How Do Essential Oils Work

One of these days, when I have nothing better to do... Oh wait, that never happens.  I have been meaning to write a post about how essential oils work.  You all know how much I love Young Living oils.   You also all know how much I love the quality and the purity of these oils.  Look at this message I just got from someone in my organization.

Also.. 2 cool things ( that you probably already know) but I remember you talking about quality of oils... I am out of lavendar but I have a bottle of Aveda lavendar... aveda... good stuff.... one would think that there wouldn't be a difference. There is.... YL...so much better. Another thing... my friend was having mice in her house... I mean..outsmarting the traps and seriously standing in her kitchen staring at her. I read peppermint oil repels rodents... so I gave her some cotton balls with peppermint oil on it... NO MICE since and she said the added benefit. ..her kitchen smelled nice!!!

I am seriously fascinated with the science behind essential oils.  Again, if I had unlimited funds and time (that will be another post later on the benefits of a Young Living business) I would study this stuff!

Dr. David Stewart writes some amazing articles in his Raindrop Messenger.  Here is a link to his site Raindrop Messenger.  If you are curious about oils I would suggest signing up for his newsletter.

Here is one of his articles about how Essential Oils can quickly pass through the Blood Brain Barrier.  I hope you enjoy as much as I do.  I won't tell anyone that you are a geek :)

Blood-Brain Barrier/How the Oils Work

by David Stewart, Ph.D.

Raindrop Messenger Archive

Official Newsletter of C.A.R.E.
The Center for Aromatherapy Research and Education

It would be more accurate to consider the Blood Brain Barrier a seive or filter through

which only molecules of a certain size or smaller can penetrate.

Most of the molecules of the substances used in chemotherapy are too large to pass

through the Blood-Brain Filter which is why doctors say that chemo doesn't work on

brain cancer. Some of the molecules get through, but not the whole suite of drugs

intended.

When it comes to essential oils, small molecules are what they are made of. That is

why they are aromatic.

The only way something can be aromatic is for the molecules to be so small that they

readily leap from the surface of the substance and circulate in the air so they can

enter our noses and be detected as odor and smell.

That is why massage oils (fatty oils) such as corn, peanut, safflower, walnut, almond,

olive, and other oils pressed from seeds are not aromatic.

Sure, they have a smell, but you can't smell them across the room in minutes (or

seconds) as you can when one opens a bottle of peppermint or other essential oil.

Back to the so called Blood Brain Barrier: Essential oils are mixtures of dozens, even

hundreds, of constituents all of which are primarily composed of Carbon, Hydrogen

and Oxygen.

The molecules of Essential oils are all very tiny and most of which can pass through

the Blood Brain Barrier.

All essential oils are principally composed of a class of organic compounds built of

"isoprene units," where each unit is a set of five connected carbon atoms with some

hydrogens attached.

Molecules built of isoprene units are all classified as "terpens." Terpenes are what

make essential oils unique in the world of oily substances.

Terpenes with molecules containing only one isoprene unit are called

Phenylpropanoids and are found in Clove (90%), Basil (75%), Cinnamon (73%) and to

a lesser extent in most other essential oils.

Among other functions, Phenylpropanoids cleanse receptor sites.

Monoterpenes (substances containing two isoprene units or ten carbons atoms per

molecule).

Monoterpens are found in most essential oils, but especially in Spruce (38%),

Valerian (34%), and Juniper (14%) as well as Cistus, Fir and Pine.

Among other functions, Monoterpenes reprogram the DNA at a cellular level which is

why healings via essential oils are often permanent, i.e. the miswritten codes in the

cells has been corrected.

Sesquiterpenes (substances containing three isoprene units or fifteen carbon atoms

per molecule) are principally found in Cedarwood (98%), Vetiver (97%), Sandalwood

(90%), Black Pepper (74%), Patchouli (71%), Myrrh (62%), Ginger (59%), as well as

Vitex, German Chamomile, Spikenard, Galbanum, and Frankincense (8%).

Sesquiterpenes deprogram miswritten codes in the DNA.

There are also Diterpens (substances containing four isoprene units or twenty carbon

atoms per molecule), as well as Triterpens and Tetraterpens containing thirty and

forty carbons per molecule each respctively.

All of the Terpen family of molecules are small enough to penetrate the blood brain

barrier.

Sesquiterpene molecules have the capability of carrying oxygen, like hemoglobin

does in the blood. Hence they are oxygenating to human tissue and are especially

effective in fighting cancer cells which cannot tolerate oxygen.

