When I was nine or ten, I went fishing with my dad and older brother. I loved spending time with my dad because he was always busy, and these moments were rare and cherished. We spent the day together by the water, laughing and bonding. I can still remember the excitement of reeling in three or four good-sized fish. I felt so proud of what we’d caught—until the next part.

When it was time to gut the fish, my dad and brother handled the task while I stood off to the side, horrified. Watching them clean the fish was absolutely disgusting to me, and it took away some of the magic of the day. Things didn’t improve when we got home. My mom cooked up the fish, filling the entire house with the smell of fried fish. We sat down as a family to eat, but I struggled to enjoy the meal. No matter how carefully I picked through my portion, I always seemed to miss a bone. The fishy taste and lingering smell made the experience worse. From that day on, I decided: I don’t like catching or eating fish.

This simple rule—”don’t eat the fish”—has stayed with me ever since. It’s a personal rule rooted in a negative experience, but it’s one that works for me. For others, though, it would seem ridiculous. Many people love fishing and enjoy fresh fish, but my rule is shaped by my personal history, just as others’ habits and rules are shaped by theirs.

How often do we follow rules without questioning them? Many of the things we do are based on negative experiences, traditions, or habits passed down from others without us fully understanding why. For instance, I’m reminded of a story about Mary, who was preparing a ham for dinner. One of her children asked, “Why do you cut off the end of the ham before putting it in the pan?” Mary replied, “That’s how my mom always did it.” Curious, Mary called her mother to ask why. Her mom laughed and said, “I only did that because my pans were too small to fit the whole ham.”

This story illustrates how much of what we do is based on what’s been handed down to us. We often follow practices or traditions without stopping to ask if they still make sense or serve us well. When it comes to our health, this is especially true. Many of us, when we get sick, instinctively reach for over-the-counter pain relievers or other medications because that’s what we were taught to do. It’s what we’ve seen and experienced, so we repeat it.

But now we know better. With every man-made drug, there are potential side effects—some minor, others dangerous and harmful to our health. Thankfully, there’s another option. I’ve discovered the power of essential oils, which offer natural, effective solutions without the dangerous side effects of synthetic drugs.

Essential oils have transformed the way I approach my health. These powerful, plant-based remedies have been studied for their healing properties, and I’ve experienced their benefits firsthand. Whether I’m dealing with a headache, a cold, or simply trying to stay well, essential oils are my first line of defense. They’re not just effective—they’re also a reminder that sometimes the best solutions are the simplest and most natural ones.

My fishing story might seem unrelated to essential oils at first, but they’re both about learning from our experiences. That day on the lake taught me a lot—not just about fish, but about how personal experiences shape our choices. Just as I chose not to eat fish based on my childhood, I’ve now chosen essential oils as a healthier alternative for my well-being. It’s a choice rooted in knowledge, growth, and a desire for something better. And like fishing with my dad and brother, it’s a journey I’m grateful for, even if it didn’t start out perfectly.