‘Tis the season for holiday parties, family get-togethers, and fancy drinks! Whether you’re the hostess with the mostest or a guest bringing something to share, the following mocktail recipes are sure to impress. With all of the good stuff and none of the hard stuff, these festive drinks are perfect for health buffs and anyone else looking for a booze-free beverage. Keep the celebration going all season long with our list of 10 sophisticated and fun holiday mocktails using NingXia Red®, NingXia Zyng®, and Vitality™ oils.
Lime Zynger
If you’ll be celebrating the holidays late into the night, here’s a drink to get you through the evening. This fizzy delight contains wolfberries, white tea leaf extract, and green tea extract for a boost of crash-free energy. Whether you’re staying up to wrap presents or ringing in the new year, throw back a couple of these zesty zingers to feel instantly refreshed.
1. Pour a splash of NingXia Red into a highball or other tall glass full of ice. Add NingXia Nitro and Lime Vitality. 2. Fill the glass to the top with NingXia Zyng. Squeeze a lime wedge into the glass. 3. Garnish with another lime wedge.
NingXia-Rosemary Mule
Based on the trendy Moscow Mule, this refreshing mocktail is sure to be a crowd pleaser at your next holiday dinner party. Ginger beer, which is a non-alcoholic carbonated beverage similar to ginger ale, lends the drink a snappy flavor with a hint of spice. If you’re hosting a large group of people, you can easily multiply the recipe to make a big batch. For a quick conversion that serves eight, use cups instead of ounces for the first two ingredients and add eight drops of Rosemary Vitality oil for an herby kick.
1. Pour all ingredients into a copper mug full of crushed ice. 2. Stir well to mix. 3. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary.
Bloody Mary
In need of a drink that goes well with Christmas brunch? Try our twist on the classic Bloody Mary! Boosted with Vitality oils and easily customizable to different palates, our version is fun for the whole family. Serve it up with a variety of trimmings so everyone can garnish to their heart’s content. Some of our top picks are celery sticks, olives, lemon wedges, pickles, and jalapeños.
YL tip: The toothpick method allows you to get a more subtle flavor with the Vitality oils. Simply dip a toothpick in the oil and swirl through your ingredients.
1. Salt the rim of a highball or old-fashioned glass by running a lemon wedge around the rim then rolling the outer edge of the glass in sea salt. Fill glass with ice and set aside. 2. Squeeze a lemon wedge into a shaker and drop it in. Add tomato juice, Vitality oils, a dash of hot sauce to taste, and ice to the shaker. Shake gently to mix. 3. Strain into prepared glass. 4. Garnish with celery or your favorite Bloody Mary toppings.
Cran-Raspberry Spritzer
When it comes to quenching thirst while tickling the taste buds, cold and bubbly is the way to go. This rose-colored drink checks both boxes and is as pretty as it is fizzy. Once you start pouring, everyone will want to be sipping pink. The tart, fruity flavor of NingXia Red shines through with added sweetness from juice and berries. For a sweeter drink, use more cranberry-raspberry juice and less club soda.
Ingredients
1 ounce NingXia Red 1-2 ounces cranberry-raspberry juice 3-4 ounces club soda Lemon wedges Raspberries
Instructions
1. Pour NingXia Red and cranberry-raspberry juice into a champagne glass. 2. Fill to the top with club soda. Squeeze a lemon wedge into the drink. 3. Garnish with raspberries and a lemon wedge.
Cranberry Mojito
Toast the holidays with a festive faux-ito in the flavors of the season! Peppermint and cranberry complement each other beautifully in this drink as the icy mint mellows out the tartness of the fruit. Delightfully cool and sweet, our virgin cranberry mojito has a lovely red shade fit for a holiday spread. The red and green garnishes add an extra element of festivity.
1. In a tall, sturdy glass, place a few mint leaves, the sweetener, a squeeze of lime, Peppermint Vitality, and Lime Vitality. Use a muddler to crush the leaves and combine the flavors. 2. Add ice to the glass. Pour a splash of cranberry juice and stir. 3. Fill glass to the top with NingXia Zyng. 4. Garnish with cranberries, more mint leaves, and a lime wedge.
NingXia Red Punch
Don’t want to be mixing up mocktails all night? Skip the hassle and break out the punch bowl instead. The beauty of this big-batch drink is that you can make it ahead of time, leaving you free to mingle with guests. Our fruity concoction isn’t spiked, but it does pack a *punch* in antioxidants and essential oils. Sweet, fruity, and delicious, our recipe gets your party going with a bang!
