May Greetings

Gosh It's May already! Yikes just where is the Springtime going? It's been downright busy! Time flies when you're having fun! So much to do and lots of activities calling out for attendance and attention. The garden needs energy and thank goodness too because it is so comforting to work in the soil and then admire the work and the beauty of the flowers and veggies you've planted. Besides being such a busy and vibrant time....the Spring offers so much to nourish the senses.....that lush bright green when all the trees are newly leafed out, the sun setting through them and casting the serene shadows you only see at this time of year....the birdsong all around not to mention the farmer's markets are open again. It's so fun to visit with the farmers and the vendors and to buy all the fresh yummy produce again. The abundance of flowers and plants and local produce is almost overwhelming.

Going to my son's lacrosse game last week I was pleasantly surprised to be surrounded by the intoxicating fragrance of the locust trees in full bloom. Another highpoint this Spring was having breakfast with two dear friends at one of their homes. My friend's home was set back through hill and dale on the most lovely piece of land it felt like paradise to be there. We had a delicious breakfast with farmfresh eggs, and her homegrown sauteed garden spinach, simple yet sublime. I noticed my friend had a beautiful bouquet of lilacs on her table....before I left I asked her if I could cut some to take home. Of course she cut me a bunch and the fragrance and beauty of those lilacs fed me on so many levels. It is the simple things that take you the distance through all the busyness of life.

Speaking of farm fresh eggs....We get delicious eggs delivered to us every Wednesday by a local farmer who has lived in these rolling hills of Virginia all her life. Her hens are very happy free- ranging chickens. The yolks are as golden as they get. I've never eaten more delicious eggs in my life. She brings us 8-10 dozen eggs a week and we sell them dirt cheap at $2.50/ doz. It is a service we provide for our patients and we help her out also, it's a nice arrangement. The other nightafter a long workday I had no real idea in my mind for supper so I decided we'd just have egg pancakes. These pancakes were inspired by recipe in a Taoist cookbook but I winged it that night and oh boy were they ever good. My daughter Veronica liked them so much she said "I'm going to be making these alot Mom!"

Egg Pancakes/Eggrolls

These pancakes have no flour in them, just a random mixture of whatever veggies you have on hand and beaten eggs. I used probably 2 0r 3 scallions sliced fine, red cabbage, chopped fine, 1 cup of frozen peas, some minced chives and cilantro and a red pepper, chopped fine and 6 beaten eggs. I seasoned the mixture with salt and pepper. I heated 2 skillets (we were hungry and wanted to cook them faster)and swirled some extra virgin olive oil in the pans, then dropped spoonfuls of the egg/veggie mixture in the pans. I cooked them on medium to low heat and flipped them when the egg looked set. I removed them to a plate to keep warm till all of the egg mixture was used up. We served these by rolling them up in sheets of toasted nori that's when we call them eggrolls....so delicious and nutritous. These can also be served with toast or rice. This recipe fed 3 hearty appetites, just figure about 2 eggs per person and you can put as many veggies as you want in them.

Click here for the printable version of this recipe!

Well I hope all is well with you on your side of the world and I trust that you are enjoying the simple pleasures that bring you joy and peace and a light heart,

May Blessings,

Lisa

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Spring has spruuuuuuuuung and how are you? Obviously we are all so relieved to finally have the lovely warmer weather and the swelling buds and the crocuses and daffodils. The excitement with all the fresh clean energy around us our eyes can't help but simultaneously see the toll that the winter has taken. Taking inventory of our homes and gardens we clear out the gardenbeds, empty the gutters and clean the debris out of the yard. The work now is to clean up to make way for the new growth that is pushing up. Spring energy fills us with fresh ideas and a renewed sense of vitality and so we may start to ask what new growth is springing up within us and at the same time we can't help but take inventory on the toll winter has taken on us.

