Well hello there 38!

Here’s my 38 pieces of wisdom to mark my birthday 🎉 

1. Never say never.
2. Kill them with kindness.
3. Just ask.
4. Spend time with people you love.
5. Travel often.
6. Be generous.
7. Learn something new (all the time).
8. Go on walks.
9. Choose the best option in front of you.
10. Read daily.
11. Plan girls nights.
12. Stretch.
13. Don’t spend what you don’t have.
14. Make goals.
15. Find a hobby (or three).
16. Go outside as much as possible.
17. Set boundaries with your smartphone.
18. Eat real food.
19. Get a dog.

20. Do work you love.
21. Wear comfy shoes.
22. Cook homemade meals.
23. Get monthly facials.
24. Live toxin-free.
25. Practice solitude.
26. Dress in beautiful colors.
27. Tidy your home each morning.
28. Enjoy quiet nights at home.
29. Become friends with your neighbors.
30. Take lots of vacations.
31. Drink more water.
32. Get enough sleep.
33. Use lamps for lighting.
34. Practice minimalism.
35. Kiss your baby too much.
36. Pray constantly.
37. Go on trips with friends and no kids.
38. Talk to a counselor.

Got any good advice? Please share!

8 Tasks To Do When Your Stuck In A Rut At Work

Owning a small business takes a lot of drive and initiative to keep things running smoothly. It's amazing to not have anyone telling me what to do, but it also means that I have to be self-motivated and stay focused on my own.

I’m usually pretty good about it, but sometimes I hit a wall and don't know what to do. Here are some things that work for me when I feel like I'm stuck in a rut:

1. COMMUNICATE - Check and respond to all overdue emails, texts, phone calls, FaceBook messages, Instagram notifications, etc. to catch up.

2. ORGANIZE - File that stack of papers. Update those spreadsheets. Delete old emails. Clean up my desk. Take out the trash.

3. LEARN - Join a book club, watch a documentary, catch up on a blog you like or listen to a podcast. You might even consider signing up for a local event or a huge convention!

4. PLAN - Revisit your Dream Board (or make one if you don't have one yet) and write out your (5 year, 1 year and 30 days) goals.

5. ENCOURAGE - Send a postcard or gift to someone that you've been thinking of and want to encourage.

6. POST - Are you trying to grow your business through social media? If so, I recommend you read “Getting Noticed” and “Boss Up”, by my friend @lindsayteague and then get posting!

7. MENTOR - Find someone who you admire and ask if they would be willing to let you get to know them.

8. PARTY - All work and no play, makes everyone unmotivated and stretched thin. Grab coffee with your sister. Catch up with a co-worker over lunch (but don't talk business). Have your girlfriends over for pizza and a movie. Sometimes having business slow down can be a blessing in disguise.

If you own a small business, I'd love to know what things you do when you feel like you are stuck in a rut...please share!

Our Possessions Posses Us

“It turns out that the old cliche is true, “ Colin continues.  “Our possessions posses us. All the things I owned kept the back of my mind activated. I used to sit around and feel weighed down by all the stuff in my life. I’d worry about everything I had, thinking ‘I’ve got this much, so now I need more—I need to level it out: I have the TV, so I need the DVD player; I have the garage, so I need a nice car to fill it; I have this, so I need that.’ It’s a never-ending cycle, a cold war with yourself.”

I loved this paragraph in the book, Everything That Remains, because it’s so true. We see a space and think we have to fill it. We upgrade one item and think of the next upgrade we "need" to complete it.

Or, in my case, we see the objects we own and we think about having to pack them up, move them and unpack them again and again over a lifetime of never settling down.

What about you? Do you feel like you're in a good, comfortable spot? Or are you always thinking about upgrading, downsizing, moving or changing things around you?

Ivy's Birth Story

No epidural.

That’s the only thing that went “according to plan”.

9am(4 days late): Water broke while Nick and I were on a walk. No contractions. No pain. We continued our coffee date. 

1pm: Midwife said I had until 3am to go into labor naturally or be induced. I chugged an induction concoction and started bouncing on my birthing ball. 

3:15pm: I began timing my tightening (45 seconds long, every 2-3 minutes), but wasn’t sure if it was contractions since I wasn’t in pain.

4:30pm: I called the midwife. She said that if I was able to talk, it wasn’t time.

5:30pm: Nick called. Contractions were back to back and so painful, I couldn’t talk.

6pm: Headed to hospital. Got to triage measuring 4cm. By the time we got our room, Nick parked the car and returned with our bag, I was measuring 6cm. Nurse began filling up the tub for water birth.

8pm: The uncontrollable urge to push.

