Love + Light: Miscarriage Support

Three years ago, before our ray of sunshine was born, we suffered a miscarriage. It was by far the most devastating thing I had ever encountered and could not have overcome the trauma without my husband and family. In retrospect, that life-altering moment has propelled me into the woman, mother and Health Coach I am today.

I am honored to serve women through my health coaching practice, and even more so, to answer the call of supporting women who've faced such a terrible loss.

Miscarriages are more common than they are openly talked about. If you or someone you know is experiencing heartache over a loss, please know, help is available and you are not alone.

To learn more, visit: https://lovelightfebapril.eventbrite.com

Do It Yourself: Essential Oil Infused Lotion

A few years ago I became very aware of toxins and how they affect our bodies. These suckers are everywhere! Looking at the back of any label from a box of cookies to shampoo was terrifying. So what is a mom to do? Well, I received advice that put me at ease: "if you can't pronounce it, don't consume it." This not only applies to food but our health care products as well. Our skin is our largest organ and therefore, absorbs anything we put on it. 

Thank God for essential oils!! I can't tell you how much peace of mind I get knowing exactly what my products are made of. From face moisturizer and toner to body lotion and perfume -- you can make anything yourself if you really wanted to. 

Here is a short video on how to make lotion that I use myself and on my whole family. It takes under 30 minutes! If you don't yet have a doTERRA essential oil account, please contact me. 

Skip The Resolution This Year

Whether it's January 1st or July 23rd, there's always going to be something we'll want to change or improve about ourselves. If there wasn't, we wouldn't be growing.

Having goals is an essential part of life, but setting (the same) goals year after year and beating ourselves up for not accomplishing them is - I think - a failed strategy.

Let's try something new!

Here is simple mind shift for 2017: This exercise will amplify how balanced you are in life, as well as what's working and what's not:

Circle of Life Exercise 
click to make your circle

Once you've completed the circle, step back observe how you're preforming in each area without guilt or blame. Just observe.

What are you excelling in? What could use a little more work?

Now, let's set the "needs a little work" aside.

How can you experience more of what's working for you?

You know the saying: "how you do anything is how you do everything"? It's something I truly believe in. If you want more of what you have - you need to focus on what's working -so that it can trickle into the other areas of your life. If you're like most of us - you're probably not where you want to be- and that's okay.

What you focus on e   x   p   a   n   d   s   so rather than making a long list of things we need to change, let's start 2017 with a list of things that are working in our favor and make it a goal to do more of that :)

How does that sound?

I challenge you to share this exercise with someone you love and create an accountability buddy out of it! Accountability is definitely something that worked well for me in 2016.

What worked well for you this past year?

The circle of life is something I use regularly with my clients. If you'd like to dive in and create a purposeful 2017, schedule a free session with me and we'll do this exercise together. Gifting free consultations is another "win" on my list :)

For a turbo boost of accountability -- Register for the Let's Play - Mom's Only series! This in-person coaching workshop promises intentional goal setting and tools to help you become the mom you want to be.

In health and love, d.

Get Centered With Cardamom

The healing power of Essential Oils never ceases to amaze me. I have a wonderful book called Emotions and Essential Oils: A Modern Resource for Healing. I reference this book quite often when looking to enhance an experience or heal something I can't see - like emotions.

The best way I can describe this is to ask you to remember a time where your sense of smell took you to another place and time. It could be the scent of a cologne that made you remember a high school boyfriend or fresh baked goodies that reminds you of grandma. Our sense of smell carries intense memory that can transport you back in time within a fraction of a second. 

Because essential oils are a gift of the earth, not only do they help with outer body healing - but internal healing as well. My caution to you is to make sure you use quality essential oils with no fillers or additives to make up for volume; I use dōTERRA. Our oils are sourced from all over the world, using only the highest quality nature has to offer. 

In regards to my last post, Making Good Memories during the holidays, I invite you to set time aside to get centered and honor your values during the fast-paced season. Cardamom can help you with that :) 

According to my trusty book: Cardamom essential oil helps to bring balance, mental clarity, and objectivity during moments of frustration.

To get started, add 2 - 3 drops of Cardamom essential oil to your diffuser, or diluted on or two drops of essential oil with coconut oil and apply over your heart. 

Get centered on the thought of gratitude, peace, and calm - as you take a few deep breaths. 

Care to give it a try? Comment below. I'd be happy to send you a sample. 

In health and love, d. 

More (good) Memories, Please!