To begin with ...Does your exercise program need reviewing or even resuscitating?I know my movement plan needed a jumpstart and once again my walks feel appealing as it is a pleasure to be outside in the warm sunshine taking in the sights of the flowers and the lively happy birdsongs. It is especially fun to walk with a friend which has been a great motivation for me.

Perhaps you feel the need to lighten up, drop a few pounds and get moving again. Spring has a way of waking us up and thank goodness for that .....we feel glimmers of hope and the promise of warmer and longer days ahead....Yahooooo!

My eating plan needed adjusting as well and I have taken on my springtime detox by cutting out sugar, wheat, eggs, dairy, and soy....and eating tons of fresh veggies especially of the cruciferous family which to name just a few includes broccoli, cauliflower, kale, collards, cabbage, brussel sprouts. I've been eating lots of onions , leeks, garlic, radishes and anything green that I can get my hands on. I've been enjoying the simple flavors of apples and pears and other fruits as well as brown rice and quinoa and healthy fats such as extra virgin olive oil and flaxseed oil. I'm also taking a rice protein based medical food designed to support liver detoxification and give me optimal nutrition. It's amazing how delicious veggies and fruits can taste when you make simple dietary changes....your taste buds really come alive. My energy has been good. The detox has been a good excuse to shift my energy and get focused again. It's a good time to lighten up and do a little bit of spring cleaning and I should be done in time for a nice simple Easter celebration.

I can't seem to grow tired of the lowly cabbage all varieties and colors. I've been roasting wedges of it in the oven with olive oil, seasalt and fresh ground pepper, splashed with a dash of fresh lemon juice. I've been slicing it super fine and making a coleslaw with apples (check out the recipe in a previous post). Making a simple soup with vegetable stock, onions and caraway seeds. The photo below is Simple Sauteed Cabbage. I started by just swirling some olive oil in a pan, then tossed in some finely sliced leeks and very finely sliced red and green cabbage. Stirred and sprinkled with fresh ground seasalt and black pepper and it was done in 5-8 minutes tops. Yummy.....! The idea of this side dish is vibrant color, interesting texture and delicious flavor without much fuss and bother!

And finally.....the fourth and final installment for Handbook 2010:

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change...
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37.. The best is yet to come...
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

So there you have it. You should be good to go! Enjoy the Spring and your life!

All my Best,

Lisa

Waiting for Spring

Wheweeee! This winter sure has been a doozy....like no other. Lately everyone I talk to is so over the top eager for Spring and why not after all this snow and wind and cold. The good news is Spring is coming it's already here except for the temperatures and the snow that is slooooowly melting. The Lunar calendar ushered in the Spring in early February despite the fact that we were having a very large snow here in Virginia. I'm sure I wasn't the only one to notice the change in the birdsong and their change in behavior. While I was out there hefting the snow shovel the birds truly were singing in that Spring- like tone. I finally saw a few of my bulbs poking through the snow yesterday.....another sure sign. And of course the robins have returned......it's only a matter of time before we have some warmer temperatures.

On February 14th the Lunar New Year/Chinese New Year coincided with Valentine's Day....how auspicious! And this New Year is the Year of the Tiger. The Tiger being very strong ,unpredictable and courageous....many people have forecasted this year to be one of turmoil, unpredictability and social upheaval....evidence for this already abounds and likewise challenges us to have more patience, calm and adaptability to ride the tiger to a place of equilibrium. Success is assured if we adapt, adjust and accommodate, and continue to strive for yet more inner peace. If you want to read more about the Year of the Tiger go to the following links:

https://www.fengshuishopper.com/astrology.php?pid=5

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/drmao/23890/2010-forecast-year-of-the-tiger/

So the challenge as always is maintaining peace under all circumstances.....a somewhat tall order, especially when we're tired and weary. I'm just trying to be patient and hold on until the energy truly shifts and I feel my own sap rising....I know I will have greater energy to carry out all of the new ideas that have been percolating within me and coming to me through my winter dreaming. But for now I will continue to do my best and try to eat well, rest well, exercise as much as possible and nurture myself as I want to be ready when the rest of Spring arrives. I am also trying to get clear on just when to do my Spring Detox....I am so looking forward to getting lighter in body mind and spirit. More on Detoxing in another post.

