Thought of the week - Courage

Greetings all!

Here is an inspiring thought for the upcoming week (from http://www.deeshan.com). 

I loved the advice: "When it's yes, say yes. When it is no, say no."

 

Hope you have a great week! Drop me a line!

Take An Inner Vacation [Breathing Technique]

Here is a way to take an inner vacation when you can’t actually go somewhere. Think of a beautiful place where you’ve been or would like to be, a calming spot where you can just let go and relax. Imagine all the details that feel good to you. Close your eyes. What images, sensations, thoughts, and feelings arise?

As you sink into this experience, begin to let your breath flow easily. Soften your belly, allow your exhale to lengthen and fall freely, and inhale slowly as your breath carries this feeling throughout your whole body. Stay with this for at least a minute.

When our breath relaxes, our body and mind relax. In the same way, when our mind relaxes, our breath relaxes. You’ve just given yourself a little vacation.

~ Margaret Townsend (as read in the August-2019 issue of Real Simple magazine)

Self-Care Practices For Realists

Greetings all!

Today is the day to take care of yourself! Here are some helpful tips from Shannon Reed as seen in the May-2019 issue of Real Simple magazine:

1) I will bend my knees today:

- Getting in and out of bed counts.

2) I will take one deep breath today:

- Inhaling to yell “Stop! Don’t eat that!” at the dog counts.

3) I will look with love and kindness upon at least one person:

- Refraining from rolling my eyes at the woman who cut in front of me in the school drop-off line counts.

4) I will eat thoughtfully:

- All foods, including gum, count.

5) I will explore aromatherapy:

- Noting that a co-worker once again used the office microwave to heat up sauerkraut counts.

6) I will listen to a song I enjoy:

- Catching 30 seconds of that Fugee song playing over Target’s loudspeakers as I pick up milk counts.

7) I will learn a new yoga pose:

- Bracing the door open while I scream for the cat to come back counts.

8) I will develop a soothing evening ritual:

- Remembering to close the laptop before I fall asleep counts. Actually turning it off means that my self has been fully, and lovingly, cared for. I am complete.

Which one was your favorite? Drop me a line!

S.T.O.P. [Mindfulness Technique]

How about you S.T.O.P. right now??

Greetings all!

I wanted to share this wonderful mindfulness technique that you can use to get out of your head and into the moment you are in. Being mindful reduces stress, improves focus, and lessens emotional reactivity!

S – stop

T – take a breath

O – observe (take inventory of your inner and outer experience)

P – proceed with more mindfulness (be Present)

SOURCE (includes other great mindfulness tips that you can use in your travels, at work, and your personal life):

https://www.smartertravel.com/mindful-travel-tips/

What did you think? Drop me a line!

Roasted Plums With Yogurt and Walnuts

Greetings all!

Here is a delicious summer dessert ready in 15 minutes! 

Image and recipe from

https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/browse-all-recipes/roasted-plums-with-yogurt-and-walnuts

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 plums halved and pits removed
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 cups Greek yogurt
• ¾ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Instructions:

1. Melt the butter in an 8-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Sprinkle the plum halves evenly with the sugar and place, cut-side down, in the skillet.
2. Cook until the cut sides are golden in color, 2 to 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium, turn the plums over, and cook until tender, 5 to 6 minutes more.
3. Transfer the plums to a plate, leaving the juices behind. Add the maple syrup to the skillet and stir. Combine the plums and plum syrup. Keep warm. (Or refrigerate for up to 2 days; warm before using.)
4. Divide the yogurt among 4 bowls. Top each with 2 plum halves and chopped walnuts. Drizzle with the syrup.

Bon Appetit! Hope you like it!