Between hosting, wrapping and shopping - let us find time to get centered and create a holiday to remember. Here is a simple exercise that will clear the clutter and get right to what matters most. 

This exercise will take no more than 10 minutes

Here's how we get started: (if you have a diffuser and essential oils, now's a good time to turn that on)

• Turn off all distractions and close your eyes
• Take a few deep breaths
• s  l  o  w down the mind
• and get centered on the thought of gratitude and abundance 

Now, ask yourself: What values are most important to me?

Is it family? Giving? Community? Health? Have my values shifted? Are they the same?

Allow yourself time to brainstorm on these questions.  

Take another breath and see if you can identify at least 3 - 5 of your most important values. 

Got them? Good :) 

Now, ask - how can I make joyful memories that align with what really matters to me? What kind of activities am I doing when I'm at my happiest?

If your current or planned activities don't align with your values, it might be a good time to stop while you're ahead. If you're feeling guilty about any of this -- here is your permission slip; it's okay to say no, especially if it means honoring your values.

As we ease into December, know that it's easy to lose sight of what's important during such a fast paced season or worse- because we're too busy keeping up with the Joneses. Now, it's not something we do on purpose, but if we're not careful, we can easily move from holiday joy to stress-overload. 

Let's get clear and intentional on how we want to spend the holidays. Who knows - we might just enjoy them exactly the way we want to. 


Here's a bonus tip: making new memories may include putting your phone in another room and watching precious moments unfold right before your eyes - especially if you have littles at home. 

I challenge you to honor your values and make memories with them. 

Now that our son is two, we're excited to make our own family traditions, while keeping some of our old favorites alive! 

What kind of memories will you create this season?

In health and love, 

Daisy

Don't Forget About You

I recently found a journal entry I wrote to my unborn child. I mentioned many loving things - but here's what stood out the most and what inspired this blog entry "...there is one thing you need to know about your mommy: I love doing my nails. It brings me peace and makes me very happy; it's my place of zen and helps me unwind after a long week or day."

Reading that made me a little sad because I can't remember the last time I set time aside to do my nails.... Sure, I've gotten a manicure, but sitting down with myself, by myself to do something as simple as that- is a distant memory. How could that be? I had a ritual of going to Target and picking out a new Essie nail polish color to add to my collection... Every. Single. Week.

As I embrace new moms in my coaching, I'm present to the fact that - while I'm not the same person I was before I became a mom (nowhere near, in fact) there are little niceties I've allowed myself to forget. That little gem is worth remembering :) I'm going to pencil it in this week.

What are some things you've allowed yourself to forget? And if you're not a mom- what are somethings you hope you always remember?

Raise your level of awareness to the ripple affect self-love has on your loved ones, here: http://bit.ly/MomLoveConvo

Need a little boost re-connecting with the old you? Let's talk: Sign up for a complementary 45 minutes session

In health and love,

Daisy

And here - the little angel responsible for the instant transformation :) 

3 Ways A Doula Can Help During Birth

One thing I truly regret not having during the birth of my son is a doula. Here are three reasons why I will not let that happen again :) Studies show that when doulas are present at birth, women have shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, fewer cesareans and healthier babies.

Recent evidence also suggests that when a doula provides labor support, women are more satisfied with their experience and the mother-infant interaction is enhanced as long as two months after the birth. With doula support, fathers tend to stay more involved with their partner rather than pull away in times of stress

A doula:

1. Brings calm & is fully present with you
2. Your encourager, especially when you feel like giving up
3. Provides evidence based research you can trust 

I'm honored to have partnered with Chicago Family Doulas in our 2016 series "Essential Oils and Pregnancy" class with Doula Christine. This is a fantastic opportunity to ask questions and learn more about having a peaceful and most natural birth. 

RSVP for our free class, here!

Here are some testimonials for Christine; 

"Christine assisted the birth of my second child. She was a wonderful--her calming, grounding presence reassured me that the experience I hoped for was possible, and she went out of her way to answer our family's questions in our initial visits and offer individualized suggestions and advice. When the time came, she helped me through a bad muscle cramp and worked with me through a long early labor. I believe the final stages were quick and (compared to my first) easy thanks to her compassionate care early on! I highly recommend her practice."


"I wanted to give a huge thanks for everything you did during my labor. Your guidance and comfort made the long difficult hours tolerable. Davide, I and baby Nora will always be grateful for your care!!!"

In health and love,
Daisy De La Cruz

Moms & Self-Care: Luxury or Mandatory?

