Lessons From The People Whom I Can't Thank Enough

I guess you could say I kind of stand out amongst other people my age. On my weekends, I go to leadership meetings and teach people about health and wellness. In the evening, I'm on conference calls/webinars to learn more about business and leadership skills, and I currently have a stack of John Maxwell books sitting on my shelf that I am working through. I mean, here I am, about to graduate college while on my way to financial freedom through residual income that I have generated through my "side" Essential Oil Business (which I plan to make full time in the very near future). While all my friends are going to career fairs and planning when they are going to take the GRE for graduate school, here I am urgently looking forward to the day when I graduate so I can finally have time to work my business full time.  Clearly I'm not your "average" college student. Haha. The question I often get is, WHY? Why am I doing this? Why am I like this? While personality can come into play a little bit, I know the majority of the reason is due to the influence of my parents growing up. Please hear me out, I am NOT saying this to brag in ANY way...I just want to share with you some of the principles of personal growth, independence, and financial freedom that my parents have instilled into me that have made me successful in who I am today, and to show you how these same simple principles can totally rock your world as they have mine.

When I was little, my parents would play CD's of motivational speakers in the car ALL THE TIME. Sounds like a 4 year old girl's dream, right?...Or not. I cannot tell you how many times I begged them to play the Pocahontas or The Little Mermaid soundtrack.  I mean, personal development could NOT have been more boring to me at the time. However, whether I realized it or not...the principles I was hearing became drilled into my being, and they have left an enormous mark on my life. This is just ONE aspect of how my parents have played such a key role in my life, and are people whom I really look up to.

The principles I'm about to share with you are principles for SUCCESS that have inspired me on my journey to where I am today. They will inspire you too, and if you practice them, watch out world, because you will be UNSTOPPABLE! YOU were made to THRIVE, NOT merely survive! Never forget that!

1. You are UNLIMITED. Don't limit yourself. Don't let others limit you. My dad used to tell me all the time, "Priya, you can do ANYTHING at all, if you are willing to put in the work. Don't be afraid to dream big." I cannot tell you the effect this has on a child. If you are a parent, don't ever limit your children or tell them they're not good enough. I am telling you guys, if you truly grasp this concept, the world will not be able to stop you. There will be NO limits to what you can accomplish. I have often heard Adam Green, a network marketing professional who I look up to, say that the most expensive thing you can own is a closed mind. Think about that for a minute.

2. Think out of the box. You don't have to follow everyone else, make your own path. For example, our society says to do well in high school, go to college for 4 years, graduate, and then get a good job so you can work for 40 years and then retire to the "golden years," where you can really enjoy life. I don't know about you guys, but I just can't seem to come to terms with the fact that most people work 40 years of their life in a job they don't like...just to enjoy 10-15 years afterwards. Something seems out of balance there. I want my whole life to be golden years, no?! If time is the only commodity we invest that we never get back, why are so many people investing it in something they don't enjoy? My point is this: Don't feel like you always have to go with the "status quo." Remember it is the people who "go against the grain" in life that truly make an impact in the world. Be creative, be unique, be you.

3. Invest in Yourself.  The human mind is an extremely powerful tool, and YOU are worth the investment. I cannot stress this enough. All of those motivational speakers my parents made me listen to as a 4 year old? That had a HUGE impact on my life, even though at the time I did NOT enjoy it. Personal development equips you and gives you the tools you need to meet your goals in this world. Life can be ugly, guys. It can bring you down, but if you are equipped to know how to handle yourself in response to whatever comes your way by using your failures to leverage you into greater growth....my oh my...nothing can stop you.

4. ALWAYS have a heart of generosity and gratefulness.  When things in your life go wrong, remember that there are always those who have it worse than you. Count your blessings, and readily use what you have been given to bless others. We are blessed to bless. Also, remember that the most important things in this life cannot be bought. 

5. Be good stewards of your money! This goes hand-in-hand with #4. Make wise financial decisions. In other words, don't buy things you can't afford and drive yourself into debt. My dad has ALWAYS taught me that if there is any way possible, AVOID loans and debt. You will sleep so much more soundly at night with that stress off your shoulders. Use your money as a tool to work for you. You should own your money, it should not own you. If you're thinking about making a big purchase this year such as buying a house or car, it is always smart to get some financial advising. Personal Capital has some great free finance tools here that can help you in this way.

In conclusion, an open letter to the people whom I can't thank enough:

Dear Mom and Dad,

Thank you for the incredible impact you have had on my life. Thank you for the principles of independence and strength that you have taught me from a very young age. Thank you for teaching me how to make wise financial decisions, in being generous and giving back, as well as teaching me self-discipline in that area. Thank you for ALWAYS being my number one fan, and encouraging me to fight for my dreams no matter what others thought of me. I love you guys so much. 