While the weather is still wintery.....Soups and stews continue to be very satisfying even though I do find myself craving lighter flavors. Tonite in my hurried preparation of dinner I made some Awesome Roasted Veggies (recipe in bold) along with baked sweet potatoes and roasted chicken. I first decided I would roast some chunks of red onion, and decided to throw in some sliced brussel sprouts and then my tastebuds wanted something light and sweet so I threw in some sliced apple, stirred it all up ..... the olive oil got drizzled on and then the salt and pepper and it went into the 400 degree oven and baked for about 40 minutes, stirring every so often. It was yummy and delicious and not much fuss at all!

Remember the Handbook 2010? Here is the third installment, it has to do with how we can relate to society and it seems even more fitting considering the Year of the Tiger!

SOCIETY:

25. Call your family often.

26. Each day give something good to others.

27. Forgive everyone for everything.

28. Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.

29. Try to make at least 3 people smile everyday.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.

31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Stay warm, Stay peaceful, Be easeful and useful, Blessings on us one and all,

All Ways, Lisa

SOUP'S ON!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I can already feel the vibrancy of this new year and a roaring start to a new decade. Finally we've had some real winter....who can argue with 2 feet of snow, frigid temps and windy days. This winter weather has called me to rest more, eat more and stay indoors more and that has made perfect sense except for the fact that the pace of life has demanded me to work more, think harder, and scurry from place to place. Let's face it Spring weather is at least 8 weeks away and we are in it for the long haul so what are we to do while we wait? Quiet activities like cozying up on the couch with a good book or watching a good movie, going to bed early, spending time indoors, and cooking are some of the things that come to mind. However, the busyness of life with all of its pressing matters has been taking its toll and leaving me feeling somewhat in conflict. So as a result I am looking for ways to calm myself and my spirit while I wait. I've started my meditation practice once again and feel the effects already.

The other day I observed a mother with two young chidren and one child was annoying the other and the mom quietly but firmly reminded the annoying child to take a moment alone to find their center. She instructed the child to sit down and take three breaths. The child did this and became much calmer and stopped the annoying behavior. I thought wow....how great that is to get taught this habit at such an early age. This is such a simple tool but one I forget too often. And so a meditation practice can be as simple as this, just concentrating on the flow of breath...nothing fancier than that and it doesn't have to take too much time. One thing I've been doing on a daily basis has been taking an afternoon tea break even if I don't have time to sit and drink it just simply making myself my favorite tea and setting it on my desk while I work allows me to have a moment of warming and comforting stillness with each sip.

Another calming practice for me has been the making and eating of soup. Of course the making of soup takes more time and preparation than the actual eating of it. The creative process however can be very rewarding, the chopping, stirring, simmering and boiling becomes an alchemical process in and of itself and then the by product of your work is pure nourishment on all levels.

The actual eating of soup requires slowing down with each spoonful. You have to sit down when you eat soup and it simply takes more time....so you can use soup time as a time for mindfulness and the partaking of a meditative feast.

Obviously winter time is soup time so it makes perfect sense to transform these ordinary moments into moments to treasure. So honestly now......all I want to eat is soup. Soup for breakfast, soup for lunch, and you guessed it soup for supper! Well maybe I'm exaggerating just a little bit. But seriously I'm making soup everyday and sometimes two soups a day! Soup is great because anything goes, it's easy and soothes the palate and the soul. The soup recipe I'm going to share is standard fare, probably everyone has their own version of Minestrone. Well this is mine and it comes out different everytime but always delicious. Feel free to modify the recipe to meet your desires. I usually cook up a small pot of pasta on the side for anyone who wants to add pasta. Cooking the pasta this way instead of in the soup keeps it from getting too mushy and you can also regulate your intake of carbs easier.

