Essential Oils Basics: doTERRA’s Healthy Home Kit

Ok, friends, I’m gonna keep going and share about another doTERRA enrollment kit. Last week, I told you all about doTERRA’s Healthy Start Kit, and today I’m going to move on to the Healthy Home Kit.

The Healthy Home Kit comes with the SAME 10 essential oils and diffuser as the Healthy Start Kit, so I won’t be diving into those oils. Just click HERE if you’d like an overview of the 10 basic essential oils. The oils in the Healthy Home Kit are 3 times bigger, however, than the oils in the Healthy Start Kit. Most of this post will be focusing on the other products that come in the kit as well. Here we go!

10 Essential Oils: Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint, Tea Tree, OnGuard (Protective Blend), Breathe (Respiratory Blend), Deep Blue (Soothing Blend), DigestZen (Digestive Blend), Frankincense and Oregano. These 10 oils will be able to address the majority of your family’s health needs. Remember, you can get the recap of the oils HERE.

OnGuard Foaming Hand Wash (with Dispensers): We love this hand wash, y’all. It has all the benefits of OnGuard essential oil, in a hand wash. Many store bought hand soaps have harsh chemicals that make it antibacterial, and this soap is a much more natural and gentle approach to keeping hands fresh and clean.

OnGuard Cleaner Concentrate: This bottle will last you a long time. All you need is two tablespoons mixed with water and you’ve got a natural cleaner for your entire home. You can also use some of this cleaner to clean your dishes, and it helps to remove stains from your clothes as well.

OnGuard Sanitizing Mist: I mean, who doesn’t want an extra hand sanitizer right now? We’ve got one in each of our vehicles and in each of our work offices.

OnGuard Toothpaste: You guys, I’ve been using this toothpaste for YEARS and it has done wonders for my teeth. I hadn’t seen a dentist for years (and last time had been told I needed cavities filled), and once I went back he told me, “Whatever you’re doing to take care of your teeth, keep doing it. They look great” So that’s what I plan to do.

Salon Essentials Protecting Shampoo & Smoothing Conditioner: doTERRA’s hair care products are made with their essential oils and botanical ingredients designed to keep your hair clean and healthy. It’s safe for color treated hair, too!

Brevi Diffuser: This petite diffuser has a 2, 5, or 10 hour setting. It’s a gorgeous addition to any room, but ideal for a smaller space like a bedroom or office. If you have kiddos, it has a light which comes in handy for a night light when diffusing at night.

This Healthy Home Kit is great if you wanted a bigger kit that goes beyond just the basics. This kit will give your family a nice jumpstart to transforming your home. I love how it includes the 10 foundational oils for your home, and the beginning of natural home care product for your family. Start today by clicking HERE, and you’ll receive a welcome gift from me! The link should be directed to my personal doTERRA site, but in case you need my Wellness Advocate number, it’s 603165. Thanks for your support!

Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Practical Steps

Hello, friends. I want to let you know up front, where I am at right now is not my finish line. I still have work to do. I know that. I’m taking steps to get there. I think many times, people think any issue can be solved in 10 therapy sessions, and then all is well. But y’all, that’s just not how it works, at least, not for me.

For about a year, I went to therapy every other week, with the main focus being on my anxiety. I showed up, my counselor showed up, and God showed up in amazing ways. I saw many, many breakthroughs and revelation sitting on that couch in my counselor’s office.

Then, my counselor asked me if there was another area in my life where I was still struggling. Maybe something that we hadn’t addressed yet, because we had been busy tackling the most pressing issue: anxiety. I opened up with her about my body image issues. I hadn’t really told her before about the time spent starving myself. I may no longer be physically starving myself, but my mind is still starving my heart from fully loving my body. I’m ready to be free from that.

So, our focus has landed here. Then COVID hit the world. Counseling via Zoom is very difficult when Internet is not readily available… but I’m doing my best. Here are some practical steps I have been taking the past year to try and love my body well.

In terms of exercise: I work out 3 or 4 days a week, instead of 6 or 7. I stick to what I love, and I try not to get caught up in thinking I should be doing more. I like running, yoga, walking, and swimming. I stick to that. If I miss a workout, I do not need to make up for it. I just keep on living my life, y’all.

