. Believing that something good will always come out of everything that happens.
Now I know that’s not always easy, especially when you are in crisis or experiencing a set-back. But I’ve found that if I can stop myself for a minute – push the pause button, and before reacting, focus on what is happening and asking myself what the lesson is, then I am less likely to be stressed out. Better for my emotional and physical health, and those around me, that’s for sure.
I’ve noticed that over the years, as I am become a bit better at this, my overall disposition and physical wellness have improved considerably. I have more stamina, am a happier person and am less afraid to take on new challenges. I have become better at listening to my inner self and trusting in its guidance. For wherever that guidance leads me, the process is the lesson. And the outcome will be the gift.
I trust that my best is good enough. And that everyone else is doing the best they can as well. That I don’t need to control things or other people. Everything is happening as it should.
Trust opens up new and unimagined possibilities. For you and for others. And that is blyssful living!
Love from your blyssmama
P.S If you can’t make it in to see us at Crossroads this weekend, why not pick up your bag of blyssmix or some of the wonderful Simply Delish soups and salad mixes we sell at the newest seasonal market – the Calgary West Country Farmers Market right on the #1 Highway beside Calaway Park in the Wild West Event Centre. The Market is open every Saturday from now until October 27 and is open 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We’re looking forward to seeing you at our Blyssworks booth there!
Trust to me means having faith and confidence in knowing that what is happening right now is exactly the way it is supposed to be. That as our quote says, there are no mistakes – no accidents – only gifts in the form of lessons for our personal growth in this lifetime and beyond. Believing that something good will always come out of everything that happens.
Now I know that’s not always easy, especially when you are in crisis or experiencing a set-back. But I’ve found that if I can stop myself for a minute – push the pause button, and before reacting, focus on what is happening and asking myself what the lesson is, then I am less likely to be stressed out. Better for my emotional and physical health, and those around me, that’s for sure.
I’ve noticed that over the years, as I am become a bit better at this, my overall disposition and physical wellness have improved considerably. I have more stamina, am a happier person and am less afraid to take on new challenges. I have become better at listening to my inner self and trusting in its guidance. For wherever that guidance leads me, the process is the lesson. And the outcome will be the gift.
I trust that my best is good enough. And that everyone else is doing the best they can as well. That I don’t need to control things or other people. Everything is happening as it should.
Trust opens up new and unimagined possibilities. For you and for others. And that is blyssful living!
Love from your blyssmama
P.S If you can’t make it in to see us at Crossroads this weekend, why not pick up your bag of blyssmix or some of the wonderful Simply Delish soups and salad mixes we sell at the newest seasonal market – the Calgary West Country Farmers Market right on the #1 Highway beside Calaway Park in the Wild West Event Centre. The Market is open every Saturday from now until October 27 and is open 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. We’re looking forward to seeing you at our Blyssworks booth there!
Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time!
I know I’ve shared this quote with you before. But I love it so much I just had to say it again, especially for all you new blyssbeings who are reading my blyssblog for the first time.
I first heard this line in a story that Wayne Dyer tells about an elderly blind woman who I think illustrates it best. I was so moved by this story, that I have never forgotten the quote and try very hard to live my life this way. The story goes something like this:
The 92 year old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is full dressed each morning by 8 o'clock, with her fashionably coiffed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window, was provided.
"I love it" she stated with the enthusiasm of an 8 year old having just been presented with a new puppy. "Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room....just wait". "That doesn't have anything to do with it" she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged....it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it...
"It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice: I can spend my day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away...just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account...you withdraw from what you've put in....so, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank. I am still depositing.”
If you’re not crying yet after reading this, well I don’t know what. Our only goal should be happiness. Not the money or things or people we believe will bring us happiness. Just be happy. The rest will come. And that is blyssful living.