Ingredients
1 bottle NingXia Red 4 cups apple cider 2 cups pomegranate juice ¼ cup honey or simple syrup Sliced apples Pomegranate seeds Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
1. In a punch bowl, pour NingXia Red, apple cider, pomegranate juice, and honey. Add fruit and cinnamon sticks. Mix well. 2. Cover and chill in the fridge until ready to serve. The longer the fruit soaks in the liquid, the more the flavors will combine. 3. Serve in short glasses garnished with more apple slices, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon stick stirrers.
Spiced Cinnamon Cider
Another batch drink that’s easy to prepare is hot apple cider. In this recipe, we used Vitality oils instead of dried spices for stronger and purer flavor. Fun fact: A steaming mug of cider is the perfect remedy to cold, wintry days. Serve it after a day of sledding or an evening of caroling to warm up guests from the inside out.
1. Add all ingredients to a large pot and stir to combine. Heat until simmering. Simmer for 30 minutes. 2. Serve warm in a mug. 3. Garnish with sliced oranges and cinnamon sticks.
Club Red favorites
Ain’t no party like a Club Red party! This holiday season raise a glass filled to the brim with one of the NingXia Red shots from Young Living’s International Grand Convention. Each recipe contains our superfruit supplement and 3-5 different Vitality oils. To make these, simply pour NingXia Red into a shot glass and add your oil drops.
Historically, essential oils or aromatic oils were used by Egyptians as early as 4500 B.C. Scripturally, oils appear in the Bible time and time again, often referencing olive oil, but the ten oils we are about to explore are also all mentioned.
usage & safety
Let’s start off by looking at the two ways you can use the ancient oils that come in the Oils of Ancient Scripture collection.
AROMATICALLY: Put 6-8 drops of an essential oil or a combo in your diffuser. The diffuser will send the oil into the air and fill the room with the scent and beneficial properties of the oils.
TOPICALLY: Apply essential oils to your skin. Dilute your oils with a carrier oil if using topically, especially if you’ve never used them before.
It is recommended that you use one drop of essential oil with 10-15 drops of coconut, olive, or almond oil and then apply it to your skin. Purity is EXTREMELY important when it comes to wellness products. When you use products that are pure, you will have more effective results.
Products that are formulated with synthetic ingredients may not provide any results and can potentially cause damage to your body. Young Living goes above and beyond organic standards to provide natural products that work. YL farms on land without the use of pesticides, hand weeds their fields, and tests their essential oils multiple times in million-dollar labs to provide products with the purest and highest quality chemical constituents. If a batch doesn’t meet these HIGH standards, YL will not bottle it up and send it to you.
“He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.” John 19:39-40
Aloes appears in the Bible five times in both the Old and the New Testament. It’s believed to be made from fragrant sandalwood. It was most notably used to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
THEN
Historically, it is thought to be one of the oldest types of incense used during rituals and meditation, especially among the Egyptians and for embalming. The amount of aloes that Nicodemus bought showed his incredible wealth. That amount (75-100 lbs) of Sandalwood would be worth over $200,000 in today’s market. It also showed how important Jesus was.
NOW
Sandalwood is known to have a warm, woodsy and slightly sweet aroma.
Common uses:
Upscale spa treatments and yoga studios use it to enhance member experiences.
Try diffusing when you’re a little revved up or when your mind won’t turn off. It can be very effective before bedtime.
You can use it as a perfume or cologne.
It has incredible properties for the skin. Apply topically to enhance the natural radiance of healthy-looking skin or add it to your daily skin care regimen to reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness, and blemishes.
cassia
Cassia: a spice made from the bark of East Asian evergreen trees.
“All your robes are fragrant with myrrh and aloes and cassia; from palaces adorned with ivory the music of the strings makes you glad. “ Psalm 45:8
THEN
Cassia is mentioned three times in the Bible – all in the Old Testament. It was a key ingredient in the incense used in temple worship; it was also used as the anointing oil and the oil that burned daily in the temple lamps. It’s noted for its unmistakable fragrance and calming aromatic properties. It is very closely related to cinnamon. It also dates back to Egyptian times and was used during mummification.
NOW
Common uses:
Put a drop or two on your fingers and rub your hands through your hair to provide a pleasant aroma to your hair.