In terms of food: I eat pretty much the same thing as everyone else in the house. This may seem like a “given,” but it’s not when you’ve had an unhealthy relationship with food. I’ve gone sugar-free, carb-free, dairy-free, plant based, and everything in between. I’ve counted calories, carbs, and containers. I’m over it. I genuinely enjoy my veggies and fruits, so a lot of what we eat IS that, but I’m also gonna eat dessert whenever I dang well please. I no longer track calories, or macros, or containers or points… I just eat real food. (Side note: If tracking is your thing, more power to you. I just know, for me, things get toxic when I track. I tend to obsess, and then when things don’t line up, I tend to be hurtful to myself. So that is why I don’t track. If you can track your food in a healthy and positive way that works for you, then go for it.)

In terms of mental health: I continue to go to therapy. This is a focus for me right now. Although I can practically tell you that I’m doing these things listed above, and that I desperately want to be okay with my body… the truth is I am not. I am all too aware of how my clothes fit and the mommy tummy I still have. So, we’re weeding out the lies and replacing them with truth. I’ve been listening to and I’ve been motivated by these lies for 21 years… I can’t expect to rid them in 21 days. It’s just not that easy. But I’m willing to show up every day, ready to fight another battle towards healing. I remind myself of these truths over and over when the lies try to speak. I know one day, the truth will be louder than the lies. So, I’m fighting for that day.

I hope you will too. You are worth the fight. Your spouse is worth the fight. Your child, friend, coworker, colleague, and teammate; they’re all worth the fight. Let’s suit up for battle, y’all.

A note to loved ones: Maybe you’re reading this, and you don’t struggle with an eating disorder, but someone you loves does. I beg you, please keep showing up in their lives. I know, it’s exhausting. It’s the same old fight again and again. But they NEED you. I remember feeling so alone, even though I was surrounded by people who love me. I hardly voiced anything to them at the time, because I didn’t want to be a burden. I didn’t want to bother anyone with my problems. So, please GO to them. Ask them how they are doing, and listen. Ask them what they need. Tell them the truth. Tell them they’re not a burden. Tell them you will fight this beast with them. Tell them healing is possible. Tell them they are loved.

If you are battling an eating disorder; please get professional help. Look up some counseling resources in your local area, and call to make an appointment. When you call to schedule an appointment, let them know you’ve got an eating disorder and ask for someone with experience in that area. If there is no one trained in that particular office, ask for a referral. Most offices have a referral list for specific areas of training. You can do it! You really can be free. I’m cheering for you.

Essential Oil Basics: Featuring doTERRA’s Healthy Start Kit

I have had some moms coming to me lately who want to begin using essential oils, but they’re not sure where to start. They want to incorporate the oils in their daily routine to keep their family healthy, and they want to they get the biggest bang for their buck. That was me too! So, I thought I’d create some blog posts that explain the oils in doTERRA’s various Starter Kits. Today, I’ll be focusing on the Healthy Start Kit. Just like the name suggests, it gets you all you need for a quick, healthy start. It comes with 10 (5ml) essential oils, and a diffuser!

LAVENDER: This is called the “Swiss army knife” of essential oils, because it’s such a versatile oil. Use it with Tea Tree oil on your kiddos diaper rash, heat rash during the summer, and bug bites all year round. Combine it with Frankincense in a diffuser to calm your baby before bedtime. Put some on your pulse points in the afternoon to ease your anxious feelings. It’s a MUST for all families.

LEMON: I LOVE me some lemon oil! I like to combine this with Peppermint in the morning to help wake up our house before school and get out all the morning grumpiness. It’s great to drink in a glass of water for a gentle daily detox. Lemon also works to break up any gunk in your little one’s cough.

PEPPERMINT: If you ever need an afternoon pick me up, grab your bottle of Peppermint! Put some drops in your diffuser with Lemon and Frankincense to help you focus. Peppermint is also great for supporting a healthy digestive and respiratory system. Simply dilute and rub on those pain points, and you’re good to go.

TEA TREE (MELALEUCA): Tea Tree oil is all things cleansing. ItYou can clean your home with a few drops of this oil and water in a spray bottle for PENNIES. It’s also great for helping you achieve clear skin, and offers amazing sinus support. Use it in your shampoo to help control your dandruff, too!

OREGANO: What I like to call “the big guns.” This is not an oil that you will use everyday, but you’ll be glad you have it when ya need it! It’s one I like to use when I feel like my kiddos need some extra immune support. Combine it with OnGuard and Frankincense for the ultimate immune supporter. It’s also great to use for cooking! I like adding a drop to our favorite Italian dishes; yum!