10pm-12am: Still in the tub, pushing. So, midwife had me move to the bed, checked me, pushed a tiny piece of cervix aside, then began all sorts of “tricks” to try to get things moving. The Rebozo. The Peanut. Trying to hook Ivy’s chin. On my back, legs up, pushing by command. Ivy was crowning for almost an hour (that “ring of fire” is a real thing). I began to say, “I’m so discouraged, I don’t think I can go on” and crying in between pushing. The out of control feeling was terrifying.

12:08am: The midwife suggested an episiotomy and I practically begged for it. Ivy immediately FLEW out on the next contraction.

Less than 8 hours of painful labor, but almost 4 hours of pushing. Short and intense. I was so utterly exhausted, I felt disconnected. And instead of feeling triumphant after a natural birth, I felt traumatized. Books, YouTube videos and friends’ birth stories hadn’t prepared me. Low lights, warm water, soft music and essential oils didn’t work like magic. 

It was simply survival, Nick beside me and me silently praying, “Please God help me” a million times over.

***Order your Young Living essential oils and products HERE and use my code SHAREYL for 10% off

Self-Care Tip: Get In Daily Solitude

I need daily quiet, alone-time with no noise, no one asking me questions and no one touching me. Every day. Every. Day.

It’s how I recharge and reset.

When I don’t get it in, I feel more anxious, have less patience, can’t think, lack creativity and sometimes even feel angry.

Does that sound like you?

You probably are like me and just need some solitude.

Here are some ways to get it in:
-cup of tea in your quiet, dark house before anyone else wakes up
-nap time when kids nap
-afternoon walk alone
-read a book while you soak in the bath
-journal some thoughts at bedtime
-watch a movie alone

The trick is to get your loved ones onboard. Nick can tell when I need some time. He’ll play with Ivy, take her outside or to run errands with him or feed her a meal while I have a break. You need to find that person who’s going to take something on so that you can catch your breath.

What’s your favorite way to get solitude and who’s got your back so you can make that happen?

Self-Care Tip: Plan Only One Event Per Day

When I was really struggling with anxiety and panic attacks in my mid-20s, my counselor encouraged me to only make one plan per day.

This meant that if I had coffee with a friend in the morning, I didn’t make any other plans that day, even if that coffee date only lasted an hour.

Or if we invited a couple over for dinner, I didn’t make any other plans for that same day, even if that dinner didn’t start until 7pm.

Sometimes it meant that I “missed out” on something, but it also meant that I was more present and calm for the one event I planned.

Do you find yourself overwhelmed with your full calendar?

Would you consider pairing down to only one event per day?

I’d love to hear how you spend your days and how you feel your mental health is positively or negatively affected by these events and decisions. Please comment below or DM me to share👇🏻

Self-Care Tip: Call Someone

Self-care tip: call someone

I know texting is easier and quicker, but honestly, it often leaves me feeling frazzled.

Even though I’ve turned off the notifications so I don’t hear any buzz or alert, I still feel the need to keep checking my phone.

This means that the conversation that might have taken 2 minutes has now been spread across 25 as I type away and wait for replies.

One tip I learned was that if we need to make quick plans, like a time and place, we can text. But to carry on a conversation, we should call or meet in person.

I don’t always stick to this because, honestly, I don’t feel like talking on the phone, but I always feel better when I stick to this advice.

What about you? Do you do better texting or calling?

Self-Care Tip: MOVE

When I was in counseling in my early 20s, my counselor told me I have to get daily exercise.

It’s not so I’m skinnier or more muscular, but so that I’m mentally stronger.

Movement gives me time to push out frustrations and bring in peace.

Since Ivy was born, it’s become even more important to me than ever. I want to be healthy so that I’m here longer and I want to be an example to Ivy of what a healthy lifestyle looks like.

It’s not just one thing. It’s good nutrition, enough sleep, healthy relationships, time with God, defined boundaries, plenty of water, rest and yes, daily movement.

I don’t want Ivy concerned with her weight or looks, but the things that define what it is to be truly healthy.

She’s already watching me, copying my every move. So I’m going to be the best version of me. For me. For Ivy. For Nick. For those around me.

What’s an area of self-care that you need to start prioritizing today? Comment below!

When the Grass is Always Greener

We’re always looking for the next best thing.

The next challenge to join, the next call to listen in on, the next convention to attend and the next book to read. The list goes on and on. There is always the next best thing. The next "secret" to success.

But, while building my own small business, I’ve realized that there is no solution to making a business successful that doesn't involve just plain old hard work!

So, I wrote down 8 things that I believe make or break our businesses.

1. We MUST be committed. Let’s remove "try" from our vocabulary and just do the hard work.

2. We MUST be consistent. Let’s go to work daily and show our customers, co-workers and employees that we are dependable.

