Benevolence: Gratitude Challenge: Using the Virtues

Benevolence.

Something wonderful happens when we give from the heart.
True monetary philanthropists give freely in exchange for an experience in helping others achieve their financial goals. But not everyone has extra money lying around. Even so, we can give freely what we do possess: A smile will warm someone’s heart. A good thought or an offer of blessings helps the giver feel a gratitude that seems to transcend throughout the universe. A hug can be received and given since human touch is a necessity for each of us. Share a laugh by telling a good joke. Perhaps you can offer a service of some kind like walking a dog or providing a nutritious meal to an ill neighbor. A merciful act toward someone in debt to you for a favor or monetary transaction releases the bondage debt creates.

Whatever we can do without looking for reward is benevolence. Aren’t you grateful for people like this in your life? Sometimes, even a random act of kindness to a stranger will brighten the giver’s and the receiver’s day.

Pay it forward with random actions of kindness. Buy a coffee for the person behind you in line or offer to pay for someone’s groceries. You never know who might need your offering that day. Have you ever been the recipient of such a kind, unexpected gift? I hope you have. The experience can be most humbling, yet inspiring. Gifts come in all types of packages; they don’t have to cost much at all, they just need to come from the heart. Make someone’s day by showing some gratitude for the things you possess and sharing them with another.

Joy,

Cheryl

Consideration: Gratitude Challenge: Using the Virtues

Atlantic Sunrise

Consideration:

Today, I am grateful for considerate people. Considerate people are those who see outside themselves, and show a general concern for others. They are not self-absorbed, nor do they lack the ability to deeply engage with others. These folks stay clear of the drama that often plays out around them. Instead, thoughtfulness prevails. We often notice when they hold the door open for others, or take into account possible negative outcomes before taking any actions.

5 Steps to harness this virtue:
1. Open your mind to the possibility that your actions have consequences.
2. Think about what could happen to others as a result of your choices.
3. Reflect on possible outcomes by asking if your actions will hurt or help others.
4. If your actions help others, go ahead and execute your plan. If your actions hurt others, refrain and find a better way.
5. Make this sequence a habit before making decisions.

Welcome to consideration. It is a virtue that must be honed. While not a fool-proof way to avoid negative outcomes, practicing consideration of others can lead to better relationships.

Joy,
Cheryl

Benevolence: Gratitude Challenge: Using the Virtues

Benevolence.

Something wonderful happens when we give from the heart. True monetary philanthropists give freely in exchange for an experience in helping others achieve their financial goals. But not everyone has extra money lying around. Even so, we can give freely what we do possess: A smile will warm someone’s heart. A good thought or an offer of blessings helps the giver feel a gratitude that seems to transcend throughout the universe. A hug can be received and given since human touch is a necessity for each of us. Share a laugh by telling a good joke. Perhaps you can offer a service of some kind like walking a dog or providing a nutritious meal to an ill neighbor. A merciful act toward someone in debt to you for a favor or monetary transaction releases the bondage debt creates.

Whatever we can do without looking for reward is benevolence. Aren’t you grateful for people like this in your life? Sometimes, even a random act of kindness to a stranger will brighten the giver’s and the receiver’s day.

Pay it forward with random actions of kindness. Buy a coffee for the person behind you in line, or offer to pay for someone’s groceries. You never know who might need your offering that day. Have you ever been the recipient of such a kind, unexpected gift? I hope you have. The experience can be most humbling, yet inspiring. Gifts come in all types of packages; they don’t have to cost much at all, they just need to come from the heart. Make someone’s day by showing some gratitude for the things you possess and sharing them with another.

Joy,

Cheryl

Beauty: Gratitude Challenge: Using the Virtues

Interestingly, this Earth Day’s post is about beauty. Take a look around. Beauty is everywhere – in trees, in dirt, in animals, in the sky, and in reflections in the water. It can sometimes be easy to overlook natural beauty when we are caught up in the stresses of everyday life. Leaves on the trees are miraculous things each with its own shape and color. Even evergreen needles are interesting to look at when viewed up-close. Lately, the spring weeds dominate the yard, yet the colors of their flowers are spectacular. It’s lovely to find these in the desert. Our yard has a lot of wild life as well – jack rabbits, cottontails, squirrels, wild horses, and plenty of birds. Our sky never disappoints for its crisp blue color and lenticular clouds. As far as I am concerned, all bodies of water are beautiful; when was the last time you explored a puddle? All this talk of beauty reminds me of an earlier post regarding beauty.

While it is wonderful to see the external beauty of nature in our surroundings, how often do we think of internal beauty? Outward appearances aren’t everything – especially when all we see is the surface. Today, I am also grateful for the the inner beauty of my friends and family. I challenge you to look beyond the surface. Authenticity is pure beauty, often expressed in laughter, or outwardly through caring and giving. This is where we find the depth within a person’s heart.

Let us all aim to express love in our spirits with our inner beauty.

Joy,
Cheryl

Wintry Scene

People don’t notice whether it’s winter or summer when they’re happy. ~Anton Chekhov

Nevada Sky – No filter

Travel with Copaiba essential oil

Traveling without the benefits of Copaiba essential oil would be a great mistake. Its smell is light and balsamic, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s not a powerful oil. Though this is a lesser known oil, copaiba is in the YL Premium Starter kit as an everyday oil because of its versatility.

After a long hike, I use it to soothe my muscles. This oil is a bit more oily than others, so it takes a bit more time to rub it into the areas where it is needed most. 

It also helped to calm down the itchy skin on my arm. I couldn’t be sure why I was itchy, but the copaiba worked well. No need to use a carrier oil with this oil.

Some people experience a lift in mood using this oil. I like the warm fragrance it provides; I find myself using the oil several times a day for weeks on end just for the aroma.

Copaiba can also be consumed for sore throats. One drop of oil added to a tsp of honey is one way to supplement about 4 oz of warm beverage, though not recommended for kids age six and under.

It’s been noted, too, that this oil will boost the vitality of other oils. So, start combining this one with another one you are using for added effect. That’s the cool thing about essential oils; they do well with a layering method.

Joy,

Cheryl

Lovely Lavender

Lavender is one of those oils one cannot live without. Its scent is floral, sweet, herbaceous, balsamic and woody, and packs so much punch it has been used since the medieval times. The French suggest that lavender is an equalizer in which its properties are used by the body wherever needed the most. This essential oil’s uses are also universal.

Use it on cuts, diaper rash, burns, hives, stretch marks, even sprains. I use it when I want to relax or to enhance sleep. Add a few drops along with Epsom salts to bath water and soak to detox and give the body time to absorb its properties.  It’s one of the most commonly used scents in baby products for good reason.

Lavender is not just used on the skin, it can ease a migraine headache, help with depression, and provide relief from nervous tension. Diffuse this oil in your sleeping area for added benefits.

Lavender can also be ingested.  I’ve made tea or added a small drop of the oil to vanilla ice cream for an exotic flavor when I serve my guests an after dinner or evening treat.

Be sure to use Young Living Essential oils to ensure the quality necessary for ingestion; most oils found in stores are questionable.

Enjoy the quality and benefits of this essential oil. It’s one of the oils included in the Premium Starter kit. (See my deals page for more information on how to obtain your own kit.)

Joy,
Cheryl