FRANKINCENSE: The king of all oils. “When in doubt, get your Frankincense out!” This oil is great for literally everything: immune systems, respiratory systems, emotional support. It’s great to incorporate in your skincare routine, as it has some awesome anti-aging properties. It’s also great combined with Peppermint for head tension. For more info on this oil, check out this blog post.

ONGUARD (Protective Blend): This was my gateway oil. This oil soothed my sore and scratchy throat so well, that I dove all in and got a kit after that. OnGuard can be used as a daily, preventative measure to support your immune system. You can make a hot tea out of a couple of drops with hot water to soothe your throat, diffuse it to cleanse the air in your home, and apply topically on your kiddos spine to keep them healthy.

DIGESTZEN (Digestive Blend): This blend is GOLD. I love having it handy for when one of my kids has tummy troubles. I just rub this right on their bellies (diluted with some Fractionated Coconut Oil) for relief. It also saved me during my pregnancy when I kept having digestive issues. I put a couple drops in a veggie cap before a meal, I was so much more comfortable after having this oil.

BREATHE (Respiratory Blend): I love rubbing this blend on my chest before a run. It helps to promote clear breathing and helps to open my airways. When one of my kids start coughing, I put Breathe, Lemon and Frankincense in a diffuser, and it helps them sleep so much better at night.

DEEP BLUE (Soothing Blend): This is my husband’s favorite blend, for sure! We never run out of this. He rubs Deep Blue on his back after a lot of lifting, and it really helps to soothe his sore muscles. I like to rub some on my legs after a long run to help with post workout soreness.

BREVI STONE DIFFUSER: You literally get everything you need by having this diffuser included in the kit. You can adjust the time limit on this diffuser, and can use the light as a night light for your kids, or turn the light off if you wish.

THE DETAILS: This kit is only $160. It offers a $25 savings on the oils plus a FREE wholesale customer membership. This gives you 25% off doTERRA products for a whole year — no selling or any additional orders required. What a generous deal! Get started today HERE.

BONUS: For the month of July 2020, anyone who starts with the Healthy Starter Kit (or any larger kit) will receive $50 in FREE product of your choice next month. Get started today HERE, and receive a surprise welcome gift from me.

This kit will be such a gift to your family. I know for my family, we have been able to address so many health concerns in a natural and holistic way the past few years. What are you waiting for? Start TODAY.

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

Summer Diffuser Blends and Recipes

Lately, my family and I have been diffusing in our RV 24/7. When I went back to work (outside the home) last fall, the only time we really had our diffuser running was a night for bedtime, because we were all out of the home during the day. Now, with all of us home, we’ve got our diffusers running constantly. Here are a few of my favorite blends so far this summer.

Rise and Shine Blend
3 drops Tangerine
2 drops Peppermint (or Spearmint, if that’s your jam)

I like to diffuse this blend in the mornings, especially if I had a late night. I’ve made nights my time to write, so with that comes some grogginess in the morning. This blend is great for waking me up and getting rid of any grumpy morning moods! P.S. If you don’t have Tangerine, you can use any citrus oil. Lemon and Wild Orange are awesome too!

Stress Less Blend
3 drops Balance (Grounding Blend)
2 drops Jasmine
1 drop Frankincense

This blend is heaven, y’all. I use this blend topically A LOT at work or before going into a therapy session, when emotions are running high. It’s so helpful to calm any crazy or intense emotions that tend to rise in the afternoons. You can also try these hot teas listed below to help mellow the mood!

Immune Support Blend
3 drops OnGuard
2 drops Lemon
1 drop Frankincense

If one of my kiddos feels like they’re getting sick, I’ll start this blend right away. Thankfully, they haven’t been sick this summer, but I’m still diffusing this blend occasionally. When all this crazy-Corona madness began, this blend was going all the time. Now, I’ll incorporate it in our week once or twice to keep our immune systems strong and healthy.

Breathe Easy Blend
2 drops Lavender
2 drops Peppermint
2 drops Lemon
2 drops Breathe (Respiratory Blend)

Anyone else having a hard time breathing with all the Saharan dust? Maybe there’s an increase in some type of pollen in your area, and it’s got you all wheezy. This blend helps to promote clear breathing, a healthy respiratory system, and will fight against those season threats in your area. I also like to dilute this blend in a roller bottle and apply it on my kiddos spine when they need it.