However, the combination (triple punch) of Phenylpropanoids, Sesqueterpenes, and

Monoterpens is especially healing with cancers and every other type of illness.

That's because with this combination you:

(1) first, you clean the receptor sites allowing proper transfer of hormones and proper

information between cells;

(2) second, you deprogram or erase the wrong information from cells stored in the

MRNA and DNA; and

(3) third, you reprogram the cells with the correct information so they can function

properly and effect a permanent healing.

To one extent or another, most essential oils contain some of all three of these three

types of terpens which is the secret to their healing power.

So there you have it in a nutshell: The Blood-Brain Barrier and the chemistry of how

Essential Oils Work to bring about healing.

The information expressed above is from what I have learned from Dr. Gary Young in

his Level I and Level II seminars as well as the PDR, Gary's other writings and tapes

as well as other Organic Chemistry texts I have studied.

Fall & Winter Creepy Crawly Pests

Do Creepy Crawlies Give You The Heebie Jeebies?

This fall, as it has gotten cold, the mice have decided to make our home theirs.  Well let me tell you, they are not welcome!  We have heard this from our neighbors as well.  I guess I can't blame them.  A nice warm house vs. snow, and freezing temps?  Good choice.

It also seems that our normal spider population increases as it gets cold.

Of course you can purchase traps, and rodent or insect repellents but of course those repellents are loaded with chemicals.  And I sure don't want to be looking at dead mice with bulging eyes!  Sorry for the visual there.  Our fat cat, Tigger really is not much help.  He is more of a lounger than a hunter.

 Young Living essential oils to the rescue.   Of course the oils are all natural with no harsh side affects.  

Mice: Our little visitors must have a route in our house.  We are finding them in our cupboard that holds all our pots and pains.  They are attracted to food.  Little crumbs, scraps, candy, and stored food. The worst thing possible is to find mouse droppings in your cupboard!  They will also chew on boxes, woodwork and even furniture.

Did you know mice do not like peppermint!   You can make an all natural peppermint spray with Young Living Peppermint Oil.  Mix together 2 cups water with 3 teaspoons of peppermint essential oil and spray it throughout your home. You can also saturate a rag or cotton balls and place them in areas you think the mice may be entering or where you find evidence of mice.

Here is the other great advantage, spiders also hate peppermint oil!  We have a lot of trees where we live and spiders can be a real problem.  We used to hire an expensive exterminator to come in and spray both inside and outside the house numerous times per year.  Not only was it expensive but again loaded with chemicals.  We have kids, dogs and a cat!  I didn't want them inhaling or getting into all those chemicals.

You can use the same mixture and spray windows, door frames etc. to deter those 8 legged nasties!

Peppermint oil is a real staple in our house.  We use it for many thing besides mice and spider!  Peppermint oil helps with concentration, head aches, stress, bad breath, muscle soreness and so much more.  Be sure that you only get the best peppermint oil.  Remember (I have told you this before) that the FDA does not regulate peppermint.  It is only required that 5% of the extract of the plant be in peppermint essential oils to label it as natural/organic.  Guess what the other 95% can be?  Fillers and chemicals.  If you find cheap oils at the grocery store, that is what they are CHEAP!  I only recommend 100% pure and natural Young Living Essential oils.

You can read about my story here Why I Chose Young Living.  Oh and here is a wonderful home recipe for whipped body butter that is amazing for that horrible winter dry skin...Whipped Peppermint Body Butter

Visit my website or ask me how to get these amazing Young Living oils for 24% off retail through a wholesale membership!   www.lorihanken.vibrantscents.com

If Spring ever comes back to MN - stay tuned for more posts about spring and summer pests!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

A Life Of Grace

A couple of Sundays ago,  I was sitting in church, feeling sorry for myself and feeling overwhelmed.  Pastor Susan asked me how I was, and I wanted to say, crappy, horrible, tired, worn out and so many other things.  Instead I gave the traditional, "I'm ok, you?"  My answer probably spoke volumes.  It certainly wasn't very upbeat or positive.  It was indicative of what I was feeling.  But is it right to unload our burdens on people that ask, "How are you?"

I had seen a friend a couple of weeks ago and thought maybe I could unload my burdens on her.  Luckily for her, she didn't give me time to talk about it.  She was unloading her own burdens :)

Here are some questions that I pondered on Sunday.