Add one drop to citrus blends or diffuse with Clove, Ginger or Christmas Spirit during the fall, winter, and holidays.
Tips & Safety:
If used topically, it needs to be diluted with a carrier oil because it can feel “hot” to the skin. If the warming sensation is too strong, just apply more carrier oil.
Use with caution if pregnant and avoid contact with sensitive areas like the eyes; do not use on children. It can cause skin sensitivity, so test on a small area first.
cedarwood
“His young shoots will grow. His splendor will be like an olive tree, his fragrance like a cedar of Lebanon.” Hosea 14:6
THEN
This versatile wood is mentioned 21 times in the Bible. The wood was used to build Solomon’s beautiful temple and it was known for its durability. The ancient Egyptians used Cedarwood oil to embalm, for perfumery, and in cosmetics; the ancient Greeks also used Cedarwood oil on bodies as they believed it helped to make one immortal.
NOW
Cedarwood has a warm, woodsy aroma that creates a comforting, uplifting experience.
Common uses:
It’s often found in men’s aftershaves and colognes because of its scent. Add a drop to your aftershave lotion.
Add it to your favorite skin care products or lotions to help create smoother skin.
Add it to your shampoo & conditioner for shinier, healthier- looking hair.
Many people find it helpful for restful sleep, diffuse or apply topically before bed.
cypress
“He cut down cedars, or perhaps took a cypress or oak. He let it grow among the trees of the forest, or planted a pine, and the rain made it grow.” Isaiah 44:14
This oil is extracted from the cypress tree, which has wood so durable that the cypress doors of Rome’s St. Peter’s Basilica show no signs of decay, even after 1,200 years!
THEN
Cypress is mentioned five times biblically and all in the Old Testament. The tree was used mostly for its wood as it was strong and durable. Noah used it to build the Ark! Greeks and Romans used it for relieving upset stomachs and used the leaves of the tree to help with… you might want to Google that one!
NOW
Cypress has a fresh and herbaceous aroma. It can be grounding and energizing at the same time when diffused. It can help restore feelings of security and stability.
Common uses:
Those with oily complexions, add one drop to your moisturizer to increase the radiant look of your skin.
Diffuse 4-6 drops to increase motivation.
Mix 3 drops of Cypress with a carrier oil and massage your legs to get the blood flowing and your energy and motivation up before a run.
Fun Fact:
It’s an evergreen that is used frequently in landscaping. I bet you see it all the time and had no idea that it was a Cypress. Google and search for an image so you can spot it as you drive by homes!
frankincense
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:21
The Hebrew word for frankincense, levonah, is used in the Bible 22 times, making it one of the most recognized materials in scripture. Most famously it was a gift given to the infant Jesus when the wise men came to visit him.
THEN
This is an ancient aromatic resin used for incense, perfumes, and balms. Frankincense was one of the consecrated incenses described in the Bible as being used in offerings and ceremonies in the temple in Jerusalem.
It was a symbol of holiness and righteousness. The gift of frankincense to the Christ child was symbolic of his willingness to become a sacrifice, wholly giving himself up, analogous to a burnt offering like the sacrifices and ceremonies in the temple. It is also said to be symbolic of his deity.
NOW
Aromatically this oil has an earthy and uplifting smell that creates a comforting, safe, and empowering environment.
Common uses:
Diffuse or apply to enhance meditation and prayer.
Apply one drop of oil to your face moisturizer. Topically this oil is pure gold for your skin; its rejuvenating properties will brighten and beautify your skin.
Add a drop or two to your hand moisturizer to help avoid those dry hands!
Apply a few drops of frankincense to “the girls” daily.
This oil is a jack-of-all-trades and has many other uses!
hyssop
“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Psalms 51:7
The 12 Biblical references to this plant indicate it was likely used in practices and rituals intended to purify and cleanse.
THEN
Hyssop has a slightly sweet scent and was considered a sacred oil in ancient Egypt, Israel, and Greece. It is in the same family as mint. This plant was used in traditional and herbal practices for centuries to promote wellness.
NOW
Its fragrant scent stimulates creativity and meditation.
Common uses:
Apply a drop or two or diffuse 4-8 drops during work, play, yoga, or a long study session.
Safety:
Please dilute well if using topically and do not use on small children.
myrrh
“Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it.” Mark 15:23
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:21
Myrrh is mentioned 17 times in the Bible and is found in both the Old and New Testament.
