We asked Connie to tie essential oils to the idea of self-respect vs self-esteem. We’re so excited to share her thoughts, and even a recipe guaranteed to be a gracious gift to yourself. To learn more about Connie and her wellness journey visit her Facebook page: Catalysts to Connie’s Wellness. Young Living Essential Oils may be ordered from Connie’s Young Living website.
Self-Care as an Expression of Self-Respect
by Connie Scheel
Have you ever thought about why you’re giving yourself the gift of essential oils? Perhaps you started using EOs for some kind of physical pain, to relieve stress or to get a better quality of sleep. These are all wonderful reasons to use EOs, of course. As the saying goes, there is an oil for everything!
Yet, what’s the deeper motivation for seeking wellness and wellth in your life? Think about it for a few moments.
Could it be that you have great respect and Love for yourself? Last week Lynn asked us to ponder the difference between self-esteem and self-respect. She offered the idea that self-respect has to do more with benefits we seek for ourselves. I immediately thought of essential oils and the wide range of benefits, and wellth, they have brought to my life. Did you think of EOs, too?
The article Lynn sent last week from Psychology Today tells us that “The person with self-respect simply likes her- or himself. This self-respect is not contingent on success because there are always failures to contend with.” Liking ourselves means valuing and loving ourselves. Self-care fits in here perfectly!
Our bodies and minds are Temples of God and, therefore, we deserve sweet loving self-care. Caring for ourselves is an opportunity to honor God. That’s the highest kind of self respect if you ask me.
Essential Oils are the essence of nature, a Divine gift. It makes good sense that we are drawn to EOs to bring peace and balance to the challenges and pains of our lives. Self-care can be a beautiful expresion of self- respect.
Frankincense EO was used by the Ancients for nearly every ailment. YoungLiving.com describes it as “Useful for visualizing, improving one’s spiritual connection, and centering, it has comforting properties that help focus the mind and overcome stress and despair… More recently, it has been used in European and American hospitals and is the subject of substantial research. Frankincense is also a valuable ingredient in skin care products for aging and dry skin. The ancient Egyptians used it in rejuvenation face masks.” It fits very well into self-care! It’s no wonder that Young Living includes a 5 ml bottle of Frankincense in their Premium Starter Kits.
The beginning of a New Year is a lovely time to begin, or expand, your self-care routine. I’ve been using the lotion recipe below on my hands and face since moving to dry, but gorgeous, Arizona and LOVE the results. It only uses a few drops of Frankincense and Lavender, yet feels incredibly luxurious and loving. Frankincense reminds me of the breath of God, always with me and in me.
Hand & Face Lotion
½ cup of coconut oil (cold-pressed, extra virgin and organic is best)
6 drops of Frankincense
4 drops of Lavender
Gently place all the ingredients in a mixer and whip for 5 minutes. Place in a clean dry glass jar (essential oils can eat away plastic containers).