Why is it so hard to care for ourselves?

Why are people so negative?

Why can't we look for the good in things?

Why don't we trust that God has a plan?

If we focus on our burdens daily, those burdens will bring you down.  I have lived it.  I am living it.

A life filled with grace.  Do you ever see those people?  Can you recognize them?  They are pleasant, positive, upbeat and a joy to be around.  Even in the face of adversity they exude a sense of peace.  Does it mean their life is perfect.  No - probably not.  

I want to live a life filled with Grace.

As I watched my parents age and go through end of life, I learned a lot of things.

1. Time with you parents is precious
2. They need you
3. It is our time to give back to them
4. Learn from their their experiences and attitudes.

One of the things I promised myself is that I wanted to learn to live and age gracefully.  As we get older things start falling apart.  Aches, pains, sometimes illness occur.  How do we handle trials, tribulations, aging, etc. with grace?

What does Grace mean to you.  When I was a kid in my youth group, I learned, "God's Redeeming Actions Contrary to our Earning"  That has stuck with me my whole life.

How we behave, our attitude it is a choice.  I think learning to age gracefully requires us to learn to live gracefully.   Here are some things I think will help me achieve that goal.

1. Pray Daily
2. Spend Time In Scripture
3. Surround Yourself With People That Lift You Up
4. Lift Up Others
5. Love
6. Laugh
7. Look For The Good In People & Things
8. See Beauty
9. Be Thankful Daily
10. Exercise (Yes David, I said exercise)
11. Eat Well
12. Sing
13. Dance

Decide each morning and each evening what your attitude will be.  Breathe (more on that later) with purpose.  Pray, meditate and make it happen.  Will I succeed every day?  Probably not, but it is a journey to become whole right?  A journey is many steps.  Want to go on that journey with me?

Today, I choose Grace.  

If I Were A Coach

Ok first a disclaimer, I am not a coach. Some of you may say then I am not qualified to comment.   What I believe makes me qualified is that I am a parent.  I have seen it all over the years.   People seriously underestimate the power that coaches have over our children.   We put the physical and emotional well being of our children in their hands for months at a time.   Sometimes for years at a time.   Children are impressionable.   Period.  Some of these things are minor, some not.

Over the years here are some of the things I have seen.

1. A coach injure a child just based on the fact that he really wanted to win.  He pitched someone for too long and then after he was already injured had him bunt (he was fast) and wanted to get him on base.  He quit baseball and never came back.
2. Kids pulled from the game without any explanation.
3. Coaches saying things like, "My child is the best hitter.  Are you kidding my child is one of the best players, I am not going to bench them no matter what kind of behavior they have on the field."
4. Batting orders changed and when coaches asked why, no answer.
5. Coaches actually telling other players on a team that the reason someone wasn't playing, "Are you kidding have you seen them, they can't hit!)  This was said within earshot of the player.
6. Kids coming off the court/field after a good play and the coach saying, "Oh you did a (insert other player name here)!"
7.  Swearing, screaming and yelling at players.
8. Coaches getting into arguments and almost getting into fist fights.  Chest bumping, yelling, swearing, all in front of their kids.
9. Coaches running onto the field screaming, "they are cheating, they aren't following the rules!"
10. Coaches mimicking another team's player and saying, "Did you see her, (mimic them here) she looks like a moron!" - Loudly!
11. I have seen a coach tell her pitcher to intentionally hit a batter.
12. I have seen that same coach, flip off the other teams' players.
13. A coach actually arrested and charged with criminal sexual assault, kidnapping and solicitation.

The lists could go on and on.  If you are going to choose to coach, please consider your temperament, are you patient, are you supportive, are you a yeller?  Also please consider why you are doing this?  Do you love the game?  Do you want to help the kids?  Be honest, are you doing it to promote your own child?  Please look deep on this one.