THEN
It was one of the key ingredients in Moses’ holy anointing oil, and as incense in the holy temple. It is also used particularly for the mouth and gums. It was given to the baby Jesus by one of the wise men. It is said this was to foreshadow his death because in ancient times it symbolized bitterness, suffering, and affliction. Lastly, it was also employed in embalming and religious ceremonies. Jesus was also buried with it!
NOW
Today, Myrrh oil is valued around the world. The oil is now recognized for its beautifying properties and grounding aroma, and Myrrh essential oil is common in cosmetic and aromatic industries. It is said to help promote a smooth and youthful complexion. It also has many health benefits. A quick Google search, “benefits of Myrrh oil” will share some valuable information.
Common uses:
Add a drop, along with Frankincense, to your daily skincare routine.
Add a drop to any skin balm recipe.
Diffuse 4-8 drops for a calming and relaxing environment.
myrtle
“Go out into the hill country and bring back branches from olive and wild olive trees, and from myrtles, palms and shade trees, to make temporary shelters”—as it is written.” Nehemiah 8:15
Biblically, myrtle branches were used in ceremonies and were also a sign of God’s goodness; they are mentioned seven times, all in the Old Testament.
THEN
Sukkot, commonly translated as the Feast of Tabernacles, includes myrtle branches in its ceremony. Sukkot is a weeklong Jewish holiday that comes five days after Yom Kippur. Sukkot celebrates the gathering of the harvest and commemorates the miraculous protection God provided for the children of Israel when they left Egypt.
NOW
It is still used in Sukkot ceremonies today! It is difficult to source and has a fresh, sweet aroma, which may help clear the mind. Two favorite oil blends containing it are Purification and R.C.
Common uses:
Add a drop to your nighttime skin routine to enhance the appearance of healthy-looking skin.
Diffuse 4-8 drops to elevate your mood.
onycha
“Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Take fragrant spices—gum resin, onycha and galbanum—and pure frankincense, all in equal amounts.’” Exodus 30:34
Onycha was an ingredient in the “pure and holy” perfume or incense the Lord commanded Moses to make.
There are varying opinions as to what Onycha actually was but there are many that agree that it is likely Benzoin, a balsamic resin obtained from the bark of several species of trees. That is what Young Living’s Oil is made of, having a sweet and woody vanilla-like aroma.
THEN
It was used in perfumes, some kinds of incense and as a flavoring. It was also used for medicinal purposes. It was said to help heighten your spiritual experiences.
Onycha oil is mentioned in the Bible one time directly and 54 times indirectly. It was an important oil of ancient times!
NOW
It continues to be a major component of incense for churches today. It’s also used in everything from perfume to cosmetics. As an oil, it is warm and can help support your emotions and help you connect spiritually. It is a calming and grounding scent.
Common uses:
Diffuse 4-8 drops to feel calm.
Add a drop to your skincare routine.
rose of sharon
“I am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women. Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest is my beloved among the young men. I delight to sit in his shade, and his fruit is sweet to my taste.” Song of Solomon 2:1
Cistus is believed to be the biblical rose of Sharon.
THEN
Shepherds in biblical times frequently used Rose of Sharon for cuts and wounds. It was said to help slow bleeding and prevent infection. It was also used as a perfume and may have been another component of incense in biblical times.
NOW
Its honey-like fragrance is soothing and uplifting. Think “calming” with this oil, calming physically when applied topically and calming to your emotions when diffused. When you can create a calming atmosphere, your spirits can rise, which is perfect for this time of year.
Common uses:
Apply 2-3 drops diluted to joints when needed.
Add 2-3 drops to a booboo roller or any skin balm recipe. Pinterest is a great place to look for recipes!
Diffuse 4-8 drops for a calming atmosphere. Perfect during meditation or counseling.
essential rewards
Essential Rewards is the most cost-effective way to order your products! Once you are a member you can join this FREE program to get the MOST out of your membership! It is similar to those cool monthly subscription boxes you see all over your FB feed, except for one major difference… you can customize your subscription box EVERY. SINGLE. MONTH. You can also change your process date as often as you need to. #convenient
THE DETAILS
earn 10-25% back in points to use to order future products for FREE
a BONUS loyalty oil given every 3 months for the first year and once a year thereafter
access to specially discounted ER kits like the Thieves and NingXia Red ER Kits
the ability to receive additional FREE promotional items when your monthly ER order hits 100pv or 190pv
the ability to join the FREE shipping subscription called YL GO or YL GO+*
You can cancel ER anytime with no penalty or fee. For more info on Essential Rewards go HERE
*Available for the US market only. YL GO is like Amazon Prime but better: there are no product restrictions or weight limits; 2-4 day shipping; $10 flat rate for an upgrade to overnight shipping.
not a member yet?
