Everyday that I get up I am thankful that I survived that → → → → → → → → →
Though I have aches, pains, restrictions and other residual issues, I am here. That is a big and full sentence. I AM HERE. Even when we don't feel good, are depressed, worried, scared, feeling weak, poor or broken down... we are here with a new chance everyday to make a change, be a change, see a change. I have to remind myself of that often. I am sure that we all can think of something that makes us realize how lucky we are to be here. So with Thanksgiving upon us, I would like to take a moment and thank every person in my life that has stuck by my side, been there with open arms and open ears. You have made a difference that you may not even be aware of. I hope in soem manner, I have done the same for you. You mean the world to me and I THANK YOU for being a part of my life. ♥

Lately I've been getting a little down with the holiday season coming. When you're a woman of a certain age, your emotions are a bit crazy as it is. So what can you do? I found a little recipe that helps pull you back. If you have a diffuser you can add 5 drops of grapefruit, 3 drops of geranium and 2 drops of petitgrain essential oils to the appropriate level of water for your diffuser. Be Happy!

After a few days of being bad with my nibbling, I am suffering from heartburn. I have GERD so I have to be careful with peppermint. Peppermint relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter muscle, connecting the stomach, which keeps acid and bile from flowing back into the esophagus. GERD and peppermint don't get along. I usually dilute it and rub it on my stomach for relief but tonight I added 2 drops of fennel to my glass of water. The licorice flavor is oh so familiar and actually pleasant.

Fennel has been a popular remedy for stomach issues. It is referred to as a Stomachic: is a historic term for a medicine that serves to tone the stomach, improving its function and increase appetite.. Fennel oil helps keep the stomach healthy and functioning properly, and maintains the normal function of all the secretions of digestive acids and bile. Furthermore, it protects the stomach from infections and ulcers, thus ensuring the all around health and wellness of the stomach. I feel pretty good so far. :)

Use of fennel essential oil is contraindicated during pregnancy, for breast-feeding mothers, and in cases of epilepsy and estrogen-linked cancers. Please note that this is personal entry of my experience with essential oils and I am not recommending or suggesting anyone to consider ingestion. You need to do your own research and be responsible for your own decisions when using essential oils.