Then comes the topic of sportsmanship.  Sports are brutal.  I know there is a lot of smack talk that occurs in sports between players.  Here are some things I personally don't like.   It seems specifically softball & basketball - the girls can get real nasty!  We have never played soccer or lacrosse, but I have to assume it can get bad too!  That is one thing to like about volleyball - you stay on your own side of the court. :)

1. When girl's are losing - they get physical (sometimes even when they are winning).  I watched a team at state where the same catcher intentionally shoved girls a extra hard when she could. It happened more than once in our game.   She even knocked the batting helmet off a girl and she was not trying to steal home.  Trust me, it is clear what is incidental and what is intentional.  Coaches should have a ZERO TOLERANCE policy on this one.    Check out this video:  Player Slams Into First Baseman Intentionally
2. I know not everyone will believe in this, but I don't like the derogatory cheers.  Here are some softball examples:
1. Pitcher walks a batter - "we like free bases, we like free bases"  I find it interesting that no one cheers - "we like strikeouts, we like strikeouts" or "we like errors, we like errors".   Yes I am a pitcher's Mom in both baseball and softball.  
2. I have actually seen teams, coaches and parents cheer when someone gets hurt on the field.
3. And let's not forget the time a girl bent our daughter's fingers back in the "good game" post game procession after losing to her.
4. And of course refusing to say at or congratulate another player during that process.
5. Again, related to pitchers - there are teams that like to scream and make loud animal noises when the other team is pitching.  I find it childish and immature.  Cheer for your team, cheer for the batter, but the scream and howl like an animal to try to get in someone's head I find to be poor sportsmanship.  

 Trust me, I also understand that pitchers need to be able to work through that.  When I  said something to a coach about the screaming during pitching, the response was, "She's 16 now, she has to deal with it.".  I disagree.  That is a coaching decision.  I wouldn't allow it.  Oh and by the way, she is 14.  This coach told them to cheer loudly when our daughter was in the circle.  The coach told me that.  There was a significant difference in the volume levels when our daughter went in compared to our other pitchers.  I find it immature, rude and  nasty.  It made it worse, that the girls doing this, are her team mates from other teams.  Supposedly her friends.  Go figure.  We actually had parents of players on that team apologize to us for their team's behavior.  At least someone has common sense.

As a coach if you let this type of behavior go on, you condone it.  If you emulate that behavior even worse.  Please teach kids good sportsmanship and exemplify good behavior yourselves.  

Directors of programs, don't leave your coaches on their own without being monitored (at least periodically).  Check in with the parents, other coaches, spectators.  Know what they do when you are not there.

I know - I never stepped up and coached.  I didn't have the skills and I knew it.  I was not an athlete.  Ask me to direct your kid's choirs, bands, orchestras, plays, musicals or help them audition and I'll be there for them.  I will support them, nurture them and teach them the equivalent of good sportsmanship in music and theatre.  

Here is the reality, these kids deal with so much.  Their egos are shattered at school on a daily basis. Why as a coach would you encourage behavior to bring other kids down?  I just don't understand it.  Teach your children and players to be fair, honest, kind.  Play hard, work hard, want to win, but treat people with respect. You would want them to live that way, wouldn't you?

Why do you think there is an entire generation of entitled pro football players?  

This is a pretty good read too:  Power of Positive Coaching

Am I an over protective parent?  Yes - absolutely.  Will I stop?  No - absolutely not!  Will I continue to teach my children to do what I consider to be the right thing?  Yes - ABSOLUTELY!

It is my opinion..  My Father, a very wise man, said, "You can't argue opinions."

Diffusing vs. Air Fresheners

I am in the midst of writing about 5 blog posts at the same time.  Of course I am not finishing any of them.   So this short little interim post will have to do for now ;)

Part of the new challenge we are facing right now is that the FDA has written letters to Essential Oil companies especially two of the big ones.  That includes Young Living.  Right now we are so seriously restricted in what we can say about the oils and what we can share about the oils.  We have never been able to prescribe, or diagnose or anything like that.  But we were able to share our own testimonials. Not anymore.  So, let's talk about something else.

Besides the health benefits that we have all received over the 20 years of Young Living's existence there are many other benefits.

Hopefully you have all seen the articles about chemicals and foreign substances in some of our products.  Here are a couple of examples.

 http://www.nrdc.org/health/home/airfresheners/fairfresheners.pdf

Air Fresheners.    There are horrible things in Air Fresheners.

Honestly they give me headaches now.  And don't get me started on perfumes, cosmetics, or scented candles.  I know there are a lot of people out there that sell those warmers, candles and more.  Sorry - not for me.  I want something natural, that smells amazing and is actually good for you!

 My answer?  Diffusers with essential oils.  Here is the beauty; not only do they smell great and freshen the air, they are good for you!  Maybe they help you boost immunity, maybe they help you sleep better, help boost your immunity, help with the season stuffy nose or sore throat, give you more energy or maybe they help lift your spirits.  Sounds like good stuff right?  Oh yes - it is.