And to everyone reading this, you ARE a world changer. You CAN make a difference, and you CAN choose to act today and start living the life you want to live. 

Love you guys!! Be sure to hit the "follow" button on the right so you can be back to continue our series on personal values!!

Defining Your Values: A Series (3/6)

Hello friends :)

I hope you all have had a wonderful start to your week...you know, I was talking to someone today and I was asking them how their day was going, and they replied with a mellow, "well, you know, Monday." I was tempted to agree and then was like WAIT...NO!!! If the days of the week had feelings, I think Monday would be the most hurt because people always seem to be complaining about the dreaded...Monday! You know it's true! We really need to change our view of Mondays here, guys. Monday is NOT just a boring, dreaded, start to the week. Monday is the opportunity for a new, fresh, beginning! A week full of opportunities, decisions, and moving forward. Why don't we stop looking at Mondays as something to dread but instead as something new we can LEARN this week! Whether you absolutely LOVE Mondays because you love what you do, or you hate your job and the fact that you have to sit at your cramped desk all week listening to your annoying coworkers complain about how the coffeemaker in the lounge stopped working, make a decision to CHOOSE to LOVE Mondays because of the OPPORTUNITIES the week will bring. Happiness is a CHOICE...Anyway, okay, rant over. Let's shift back to what you really came here for...

The real reason I am writing this post is to discuss my 3rd value for our series on values! I am so excited about this, guys!! We are half-way done!

Value #3: Intentional Relationships

Okay, so this is HUGE. Now, I know It sounds like some really fancy thing that seems really complicated and hard, but I am telling you, it's not. It just requires a little...mmm..intentionality (sorry to my 6th grade vocabulary teacher who told me never to define a word using the word). Intentionality means choosing to make time for people...DESPITE the craziness of life. Newsflash, we are ALL BUSY. Yup. All of us, in our own way. So, you are no longer allowed to use that as an excuse because we are all on the same playing field here. :) Intentionality means choosing to act DESPITE your busyness. It means choosing to write a 3 sentence card to your friend on their birthday or anniversary...sending them a quick text letting them know that you prayed for them today (make sure you actually did)...or sending them some flowers when you know they're feeling down...I am telling you guys, people LOVE this. YOU love this! Think about the last time someone took the time to write and send you a personal note. It made your day, right? And you probably kept it for a long time too! Sadly, even though writing a quick note can literally take 5 minutes and is SO easy, this is an area that I am working to be better at as well, so trust me, I am talking to myself here too! Haha.

Anyway, I KNOW this makes a HUGE impact on people in our world. This REALLY lets people know that you CARE, and THAT makes a difference. PEOPLE MATTER. Your RELATIONSHIPS with them matter. In the business world, this tells people that you appreciate them and really do care for them as a person...it lets them know that they're not just a number to you, but a living, breathing person, whom you care about. If you are in the kind of business I am in..it is about SOOO much more than you or I..or even...essential oils (gasp! Yes, I said it!)...it's about PEOPLE and the PEOPLE God has put in our lives to SERVE and LEAD. So...my challenge to you (and to myself), is to take a moment RIGHT NOW and write a quick encouraging note to a friend. Go ahead, do it right now. I'm doing it with you.

Now, tomorrow, put a stamp on it and put in in your mailbox. Okay? Okay. Let's be intentional in our relationships.

Love you guys!! Thanks for taking the time to read this! I'll see you back here for value #4 coming soon!

Defining Your Values: A Series (2/6)

"Do not remember the former things; neither consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."- Isaiah 43:18-19

Goodbye 2015, hello 2016! It's a new year, a new start. I just started a 21 days of prayer for my business to start off the new year (you can find out more about that here if you're interested), and ALREADY God has been moving in my heart.  This verse really speaks to me and I am declaring it as my theme verse for 2016. I am SO excited to start off the year in the right way by setting my focus on the Lord and I am thrilled to see how He works this year.

In the second post of this series, I am going to talk about a value to me that is absolutely critical to growth in any area of life, and in being a successful leader. While these posts are not in any order regarding ranking of values (except the for the last one...which is really my #1 value),  this one definitely ranks up somewhere near the top. Also, with the new year just ringing in, there is no better time to write about this:

Value #2: Vision

Vision. Proverbs 29:18 states "Where there is no vision, the people perish." Vision is what drives people, it motivates them. It gets them through the hard times because they are able to see the greater vision, the dream. It is the job of the leader to cast a vision for the team, to give them direction and pave the way. It is crucial to the success of any large feat. VISION inspires people to ACTION which leads to GOAL SETTING which in turn makes DREAMS come true. Vision gives one a concrete picture of what they are trying to create as a result of their actions. So this new year, in whatever area you may be working in, if you are in a position of influence and leadership, cast a direction for the people you are working with. It creates unity, drive, and success. 

