I remember a kind couple, John and Nome Mackaleash, who loved my parents and enjoyed spending time with our family. They had big hearts and a genuine desire to help. They often brought us new clothes from a business they owned, showing their thoughtfulness in ways we deeply appreciated. One visit stands out in my memory: my sister Rachel was participating in a fundraiser, selling boxes of M&M candies for a dollar each—a significant amount of money in the 1980s. Without hesitation, John pulled out twenty dollars and bought the entire case of candy. Then, in an act of pure generosity, he gave each of us our own box.

Fast forward 20 years, and now it was my turn as a parent. My children were doing school fundraisers, but my reaction was the opposite of John’s. I completely discouraged them from participating. I’d say, “I’ll give you a dollar if you don’t do that fundraiser.” I was downright unpleasant to anyone who came to my door selling something.

One day, while listening to an audiobook, I heard the speaker say, “Be generous with your money, and it will come back to you tenfold.” Something about that message resonated with me. I decided to change my ways. I started being more open and generous, buying from every child who came to my door. It reminded me of John’s incredible generosity and the example he set for me all those years ago.

This shift in mindset also made me realize how giving can create a ripple effect. I even hired neighborhood kids to clean up rotten apples in my front yard and rewarded each of them with a crisp two-dollar bill. Seeing their smiles made me realize that generosity isn’t just about money—it’s about creating moments of joy and encouragement for others.

This perspective ties perfectly into my love for essential oils. Generosity isn’t just about giving money or gifts; it’s about sharing things that have positively impacted your life. For me, essential oils have been life-changing. I use them daily, appreciating their ability to promote better health without harmful side effects. When I experience the benefits of an oil—whether it’s improved focus, better sleep, or relief from discomfort—I feel compelled to share it with others.

I believe essential oils represent the same spirit of generosity that John and Nome demonstrated. They offer people hope and an alternative path to better health. Generosity, whether it’s giving time, money, or a small bottle of essential oil, creates a harvest far greater than we can imagine. Every time I share an oil, I’m reminded of the beauty in giving: it transforms lives—mine and others’—and fosters a deeper connection to those around me.

The lesson is clear: generous giving of ourselves, whether through kindness, encouragement, or something as simple as sharing essential oils, leads to a generous harvest of joy, hope, and connection. And just like John’s act of kindness with those boxes of candy, it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that often make the biggest difference.