My doTERRA Life!

Trying to make up for my serious neglect of this blog; hope you don't feel overwhelmed with back-to-back posts! Today I wanted to write a bit about my experiences with doTERRA and how it has changed my life. This isn't a "got rich" story, or a "I'm totally healed" testimonial; my benefits from this company are not "big" in terms of something that gets attention, but they have been profound for me. If, after reading all this, you are inclined to want to know more, I'd be happy to answer questions, provide materials, and direct you to places you can get more knowledge. You see, for me, there was a major reason I joined doTERRA in it's incipient stages, WAY back in 2009...

EDUCATION! If you've followed my blog at all, or know me personally, you know I am huge for knowledge. "Input, Input, Input", I like to say, quoting Johnny 5 from the movie "Short Circuit". As a life long reader, investigator, instigator(-oops! how did that get in there?), information dispersion-ist, and extremely curious person, I am always attracted to anything that promises me the opportunity to learn. Especially when it can improve my life or that of my friends and family, and I can pass it on. When I attended my first doTERRA meeting, and was introduced to specifics about how essential oils could benefit my life, and even my wallet, I just had to jump right in. I was very impressed that a major focus of this young company was to educate. They weren't just shoving bottles at you and expecting you to buy. I learned more in two hours than I had in all the years I had been reading about and using "alternative" medicines, including the five essential oils I already had at home from other companies!

To this day, I am learning and growing in my understanding and use of essential oils. There is more information out there than I could probably process in my lifetime, and more research and testimonials are available every day. doTERRA has continued its emphasis on education; providing a vast resource of training materials, third party research, opportunities to learn and grow together as Wellness Advocates, and many forums where we can exchange esperiences and help those who have come along to join us. I could go on for pages about all the wonderful things doTERRA the company does for us, and for others all over the world, but let me just tell you some things about me.

In 2006, I lost the upper half of the middle finger on my left hand. Had it literally ripped off on a lathe. After all the suturing had healed, I was left with shooting pains, numbness, nerve damage to my shoulder, hand and wrist, and that uncomfortable "jumping" effect that often occurs with partial limbs. When I attended my first doTERRA meeting, I was still on heavy duty pain medication, and I wanted to get off that. It seemed to me that essential oils might offer me the relief I needed; particularly the Frankincense oil. At that meeting, however, all I could afford was Lemon, Lavender and Peppermint, and a membership in doTERRA. Over time, as I learned more about different oils and how they worked, I continued to add to my "collection". John was supportive but not really "into" my oils, as he calls them. However, he will let me suggest and apply them to him and the kids, and is supportive of my efforts to learn and use the oils.

Frankincense did make a big difference in my hand. Within two weeks, the jumping and nerve pain had stopped. I still use it daily, because there are still nerve issues in my hand. I have never found an oil I didn't benefit from. With essential oils, you can also often substitute a variety of oils for what you are seeking to do, either through rotation, according to availablity, price, or what particular oil therapy works best for you. I have often had to use a cheaper oil, but still enjoyed the benefits. From time to time I "change out" what I'm using on a daily basis, to let my body experience a different composition and maybe even react in a better way to a "new" oil routine. doTERRA has created blends and products that highlight the natural healing abilities of many oils, and I enjoy using them, as well. I have stopped having migraines since I began using oils every day; learning how to manage my stress, what to do if I feel like a migraine is coming on, how to support my body in the challenges I face. It has been a huge blessing in my life, and also helped my family and close friends- well, those who would listen to the crazy oil lady!

One of my main goals in being with doTERRA has been to help people learn what essential oils can do. It is becoming a more mainstream behaviour, without the stigma that so often accompanies those who seek more natural remedies. Many doctors of all practices, hospitals, clinics, dentistry, spas and wellness centers use and educate about essential oils now. There are major studies going on in several universities that support the benefits of incorporating EO's into everyday life, as well as specialized medicine. We can't make medical claims, or promise specific outcomes- but who can? Even a traditional MD can't promise you results without any complications, or that you will be happy with what he does for you. Much of my own study these past 30 years has involved homeopathic medicine, and it is still what I turn to first. When I need my Dr. I go, but if I can take care of myself, I will. doTERRA has made much of that possible for me, and I am truly grateful.

Sometimes people ask me what my favorite oil is. That's a hard one! I couldn't neglect the benefits of the Balance blend, Lavender, Wild Orange, the Ginger, Peppermint or Cinnamon I put in my breakfast, my beloved Frankincense, Eucalyptus, Patchouli, OnGuard blend and products, or the Lemon and Slim and Sassy oils I add to my water each day. For aroma's sake, there is nothing like the Rose Lotion, and I am positively addicted to the scent of the Deep Blue blend. It's for muscles, but it also opens up your sinuses and can soothe a cough. So you can see, I really can't choose a favorite; I truly love them all! Even woodsy Vetiver, which took me awhile to adjust to, but it's ability to soothe and calm is incredible.

All along, I have intended to get out and make money with doTERRA. Friends who joined just before me, and some even after me, have done very well building a business. They travel and do all kinds of things that I just drool over. But that really hasn't been a part of my life. I have held some classes, gone a few places, and I have an online presence in the doTERRA community, but getting out regularly and having that financial success has been elusive. I figure when the time is right, it will happen. doTERRA isn't showing any signs of slowing down. There are more products, more people using them, and more evidence that they are effective. I do enjoy my role teaching and supporting, sharing information and continuing to learn myself. I have met and continued relationships with wonderful people who inspire me and bless my life daily. I can't ask for more than that! It is truly a privilege to associate with the leadership of this wonderful company, and to continue to have the opportunity to learn and grow alongside of them.

This is the relatively brief version of my history and activity in doTERRA. I could never list all the reasons I love EO's, all that I have learned, the wonderful experiences and my deep, deep feelings for this company and those I know and love in it. Even expressing my gratitude as I have here isn't enough. I have had "light bulb" moments of clarity and understanding that have had a profound effect on my life. Mentally and Physically I am not the same woman I was five years ago when I sat in a room and listened to a Master introduce me to the potential oils could have in my life. He was just the first; all those who have, and continue, to teach me, light the path so I can make my own informed choices and pass along my own experiences and knowledge. It has transformed how I see myself and others, and empowered me to help in situations where I used to just wish I could. That's what doTERRA means to me.

As I said, I am happy to explain, direct and help others make their own discoveries about doTERRA. I'm not a high pressure salesman, and I don't set quotas or other expectations. I want people to know and love essential oils as I do; and then you can choose how you want to use and share them in your life. Post your questions below, email me (loryoils@gmail.com) or contact me on my doTERRA Facebook page: Joyfully Oils 6909. My website is: www.mydoterra.com/joyfullyoils.  I hope you'll be able to learn and grow with me!