I had a fantastic conversation this morning with speaker, author and former Director of Training for Jack Canfield, Robert MacPhee! Take a listen as we discuss the critical role self-care plays in a child's life and ultimately, in their achievement of joy and happiness.

Click here to listen

Robert and I met in Utah while on business training with one of my favorite coaches, Tiffany Peterson. He was one of the presenters and I found myself completely fascinated by his message on raising happy children, something every parent in the room could resonate with. Even more so, I found that his target audience (parents) was right in line with my goals as an influencer, and I could  really get behind his style of training that, simply put, practices mentoring and modeling versus teaching and preaching. This begged the question in my mind; what kind of person do you want your son to model? What kind of mentor do you want to be? It stopped me in my tracks since I'd never thought of it from that perspective... who do I want to be for Zolín? Eager to clarify my role as a mother, mentor, and model, I felt this huge responsibility to share with other parents as well.

So here we are! Robert and I are thrilled to be sharing this awareness with you, the reader and listener. I am grateful for the clarity I've been given and the very intentional path I'm on to raise our son. I wish nothing more than for you to have that, too.

I have to tell you, it's pretty awesome to be 2° of separation from Jack Canfield :) Here's what Jack has to say about Robert's work:

"Robert MacPhee is a talented speaker and facilitator, capable of delivering a wide range of content which can be either supremely practical and action oriented or more deep and spiritual in nature. His presentation style is highly engaging and always humorous and entertaining. His workshops, seminars, and speeches are all powerful and instantly applicable. I have seen over and over again how people instantly resonate with his approach.” – Jack Canfield

To learn more about my work with moms or schedule a complimentary Self-Care Awareness session, contact me or visit www.SanaMenteHealth.com // For more information on Robert's work with - visit ExcellentDecisions.com or watch this short video below.


In health & love,
Daisy De La Cruz

Instagram: @hey_dais
Facebook: @SanaMenteHealth

Simple Oil-Pulling-Chews Recipe

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic technique that has resurfaced in recent times. When swished around in the mouth, the antibacterial properties of oil pull out bacteria and fungus, alleviating inflammation, congestion, and even allergies. It squelches bad breath, bleeding gums, cavities, gingivitis, plaque, and sensitive teeth, and moistens the mouth, lips, and throat. Needless to say, it is more powerful than simply brushing your teeth and flossing, combined!


Directions to mastering your oral health, compliments of IIN:


Measure out 1-2 teaspoons of oil and put it in your mouth OR see video below a step by step how-to make your own peppermint essential oil infused chewables.

• 1| Swish and pull the oil around your mouth and between your teeth. Start with five minutes and then build your way up to 20 minutes or more. Be careful not to swallow the oil since it contains toxins and bacteria from your mouth. 
• 2| When you’re ready to spit out the liquid, make sure you do so in the garbage. The contaminated oil can clog your pipes. 
• 3| Rinse your mouth out with salt water or water mixed with a little apple cider vinegar to ensure that all of the oil is out of your mouth. 
• 4| After you’ve thoroughly rinsed your mouth, brush your teeth well to kill any bacteria remnants. 
• 5| Smile in the mirror and thank yourself for taking time to take care of you! Your self-care should be an extremely high priority. When you care for yourself deeply, you’re able to show up in the world in a big way

Don't forget to share the love with your friends & followers! 

In health and love, Daisy

Yours Truly, Integrative Health Coach at SanaMenteHealth.com

Essential Oils and Pregnancy

I wish I knew about essential oils while I was pregnant with my sweet baby. I would've started using them immediately! Essential oils provide a safe, gentle alternative to OTC and prescription drugs that are not recommended during pregnancy. They can provide relief for nausea, aches and anxiety - just to name a few common symptoms. I'll be hosting a free Essential Oils and Pregnancy class alongside ConsciousXplorer and Chicago Family Doulas one week from today!

Space is limited, please RSVP bit.ly/EOBaby & Share with your mama tribe!

Make LOVE Your Language

In light of our 3 year anniversary this week (and the very obvi theme this month :) I’d like to focus on relationships with your plus one.

I've mentioned before that at IIN, we focus on Primary Foods which are Relationships, Career, Spirituality and Physical Activity. Secondary Foods are anything else that goes on our plate. So, let’s say you love your job, eat your greens, hit the gym and pray or meditate – whatever gets you closer to a higher being, but come home or have to deal with a tumultuous relationship full of resentment and anger. You don’t see eye-to-eye and there is constant tension around you. Your body, as healthy as you may think it is, is producing a high dose of the stress hormone, cortisol. According to Psychology Today, cortisol is not to be taken lightly. "Scientists have known for years that elevated cortisol levels: interfere with learning and memory, lower immune function and bone density, increase weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease... Chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels also increase risk for depression, mental illness, and lower life expectancy..." 