What is your vision for 2016? Where do you see yourself going? What do you see yourself doing? Who do you want to impact? 

Keep in mind that VISION does not mean GOALS, though it can include your goals. GOALS are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time bound. Whereas a VISION is a more broad and general direction that you see yourself going. However, your GOALS should lead you to accomplishing your VISION, which will inspire further action to make your DREAMS come true! :) 

Without a vision, the people perish. What is your vision for 2016?

Defining Your Values: A Series (1/6)

Values. We all have them, whether we have taken the time to seek them out and define them or not. They are principles that define us- our businesses, our work, our free time, our interactions with others...they are a core part of who are are, and they are different for everybody. They define who we are and explain why we do the things we do. Every successful company has core values that defines what they are about. Think about it- Disney, Apple, Walmart...even the University I attend has 4 core values that drive it. Our businesses are driven by values too, and it is important for us to recognize and define them so that people who see us know what we are about and what we are striving for.

Last February when I attended the Thrive Conference in Nashville hosted by Monique McLean, we had a session on this very topic. I went home, did some soul searching, and developed my values- I have 6 of them. I am going to do a series for the next 6 posts of going through those values and why they matter- I am not ashamed of them as they really encompass what drives me to keep working on growing my business (they are different than my "why," though they make up parts of it)....also I hope it will encourage YOU to seek out your personal values - they will be different than mine and represent a picture of your business and your life. At the end of this series, I will make a post with a step-by-step guide for how you can come up with your values! It's going to be great!

SO, with that being said...

Value #1: Changing Lives

(Also these are in no particular order, except for the last one, which is really my top one- best for last, ya know? ;))


I got a text today from a good family friend that I helped introduce the oils to and become a part of this journey.  She explained how her family was incorporating the oils into all parts of their lives and how even her kids loved learning about them and using them. She said it was a lifestyle change and expressed thanks for how much she loved her oils.

I got another phone call recently from a downline member who told me a heart-warming story about how she was so thankful for Ningxia Red and how it has completely changed her dad's life- for the better. Calls and messages like this are not out of the ordinary in this oily journey, and it is so fun and exciting to hear each time! My automatic response in my mind:  I was a part of that? Of telling you about this? Wow, that is humbling. I give all the glory for everything in my business to the Lord, for it is He that brings people into our lives and causes our business to grow, but the fact that He is choosing to use me in such an impacting position is so incredibly humbling!

BUT the greater fact is that lives are being changed!! I'm not just talking about physical wellness here, either, guys!! I'm talking about empowering people to live in wellness, purpose, and abundance in ALL areas of life -spiritual, emotional, physical, and financial. It gives me the opportunity to serve people and lead people- to show them the love of Christ in all of my work. I am thrilled to be a part of a company that is so life changing....truly! THIS is part of my "why" I do what I do....I share the oils with everyone I possibly can because I know how it will positively make an impact in their life, and I want to be a part of that. To me, not telling someone is incredibly selfish. When we help to change people's lives we are changing the world, one little bit at a time.
I am a world changer, and you know what!? I believe you can be too! :)

Citrus Ningxia Wolfberry Tea

Hi friends!

I saw this recipe posted online by one of my Facebook friends who is also involved in Young Living, and it looked so good that I just had to try it and post about it for others to try! This is a perfect tea for a cool fall or winter day to curl up with a blanket and good book. I think the best part about it is getting to eat the hydrated wolfberries at the end- it's quite a treat! :D

Citrus Ningxia Wolfberry Tea

Ingredients

2-3 tbsp. Dried Ningxia Wolfberries (or enough to thoroughly coat the bottom of your mug)

1-2 drops Young Living Citrus Fresh Essential Oil

Honey or Agave Syrup (optional)

Hot Water

Directions

Put the wolfberries in your mug. You can add more to adjust the tea to your liking. I like my tea to be flavorful, so I tend to be more generous with the wolfberries. You can't really overdo it, so just try it to see what you like! Add boiling water to the mug, and let the tea steep for 2-3 minutes. Add the Citrus Fresh, or any other dietary Young Living Essential Oil. Stir in the honey or agave to your liking, and enjoy! I like to leave the wolfberries in the tea while I am drinking it, so I can slowly eat them. :-) 

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Gluten-Free Chocolatey Pumpkin Walnut Bread Deliciousness (w/essential oils!)

MMMM I loveeee the tastes and smells of fall. Carmel apples, pumpkin pies, spiced coffees...I could go on! Today I decided to make a gluten-free chocolate pumpkin walnut bread with essential oils!! Now that's a mouthful- literally! This bread is SOOO good and very moist- it certainly does not taste "gluten-free." It is my new favorite go-to fall bread, and your house will smell amazing when you bake it. Enjoy!

