What Was Your Rose?

Greetings all!

I recently came across an unusual way to incorporate gratitude into your life - “Rose, Bud, Thorn.” As I went through this little exercise, I also thought it might be a thoughtful alternative to the usual "How are you?" question, which oftentimes is not a question at all but just a perfunctory hello.  

Image from https://www.instagram.com/p/CeVPm8Cr1Fi/?hl=en

- ROSE is something positive that sparked joy, something you are grateful for: any highlight, win, achievement, small (or big) pleasure from the day. Your rose can be any shape, size, or form! I believe the important focus here is on “ANY.” 

- THORN is a challenge, a pain point: something that hurt or did not go well, maybe something requiring additional support. Too often, we focus only on thorns, and it takes a conscious effort to find a rose and a bud!

- BUD is a new development: something you are looking forward to and excited about. 

Image from https://www.imagethink.net/for-important-decisions-think-visually/

As a side note, doesn’t this remind you – quite serendipitously?! – of my very first blog post ““Step back (and smell the roses)”?!

So what is your rose today? Drop me a line! Hope your week is filled with roses and buds! 

Sources:

• https://www.cnbc.com/2023/10/20/phrases-genuinely-happy-people-say-every-day-according-to-psychology-experts.html
• https://www.imagethink.net/for-important-decisions-think-visually/
• https://www.mindfulschools.org/inspiration/mindful-reflection/

Shakshuka

Greetings all!

Do you have days when you open your full refrigerator and have no idea what to cook? During one of those moments, I recalled an easy, delicious, and very satisfying dish – Shakshuka! – popular in the Middle East and some parts of North Africa. 

Image and recipe idea from 

https://www.themediterraneandish.com/shakshuka-recipe/

You really need just 2 ingredients: a chunky tomato sauce and eggs but, of course, different spices and other veggies will only enhance the dish! 

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
• Canned or fresh chopped tomatoes 
• Optional veggies: chopped onion, green bell peppers, and minced garlic cloves 
• Salt and ground black pepper
• Optional spices: coriander, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper
• 2 eggs
• Parsley (or mint) for garnish
• Feta cheese for serving (optional)

Instructions:

• Saute tomatoes in oil for 10 min. If using other veggies, add tomatoes last
• Make holes in the sauce with spatula or spoon
• Add eggs and simmer
• Garnish with parsley and feta cheese

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it!

Selection of Funnies: Everyday Situations

Source (and more!): https://www.boredpanda.com/cute-wawawiwa-comics-part-3/ [by Andrés J. Colmenares / wawawiwacomics]

10 Questions to Reflect on 2023

Image from https://www.instagram.com/p/C1hItlNryNz/?hl=en

 

1.  What brought me the most joy this year?

2.  What were my proudest moments this year, and why?

3.  Which experiences challenged me, and what did I learn from them?

4.  Were there situations I wish I had handled differently? Why, and what could I learn from them?

5.  Have I been true to my values and beliefs?

6.  Did I step out of my comfort zone? If so, what did I discover about myself in the process?

7.  Which personal qualities did I utilize most this year, and in what scenarios?

8.  Were there goals I set but still need to achieve? What were the reasons, and how can I adjust my approach?

9.  What am I grateful for?

10. How have I grown as a person?

Source: https://www.calm.com/blog/the-power-of-reflection-and-setting-intentions

In 2024, Deliver Me From…

Image from https://www.publicdomainpictures.net/en/view-image.php?image=377096&picture=new-year-firework-sparkler

From putting my career before the people in my life, deliver me.

From distracting myself from life with work, deliver me.

From my drive to be superior to others, deliver me.

From the allure of the world’s empty promises, deliver me.

From my feelings of professional superiority, deliver me.

From allowing my pride to supplant my love, deliver me.

From the pains of withdrawing from my addiction, deliver me.

From the dread of falling into decline and being forgotten, deliver me.

~ Arthur Brooks

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/being-special-vs-happy-what-success-addiction-looks-like-brooks/