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. I have a wonderful Young Living essential oil at Crossroads Market called JOY that you should know about. One whiff of this intoxicating fragrance and your heart will soar! A beautiful blend of bergamot, ylang ylang, geranium, rosewood, lemon, mandarin, jasmine, Roman chamomile, palmarosa, and rose therapeutic grade essential oils, Joy is one of a kind and the perfect gift to yourself or someone you care about. Make this spring more joyful with your own precious bottle of JOY. Hope to see you soon!
P.P.S. And to add joy to someone’s life today, I am happy to announce this month’s blyssrewards winner is Carolyne Kauser-Abbott. Please stop by our booth at Crossroads Market to pick up your lovely box of assorted blyssteas!
I first heard this line in a story that Wayne Dyer tells about an elderly blind woman who I think illustrates it best. I was so moved by this story, that I have never forgotten the quote and try very hard to live my life this way. The story goes something like this:
The 92 year old, petite, well-poised and proud lady, who is full dressed each morning by 8 o'clock, with her fashionably coiffed and makeup perfectly applied, even though she is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. Her husband of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary.
After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, she smiled sweetly when told her room was ready. As she maneuvered her walker to the elevator, a visual description of her tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on her window, was provided.
"I love it" she stated with the enthusiasm of an 8 year old having just been presented with a new puppy. "Mrs. Jones, you haven't seen the room....just wait". "That doesn't have anything to do with it" she replied. "Happiness is something you decide on ahead of time. Whether I like my room or not doesn't depend on how the furniture is arranged....it's how I arrange my mind. I already decided to love it...
"It’s a decision I make every morning when I wake up. I have a choice: I can spend my day in bed recounting the difficulty I have with the parts of my body that no longer work, or get out of bed and be thankful for the ones that do.
Each day is a gift, and as long as my eyes open, I'll focus on the new day and all the happy memories I've stored away...just for this time in my life. Old age is like a bank account...you withdraw from what you've put in....so, my advice to you would be to deposit a lot of happiness in the bank account of memories. Thank you for your part in filling my memory bank. I am still depositing.”
If you’re not crying yet after reading this, well I don’t know what. Our only goal should be happiness. Not the money or things or people we believe will bring us happiness. Just be happy. The rest will come. And that is blyssful living.
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. I have a wonderful Young Living essential oil at Crossroads Market called JOY that you should know about. One whiff of this intoxicating fragrance and your heart will soar! A beautiful blend of bergamot, ylang ylang, geranium, rosewood, lemon, mandarin, jasmine, Roman chamomile, palmarosa, and rose therapeutic grade essential oils, Joy is one of a kind and the perfect gift to yourself or someone you care about. Make this spring more joyful with your own precious bottle of JOY. Hope to see you soon!
P.P.S. And to add joy to someone’s life today, I am happy to announce this month’s blyssrewards winner is Carolyne Kauser-Abbott. Please stop by our booth at Crossroads Market to pick up your lovely box of assorted blyssteas!
“Piling up zeros in your bank account, or cars in your driveway, won't in and of itself make you successful. Rather, true success is based on a constant flow of giving and receiving. In fact, if you look up affluence in the dictionary, you'll see its root
I want to thank one of my favourite blyssbeings - Adam from New York, for sending me the above quote about abundance. Adam has been a blyssmix fan and champion since our humble beginnings and has been a loyal blyssblog reader. He understands completely what our “Blyss” brand stands for and our mantra about abundance for all. Today I share it with you and thank Adam for passing it along!
I’ve written many times in past blyssblogs about the soul of money and the law of attraction. This quote embodies both philosophies so very well.
First, the soul of money is, in my belief, about sharing. Since I believe money has energy, it is about keeping the energy in perpetual motion. Letting it flow - back and forth. And by sending it out into the world to serve others, it vibrates back in turn to serve you. The law of attraction at work once again.
But what if you don’t feel you have much to give? What if you are fighting the scarcity demons? Perhaps you’ve let money worries preoccupy your every thought. Maybe you’ve lost your job, or just can’t seem to make ends meet. What then?
Actually that’s the best time to get the energy flowing – to unblock the stagnation that is preventing the abundance from flowing back to you.
