I found essential oils around the same time that I came across minimalism. At the time. I was finding my groove as a new momma and I was blessed to spend it away from my job and at home with my baby.
I quickly felt a discomfort in the fact I was no longer contributing financially (yes, even though I was keeping a tiny human alive and happy). I just couldn't shake it. Our little one also turned out the be the best sleeper. She slept 10-12 hours at night and had two huge naps during the day and for someone like me who only sleeps maybe 6-7 hours at night I quickly had a lot of time on my hands.
One thing I did to keep busy was organize our house. My husband and I are a bit of “neat freaks” so sorting and cleaning was almost fun for me. I realized that we had a bunch of stuff that no longer served us so I started selling some items on the local by and sell Facebook page. I loved it, I was making money while at home with the sweetest bundle of joy and I was decluttering. It felt amazing.
I started researching other ways to declutter and organize and I came across a website that was based around minimalism (www.theminimalists.com). They defined minimalism as a tool that can assist you in finding freedom. Freedom from fear. Freedom from worry. Freedom from overwhelm. Freedom from guilt. Freedom from depression. Freedom from the trappings of the consumer culture we’ve built our lives around. Real freedom.
I loved everything that they promoted and instantly implemented many of their recommendations.
The results were amazing. Our house was even easier to keep clean because we simply just didn’t have as much stuff in it. My mind felt clearer. I was more present with my baby girl and husband. And, I genuinely enjoyed being in my home so much more.
What does this have to do with essential oils or diffuser jewelry? Well, when I was invited to my first essential oil class I almost didn't want to attend because I didn’t want to be pressured into buying something I didn’t need. I loved to shop and shopping no longer fit my minimalistic philosophy so I tried to avoid it as much as possible. Anyway, I was due for a night out with my friends and decided to go.
First of all it was the least pressuring ‘home party’ that I had ever been to. Second, it educated and introduced me to essential oils which have completely changed the way I care for my family, clean my house, put on my body... I could go on and on about the uses of oils but I’ll stop there.
I realize now that essential oils completely fits with my new philosophy. I use one oil for tons of different things. I was able to empty out most of our medicine cabinet, replace ALL of our cleaning supplies and we also tossed our super toxic air fresheners. I even started making my own perfumes, deodorant, baby creams and again, I could keep on listing the things I was able to completely replace for home made, natural, and often cheaper essential oil based blends but I won’t, because I’m sure you get the point.
I know that this lifestyle doesn’t appeal to everyone and maybe you're thinking we’re totally crazy for living the way we do. But I must say, it works. Cleaning is done in little bits throughout the day which allows me to be 100% present, with my family, totally engaged in spending time with them. I have a first line of defense for almost any illness or ailment, at all times. AND I use the same beautiful oils in my blends for Drops of Gratitude. It has simplified our lives in a way that is irreplaceable.
Living with a minimalistic mindset wasn’t easy at first but I know I would never go back. The way I see it, simplicity is the finest form of beauty.
So I challenge you; if you don’t love it or its not useful to you, toss it. And that goes for all areas of your life. Your home, closet, thoughts, relationships etc.
You’ll be glad you did. I promise.
With Love & Gratitude,
Laura