Self-improvement is about finding balance and happiness in our daily lives. The most important area in which we can achieve balance is in our own emotional security.

After all, we cannot find true balance in relationships, our work environment, and even spiritually until we achieve self-acceptance, self-control, understanding and compassion. And while many of us believe we have a balanced sense of self, our insecurities often creep silently into our life, leaving uncertainty and regret in its wake.

Emotional security is a subtle yet profound issue because without it you can develop unhealthy behaviors and attitudes, like codependency, control, neediness, demand, low self-esteem and more. It can also affect specific areas of our lives, including our relationship and career success.

Being emotionally secure leads to a healthy life in general because there are no unhealthy attachments, you are secure to be alone or in the company of others and you do not require validation from others. You are more willing to take risks because you have the confidence you need to achieve success in every aspect of your life.

There are ways to overcome insecurity. Engage your friends and loved ones in communication about your feelings and how they can help you to feel more at ease. Working with a coach or therapist may help discover the root of your insecurities. Numerous self- help books are available to help those who struggle with insecurities and low self-esteem. It is also important to indulge in nurturing therapies such as massage and aromatherapy. Not merely “guilty pleasures,” these kinds of therapies are an important way to demonstrate your self worth.

The following aromatherapy blends will support you during your drive to overcome your insecurities. These blends will help you gain a profound sense of inner peace and healthy detachment, allowing you to feel secure by eliminating any unhealthy needs you may have for validation and attention.

Prepare each of these blends by pouring the essential oils into a 10ml bottle, and then adding organic vegetable oil to fill. I recommend sweet almond, jojoba or safflower vegetable oils.

Inner Peace & Balance

This blend will help you to gain more insight about your needs and wants, and achieve the balance you need to become more self-accepting.

* 7 drops Sandalwood
* 3 drops Juniper
* 3 drops Cypress
* 3 drops Cedarwood

Massage the solar plexus and third eye. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

Emotional Security

This blends helps you become healthily detached from negative feelings like neediness, codependence and insecurity, and become emotionally independent and self-sufficient.

* 5 drops Sandalwood
* 4 drops St. Johns Wort
* 2 drops Rose Otto

Massage the solar plexus, heart chakra and third eye. Pour one-third of the blend into your warm bath water and soak for at least 15 minutes. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale deeply as needed throughout the day.

(c) Francoise Rapp, 2002. Discover the life-transforming power of aromatherapy! Internationally renowned aromatherapist and alchemist, Francoise Rapp, shares her expertise through aromatherapy classes designed for working adults and in her free weekly ezine, The Arom Alchemy Newsletter. All this and more can be found at http://www.aromalchemy.com