3. We MUST continue to learn. Let’s read books, blogs and articles and go to training events related to our businesses.

4. We MUST love the product. Let’s use our product every day at home, at work, with family, while running errands, etc.

5. We MUST put ourselves out there. Let’s post daily on social media, host events, hold classes, sign up for vendor fairs, set up a booth at our local farmers market, talk to people in the grocery line and do our best to use our product in front of people.

6. We MUST lead by example. Let’s do what we say we’re going to do, be available and show up.

7. We MUST follow up. When someone comments on our post, let’s reply. When someone asks us a question, let’s answer it. When someone messages, emails or texts us, let’s get back to them.

8. We MUST stay positive. Everyone CAN grow a successful business, but not everyone WILL. Let’s be the people who do it. Who work hard. Who learn. Who respond. Who participate. Who follow up. Who get out of our comfort zones. Who seek solutions. Who keep going. Who lead.

Don't be fooled by the idea that there are secrets to success. It all comes down to hard work, day in and day out, and not giving up when others are. That's great news, though, isn't it?! This means that each one of us has the ability to succeed!

What is one thing you’re doing to build your business today?

The Only 3 Winter Shoes You Need

In your Minimalist closet, you need 3 boots for winter:

✅a neutral boot
✅a boot that’s a pattern or color
✅a bad weather boot to stay warm and dry

These are the only 3 shoes I wear all winter, besides workout shoes😉

Am I missing an essential winter shoe? Let me know in the comments below!

Normal is Terrifying

“...when you do take that first jump, it actually becomes terrifying to do ‘normal’ things, because you realize what a risk it is to give up your entire life just to be normal.”

I read this sentence in The Minimalists book “Everything That Remains” and thought AMEN!!!

Normal scares me to death.  The years are flying by and I don’t get this time back.  I wouldn’t call myself rebellious, but usually I can’t stand doing what everyone else is doing and I end up wondering why we’re all doing it at all.

Adventure constantly calls to me.  Whispering in my ear all the things there are to see and do, the people there are to meet and all the foods and sounds of foreign places.  A million experiences are just waiting to be had.

Every time I think “I guess I’d better grow up and settle down”, I feel like I’m giving up and I can't help but sadly wonder if this is “it”.  Is this all that there is?

And then I remind myself there are no rules and I don’t have to be “normal”.  I don’t have to have a 30 year mortgage with a white picket fence and 2.5 kids.  I don’t have to do what I “should” do or what we’re told is responsible.

I can dream and do crazy things and be free.

I can be me.

What scares YOU to death? Please share in the comments below!

How To Clean Out Your Closet

Let’s do a Closet Clean-out!

1. Pull everything out of all drawers, cabinets, shelves, closets, etc. This includes shoes, socks, underwear, bras, pants, shorts, skirts, all tops, dresses, belts, scarves, hats, pjs, bathrobes, swimsuits, coverups, all jewelry, gym clothes, EVERYTHING!

2. Create three piles: give away, throw away and keep.

3. Give away or throw away over-worn or unflattering items: Stained? Stretched out? Awful color on me? Makes me feel ugly and/or fat? Old looking, picked, dingy, etc? If you answered yes to ANY of these, it goes.

4. Give away or throw away never-used or barely-used items: Have I worn this item in the last 12 months? Is this a sentimental item, like my old wedding dress? If you answered "no" to the above, it goes.

5. Keep only the best. Try on EVERYTHING that is left and look at yourself in the mirror. Does this make me feel beautiful? Do I feel comfortable in this (no cutting off circulation, no leaving deep red lines anywhere, no painful blisters)? Does this color look good with my skin tone and eye color? Do I get compliments when I wear this? Do I enjoy wearing this? If you answered "no" to any of these, it goes.

6. You’re done! Put away what you’re keeping and give away / throw away everything else.

Remember creating your own “perfect fit” wardrobe means wearing only the items that you feel and look great in, so that you look your best everyday, but with less effort.

Are you going to do a closet clean-out?

Nick’s Homemade Elderberry Syrup

This is perfect to prepare and get ready for the fall!

It tastes delicious and boosts your immune system.

1/2 cup dried elderberries
4 cups water
1/2 cup honey
3 drops Young Living Clove
3 drops Young Living Cinnamon Bark

***Bring water and elderberries to boil. Let boil 2 minutes. Let simmer for 1 hour. Pour through strainer to separate liquid from berries. Let cool for 10 minutes. Add honey and essential oils. Mix together. Store in fridge. Keeps for 1 month.

***Order your Young Living essential oils and products HERE and use my code SHAREYL for 10% off

How To Deal With Burnout

Life can be very overwhelming at times!