By focusing on “lack” or “scarcity” you are just keeping your situation locked in that reality. But by sending the abundant energy out, by changing your mental focus on what you want instead of what you don’t, you’ll be taking the first step towards unblocking the flow.
Then by taking an act of faith – sending out even just a dollar into the universe to serve, you’ll have demonstrated that you are ready to receive. Trust me – it works.
So send out good energy this week my lovely blyssbeings. And get ready for truly blyssful living! Until next time,
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. I also want to thank my good friend Rena from Israel, another loyal blyssblog reader who emailed me a lovely response to my blog from last week about fear. She wrote:
“Years ago I heard the best definition for FEAR ever. It goes like this...
F = false
E = evidence
A = appearing
R = real
Now doesn't that say it all. What we fear is probably false to begin with so to get over any fear, just think of it in the terms of those four little words.”
Thanks Rena!
I’ve written many times in past blyssblogs about the soul of money and the law of attraction. This quote embodies both philosophies so very well.
First, the soul of money is, in my belief, about sharing. Since I believe money has energy, it is about keeping the energy in perpetual motion. Letting it flow - back and forth. And by sending it out into the world to serve others, it vibrates back in turn to serve you. The law of attraction at work once again.
But what if you don’t feel you have much to give? What if you are fighting the scarcity demons? Perhaps you’ve let money worries preoccupy your every thought. Maybe you’ve lost your job, or just can’t seem to make ends meet. What then?
Actually that’s the best time to get the energy flowing – to unblock the stagnation that is preventing the abundance from flowing back to you.
By focusing on “lack” or “scarcity” you are just keeping your situation locked in that reality. But by sending the abundant energy out, by changing your mental focus on what you want instead of what you don’t, you’ll be taking the first step towards unblocking the flow.
Then by taking an act of faith – sending out even just a dollar into the universe to serve, you’ll have demonstrated that you are ready to receive. Trust me – it works.
So send out good energy this week my lovely blyssbeings. And get ready for truly blyssful living! Until next time,
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. I also want to thank my good friend Rena from Israel, another loyal blyssblog reader who emailed me a lovely response to my blog from last week about fear. She wrote:
“Years ago I heard the best definition for FEAR ever. It goes like this...
F = false
E = evidence
A = appearing
R = real
Now doesn't that say it all. What we fear is probably false to begin with so to get over any fear, just think of it in the terms of those four little words.”
Thanks Rena!
Everything you ever wanted is on the other side of fear.
Not sure who said that. It’s a quote attributed to a few people. Probably because it is so universally understood.
Fear. That little four letter word has the power to literally paralyze a person. But if we can just push through it, take action despite the fear, we can come out on the other side more confident and ready for the next challenge.
Probably one of the most famous quotes about fear is by Franklin D. Roosevent when in 1933 during his first inaugural address referring to the severe economic conditions of the time, he said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” A memorable and liberating quote to be sure.
This past Sunday while having Easter dinner with family and friends, we had a discussion about fear and I happened to mention the saying I had heard, and one of my personal favourites that goes – “Every day you should do something that scares the ####!! out of you.” My position on this is that it keeps you on your toes, feeling alive and growing, feeling more confident each time you do something that is outside your comfort zone.
You see it’s easy to stay within the confines of a protected existence. We get used to the routine. No big challenges but no big risks either. It’s safe (or so we think). But are we really growing when we live like this? Sure it’s scary to take a chance. To step into the unknown. To risk rejection. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Personally, I would always rather venture and lose than never venture at all.
Most of us are faced with fairly simple daily challenges – fears of a non life-threatening variety. But for many others – people living with developmental disabilities or chronic health conditions, facing fear is a regular occurrence.
So today’s blyssblog is dedicated to Michael, who is recovering from a kidney transplant and who has faced many fears over the past several months while waiting for a donor. He will have many more fears to face in the coming days and months but ones that I know he will embrace with courage and grace.