Sleep Tight Blend
4 drops Balance (Grounding Blend)
3 drops Serenity (Peaceful Blend)
1 drop Frankincense

My 7 year old will without-a-doubt ask me to turn on the diffuser before they go to bed. I use these oils so often, I just leave them out on the counter. This is my go to blend for sleep. The woodsy blend of the Balance pairs beautifully with the florals of Serenity, and they work together so well to help my kiddos fall asleep and stay asleep.

I hope you find these blends a helpful addition to your summer diffuser blends. I’d love to try one of your family’s favorite diffuser blends. What’s in your diffuser?

P.S. After much research, I have chosen to use doTERRA essential oils for my family. After not shutting up about these oils, I also started selling them. If you’d like a way to help support my family on my writing journey, feel free to check out all the great oils doTERRA has to offer here! This month, anyone who decides to become a wholesale member with a $150 order will receive $50 in FREE essential oils!

Deer and Cardinals: A Reminder of God’s Fulfillment

I didn’t manifest this. I didn’t write this down every day in a journal for 7 years. I didn’t hustle for this. I didn’t even dare to pray for this, y’all. I could tell you the whole story, but what it comes down to is this: I —my family— was given this. By God Himself. Being able to live at Camp Zephyr has been such a gift to my family, and has taught me so many valuable lessons. I’m sharing one with you today.

When I am outside, at Camp Zephyr, I am in a state of being I never thought possible. I am at peace. My kids roaming, and exploring the amazing trails. I am playful. I’m spontaneous, and can go from one trail or plan to the next in a heartbeat. My desire for productivity ceases. I have no to-do list other than to play and explore and be with my children, and I intend to repeat that continuously.

I never knew this could exist. My whole existence before Zephyr revolved around to-do lists, goals, and other people’s expectations. And was coupled (or crippled may be a better word) with LOTS of anxiety.

But here? In the middle of nowhere? I can breathe. I can step outside our RV and instantly see the lake, deer, rabbits, and cardinals. My kids can join me, and I’m not mad about it. I don’t have this constant desire for “me time.” I look forward to coming home, and I enjoy staying there. I no longer want to escape. I want to linger. I want to explore. Go deeper into the woods with my kid’s muddy hand in mine. Who knows what’s out there?

I feel like a door has been unlocked to my heart. There was a longing. There was always a longing. A longing for the country. A longing for space and stillness. A longing to rest.

But I hardly voiced it. Maybe a few times I talked about living out in the country, just to get shut down by the reality of our circumstances. You better believe I never asked to live at Camp Zephyr. That was something I never thought would happen. But you know what? My kids asked. Every day when we were at Camp Zephyr last summer, they asked us to live here. There’s a reason (well, many reasons) God instructs us to be like the children… they ask and they ask with faith. But me? It was barely a whisper in my soul… but God heard it. He heard it and He continues to hear the whispers of our souls.

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Last summer, I was sitting in my sister’s, Rachel, backyard in Virginia. I had flown there the night before. We were drinking a quick cup of coffee before starting our road trip to Texas. Her backyard backs up to a forest, so wildlife and trees and NATURE are plentiful. We happened to see a deer and cardinal in her backyard that morning. And in that morning, I said (probably with an ache in my voice), “I wanna live somewhere with deer and cardinals.”

Fast forward a few months later. I’m talking on the phone with Rachel, and she asks how living at Zephyr is going. I start going on and on about how I love it, and how I see deer and cardinals every day. She stops me mid-sentence, and says, “Sister! You got your deer and cardinals!” Y’all I had completely FORGOTTEN about that statement I made in Virginia months ago. When Rachel reminded me of that full circle moment, I lost it. I cried on the phone, and she cried on the phone, and we were reminded of the goodness of God.

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He longs to fulfill those whispers. He longs to bring us closer to Him. He fulfills those whispers to share His goodness. To show us just how big He is… and in my case, I think He fulfilled the whisper also to show me that He fulfilled this longing. Not me and my efforts. Your whisper might not be deer and cardinals, but God knows it. He can fulfill it.