I know in my case, I'll sign up for and agree to a million things and then all of a sudden hit a wall. At that point, it's like I'm past the point of no return and have to make some changes fast. Here are some of the things that I do when I'm in over my head:

1. EVALUTE - First things first, evaluate your life and circumstances. What is stressing you out and causing you to lose sleep? Can it be avoided or is it something that you have to deal with?

2. SAY NO - People will always suggest what you should do, but learn to say no to things you don't want to do or have time to do. Spreading yourself too thin isn't going to benefit anyone.

3. GET A HOBBY - By saying no to some things, you'll get to say yes to others! Find something that you enjoy like painting, camping, going to the gym or cooking and spend some time each day doing what you love.

4. RELAX - Everyday. Get alone. Unplug from electronics. Sit on your porch, go on a walk, close your eyes or do whatever helps you feel calm and collected.

5. SELF CARE - Make sure you take good care of yourself by eating well, exercising daily and sleeping enough hours. If you can get away, you might even consider a vacation.

6. GO SLOW - Although it's tempting to be busy and hurry through everything, make enough time to get everything done without feeling flustered. This probably means you can't do as much, but that's ok...maybe you were doing too much anyway!

If you're not good at recognizing when you're reaching your limit, then make sure you have someone who will call you out and let you know when they notice the signs. It's important to deal with being overwhelmed before you let it get to the point of complete burn out!

How do you deal when you feel yourself nearing burn out?

My Young Living Nighttime Routine

There's nothing better than winding down for a good night's sleep. Here's my favorite way to do it:

Golden Turmeric - take 1 teaspoon right before bed for better rest and to reduce inflammation

Coconut Lime Body Butter - I’m spoiled rotten because Nick gives me nightly foot rubs and this lotion is his favorite for my feet!

Lavender Lip Balm - I always apply this lip balm before bed so that I don’t wake up with dry lips

Peace&Calming with Lemon Essential Oils - This combo in the diffuser has been my favorite to sleep to since I began diffusing Young Living over 9 years ago! Put 4-6 drops of each and enjoy your own spa experience at home 🙂

Progessence Plus - I apply this serum to my forearms before bed.

Valor Essential Oil - This is the best oil blend to apply to the back of my neck to calm a racing heart and turn off tense thoughts.

Rose Ointment - I massage this into my cuticles to keep my nails healthy and my nail beds moisturized.

Mirah Cleansing Oil - Just got this in the mail today to start back to double cleansing before bed.

***Order your Young Living essential oils and products HERE and use my code SHAREYL for 10% off

How To Do A Home Spa Treatment

Years ago I read how we should vacation as if we are guests at a luxury spa. Just because we can’t afford to actually spend time at one doesn’t mean we can’t treat ourselves to a week of pampering. So, I took that advice and every time I travel, I take all my goodies.

It’s true that I do all these things at home, but not daily, and often I rush through the steps. Simply slowing down and taking the time to use the right products the right way makes a huge difference, especially for my skin.

You should take time to pamper yourself, whether you have a week, a day or only 30 minutes. Here are my go-to steps for feeling healthy and fresh:

1. Grate 1 tsp - 1 tbsp fresh ginger into a glass, add in 1 cup Ningxia Red, then fill to top with seltzer water.

2. Start a bath and pour in one cup of epsom salt with 8 drops of StressAway Essential Oil.

3. While bath is filling, dry brush entire body for roughly 5 minutes.

4. Hop in bath and read a good book or rest while soaking for about 20 minutes. The water should be hot enough to get sweaty.

5. Massage a dime sized amount of Mirah Lustrous Hair Oil into hair and give yourself a good scalp massage for 2-3 minutes. Leave in hair for 20 minutes or more - I often leave mine in overnight and wash my hair in the morning.

6. Massage a dime sized amount of Mirah Luminous Cleansing Oil into face, neck and chest for 2-3 minutes. In the past, I’ve simply bought 1 of the Mirah Oil products and used it for hair, skin, shaving, moisturizer, everything…

7. Take a quarter sized amount of Acure Brightening Face Scrub and massage/scrub face, neck and chest for about 1-2 minutes. Then, wash off all traces of cleansing oil and scrub with warm water.

8. Make a bentonite clay (got mine at Whole Foods) paste, apply to face, neck and chest and let sit for 15-20 minutes. Wash off with steaming washcloth.

9. Get out and dry off. Apply Young Living Creme Masque to face and Young Living Lavender Lotion (of one of the Mirah Oil products) to entire body.

You should now feel like a million bucks! I’ve done this daily and, just since Saturday, my skin is softer and clearer. Good products and practices can compete with pricey spas!

***Order your Young Living essential oils and products HERE and use my code SHAREYL for 10% off