Ohh fuzzy socks...! Those are also on my list for fall/winter favorites. :-)

These oils would be wonderful diffused together, they are all so wonderful in this bread!

The nice thing about this recipe is that it is a "one-bowl bread," meaning that you only use one bowl! I am a big fan of less clean-up and dishes so this made things super easy!

Note: The dough will be quite thick before you add the pumpkin and water (above picture). Don't worry though, it will become easier to work with. Also, you can remove the walnuts and/or chocolate if you don't like them, it shouldn't alter the recipe much.

Adding the oils, my favorite part!! Make sure you mix them in well (but don't overmix) so that they are evenly distributed!

This is my "I-wish-you-could-be-here-to-smell-how-amazing-this-is" look. Sigh. It is times like this that I wish scents could go through the computer!

Andddd after 67 minutes....viola! 

I like it the best when it is warm so that all of the chocolate is melted! Yum!

Gluten-Free Chocolate Walnut Pumpkin Bread w/ Essential Oils 

Ingredients:

3 c. sugar (can use xylitol for a lower carb option)

1 c. grapeseed, avacado, or olive oil

4 eggs

2 c. gluten-free flour

1 1/2 c. almond flour/meal

2 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 tsp. salt

2/3 c. water

1-15 oz. can Pumpkin Pie (not pie filling)

1 c. coarsely chopped walnuts

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

7 drops of Young Living Nutmeg Essential Oil*

3 drops of Young Living Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil*

2 drops of Young Living Orange Essential Oil*

1 drop of Young Living Clove Essential Oil*

*I only recommend ingesting Young Living brand essential oils. Here's why.

Instructions:

1. Grease 2 large loaf pans and preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Beat sugar, oil, and eggs together.

3. Beat in flour and almond meal (1 cup at a time), baking soda and salt.

4. Stir in pumpkin and water (if using an electric mixer, don't use it for this step, as everything will splatter all over the place).

5. Add chocolate, walnuts, and all essential oils. Mix thoroughly, but do not over-mix.

6. Pour into 2 greased loaf pans and bake for 1 hour, or until toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. (Remember, if you added chocolate, it will always come out on the toothpick, but you are looking for no batter on the toothpick).

7. Let stand in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove to a rack and cool.

8. Wrap when completely cool. These freeze very well!

Enjoy!!! Let me know how you like it!

An Unusual Twist on Gratitude

Today I was looking back over some of my past twitter/facebook posts, and the more I did that, the more I was overcome with an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I remembered the good times, the times I was laughing so hard I was crying, the memories made with my friends, and the longing to be remake those memories again. However, I really was drawn to reflecting on the difficult times, and more importantly, how much I had grown through those difficult times.

It's weird.
You see, I enjoyed thinking about and reminiscing on the hard times almost more so than I did on the fun times. It seems almost backward.

I'm not saying that I necessarily enjoyed the thoughts and feelings that rushed back along with those hard memories, but it made me realize where I am today, and how I would not be where I am today had I NOT had those hard times, and had I not chosen to grow through them. Hence, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for them.

God is so good. He grace is....indescribable. In my own life, I've always found that I grow the most through tough times, and I'm pretty sure that applies to most people. I LOVE Genesis 50:20 that states "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result." (NASB)  What Satan intends for evil, God can turn it around for good and for His glory, because He works ALL things for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28). We see this all throughout the Bible, but the story of Joseph is especially brought to my mind.

So, what can we learn from this?

1. You can choose to accept and be at peace about the past: Nothing that you've done is out of the reach of God's forgiveness and grace. Don't beat yourself up! Forgiveness of yourself and others is a key catalyst to the healing process. God can and will work everything for your good! I'm not saying you may not have to deal with the consequences of your actions, but your future can be bright! We all make mistakes, so don't dwell on the past, but rather, choose to learn and grow from it. :)

2. Live in the present! I sometimes catch myself playing the "what if" game...don't do that! You are where you are for a reason. The past is gone. Whatever you are doing and wherever you are, be all in and do it for HIS glory.

3. Get excited about the future- and stop worrying! God has you in His hand, and He will guide your path and direct you, if you let Him! Yes, we make mistakes, but He is always there to guide us back and lead us to Him. I was once told to think of it like a GPS. We're supposed to let God direct us (let Him be our GPS), but sometimes we take a wrong turn. When this happens, the GPS recalculates to get us back on the right track- so God does with our life!


Here are 2 songs that I absolutely LOVE that completely resonate with this entry:

Sovereign Over Us- Aaron Keyes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPkMbhydU9I
Through All of It- Colton Dixon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91KliTa1ksY

Anyway, just a few thoughts for the day. Time to go back and study for my Gen Chem II final exam that is tomorrow..ha.. :p THANK YOU for taking the time to read. :)