When Life Hands You Lemons - Try A New Recipe!

The start of 2018 has not been uneventful for me.  We are just into the third week of January and I am doubting some of my decisions, mostly made in 2017, yet carrying over into the new year. Just when I was about to throw one of my infamous, solo pity parties, I had a revelation:  "Obviously I am on track and where I am supposed to be in life, because that's when fear usually takes hold."

Trust me, coming to this conclusion was not as simple as it seems.  The very end of 2016 and all of 2017 was a long year of trials, tribulations, growth and peace, believe it or not.  The journey is not over yet either.  It's just the beginning.

So what do you do when life hands you lemons?  I say try a new recipe!  That's right!  I don't mean whip out the old cookbook or google lemon recipes (unless you really want).  Try something new with your life.  Stir things up a bit, add some flavor - simply try something, anything different.  

One of the ways I decompress is reading.  I read an entire book in one day last week.  My 14-hour trip to California from Alabama (Pony Express was faster), allowed me to crack open my latest pick in my quest to understand the purpose on my life.  It is called 'Four Cups,' written by my Pastor, Chris Hodges.  The book uses the celebration of Passover to illustrate His promises for our lives.  LOVED IT!  Last year, I read 3 other books, all which gave me clarity, a vision and helped me discover a sense of calm in my storms.  If you want the titles, they were 'A Purpose Driven Life' by Rick Warren, 'Frequency' by Robert Morris and 'Fresh Air' another book written by Chris Hodges.  Reading takes me away from issues at hand and helps me look at them from another perspective.  Basically, I put away my natural understanding and look at things from a spiritual perspective.  Now that's refreshing!

Another way I get refocus my life and attitude is by writing.  Take this blog for instance; as long as I don't stress about what to write, the ideas flow.  The infamous "writer's block" we all hear about vanishes and the ideas flow.  Stress is the very reason I got off track writing in the first place.  Even though I have a lot on my plate right now, I refuse to neglect one of the passions which helps broaden my feeling of FREEDOM!  Yes, freedom!  Writing is my spiritual gift and I want to embrace it more - not view it as a burden as I have often in the past.

Lastly, the other way I am getting better of not allowing lemons to sour my life is by taking less focus off me!  Easier said than done, but I can tell you it works wonders.  I have a top 5 list "to do list" I hit every day.  When I divert from this list, my day is not right.  Therefore, I make an effort to complete this list without fail.  My top 5 consists of prayer, praise/worship, working intently on my purpose, make a positive deposit in someone's life and to do something for myself.  You see, I still get to address my needs, but overall, it's because of all the other nuggets, I feel complete.  Prayer is important to me because it acknowledges the creator who gave me life.  Praise/worship displays my gratitude, not in just what I say, but what I do.  Working intently towards my purpose glorifies God's plan for me and highlights its importance.  My favorite part of the day is doing something positive to uplift someone.  It gives me great joy to see people smile, to let them know how much they are appreciated and I'm rooting for them. Doing something for myself is a challenge.  What I have learned, I don't have to spend money to make myself happy.  Today, it's writing this blog and actually taking care of some financial obligations I haven't been able to in a while.  Sound corny?  That's OK!  This is my recipe and it works for me.

I ask the question one last time: What do you do when life hands you lemons?  Reply in the comments and share your recipe for the soul.

Quick Bites

Fast Food:  Not your drive-thru variety

We have all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, yet many of us rarely acknowledge its existence.


Get the most mileage out of your food.  Eat healthy 90% of the time.

  Did you sleep too late?  Are you too tired to eat or just not up for eating first thing in the morning?  Whatever your reason for not eating breakfast, it's time to change your tune.  Eating breakfast can fill you up and help prevent snacking.  If you're trying to lose weight, gain more energy or you have simply have run out of options, I have a few breakfast suggestions that will fuel you and help you rise and shine the rest of the day.

 

1. Fruit.  Start your day with fruit.  There are a number of ways you can incorporate it in a healthy diet and quick meal.  Apples, bananas, pears, grapes are the best grab-and-go types, but any and all fruit is highly recommended.  Fruit is low in calories and contains some of the fiber necessary for a healthy diet. Click here to read more on why fruit is so important to our daily diet. 
2. High-fiber toast. Not just any bread will do.  Go for 100% whole wheat or 100% whole grain breads.  Pop a piece or two in the toaster, spread on some almond butter or peanut butter for protein and out the door you go!
3. Hard-boiled egg. Got 5 to 7 minutes?  Then hard-boiled eggs are in order.  They are full of protein and a great source of vitamin B-12 and riboflavin - which are essential for energy production, cancer prevention, better hair, skin and nail and cell regeneration.  Cook your eggs ahead of time and then they're ready to enjoy alone, on a breakfast sandwich or salad (yes, you can eat salad for breakfast too!)
4. Smoothie. By far, my favorite option.  You can combine your favorite fruits and veggies, protein source, choice of dairy or non-dairy items water or juice.  Check out my monthly newsletter for a quick and easy recipe.

5.  Oatmeal, cream of wheat or grits. Have to eat at your desk?  Packets of  instant oatmeal and grits are easy to store in your desk and simple to make.  Just add hot water and eat.  Add fruit or nuts to bulk up your fiber and protein I Your instant options are high in carbohydrates and fiber and relatively low in calories.  Just watch out for added sugar.  Try to buy low-sugar or unsweetened varieties.   

 

 

 

 

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