Let me preface by saying 3 months ago, I didn’t even know what “crunchy” meant. Yep, maybe I live under a rock but the idea of being crunchy never occurred to me. And, if you’re like me and are thinking, “what the heck is she talking about?!” I’ll leave my quick definition of it here. Basically, being crunchy is synonymous with being a hippie.
Maybe now you understand why I never knew of such a word. I never have considered myself to be a hippie, and still don’t.
But, what I do know is lots of people will slap that label on you real quick when you start blabbering about essential oils and plant based living.
I’m all for balance. Balance in my diet. Balance in my sleep schedule. Balance in how much binge watching of Netflix I do. And balance in the my weekly wine to water ratio. Balance is key. But really, balance is a lot more than 1:1. To me, balance is about figuring out where that fine line between sanity and insanity is so you can walk it with confidence. Like, where does your recreation meet your work? (And yes, I consider eating a slice of to be pizza play and a spinach salad to be work). Balance is there. Well, that’s my quick definition at least.
I grabbed my essential oils back in March, but ever since then I have been really into finding the best, natural, non toxic alternatives wherever I can. It makes the most sense to me. If there is a better option for me and my family, why wouldn’t I look into it further? It’s quickly become one of my hobbies and I will spend hours researching, writing posts, and sharing with you guys what I learn. It’s fun.
And no, that doesn’t mean I am now going to move into the middle of the forest and live amongst the trees or walk life as a nomad. I still appreciate what the “not so good” chemicals have brought us. Like, airplanes and cars and iPhones and medicines. I understand those things just may have detrimental effects but their good outweigh their bad and our life on this planet wouldn’t be the same with out them.
Those are things out of my control, anyway. I’m not planning on living in a bubble any time soon or even wrapping myself in saran. I don’t throw away or waste any of my toxic products just to replace them with better ones (although I will admit I did give all of my toxic household cleaners away to family members).
It’s about balance. As a not so fun product empties, I simply replace it with a fun one. And by fun, I mean better for my health, plant based, non toxic, possibly but not necessarily Young Living, product. And it’s been awesome.
I feel good knowing that the small decisions that are within my reach are made with education and knowledge that will both benefit me and my home and my family. I guess to me, being “crunchy” is fluid and is a process rather than a certain way of being. More a verb than an adjective or noun. I know that’s not its definition, but it’s what makes sense to me.
That is my balance.
Now I’m feeling all philosophical and have a slight urge to write out namaste but not going to because, again, I’m not a hippie… remember? 😉
So anyway, see ya next time!
xx, Amanda
Amanda is the founder of Poised Avenue Design Studio. She has years of digital marketing, graphic design, and brand design under her belt. She has a passion for helping female entrepreneurs bridge the gap between their business and ideal audience with brand design rooted in strategy.
Mollie says
I recently made the switch to a few safer beauty products and am surprised by how amazing they are! I’m not sacrificing anything but I know the products are better for both myself and my skin. Keep sharing your healthy living swaps, I love reading about them!
xx Mollie
Amanda says
That’s so exciting Mollie! Yes, you never have to give anything up… I find natural products actually work even better most times!! Thanks for being a supporter! xx
Sarah Lindner says
Life is definitely about balance which I struggle with all the time. Eating healthier and essential oils are key in my daily routine.
xoxo
Sarah Lindner
Amanda says
Same here girl! We all can only try our best, but that’s what counts!
Torey says
I can relate to this! I hate labels and don’t think I could ever be a “one extreme or the other” kind of person. Balance is KEY. Moms are labeled crunchy, silky etc too and it’s annoying to me. I like using organic, fair trade, and chemical free stuff but I also use things that aren’t.
Amanda says
Exactly! I don’t appreciate the labels much either. What’s the fun in only fitting one category anyway?! 😉
Morgan says
Loving this thought and that you’re using balance as the key guideline .. everything in moderation right?!
-Morgan
How 2 Wear It [] http://how2wearit.com
Amanda says
Right!! Thanks for reading Morgan!
Laura Leigh says
Absolutely love hearing this!!! I have been making this switch as well and it just makes me feel so much better about the products and my body. Knowing I’m going the healthier, more pure way. Definitely need to use them in my home more as well.
xo Laura Leigh
Louella Reese
Amanda says
That’s great Laura!
Laura || Walking in Memphis in High Heels says
I love the idea of using more natural products and eating healthier. I think it’s a great balance between living and using things that are better for us.
Amanda says
It’s all about finding that balance and not forcing anything one way or another. I truly think being knowledgeable on it makes the ability to find balance so much easier!! Thanks for reading Laura! xx
Stephanie says
i think so many people are going to appreciate your definition of “crunchy.” my sister is what i consider crunchy, and she inspires me so much to live a healthier lifestyle with everything from the cleaning products i use on my home, to the things i eat, to the essential oils and vitamins i buy, and more! thanks for sharing your thoughts on the lifestyle!
Amanda says
That is awesome, Stephanie!! Thanks for stopping by!
Nailil says
I feel like everything is about balance. And like you said, some of the not so good things like cars and iPhones play a good part too.
Amanda says
Exactly! Thanks for stopping by Nailil 🙂
Cathy says
Someone called me crunchy in college because I had a pair of Birkenstocks. Don’t even listen to it! When people name call it is because they are naive and ignorant. The only way they can process something is by name calling, instead of taking the time to understand something. Living a healthy lifestyle isn’t crunchy, it’s smart. You keep doing your oils and striving for the best, most healthy way of living. It’s not crunchy, it’s smart!
XOXO
Cathy
Amanda says
Oh gosh, that’s too funny! Thanks Cathy!!
Kileen says
I think that is awesome that you are switching over to healthier and more natural alternatives. I’ve heard of these oils and I definitely want to try them, I’ve heard nothing but great things about them!
Kileen
cute & little
Amanda says
Thanks Kileen! Let me know when you’re ready to hop on board & I will gladly welcome you to our team!!
Rach says
I’ve been making the switch to safer beauty, and I just feel better about the products I am using. I’m the same way, life is all about balance!
http://www.rdsobsessions.com
Amanda says
It makes me so happy to know I’m using the good stuff on my skin, in my body, and in my home whenever I can! Yay!! So glad you feel the same way… it makes me happy!