There are many benefits that we have found with diffusing oils.  I would encourage you to go to www.oil-testimonials.com to look up specific benefits of diffusing.  It is a free service!  FREE IS GOOD.  It does require registration.  That way you can look things up yourself.

We have diffusers in every room, bedrooms, kitchen, laundry room and in my office.  I love them!

How did I start?  I bought the starter kit from Young Living, it came with 11 5 ml bottles of essential oils.  Then I experimented.

Here are some of the oils and blends that I love to diffuse.

1.  Purification - this gets rid of smells in the kitchen and in the dog's room!

2.  Peppermint & Lemon - this is a mentally uplifting blend.  Really clears your mind and brain and helps me focus.  Search the web for other potential benefits of these two oils.

Here are some great blends from the Young Living blog and their employees:

You can read the whole post at:  https://blog.youngliving.com/creating-custom-essential-oil-diffuser-blends/#.VDWBcvldUb0 or read the excerpt below.

At our global headquarters, several Young Living employees have created their own custom diffusing blends. Here’s a favorite blend of McKenna H., who works in our Will Call:

• 7-10 drops Lime

• 6-8 drops Tangerine

• 2-3 drops Melaleuca Quinquenervia

• 1 drop Petitgrain

• 2 drops Frankincense

• Eucalyptus Radiata and Grapefruit for a fresh, clean aroma

• Jasmine, Orange, and Tangerine to create a scent reminiscent of spring

• Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Hong Kuai to help promote deeper meditation

• Christmas Spirit™ and Pine or Juniper to create a cozy, winter aroma

“I like to diffuse Peppermint and Thieves. It makes for a very fresh-smelling home, while cleaning the air of impurities at the same time.” –Gail T., Silver
–Tiffany V., Senior Star

Other custom blends ideas from Young Living employees include:

Favorite Diffuser Blends from Young Living Facebook fans:

“I created a blend for my daughter’s fourth-grade class to clear the room and help with focus: Peppermint, Clove, Eucalyptus, and Lemongrass.” –Yvonne S., Member

“I diffuse 7 drops of Stress Away™ and 3 drops of Citrus Fresh™ to help with relaxation while maintaining a house with two toddlers.” –Nichole C., Member

“For freshening air and getting rid of bugs, I use Purification, Peppermint, Valor, and Thieves.”

“Peace & Calming with some Christmas Spirit at night makes me sleep like a baby, and I wake up happy in the morning!” –Shelly M., Star

“My favorite: 2 drops Joy, 2 drops Abundance ™, 5 drops Citrus Fresh, and 3 drops Peppermint.” –Renee D., Star

“Lavender and Orange is a great mix for relaxation and creates a wonderful fragrance.” –Glenda M., Member

“Lavender and Peace & Calming at bedtime creates restful nights for the whole family.” –Darcy D., Star

Are you an essential oils user?  Leave me a comment with your favorite oils or blends.  I love to try new options!

Serving

Do you ever feel like something is missing in your life?  I have felt that way for a long time.  I work hard.  I do what I can for the kids, but I don't feel like I am serving anyone.  Honestly often I do not feel like I serve my family well or myself!

That is part of the journey I am starting here.  I want to be "whole".  Serving is a big piece of this puzzle.

I had the opportunity this summer to travel to Denver with my church and 50 amazing high school youth.  WOW did I learn a lot. These kids are amazing.  Are they selfish?  Are they self-centered?  Yes - sometimes - but not always!   Watching them serve, grow and learn was an amazing experience.

Building a foundation of faith in our youth is an absolute necessity especially as they start navigating those tricky middle school and high school years.









“Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service. Try to give unconditionally whatever a person needs in the moment. The point is to do something, however small, and show you care through your actions by giving your time … We are all God’s children so it is important to share His gifts. Do not worry about why problems exist in the world – just respond to people’s needs … We feel what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but that ocean would be less without that drop.“- Mother Teresa


While we were in Denver, we participated in various service activities.  Sidewalk Sunday School, where God's Word and food were given to needy people, food shelves, thrift shop, food kitchens and so much more.  We met homeless people, heard their stories, worshiped, sang, cried and grew together.  The small group I was with, focused a lot on making sure our activities were "relevant".  Make a difference, be the voice and hands of God.

We got to experience the joy and peace God's beautiful earth and people.

We had mountain top worship and mountain top faith experiences.

Galatians 5:13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Psalm 19:1 To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky 
above proclaims his handiwork.