This one’s for you Michael:
“If you knew who walked beside you at all times, on the path that you have chosen, you could never experience fear or doubt again.” - Wayne W. Dyer
Love from your blyssmama
Fear. That little four letter word has the power to literally paralyze a person. But if we can just push through it, take action despite the fear, we can come out on the other side more confident and ready for the next challenge.
Probably one of the most famous quotes about fear is by Franklin D. Roosevent when in 1933 during his first inaugural address referring to the severe economic conditions of the time, he said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” A memorable and liberating quote to be sure.
This past Sunday while having Easter dinner with family and friends, we had a discussion about fear and I happened to mention the saying I had heard, and one of my personal favourites that goes – “Every day you should do something that scares the ####!! out of you.” My position on this is that it keeps you on your toes, feeling alive and growing, feeling more confident each time you do something that is outside your comfort zone.
You see it’s easy to stay within the confines of a protected existence. We get used to the routine. No big challenges but no big risks either. It’s safe (or so we think). But are we really growing when we live like this? Sure it’s scary to take a chance. To step into the unknown. To risk rejection. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Personally, I would always rather venture and lose than never venture at all.
Most of us are faced with fairly simple daily challenges – fears of a non life-threatening variety. But for many others – people living with developmental disabilities or chronic health conditions, facing fear is a regular occurrence.
So today’s blyssblog is dedicated to Michael, who is recovering from a kidney transplant and who has faced many fears over the past several months while waiting for a donor. He will have many more fears to face in the coming days and months but ones that I know he will embrace with courage and grace.
This one’s for you Michael:
“If you knew who walked beside you at all times, on the path that you have chosen, you could never experience fear or doubt again.” - Wayne W. Dyer
Love from your blyssmama
It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~ Mark Twain
I can relate to this quote. For as long as I can remember there have always been two seasons when I have made all my significant life changes – the spring and the fall. And April seems to be the winning month for most of mine.
I get itchy feet. I want to change things up. I get restless and seem to be moving at warp speed. That’s nature’s way of telling me to pay attention – time to “clean things up” to make way for the new. Time to clean things – inside and out.
The inside work is perpetual. But springtime brings with it a sense of renewal so the body is itching to be reborn in some way. It is asking for toxins to be released – a great time to eliminate foods or beverages that clog your digestive system. Springtime also asks that old emotions that no longer serve you are purged to make way for the new.
And of course the cleansing of physical space is also important during the spring. Clear out the clutter, put away your winter clothes, and open the windows to say goodbye to the winter air and welcome the spring inside. Purify inside and out.
And one of the best ways I’ve find to purify is through the smell and use of essential oils, particularly lemon oil. To me there is nothing that smells as fresh as lemon. It’s tart, clean and invigorating. I love to diffuse it, clean with it and put it in my drinking water.
I thought that you might appreciate learning a little bit more about the therapeutic grade lemon oil that I use from Young Living so that you can experience the same “spring renewal” that I do every time I use it. The following is information that I have taken form Young Living’s website, which has is such a great source of information on essential oils. Hope you enjoy!
Product Summary
With a purifying citrus scent, lemon, Citrus limon, is known as one of the most fragrant essential oils. It is cold pressed from the rind of Citrus limon, a twenty-foot tree with highly scented blossoms and lemon fruits. Lemon contains
compounds that are studied for their effects on immune function. It is also a frequent ingredient in natural cosmetics.
Product Story
Lemon essential oil promotes clarity of thought and purpose and has a fragrance that is invigorating, enhancing, and warming. Lemons were used in Europe as early as 200 A.D. and were introduced to the Americas in 1493 by Christopher
Columbus. Lemons were also given to sailors to treat scurvy and other vitamin deficiencies.
Primary Benefits
When diffused, lemon has been known to refresh and stimulate the mind, improve memory, and promote a sense of well-being. Lemon can be used for basic home remedies. It strengthens nails, removes sticky substances, and can even be
used as an insect repellant when diffused.* When ingested, it is a good source of d-limonene, a powerful antioxidant.
