The Embrace Blog

It's that time of year when the pressure is on.  Holiday shopping starts earlier now more than ever, and if you hope to find what you are looking for, you better get shopping now!  

Then there is the celebrations to think about, who's hosting Christmas this year, what parties will you go to?  Will you go to each one you're invited too no matter how busy you are?

Then there is the expense, especially in this economy, is it wise to spend much?  Can you get through the holidays without accumulating debt?   The list goes on and on, so the question is, how can we manage all this added stress, and actually enjoy the festivities?  Here are some suggestions, and I would also suggest just doing a few if all this is new to you.  

Is it ok to vent, to let off steam, or is that not acceptable?

Great question, and I guess it all comes down to our beliefs, and even perhaps how we were raised. 

I was raised in a family where you just held everything in, no one talked about anything emotional - it made everyone uncomfortable so we learned fast to keep quiet.

Like a pressure cooker, those emotions can build up overtime, until one day, the "volcano" blows!  It typically is not good for anyone, in fact here are some unhealthy ways "vent".   Don't worry, I'll follow up with some healthier ways to vent after this.  

Unhealthy ways of venting 

Unhealthy ways of venting emotions can cause harm to yourself or others, and often lead to more emotional distress in the long run. Here are some common unhealthy ways people vent their emotions:

1. Aggression or Violence

• Expressing emotions through physical aggression (hitting, throwing things, or physical altercations) can harm others and yourself. It doesn’t solve problem...

Ever have those moments when you're struggling and struggling with a situation, then you realize, gee maybe I am just not meant to do this certain thing, cause nothing about it is lining up with what you want? 

The question is, how long do you hold on before finally letting go?

Just recently I had an issue with an online order, it never arrived. I found out the shipping company had lost it and was told to contact the supplying company direct.

I tried, but there was no customer service person to talk to, as that department (returns / refunds) only takes email.  After not hearing back from them, I asked for a refund.  

The unbelievable part is that I still wanted the product cause I thought it was working, honestly could be placebo effect, but I never had enough to really give it a try, cause my order got lost.

After hitting my head against the wall, the disappointment, the lack of customer service, and being out $150, one day it finally hit me like a tonne of bricks...

Maybe the U...

Do you ever get to the point where you would eat just about anything as you are "starving" and must have something, sweet or savory, or both... and you must have it now!  Chances are, that is a craving you are experiencing, as it must be something specific to fill that insatiable "hunger".

I used to think that I was just born with an insatiable appetite as it seemed I was never satisfied, and was always thinking about my next meal, especially if I was "cutting back".  Then I had the craving and deprivation working against me.  Sound familiar?

After trying just about everything out there over the years I finally found some solutions, some were temporary, that then led me to something completely different that changed the way I look at food forever.  But I'll save that story for next time and in the meantime go back to the difference between hunger and cravings, and start with the basics to guide you to your next steps.

Hunger:

Physical Need: Hunger is primarily a physiological respo...

Do you ever have problems letting go?  I mean letting go of a situation or event that occurred and your just can't stop thinking about it?  It's like your mind is on instant replay, you just keep playing it over and over again in your mind, like a record player.

If you're anything like me, the answer is a definite YES!

This is actually something I have personally been working on for years, meaning I've had lots of events happen to give me practice in this "skill".  I'm sure you can relate.

Yes I truly believe it is a skill, and like any skill, it needs sharpened again and again.  Just when I think I have it down, a new challenge will arrive and give me another opportunity to sharpen up my "letting go" skills yet again. 

Just this past week, the property owners beside our home cut down a beautiful Lilac bush, that was there since we moved in 24 years ago. That Lilac was so beautiful in full bloom, and provided a canopy of shade in the corner of our yard where we placed a beautiful c...

Well speaking of the weather, how is your health doing?  Not only your physical body, but your mind as well. I know most of us are done with winter, yet she persists.

For many of us, myself included, you feel the nudge of a cold approaching.  What do you do?  Do you take action, or just brace for what's ahead.

• Mac & Cheese - who can resist that creamy cheesy pasta?
• Chicken Soup - a hearty dish that's believed to have healing properties, and just warms our belly.
• Mashed Potatoes - growing up on those as a kid makes me feel warm and protected, especially topped with butter, salt & pepper.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich - crispy bread and gooey melted cheese make for a comforting combination.  
• Chocolate Chip Cookies - a timeless comfort food, especially fresh out of the oven with melted chocolate chips.
• Spaghetti and Meatballs - warm and filling in the tummy.
• Chili - another popular dish as the weather turns cold.
• Fried Chicken - Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
• Pizza - a North American favourite, loaded with your favorite toppings.
• Ice Cream - another creamy delicious delight. 
...

Are you a lover of essential oils? 

If yes keep reading as I share an amazing Face Tightening Serum, all natural below.

But first did you know that doTERRA essential oils come from parts of the world where they originated? Lavender from Bulgaria for example. Why does this matter, because those soils are rich in minerals and nutrients that you cannot get from just growing your own here in North America.  This alone sets doTERRA apart for the others, but wait there's more.

Anyone can label an essential oil as "therapeutic" as there is no regulatory board for essential oils.  Due to this doTERRA has implemented rigorous testing standards to set them apart.  First, before it leaves its country of origin; 2 - as it enters the USA by an external source;  and 3 - in the doTERRA lab, every batch, not just a sampling from the main batch, is tested and once it meets standard, it is bottled at their site in Utah.  There are now warehouse in Canada so you can get at Canadian pricing.

I...