I can't begin to explain the experience.  It was truly one of those, "you had to be there" things.

My message, hope and prayer, is that you all find and make time to serve.  Start by reading the bible, pray and meditate on ways to serve.  You will be infinitely blessed.

Severe Heal Pain

My 11 year old has suffered terribly from severe heal pain.  It was so bad that often during baseball tournaments he would have to sit on the bench.  It always seemed to flare up with over usage.  We actually took a trip to Phoenix for a tournament and he really only got to play one game!  The next time we went to a tournament in Phoenix, we were ready and armed!  After each practice or game we would go through this regimen and he played the entire weekend!

He very rarely has flareups any more.  If we sense any sign of pain, we follow this protocol immediately.

Note:  I am not a doctor, I do not prescribe or diagnose.  You should always check with a doctor.  This is my son's personal story.

The first tool we use is this simple nubby ball.  I got mine from my chiropractor but you can buy them online here:  Purchase Nubby Ball Here

We alternate icing with rubbing the heel and the arch of the foot over this ball.  Apply pressure while rubbing your heel especially.  Ok, yes it hurts, but it is really working out those tight things in your heel!

Stretching.

Stretching that calf and foot help too.  Do calf raises on a step, really extending the heel below the step to stretch it out.  Here is an image of another stretch we use.

Here is a great article on some stretches:  Stretching Article


Our last step is to use Young Living essential oils.

We use a number of different products to help with this.  Here is our protocol.

1.  I massage the back of his legs (lower calves) and heels with Young Living's Ortho Sport oil.

 This amazing oil is infused with Wintergreen, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Elemi, Thyme, Oregano and Vetiver!  It has a warming affect and is loaded with pain relief and anti-inflammatory oils!

2.  The next oil we use is Young Living's proprietary blend, PanAway.  We are never without this oil in our house.  We use it for all sorts of aches, pains, bruises and more!  You may want to dilute this oil especially for the younger crowd!

3.  The third oil is Peppermint.  A very warming, natural analgesic.  Again, you may want to dilute this oil.

4.  The last oil we use is Copaiba.  A wonderful anti-inflammatory oil. 
 

If you are interested in learning more about Young Living oils you can check out my website at www.lorihanken.vibrantscents.com or email me at lhanken96@gmail.com.  You can also check out my Facebook page for more essential oil tips. Facebook

Lastly if you would like to learn more about how and why I got started with Young Living oils, check out my post http://wholehealth4all.blogspot.com/2014_06_01_archive.html

Are you an MLM snob? I was.

Ok, I admit it.  I am a recovering MLM snob, bigot, nay-sayer etc.  Some of this came from my Dad.  He hated companies like Amway.  I hated companies like Amway, Mary Kay, and Avon.  Understand some of this "hate" towards these companies goes back to the days when traditional "pyramid" sales models were prevalent.

*********NEWS FLASH************

Pyramid sales are now illegal!

Guys, seriously, understand something before you judge it.  Do you like it when people see how you look and judge you?  Don't do that to MLM companies!

Guess what, it is a very legitimate business model.

http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/35744

For every article bashing MLM's I can find one that supports it.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/chicceo/2012/09/27/is-mlm-a-bad-word/

It comes down to personal preference.  Many people say, you pay higher prices for the same products.  That is not necessarily true.   There are many industries where higher price means higher quality.  I happen to be in one of those industries both with my "day job" and my MLM.  There are situations where cheap means cheap!

Many people say, prices are higher because they have to pay so many reps.

I have even had people tell me that prices are higher to pay for all the attorney fees because the company is being sued.  OH MY WORD.  That is pure ignorance!   We will cover specifics of this in another post.

Seriously people, do your homework.  I really don't like when people throw stones in a glass house.  They don't understand MLM's so they are afraid of them.  And they spew inaccurate information, like I used to from my Dad".

Corporate America can be a "dog eat dog" world.  Backstabbing, ladder climbing, politically charged workplace.  When your boss says, "jump", you are supposed to say, "how high?".  Again I lived this world, and I hated it.  Of course not all jobs are like this, but so many are.  People saying they are, "living the dream" when they are getting on the next airplane and are missing their kids school music program.  Been there done that, done with that!

Here is reality!  YOU HAVE A CHOICE!

MLM IS JUST A DIFFERENT SALES COMPENSATION METHOD!  Every company has to have someone to sell their products!  The big questions is at what cost?  The big difference is you are not competing with other reps, your upline is there to support you and help you succeed!