Usage Tips
• Add one teaspoon of lemon essential oil to one cup mineral oil for an effective furniture polish.
• For general household cleaning purposes, it works well for removing gum, wood stain, oil, and grease spots.*
• Add a few drops to your dishwasher for spot free dishes.
• Diffuse to freshen your home or add a few drops to a spray bottle to deodorize and sterilize the air.
• Add two drops to water for purification or combine with peppermint (Mentha piperita) to provide a refreshing lift.
• Add to food or rice or soy milk as a dietary supplement and flavoring.
• Add ten drops to a cotton ball and place inside your vacuum cleaner.
Caution
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician before ingesting lemon essential oil. Dilution is recommended when applied topically. Lemon oil is photosensitizing, so avoid exposure to direct sunlight/UV rays for up to twelve hours
after applying topically.
I always have lemon oil at my Blyssworks booth at Crossroads Market and it is reasonably priced at only $22 including GST for a 15ml bottle. So if you are in the neighborhood, pop by to pick yours up. Always happy to see you! And happy spring cleaning!
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. Wanted to let you all know that I’ll be at the Women’s Show this coming weekend – April 14 & 15 with a wonderful display of the Young Living Essential oil products, including the lemon oil. It’s going to be a great trade show this year and we would love for you to stop by our Booth #527 and enter our door prize for a terrific gift basket full of fantastic Young Living products. Hope to see you there!
I get itchy feet. I want to change things up. I get restless and seem to be moving at warp speed. That’s nature’s way of telling me to pay attention – time to “clean things up” to make way for the new. Time to clean things – inside and out.
The inside work is perpetual. But springtime brings with it a sense of renewal so the body is itching to be reborn in some way. It is asking for toxins to be released – a great time to eliminate foods or beverages that clog your digestive system. Springtime also asks that old emotions that no longer serve you are purged to make way for the new.
And of course the cleansing of physical space is also important during the spring. Clear out the clutter, put away your winter clothes, and open the windows to say goodbye to the winter air and welcome the spring inside. Purify inside and out.
And one of the best ways I’ve find to purify is through the smell and use of essential oils, particularly lemon oil. To me there is nothing that smells as fresh as lemon. It’s tart, clean and invigorating. I love to diffuse it, clean with it and put it in my drinking water.
I thought that you might appreciate learning a little bit more about the therapeutic grade lemon oil that I use from Young Living so that you can experience the same “spring renewal” that I do every time I use it. The following is information that I have taken form Young Living’s website, which has is such a great source of information on essential oils. Hope you enjoy!
Product Summary
With a purifying citrus scent, lemon, Citrus limon, is known as one of the most fragrant essential oils. It is cold pressed from the rind of Citrus limon, a twenty-foot tree with highly scented blossoms and lemon fruits. Lemon contains
compounds that are studied for their effects on immune function. It is also a frequent ingredient in natural cosmetics.
Product Story
Lemon essential oil promotes clarity of thought and purpose and has a fragrance that is invigorating, enhancing, and warming. Lemons were used in Europe as early as 200 A.D. and were introduced to the Americas in 1493 by Christopher
Columbus. Lemons were also given to sailors to treat scurvy and other vitamin deficiencies.
Primary Benefits
When diffused, lemon has been known to refresh and stimulate the mind, improve memory, and promote a sense of well-being. Lemon can be used for basic home remedies. It strengthens nails, removes sticky substances, and can even be
used as an insect repellant when diffused.* When ingested, it is a good source of d-limonene, a powerful antioxidant.
Usage Tips
• Add one teaspoon of lemon essential oil to one cup mineral oil for an effective furniture polish.
• For general household cleaning purposes, it works well for removing gum, wood stain, oil, and grease spots.*
• Add a few drops to your dishwasher for spot free dishes.
• Diffuse to freshen your home or add a few drops to a spray bottle to deodorize and sterilize the air.
• Add two drops to water for purification or combine with peppermint (Mentha piperita) to provide a refreshing lift.