I continue to be amazed. Who am I? That you are mindful of me?

doTERRA for Dads: Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is just around the corner, y’all! Are you scrambling to figure out what to give your dad this year? I wanted to help you out with that. doTERRA has some great products that you can give to your dad for Father’s Day. I’ve got suggestions for all budgets too!

1. Father’s Day Collection: Every year, doTERRA comes out with a Father’s Day collection. The products change every year. This year doTERRA designed an essential oil blend, Island Mist, specifically for men. I bought one for my husband, and he really likes it! It comes with a diffuser clip, so they can hook it up on the vent in their car or truck. The blend is perfect for one the road, because it provides an herby and minty sensation with its citrus oils, peppermint oil, and spruce oil!

2. Deep Blue Rub: I know, buying your dad a muscle rub may sound unconventional. However, they will thank you SO much for this rub. Deep Blue Rub is designed with pain in mind. Wherever he is feeling tension and tightness, he can apply this rub for relief. Y’all, my husband loves this rub so much that we have a tube in our living room, our bedroom, his office at work, AND he keeps one in his truck. Trust me, he’s gonna love it!

3. Root to Tip Serum: This is for the bearded men. My husband actually used this product before I ever did. He’s got a pretty healthy beard, and he loves using this serum as an all natural beard oil. The oils in this serum will help keep his beard healthy and looking great! Ladies, if you can get him to share, try it out on your hair too!

4. Natural Cologne: Looking for an all natural cologne for your husband? Look no further than doTERRA essential oils! Men tend to gravitate towards woodsy oils, so try something like Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Vetiver, or even Balance for an all natural cologne. He use it straight from the bottle, or you can experiment with various oils and come up with a personal blend just for your guy in mind!

5. Athlete’s Kit: This kit is perfect for any active or athletic dad! It’s packed with the top products any athlete would need. It has doTERRA Breathe blend to support a healthy respiratory system. doTERRA OnGuard is included in the kit to keep your man healthy and strong while supporting his immune system. Lavender is in the kit to keep him calm and cool. Melaleuca, also in the kit, is known for its rejuvenating support on the skin. The kit also includes Peppermint that’s great when fatigue sets in or to help soothe any head tension. PLUS that Deep Blue Rub we chatted about? It’s in the kit too! You can save $25 off this kit with my help. Comment below for questions on getting started.

At any time, I can help you and your family save 25% off of retail price with a wholesale customer account. No selling required. No monthly orders required. Just simple activation at my doTERRA business website, mydoterra.com/amandagerber . Checkit out!

Now, I’d love to know: What is on your dad’s or husband’s list this year for Father’s Day? Comment below!

Top Five Tools for Mental Health

Some days anxiety is the furthest from my mind. Other days it seems front and center. Lately, my mind is becoming more of my friend. I have taken these last nine months or so to find what works for me. I think it’s important for us to realize we aren’t slaves to the battle in our mind. We can learn to win the battle… but we’re not gonna win it if we just sit back and take it.

I personally need to get in front of my anxiety. I’ve listened to my body to know how it responds to certain foods, supplements, and essential oils. I also had to become more aware of my energy and emotional well being. I had to learn to say no to things that were not serving me, and make time for activities that fueled my soul. Here are some of the things I put into place to reduce anxious feelings.

1. Counseling: Y’all, if your anxiety is taking over your life then GO GET HELP. There’s nothing wrong with admitting you need help. I cannot stress the importance of having an objective view into my thoughts and life. My counselor, Lorena, has a way of peeling back the layers during our counseling sessions to really get to the root of the problem.

I also want to stress the importance of finding a good counselor. You’ve got to be willing to put in the effort to find someone you will work well with during this time. So, do some homework: ask around, check out reviews, and read up on some of their background. Also, even if someone looks amazing on paper, doesn’t mean they’ll be a good fit for you. I’m sure you didn’t marry the first guy you dated, right? Well, it may also take a few rounds of counselors to find the match for you. It took me three other counselors to find one who I felt was right for me.

2. Supplements: Some people love supplements, and some people hate them. I say, you can’t personally hate something you’ve never tried before. I had tried my share of supplements in the past. I was already taking a natural, whole food vitamin, and while it may have been helping me physically, it surely wasn’t helping my mental wellbeing. So I stopped taking my former vitamin, and decided to try out doTERRA’s Lifelong Vitality Pack after hearing others find results in their mental health from it. Y’all, it’s a game changer.