Let's say you are a traditional business model.  My husband and I own a traditional business so believe me I get it!  You hire Steve to be a sales rep for you.  You pay him 50,000 a year to be a sales rep in base salary.  You also pay him 7% commission and benefits.  On average a person you pay 50k per year actually costs you at least 66k.  Normally, you have to train him.  There are a number of intangible costs.   He has to make a minimum of 66k GROSS PROFIT to even pay for himself let alone make the company money.  It can take years for a sales rep to actually be profitable for a business.

Really?  How are the prices of MLM companies' products more expensive to pay others?  I am sorry that is ignorance and predjudice.  

What does it cost an MLM company for someone to sell 0!!!!!!  Sounds like a good business model to me!

http://money.cnn.com/2013/02/28/smallbusiness/salary-benefits/

Have you ever heard of the book, "Rich Dad, Poor Dad".  Seriously check it out. 

 http://johnpetruse.net/robert-kiyosaki-explains-why-mlm-is-the-perfect-business

Have you heard about the concept of the 4 year career?  Watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCJ759jt66A

Here are some phrases about Network Marketing that I despise:

*I am giving you the world on a silver platter why aren't you jumping on it?
*It is so easy
*It is not sales
*Anyone can do it

No one can give me the world on a silver platter, I have to work for it.  The audacity behind that statement is ridiculous. That is all ego.

It is not easy - it is work.  If you pick the right product, it is fun work. But it is still work.  You don't just put up a web site and people magically flock to you.  You have to work!

Ok - there is a mantra, "stories sell".  You sell product by telling your personal success stories, not cold calling people and direct sales.  BUT there is a sales element to it.  You have to follow up with people that have expressed interest.  If you just wait for people to come to you, you will do just that.  WAIT.

Seriously - if anyone could do it wouldn't they?   It is not for everyone.  Many people do not succeed in MLM because they make no effort.  There is no business that I know of with unlimited earning potential where you don't have to work at it.  You have to WANT IT!

MYTH - Network marketing is a pyramid scheme:  Ugggg if I hear this again I will throw up.  Pyramid schemes are illegal people!  The biggest pyramid schemes in the US today are CORPORATIONS.  Think about it.  The people at the top work very little and make all the money!  

Here are some other "benefits".

*Punch a clock
*Locked in number of vacation days
*Answer to a boss or multiple bosses
*Often put down or ridiculed by those bosses
*Little schedule flexibility
*Often very little recognition for work 
*Lack of actually helping people improve their lives!

I lived this world for many years.  No more!

Ok, so you can't afford to go full time in network marketing/MLM.  So what!  Find a product where you can be a product of the product, build passion about the product and do it part time.  Some benefits:
*Set your own schedule
*Be your own boss
*Residual income
*FAMILY, FAMILY, FAMILY

When Donald Trump was asked recently what he would do if he had it to do all over again, his matter-of-fact, one-line reply was: "I would get into network marketing."

Don't believe me?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVPvxu98xRs

Seriously people, this is the only place you can truly be in charge of your own destiny.  Don't be so judgmental.   Would you ever judge someone going out and starting their own business? 

That is what network marketers have the guts to do!  Until you have the guts to try it or learn more about it (besides what you have been brain washed into believing).  Don't judge.  When I am massively successful in 4 years or less, I will be here saying, "I told you so, let me show you how".  This is just like my mentors that are saying, "I will show you how".  And they are showing me how.

I am involved in Young Living essential oils.  This is my second MLM - the first was an abysmal failure.  But that is another story too!  

Now the essential oils market is quite volatile with negativity towards MLM's.  Stay tuned for another post (novel) about that whole subject,

www.wholehealth.marketingscents.com

Disclaimer.  These are just one person's opinion.  I may get some negative and volatile responses to this post.  I welcome open and positive conversations.  BUT, this is my blog and if I deem a comment to be demeaning, derogatory or nasty, it will be removed :)

~Peace & Blessings to all

6 Natural Remedies for Nausea

Here is a great blog post about nausea.  My son gets nauseous when he has try outs, or first day of school or other new things.

Click the link below for the original post.

6 Natural Remedies for Nausea

We have used these with great success with him.

Occasionally I might over eat.  Don't tell anyone.  I have also had great success in calming an upset stomach.

Check it out.  www.lorihanken.vibrantscents.com is my website for more information.