Buying a house is often hailed as one of the most exciting milestones in a person's life. But let's be real—it's also one of the most stressful things you can ever do. From the moment you decide to start the search, you're thrown into a whirlwind of decisions, paperwork, and emotions that could make anyone feel a bit overwhelmed.
First, there's the financial aspect. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can feel like sitting through an exam where you forgot to study, complete with endless paperwork to verify your income, assets, and credit history. Then comes the fun task of budget balancing. How much house can you really afford? This often involves sparring with escalating home prices and choosing between your needs and wants in a home.
Next up, the house hunting. It sounds thrilling at first, but quickly becomes a roller coaster of emotions. You fall in love with the paint color in one home, only to realize the kitchen needs a complete overhaul. Or maybe you find the perfect home, only to be outbid by someone who saw it five minutes before you. It's a game of patience and sometimes heartbreak.
Let's not forget the negotiations. Once you finally find "the one," you’ve got to place an offer, which usually involves skills you didn’t know you needed, like clairvoyance on what the other bidders might offer or what the seller is willing to accept. And should your offer be accepted, brace yourself for the maze of inspections, appraisals, and endless back-and-forth with realtors, lawyers, and bankers.
Amid all the chaos, you still need to maintain your day-to-day responsibilities. The stress can sneak up on you, affecting your mood and sleep. This is when having tools like Young Living Essential Oils can help ease tension and create a calming environment. Imagine unwinding after a day of house hunting with a diffuser filled with calming scents or starting your day with invigorating aromas to boost your spirit.
In the end, buying a house is a journey—a challenging, yet rewarding, experience. While it might test your patience and sanity, the joy of walking into your own home makes it all worthwhile. Plus, it’s a great excuse to throw a housewarming party once all the stress is behind you!

Grief, as much as we might wish otherwise, is an emotion that doesn't conveniently pack its bags and take off after a set period. It settles in and becomes an enduring part of us, like a tattoo on the heart. Whether it’s been two months or two years, the longing for a lost friend, brother, or child can still catch us by surprise, sweeping over us like an unexpected breeze. It’s those small moments—the favorite song coming on the radio, the scent of their favorite meal cooking, or a shared joke echoing in our mind—that bring back a flood of memories and the realization of their absence.
In those moments of overwhelming emotion, Our family has found solace in a companion that’s been a true blessing: Young Living’s Peace & Calming essential oil. Over the last few days, especially as we marked the two-year anniversary of my sons best friends passing, this gentle blend became a comforting presence in our lives. Just a few drops diffused in the living room or added to a relaxing bath at night seemed to wrap us in a reassuring embrace.
While Peace & Calming doesn’t erase the loss or the longing—I wouldn't want it to, as those feelings are tied to someone truly loved—it has helped me find a semblance of tranquility amidst the stormy sea of emotions. Its soothing, sweet fragrance helps ease the tension each time that wave of grief washes over me, allowing me to take a deep breath and find a moment of peace.
If you're navigating the turbulent waters of grief, as many of us are, I encourage you to be gentle with yourself. Allow the memories to come and go freely, acknowledging the pain but also cherishing the love that remains. And, if you haven't already, consider inviting Peace & Calming into your self-care routine. It’s not a magic wand, but it helps illuminate a path towards finding peace in the quiet moments and acts as a supportive friend on the journey through grief. Remember, it’s okay to feel, and it’s okay to seek support, whether from a cherished aroma or a community of empathetic hearts who walk this path beside you.