March 25, 2026

Hey there!

Have you ever been in the presence of someone who just "shines?" They ooze joy. Even when they're troubled, people like this sprinkle stardust wherever they go.

And they're beautiful!

According to the iconic Marilyn Monroe, "A smile is the best makeup any girl can wear."

**What a great reminder to smile! 🥰

Here's a bit of advice: If your body feels tired, tense, inflamed, or “off,” do not ignore the possibility that stress may be playing a bigger role than you think. Sometimes the most healing thing you can do is not to push harder, but to slow down, pray, breathe deeply, get outside, laugh often, smile more, nourish yourself well, and let your mind rest on what is true. Peace is not laziness. It is stewardship. And learning to live from a settled heart is one of the kindest things you can do for your whole being.

(And I'm talking to myself here.)

Stress is often treated like it’s just “in our heads,” but the truth is, it affects the whole body.

When stress lingers too long, cortisol stays elevated, and that begins to take a toll. It can throw hormones out of balance, slow digestion, weaken immunity, and wear a person down in ways they may not even recognize at first.

And honestly, when you think about it, it makes perfect sense that Scripture has so much to say about the heart, the mind, and the inner life. We are told to take heart, guard our hearts, renew our minds, think on what is good and lovely and true, keep our heart pure, and set our minds on things above.

These are not empty spiritual sayings. They are wise instructions from the One who created us and knows exactly how we function.

To take heart is to be strengthened from the inside out.

To guard your heart is to protect the source from which so much of our lives flow.

To take thoughts captive is to stop the spiral before it steals your peace.

To dwell on what is lovely, good, and true is to make room for hope, steadiness, and peace to settle into both body and soul.

Faith is not just something we believe in theory. It's a deep KNOWING. It steadies us. It anchors us. It helps bring us back into alignment when life feels chaotic. When we're stressed.

And stress does not just affect what is happening internally. It often shows up outwardly, too.

Skin, especially, can reflect what is going on beneath the surface. Ongoing stress can contribute to inflammation, dullness, and premature aging. It can leave us looking tired, even when we have technically had enough sleep.

Sometimes what we see in the mirror is not just exhaustion. It is the outward reflection of an inward burden.

But the good news is that peace, joy, and laughter leave their mark, too.

Laughter, gratitude, relief, and genuine moments of joy can help calm the body, soften tension, and support healing in ways we should not underestimate. There is something deeply restorative about peace that reaches all the way down into us.

The more we make room for what is good, true, lovely, and life-giving, the more it shows — not only in our hearts, but often in our faces, our health, and the way we carry ourselves.

Have you gotten my FREE Guide to Blending Essential Oils for Peace? If not, you can get it here. Just use the same email you're using to receive this note. I'm getting ready to switch out my featured free guide, so this one won't be available for awhile.

A favor: If you know a friend who would enjoy it, please forward this along!

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Here's a special party (er...recipe) for your mouth!

Mood Boosting Berry Chia Pudding (YUM)

A couple of weeks ago, I asked if you would like to learn more about using medicinal herbs in the kitchen! Right in your cooking! The reason for this is to be healthier, feel better, look better, and even act better.

I've got things moving... So stay tuned for more.

In the meantime, I thought I'd share this delicious recipe you can try. I hope you'll let me know what you think!

Ingredients:

1 cup almond or coconut milk

3 tbsp chia seeds (Salvia hispanica)

1 tsp quality vanilla extract

1-2 tsp raw honey

1/2 cup berries of any kind (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, etc.)

My favorite mix of herbal spices sprinkled on: Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum), Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans), Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

(That's also the same spice blend that goes in my coffee every morning, and these are all "feel great" spices!)

Directions:

In a pint jar, mix the milk, chia seeds, vanilla, honey, and spices (or you can sprinkle these at the end if you prefer). Shake well.

IMPORTANT: Refrigerate overnight, or at least 3-4 hours.

NOTE: You want the chia to soak well to maximize nutrient absorption, improve their digestibility, and ease digestive complaints. Chia seeds can absorb up to 10-12 times their weight in liquid, so this is why you need take the soaking seriously. Well-soaked chia seeds prevent them from expanding in your stomach, creating issues you just don't want!

**And, the thick, slimy goo that chia releases as they're soaked is an herbal constituent beloved by most herbalists called mucilage! This substance is an incredible healing compound for your gut health, and all your mucus membranes. It's moistening, too.

When you're ready to enjoy, top with the berries and more sprinkles!

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You might also enjoy....

1) Essential Oils to Get You Into a Great Mood FAST!

Essential oils, when inhaled, immediately hit the limbic center of your brain, and this is the place that affects mood and emotions. In this article, find out more about the science behind some of my favorite essential oils to boost mood (and enjoy a Road Rage Spray formula).

​Essential Oils to Get You Into a Great Mood FAST!!​

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2) A Roller Blend for Peace, Sleep, and Relaxation

This video is an older one, and it is just as relevant today as it was three or so years ago. This is a wonderful blend of essential oils that I love carrying with me wherever I go. It's also safe for dogs with anxiety and young children.

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Have a beautiful day, and be sure to smile often!!

Hugs, Health, and Herbs,

Heidi

P.S. Don't forget to get your FREE Guide: Blending Essential Oils for Peace​