• Add to food or rice or soy milk as a dietary supplement and flavoring.
• Add ten drops to a cotton ball and place inside your vacuum cleaner.
Caution
If pregnant or under a doctor’s care, consult your physician before ingesting lemon essential oil. Dilution is recommended when applied topically. Lemon oil is photosensitizing, so avoid exposure to direct sunlight/UV rays for up to twelve hours
after applying topically.
I always have lemon oil at my Blyssworks booth at Crossroads Market and it is reasonably priced at only $22 including GST for a 15ml bottle. So if you are in the neighborhood, pop by to pick yours up. Always happy to see you! And happy spring cleaning!
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. Wanted to let you all know that I’ll be at the Women’s Show this coming weekend – April 14 & 15 with a wonderful display of the Young Living Essential oil products, including the lemon oil. It’s going to be a great trade show this year and we would love for you to stop by our Booth #527 and enter our door prize for a terrific gift basket full of fantastic Young Living products. Hope to see you there!
“You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.” – Friedrich Nietzsche
Isn’t that the truth. Most of us spend so much of our time trying to convince the other person that our way is the right way when it is just our way. Or as Neale Donald Walsh put it: “Ours is not a better way, ours is merely another way.” I have that quote hanging on my kitchen wall to remind me to be more accepting and tolerant of other people’s points of view which is the subject for today’s blyssblog.
We all move through life looking through our own lens. In fact it is said that we don’t see the world the way it is. We see it the way we are. Very profound. So if we see the world only from our own perspective, then how can we practice tolerance of people who often don’t resemble anything familiar to our own set of understandings or beliefs? By not judging.
Judgment is simply intolerance of the way something or someone appears. It is putting our own set of values and conditions upon another. And when we do that we judge ourselves at the same time. I know, it sounds a bit confusing, but trust me, it makes sense.
You see, when you judge someone, you are saying that they don’t look or behave exactly like the way you have been conditioned to believe they should. And when you do that, you emit negative vibrations that soon begin to make you feel badly about yourself. (The law of attraction again). Then you judge yourself for being intolerant. It’s a vicious circle and does nobody any good.
So this week, I ask you to pause before being critical of someone or something and remind yourself that we are all connected. When you judge others, you judge yourself. There are many ways in this world. Find the one that works for you and respect the ways of others. That is blyssful living for all.
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. Easter is this coming weekend and what a wonderful time to pop into our booth at Crossroads Market to stock up on our gourmet granola – blyssmix. If you haven’t tried it yet, you owe it to yourself to ask us for a sample when you drop by. Loaded with whole nuts, soft dried fruits, pumpkin seeds and plenty of other nutrient-dense ingredients, our high fibre granola is the best ever! But don’t take our word for it. Read what some of our fans have said by checking out our testimonials. Hope to see you soon!
PPS: Congratulations to Patricia Randolph-Beaver for winning a free Young Living Lavender Foaming Hand Soap is this month’s blyssrewards draw! Come to our Blyssworks booth at Crossroads Market any Friday through Sunday from 9 – 5 to claim your wonderful prize. And remember we are open every day of this holiday weekend including Good Friday.
We all move through life looking through our own lens. In fact it is said that we don’t see the world the way it is. We see it the way we are. Very profound. So if we see the world only from our own perspective, then how can we practice tolerance of people who often don’t resemble anything familiar to our own set of understandings or beliefs? By not judging.
Judgment is simply intolerance of the way something or someone appears. It is putting our own set of values and conditions upon another. And when we do that we judge ourselves at the same time. I know, it sounds a bit confusing, but trust me, it makes sense.
You see, when you judge someone, you are saying that they don’t look or behave exactly like the way you have been conditioned to believe they should. And when you do that, you emit negative vibrations that soon begin to make you feel badly about yourself. (The law of attraction again). Then you judge yourself for being intolerant. It’s a vicious circle and does nobody any good.
So this week, I ask you to pause before being critical of someone or something and remind yourself that we are all connected. When you judge others, you judge yourself. There are many ways in this world. Find the one that works for you and respect the ways of others. That is blyssful living for all.
