YOU are the treasure

I have noticed that more often than not people are plagued with self doubt. This could be attributed to almost anything but it is certainly a prescription for a stagnant life. It literally cripples you and stops the natural flow of life from happening. That is why some people feel their lives "passed them by". Going through the motions of day to day living is not what I consider living a fabulous life. Believing that you are valuable (a real treasure) is what can carry you through difficult times and also ignite your inspirational desire.

There are so many factors which could lead you to losing the desire to do more and be more. Most often having a positive support system can help keep you on track. Ultimately though, relying on yourself by knowing that you are valuable and worthy of contribution to this world is what will keep you productive. Find your strengths and make them stronger, but find your weaknesses and work on them also. When you stop worrying what others are doing, saying and buying, you will focus on being the best person you can be, which will in turn allow others to see the wonderful being that you are, a real treasure.

Affirmation

Shed your faultfinding tendencies. Know that you are the creator of your life and that a loving presence is within you. Your ability to be self-reliant will overtake your habit of assigning blame.
- Dr. Wayne Dyer

Making sachets and potpourri

Making your own sachets or potpourri is easy and affordable. They are a thoughtful home crafted gift for a teacher, school bus driver, or used as a favor. There are many options from economical and earthy, using recycled fabrics to sophisticated using finer fabrics with beautiful prints.

When making sachets, you will need dried flower petals or buds, a small bottle of essential oil and fabric bags and ribbon. You can get the fabrics or fabric bags and ribbon from a craft store. If you are making potpourri you can use a combination of dried flowers, glass beads and shells. There are many places you can get bulk dried flowers. An excellent organic source for essential oil and dried flowers and herbs is http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/. Health food stores also carry these items and may be an affordable option.

A few drops of essential oil mixed with your dried flowers will hold the scent for about a month. You can freshen them periodically with additional drops of essential oil. For the sachets, just combine the flowers and essential oil, using only a few drops, and place them in the bags and tie with a decorative ribbon. For a great selection of bags, ribbons, fabrics and more check out http://www.papermart.com/. If you are making potpourri you can package it in clear plastic bags or decorative glass jars. These are small gifts that are appreciated because they come from the heart with your personal touches.

Meditation

One of the single best ways you can improve your health and well being is through meditation. Everyone can agree that stress affects you on every level, mind body and spirit. Meditation is an excellent way to bring balance to your life. The best time to start regular meditation practice is upon awakening every morning. Allowing just 15 minutes in the morning to ground yourself and your thoughts can make a difference in the way that you cope with stress throughout your day. The other advantage of doing this in the morning is that you will have less clutter in your mind and be more capable of clearing all thoughts.
Essential oils can bring you to a deeper meditative state. It is best to use the oils in a diffuser for meditation. Try the following blend next time you want to acheive a deeper connection to yourself through meditation.

10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
5 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
1 drop Sandalwood Essential Oil

Quote

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today. -Dale Carnegie

Italian Proverb

One who wants too much holds on to nothing.

Rejuvenating home facial

Scrub/Cleanser:
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup rolled cut oats
plain yogurt
2 tablespoons ground almonds

Toner:
1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
1/4cup witch hazel
2 drops essential oil (optional)

Moisturizer:
few drops extra virgin olive oil

Method: To make scrub combine almonds and oats, add honey and mix to a paste. Gradually add yogurt to desired consistency. Use to scrub face and rinse off. Tone skin and moisturize immediately following face scrub.

Breast cancer awareness

October is breast cancer awareness month and I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone about breast cancer screening, prevention and early detection. Some risk factors for breast cancer include aging, obesity, diet, lifestyle and genetics.
Proper diet and exercise are helpful in the prevention of breast cancer. Breast cancer screening involves monthly self examination, a physical examination by your physician and yearly mammography. Do not underestimate the importance of self breast exams. When done over and over you will become accustomed to your own breast composition. Therefore increasing your ability to find early lumps, which if diagnosed as cancer early, have a better prognosis. If you are a menstruating woman this should be done just as your period is ending once every month in the shower. If you do not get a period, pick a date in the month that will be easy to remember and do it on that date every month. This is the most important part of the breast cancer screening process.

Do not forget to see your gynecologist yearly for your physical examination. If you are 35 years old you should get a baseline mammography. If you have risk factors like a strong family history of breast cancer you should talk to your doctor about starting earlier.

There have been significant advances in early detection of breast cancer which has greatly reduced breast cancer mortality. If you would like more information about breast cancer screening, treatment or rescources go to http://www.komen.org/

Affirmation:

Be aware of your thoughts, and remind yourself that the simple act of thinking is evidence that there is an invisible energy that flows through you at all times.
-Dr. Wayne Dyer

This simple affirmation will empower you to do anything and acheive your dreams. It all starts with your thoughts and you can make them a reality. You have the power to make your life a beautiful one which is positive, productive and fulfilling.