Get started with Young Living by picking out your Starter Kit! You can pick from the Premium Oils Kit, the Ningxia Red Kit, the Thieves Kit, a Savvy Minerals Makeup Kit… OR you can choose the Basic Kit and add on the Ancient Oils Collection to create a personalized kit! #choices
You will automatically get a LIFETIME membership with Young Living!! That means you can forever take advantage of the 24% discount! You will also have access to our private Facebook communities where we offer support, encouragement, and a place for you to ask questions! You will even have the ability to refer your friends for cash!
Your Starter Kit can NOW count as your first Essential Rewards order! That means you can earn 10% back in points right away AND the current monthly promo oil!
a few side notes
➕ Information obtained here is meant for educational and informational purposes ONLY, and to motivate and empower you to make your own wellness journey based on your own research and partnership with your healthcare provider.
Prep Your Pine Cones The only downside to collecting pine cones from outside is they’re likely to have dirt, sap, or even small bugs on them. But don’t let that deter you. It’s easy to clean them. Simply give the pine cones a good rinse in the sink. You can use Thieves dish soap or just water. The scent from the store bought dish soap will linger (and possibly interfere with the oils) so I don’t recommend using anything other than Thieves.
Then, place the pine cones on a foil-lined cookie sheet. Bake them at a low heat (roughly 200 degrees Fahrenheit) for about an hour. Baking works to preserve the pine cones, opens them up and gets rid of any creepy crawlers. Keep an eye on them throughout the entire baking process to be sure they do not burn. While it is unlikely that they will burn, it is important to take them out immediately if it looks like they are. Finally, remove them from the oven, and wait for them to cool before proceeding to the next step.
Apply essential oil(s) to scent your pine cones, choose any essential oils that you like. While many people prefer to use Christmas Spirit or cinnamon because it’s associated with the fall and winter months, other good options include Citrus Fresh, vanilla, peppermint, and even pine essential oils (Scared Mountain or Winter Lights). You can apply just one type of oil, or you can mix and match. For instance, cinnamon and vanilla blend together to form a pleasant, warming aroma. Place the pine cones in a gallon-size zip-top bag, and pour at least 10 drops of essential oil right inside. You can always add more drops if you feel the scent isn’t strong enough. Seal and shake the bag to spread the essential oil on the pine cones, and then leave them in the bag for a week. Finally, remove them from the bag, and make sure they’re dry before using them to decorate. You also can use a spray bottle for a quicker and more uniform application of the essential oil. Fill the bottle with a few ounces of water and about 10 drops of essential oil to start. (You always can add more.) Then, spray the pine cones, and place them inside the gallon-size zip-top bag. With this method, they only need to remain in the bag for about a day because they’ve taken a more direct hit of essential oil thanks to the spray bottle. Finally, remove the pine cones from the bag, and let them dry completely before placing around your home.
Repeat as Needed Once the pine cones are out on display for a few weeks, they’ll start to lose their fragrance. You can continue to add essential oil as needed to refresh the scent. You don’t have to use the same scents that you previously used on the pine cones, as long as the previous scents aren’t detectable to the point that they clash with the new scents.
Think essential oils are just for aromatic or topical purposes? Think again! With Young Living’s Vitality™ essential oil line,* you can go from home cook to culinary artist with easy, elevated dishes! Create mouth-watering recipes that’ll have your family and guests coming back for seconds!
Tips to get started A small amount of essential oil can make a huge impact on flavor in any dish. Keep in mind the following tips when using essential oils in your recipes:
Essential oils can be great substitutes for fresh herbs, citrus zest and juice, and spices such as oregano, lime juice, or ground clove.
Essential oils are potent. We recommend using only 1-2 drops at first, or even the toothpick method when cooking with essential oils: Stick a toothpick through the oil dropper to absorb the oil, then swirl the toothpick through wet ingredients. Give it a taste and gradually add more flavor to your liking.