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. Easter is this coming weekend and what a wonderful time to pop into our booth at Crossroads Market to stock up on our gourmet granola – blyssmix. If you haven’t tried it yet, you owe it to yourself to ask us for a sample when you drop by. Loaded with whole nuts, soft dried fruits, pumpkin seeds and plenty of other nutrient-dense ingredients, our high fibre granola is the best ever! But don’t take our word for it. Read what some of our fans have said by checking out our testimonials. Hope to see you soon!
PPS: Congratulations to Patricia Randolph-Beaver for winning a free Young Living Lavender Foaming Hand Soap is this month’s blyssrewards draw! Come to our Blyssworks booth at Crossroads Market any Friday through Sunday from 9 – 5 to claim your wonderful prize. And remember we are open every day of this holiday weekend including Good Friday.
“Who does not thank for little will not thank for much" – Estonian Proverb
This was an easy subject to find good quotes for. The subject of “thankfulness” has been rich with wisdom from many great thinkers over the years. Such a universal understanding that in order to receive further abundance in life, one must give thanks first for what you have.
I totally agree and know for a fact that by living with a grateful heart you will be happier, less stressed and attract more abundance into your life than by complaining about what you don’t have. It’s that law of attraction at work again. And it works!
Most of us have heard about the benefits of writing in a gratitude journal every day. Or before going to bed, recalling three things that you were grateful for that day. Once you have retrained your brain to think in “asset” terms instead of “deficit” terms – focusing on what you have instead of what you don’t, gratitude thinking will become a habit. You will start to adopt an openness and willingness to receive more in life and to recognize the little things that come your way as wonderful gifts. Having a sense of wonder about life. Seeing everything as valuable and with meaning. And when you give regularly give thanks, more magic will befall you.
So my dear blyssbeing, if you are currently struggling with a challenge and are feeling a “lack” in your life, adopt a new attitude for gratitude. Pause and look for the learnings in that situation – sometimes the best gifts come from overcoming a challenge or obstacle you are facing. Be thankful for it all. And live with more blyss!
Until next time, thank you for sharing this time with me and I wish you a blyssful week!
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. Just a reminder that this Sunday at our Blyssworks booth at Crossroads Market, blyssmama will be once again providing a free ZYTO Compass scan and assessment to help anyone wanting to determine which essential oils and supplements are recommended for their own individual health and wellness needs. If you are interested, please let me know by emailing me at blyssmama@blyssworks.ca so that I can reserve a time for you!
I totally agree and know for a fact that by living with a grateful heart you will be happier, less stressed and attract more abundance into your life than by complaining about what you don’t have. It’s that law of attraction at work again. And it works!
Most of us have heard about the benefits of writing in a gratitude journal every day. Or before going to bed, recalling three things that you were grateful for that day. Once you have retrained your brain to think in “asset” terms instead of “deficit” terms – focusing on what you have instead of what you don’t, gratitude thinking will become a habit. You will start to adopt an openness and willingness to receive more in life and to recognize the little things that come your way as wonderful gifts. Having a sense of wonder about life. Seeing everything as valuable and with meaning. And when you give regularly give thanks, more magic will befall you.
So my dear blyssbeing, if you are currently struggling with a challenge and are feeling a “lack” in your life, adopt a new attitude for gratitude. Pause and look for the learnings in that situation – sometimes the best gifts come from overcoming a challenge or obstacle you are facing. Be thankful for it all. And live with more blyss!
Until next time, thank you for sharing this time with me and I wish you a blyssful week!
Love from your blyssmama
P.S. Just a reminder that this Sunday at our Blyssworks booth at Crossroads Market, blyssmama will be once again providing a free ZYTO Compass scan and assessment to help anyone wanting to determine which essential oils and supplements are recommended for their own individual health and wellness needs. If you are interested, please let me know by emailing me at blyssmama@blyssworks.ca so that I can reserve a time for you!
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