As a health coach, my job is to help you see through the fog so you can balance the Relationship part of your Primary Foods and work towards being your happiest self. 

I’m a huge fan of personal development; literature and in-person development are a constant in our home. A great book to read on this topic is 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman. We all know communication is key, but love-language communication is, I believe, absolutely instrumental.

If you find yourself out of balance in this area, I not only encourage you and your other half to read 5 Love Languages, but also to take the quiz (here) and make time to discuss your findings. 

All relationships take work, but lifetime relationships take an extra special "umph" to make work. Before you get started, know that in the eyes of God, we are all innocent beings and - that the ego has no place here. As always, if you need help in getting started - contact me for a free consultation.  

In health & love, 

Daisy

Romans 5: 3-5 

"And not only this, but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferings and rejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; 

 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation]. 

Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappoints us, because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us."

Life is a Balancing Act

When I began to fall in love with essential oils, Balance was one of the oils that I could really see an emotional shift in, once I stare using it. It smells divine and has so many wonderful properties. The primary benefit is that it supports a sense of whole body relaxation. 

From the trusty doTERRA site:

• Begin your day by putting Balance on the bottom of your feet to promote feelings of calmness and tranquility throughout the day.
• Balance is a great oil blend to use during an AromaTouch® Hand Massage.

The Selfless Struggle

In my last post, I talked about self love and it being a great place to start when looking to change the world around you. This one, is for all the moms who -out-of-love, forget that we need self love, too.
It is my core belief that women are majestic. Our bodies are incredible and we don't hear that often enough, so hear me now.

Something amazing happens when you become a Mom. Not to slide dads in any of this, but I believe there is automatic re-wiring of thoughts and emotions and suddenly your mental capacity pours selflessly into another human; one you've created. For moms with multiple children, this happens approximately every 2 or 3 years.

I was infatuated with learning about the development of my son while pregnant; completely mesmerized at how life begins and unfolds in the womb. I felt amazing (yes, I was one of those ladies with a glorious pregnancy), but nothing could prepare me for the surreal love and devotion I would feel as soon as they placed him in my arms.

For many moms, our physical and emotional world changes once our baby is born. You love, think-of and care-for this tiny little human from here on out - slowly forgetting about yourself and your needs. It's okay at first, right? You think- "I can swing this no-sleep, messy hair, dark-eye-circle thing." And you may, for a little while. The truth is, our love for this new being is so beyond words that it can easily create a false sense of care. We feel accomplished if baby is happy, dressed, fed and snuggled asleep. But what about you? When is it okay to sneak back to the top of your list? As a mom of an almost 2 year old, I recently discovered I'm one of those moms who unintentionally finishes last. If my son is taken care of, I'm happy. I feel accomplished. I feel like all is well, even if a small voice inside says somethings missing.  It takes a brave friend to say "you're doing great, but think of how much more amazing you can contribute to the world around you if you took care of yourself first?" She's right.

Selfless acts of love and self care can be hard for moms, but I'm taking a stand to say no, it doesn't have to be! Maybe it's not mom guilt, maybe you don't even realize you're doing it. Wherever you are, take a deep breath and know that you're doing amazing.

I prefer to deposit self love in the morning, before anyone else gets up. It's very refreshing and it instantly puts me in a good mood. Incorporating essential oils to my routine is just icing on the cake.

Here are a three morning routine tips to get you started. There is no right or wrong way, the bottom line is to carve out some time for you and what you enjoy doing.

• In those first few moments upon waking up,  you are in pure awareness. Instead of picking up your phone and scrolling through your feed or checking emails, meditate/pray and give thanks. Sit in gratitude for 5 minutes if that's all you have. Become present in the new day and set an intention. 
• Read 10 minutes or 10 pages from a book you enjoy. I great book I just finished reading is Strong Mothers, Strong Sons by Meg Meeker (read it, love it) 
• If you have extra time on your hands, journal. Write down everything that comes to your mind; leave the self judgment behind. Morning Pages are a good way to clear the subconscious and start with a clean slate. 

How do you start your day? Contact me if you're interested in a free consultation. 

In health and love, 

Daisy

Image taken from @heyletsmakestuff