When I started taking doTERRA’s Lifelong Vitality Pack a few years ago, I felt a significant difference in my mental state: I slept better, my mind was taking less trips down that super dark road, I had more energy, and even my husband noticed a difference. Now, it’s a must have, non-negotiable for me. I encourage you to do some research, and try out some high quality (don’t just go to your local drug store and expect quality) supplements.

3. Community: This is huge for me. So many times someone is struggling with a mental illness, it become easy to believe the lie that we are all alone. This is not true! Many of us have family and friends that we can go to to share and seek support. I personally have a handful of girlfriends I can go to, and I know they are by my side and praying for me.

Do you feel alone? I understand that sometimes in new seasons we’re in a place of making new friends. Go do it! Join a church/Bible study, find a fitness group, or check out some networking events. Facebook makes this incredibly easy. I know the process of getting to know people can be difficult for us introverts, but it’s worth it.

4. Essential Oils: These are life to me. I know, some of you may think just I’m promoting essential oils because I sell them, but I sell them because of how much they’ve helped me and my family. If you don’t wanna buy them from me, cool! But don’t buy them from your local super market. I’ve gone over the quality differences before, so I won’t spend time here. Find a doTERRA leader that you trust to purchase from, and have them walk you through your best options.

I’ll be writing a separate post on specific essential oils you can use to reduce anxious feelings, uplift your mood, and help you stay cool. In the meantime here are a few general guidelines. Citrus oils are super uplifting. These are great to diffuse throughout the day. Woodsy oils like Balance, Frankincense, or Sandalwood all will have a grounding effect. These are awesome to put on topically when you’re feeling frazzled. There are also some awesome blends doTERRA already has made for mood support.

5. Faith: My relationship with the Lord has grown so much in this season. I’ve realized that for months I was trying to earn my own righteousness. I was trying to check off boxes, stick to the list, and striving for perfection. Friends, this is an exhausting road to take. If this sounds like you: just realize our righteousness comes from the Lord, He loves us unconditionally, and He is the only Perfect One. His road is easy and His burden is light. Simply receive His love, we don’t need to earn it.

I’d love to hear from you. What’s something you do to take care of your own mental health?

May 2019 Promos

To all my mamas out there: Happy Mother’s Day! I hope y’all have been enjoying your month so far, and I’m going to help you enjoy it even more. Today I’m going to share with you the doTERRA specials for the month. Check it out!

Product of the Month (POM): Did you know that doTERRA offers a FREE Product of the Month, every single month? All you have to do is place a qualifying Loyalty Rewards order, and this product will automatically be added to your cart. No promo code needed.

This month only you can get a bottle of doTERRA’s Cypress essential oil for free with your LRP order. Cypress oil is one of my favorite smells. It reminds me of being in the middle of all the tall trees when I would visit my grandparents in Arkansas. Cypress essential oil is only meant for aromatic or topical use. It’s great to diffuse to clear up congestion and sinuses. It can also help you wake up in the morning!

I also used this essential oil every day during pregnancy. I was having some issues with my circulation in my legs, and I would rub Cypress on the back of my legs, and my circulation improved greatly! Also, if any of you mamas out there have little ones that struggle with bed wetting, rub some Cypress over their bladder before bed to help them wake up dry.

Highlighted Product: doTERRA also offers a product at 10% off every month. This month is doTERRA’s Anti-Aging Eye Cream. This eye cream is made with doTERRA’s essential oils, like Frankincense Ylang Ylang, and Blue Tansy that are clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.

It can also help all the sleep deprived mamas with the dark circles under their eyes. I love that it has a steel rollerball applicator because it always helps me to feel refreshed and awakens my eyes in the morning.

Bonus from ME!

Just to sweeten the deal, here is what I have to offer when you choose to start your doTERRA journey with me:

Welcome gift (personalized roller bottles, recipes, and other oily goodies)
Private access to my team’s Facebook group (a wealth of oil knowledge)
Free Wellness Consultation (a chance to really dive deep into your health goals)
Continued Support (to answer your questions in real time from a real person— ME!)

Simply go to mydoterra.com/amandagerber and click “Join & Save” to get started.

Which one of these promos are you taking advantage of this month? Share below in the comments!

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.