Cook smart in the kitchen Cooking restaurant-quality dishes can be time-consuming and expensive—but it doesn’t have to be that way! Spend less time in the kitchen and enjoy your flavorful meal using Vitality essential oils and these helpful tips:
Replace hard-to-find ingredients with a Vitality oil. For example, instead of buying coriander from the spice section, use Coriander Vitality™ essential oil.
Get the most bang for your buck. You need only small amounts of Vitality essential oils in your recipes, so you can recreate or concoct dozens of new dishes from the same bottle!
Spend less time cooking and more time savoring every bite. Cut down your prep time, including washing, chopping, and slicing ingredients, and add oils instead.
Savor the fresh flavor with each essential oil use. Have you ever made a dish that calls for a single sprig of rosemary, but grocery stores only sell fresh herbs in bulk? Dried herbs and spices quickly go stale, while Vitality oils retain their powerful flavor.
10 simple ways to use Vitality oils Ditch the hours spent Pinterest-ing eventual recipe fails and go with these delicious dishes. These vibrant, flavorful recipes will leave your taste buds tingling!
A walk through the woods can do more than just get your heart rate up and fill your lungs with fresh air; it can actually teach you about how to live a happier, simpler, and more fulfilling life. In this blog post, we’re taking a look at seven lessons you can learn from plants. They’ve been doing all this learning, growing, and improving thing for a long time, and they have a few helpful tips for us.
Helichrysum at the Young Living Farms in Split, Croatia
Leave the shadows and look to the light
As the sun moves across the sky during the day, many flowers and plants will turn to face the direction of the sun. Even plants sitting on a windowsill will grow toward the sunlight. It’s important that you identify and move toward the sunlight in your life. Reach for the people and things that bring you light, even when life feels dark. It’s challenging but worth it.
Frankincense Resin from the Young Living Farm in Salalah, Oman
Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes
A garden wouldn’t be nearly as lovely if all the plants were the same. The varieties of shapes, colors, sizes, and smells all add to the magic and beauty of it. Just like every flower, tree, and bush, every person is different, and they each have something unique to offer. Embrace your own individual beauty and always remember that the world is a much better place because you’re in it.
Oregano at the Young Living Farm in Guayaquil, Ecuador
Small growth is still growth
Most plants grow in tiny increments. If you observe a little seedling’s progress from one day to the next, it’s hard to notice any difference at all, but if you look at the same plant one year later, the change is clear. Likewise, it can be common to overlook the growth in your life. It’s hard to see progress over the course of a week or even a month, but if you look back at where you were five years ago, you can see how far you’ve come. Progress is still progress, no matter how long it takes you.
Jasmine Flowers at the Young Living Manuka Farm in New Zealand
There’s more than meets the eye
Night-blooming jasmine is a beautiful white flower that—as the name suggests—blooms only at night. During the day it hides its petals inside a small green bud. It would be easy to pass over this plant and think of it as plain or even unsightly without ever knowing of the spectacular beauty hidden inside. How often do we do this with people in our lives? It’s so easy to meet someone and immediately judge them, but the truth is there’s always much more than meets the eye.
Clipping Lavender at the Young Living Farm in Simiane-la-Rotonde, France
Getting cut back can actually make you stronger
Every experienced gardener knows that pruning certain plants is essential for them to reach their fullest potential. At first it may appear to be a step backward, but it will actually help the plant take many steps forward. When you face trials or setbacks in life, remember that they can lead to better things, a better you. Sometimes losing your job or having a difficult conversation is just the thing you need to wake up and take your life in a new and better direction.
Adapt with the seasons
Plants are experts on knowing when to bloom and when to hunker down and protect themselves. In the fall and winter, deciduous plants shed their leaves and petals and hibernate through the dark and cold months. In the spring and summer, they open up and bloom, soaking in as much sunlight and energy as possible. It’s important to allow ourselves the same care. When life gets hard, it’s okay to protect yourself, regroup, and push through. Likewise, it’s also important to bask in the sun and recharge when the opportunity presents itself.
Take time to nourish yourself
Without the proper balance of sunlight, nutrient-rich soil, and water, a plant will suffer and may even stop growing. Similarly, for you to thrive, you need to make sure that you’re getting the nourishment you need. And that doesn’t just mean eating fruits and vegetables. You need to spend time doing things that feed your soul—reading books, sleeping, listening to music, spending time with people you love, playing outside. If you’re not making time for what you love, you’re limiting your happiness.
Freedom Pines Farm 