First off, Happy Friday, and welcome Spring 2021! What a year it's been... Hoping this finds you and your loved ones well. And for those who have suffered tremendous adversity and loss, it is with heartfelt compassion that I send you my most sincere condolences and love.
It has been a year ago since my soul made the huge decision to 'jump ship' - something I needed to do for many years coming, especially since becoming a mom. By June of 2020, after months of contemplation and agony, I resigned from my 20-year career in the clinical laboratory to care for our daughter during the pandemic, and to give my soul a rest. I was exhausted, burnt out, and did not have much self-worth left:(
At the time, it wasn't a rational decision, and it was very painful to leave what was like 'my home', my 'work family', and a vocation that I had somewhat 'mastered'. However, as the year unfolded, I began to realize that I had been living at an unsustainable pace, in an environment that no longer supported me and my family in all of the important ways. So many emotions and a lot of grasping for 'what was', even though it wasn't working. You know how that goes:/ Add the pandemic to that, and what healed me was being more still and getting out in nature with my family. I was also able to lean on what I had been creating 'on the side' for those 20 years, while working. No wonder why I was tired!!
'Karen Joy Wellness' website was born several years ago. The concept born from my soul's longings, the name recommended by one of my favorite friends. I trusted her confidence in this name but also cringed at whether I was 'worthy' enough to put myself out there like this, wondered if I could RISE to the occasion. I also wondered how I could stand in my center, genuinely and authentically, and embody the life of wellness and ease that I craved. Today, I reflect on my path. My career prepared me for where I am today. It helped me pay for my college education (yay, paid off those school loans last spring) and allowed me to practice and cultivate what aligned with my soul. Yoga, meditation, and natural solutions by dōterra are three tools that have helped me on this journey, and it is my honor to share these with you. What I have come to realize is that there will never be a day when us humans have it all figured out and the only concrete truth is that the ONLY think we can count on is change. Balance is not a static destination, but an evolving dynamic that takes daily intention and practice. And today I continue this practice.
One of my favorite mentors, Desiree Mangandog shared a recipe today called "Root to Rise", which reminded me ONCE AGAIN that I must fill myself up, and be rooted in my center before I can go out into the world to share and serve others. This blend "is designed to help you root into yourself, connect into your essence... prevent you from being swayed... from outside influences...stand solid in who you are, be able to push away anything that is out of alignment with your essence". Ahhh, I so needed this today, as it's been a rough few weeks. Even though I am in a different place in my life, more supported and no longer needing to 'hustle for my worth', these imprints still exist. So I continue to peel the layers of the onion, sitting with my beautiful vulnerability, and standing tall. Today, I begin again, growing my roots.
As everything changes, I will be adjusting my yoga teaching schedule for the Spring. Starting next week, 4/7/21, instead of two virtual classes per week, I will be shifting to one class a week, for now. Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:45 pm, with a little longer class. This class will be a combo of Yin and Yang themes, with meditation. I am still not sure when and where 'live, in-person' classes will appear, but I am creating space for that when the time comes. More details to follow.
I also will be continuing to build my dōTERRA business indefinitely and am opening to sharing my knowledge and skills with others who would like to learn more about the power of pure, natural dōterra essential oils and wellness products as well as those looking to share oils or grow their own business. The second part is a big step for me, mentoring. I am ready. Please reach out if this inspires you or if you know someone who might be a good fit.
And April feels like Christmas morning with two new targeted wellness journeys (I LOVE these)–Sleep and Respiratory–as well as a new Aroma Essentials Kit–perfect for a new member or when you want to add a bunch of great oils to your collection in otherwise hard-to-get 5mL sizes. And to top it off, Lime is your reward when you place your LRP order by the 15th, and Neroli (one of my personal faves) is on sale! See here: epr.link/yk83tM