Mental Illness Myths: Shedding Light to Spread Support

I’ve heard so many myths about mental illness over the years. I’ve experienced well meaning people say some things on the topic that simply aren’t true. Mental illness is a tricky thing… it’s hard to understand unless you’ve experienced it firsthand. My heart behind this post isn’t to bash anyone who has ever fallen trap to these myths. My intent is to shed light on the issue so we can all learn how to love and support our loved ones struggling with mental illness.

Myth #1: Anyone with a mental illness needs medication. This simply isn’t true. I think medication has a time and place, but it’s not for everyone. I know many people successfully working through their anxiety, depression, ect. without taking a pill to do it. I have personally been on medication in the past, and it helped for a season. However, I don’t have the need to take it now, and I’m taking other measures towards healing. I’ll be sharing my top tools in another post soon.

Myth #2: Anyone who talks about their own mental illness is seeking attention. You know how some games have a buzzer that the opposite team pushes to know they’ve gotten a question wrong? It’s loud and obnoxious and makes a bbbbeeeeaaaaa sound? Yeah, I would push the buzzer on this one. Sure, a handful of people have done this. But, as someone who works in the field of psychology, please listen to me when I say: It’s still a cry for help. So, don’t just roll your eyes at it. Encourage that person to seek the help they need.

Most of us that talk about our mental illness are just trying to break the stigma. We’re also trying to let others with a mental illness know they’re not alone. It takes some serious courage to share about this delicate issue, and we could all learn from each other’s experience.

Myth #3: Mental illness is a choice. Now, stick with me on this one, because I need to unpack it a bit. Did I choose to have depression and suicidal thoughts at 12 years old? No, I did not. However, I did choose to go 15 years without ever getting help. I was a kid, and I was scared and ashamed of my struggle. I carried that fear and shame into adulthood. I now realize I let those lies rob of of potential freedom.

I didn’t choose depression and anxiety, BUT I do believe I can choose to let it consume me, or get in front of it. Treatment will look different for everyone, and I know there are things I can do to keep my mind in a healthy state. Again, I did not choose depression and anxiety. I do choose to fight it. I can fight it, get in front of it, and move closer and closer to healing. You can too.

Myth #4: You can snap out of it. Y’all, I am so over this one. People that I love dearly have said things along these lines, and it hurts. You can’t simply snap out it. If you’ve struggled with a mental illness for a good amount of time, you’re going to need time to heal. You’re going to need time to go to counseling, find those lies and replace them with truth. You’re going to need time to learn your mental triggers. You’re going to need time to learn how certain foods and chemicals affect your mental and physical state. Healing is possible, but you don’t snap your way there. You walk your way there, one step at a time.

Myth #5: Once you have a mental illness, you’re stuck with it. I see this myth more with people that are managing their own mental illness. I personally believe someone can be completely healed from their mental illness. I truly do. I believe it will take work, counseling (good counseling, y’all), a will to fight, and a lot of prayer… but healing is possible. The process with look different for everyone, but the end result can be the same.

Ok, folks, those are my top 5 myths I come across in the area of mental illness. I’m sure you’ve heard your share of lies too along the way. What is a myth you’ve heard before about mental illness?

Happy Birthday, doTERRA!

Happy birthday, dōTERRA! In honor of dōTERRA’s birthday, I’d like to tell you about my first experience with dōTERRA.

Around five years ago, my friend, Amy, handed me a sample of OnGuard essential oil. I was pregnant, had some pretty bad throat discomfort, and felt like crud.

After using this small sample for a day, simply by applying it on my throat and simply smelling it from the bottle, I felt relief! This tiny bottle packed a big punch!

I was amazed at the results. I was amazed I could soothe my throat with something totally natural and safe, especially during pregnancy. I called Amy the next day, and told her, “I need all the oils!”

I signed up with a starter kit (Family Essentials Kit) with the top 10 oils, and dōTERRA continues to amaze me as it’s helped my family with: respiratory issues, tummy troubles, mental health, immune support, and SO much more.

I used the oils for over a year before jumping into the business opportunity. The business opportunity, too, continues to amaze me! I’ve created a residual part-time income for my family, have climbed to doTERRA’s Leadership ranks, and I am so grateful for that. I’m also working my way towards a full time income, and I can see it on the horizon!

Are you ready to get started with these natural solutions? Would you like to learn more about the product or business? Let me know! We can connect and I can answer your questions!

Happy birthday, dōTERRA. I am so thankful for you.

Amanda Gerber

Real Life. Real Health. Real Business.

amanda gerber