Minestrone Soup

2 Tb. olive oil

1 onion, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 stalk celery, sliced

1 large carrot, sliced in thin rounds

1 cup cabbage, shredded or chopped small

1 15 oz can chickpeas

1 15 oz can pinto beans

1 15 oz can diced tomatoes

1 qt. chicken or vegetable stock

2 bouillon cubes

4 cups water

seasalt

fresh ground black pepper

fresh parsley, minced

fresh garlic, minced

olive oil to drizzle

In a large soup pot saute onions and garlic in olive oil til soft. Add the rest of the veggies and saute for a few minutes. Add the canned beans, tomatoes, bouillon cubes, water, stock and spices except for fresh parsley and garlic. Bring up to a boil then turn down to simmer til all veggies are tender. Right before serving taste for salt and pepper and toss in lots of fresh minced parsley, garlic and drizzle with olive oil. Serve and enjoy!

Click here for the printable version of this recipe!

As I mentioned in my last post....I would be including another installment of Handbook 2010. I don't know who to credit for this ....as it was circulating on the web and came to me via my dear friend Nancy.....so here is part two.

Personality:

11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13.. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously.. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

As the card on my desk says.....

" We have only this moment,

sparkling like a star

in our hand

and melting like

a snowflake."

Marie B. Ray

Enjoy the quiet moments while waiting for Spring,

My best to you always..............Lisa

Finding the Light in the Darkness

So here we are in the season of light...just newly passed through the winter solstice when we experienced the shortest day and the longest night and from here on the days will be getting longer ever so slightly.....it still feels quite dark to me...and cold and damp thanks to our recent heavy snowfall. In the midst of the holiday season and in many different celebrations of light one cannot ignore the impulse to go within to celebrate or even find the source of light. For me the source of light in the darkness is also the source of warmth...you think of fire in any shape or form which brings warmth and usually the feeling of comfort. Perhaps the warmth also helps us to thaw out the cold places within us as well as helping us to be more pliable and flexible as opposed to being stiff and rigid. Being flexible obviously helps us in accomplishing our goals because it helps us to see outside the box. Being flexible is being open and able to grow and stretch our minds and hearts beyond our present state of status quo, quite possibly giving us the ability to change and let go of our preconceived thoughts and habits. It is exciting to embrace this time of year as we look back on the year and our accomplishments as well as looking ahead to plan and shape the year ahead simultaneuosly searching and finding the light within and the light without. Interesting and very compelling time of year.

My dear friend Nancy friend emailed me a forward about a week ago titled HANDBOOK 2010. I don't know the source or who to credit for it but I'm going to copy it here. It is broken down into 4 sections and I'm going to do a section at a time starting with the section on HEALTH. So here goes:

1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
4. Live with the three E's--Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy.
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games.
7. Read more books than you did in 2009.
8. Sit in silence at least 10 minutes each day.
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 min walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

For anyone still up for some holiday baking....I have a great recipe to share. This was given to me last year by one of my patients. It was copied from the cookbook The Peaceful Palate.
This recipe is like finding the light in the darkness. These cookies seem so rich and decadent yet they have only three ingredients, pecans, pitted dates and orange peel. No sugar, no butter and no flour!!!! and they are absolutely delicious.

Pecan Drops
makes 30 1-inch cookies

2 cups pecans
1 tsp finely grated orange peel
1 cup pitted moist dates
30 pecan halves

Preheat the oven to 325. F. Grind the pecans and orange peel in a food processor until the pecans are coarsely chopped. Add the dates and process until everything is uniformly mixed and a ball of dough forms. Roll the dough into walnut sized balls and place on an ungreased cookie sheet; they will not spread so they can be placed close together. Press a pecan half onto the top of each.

Place the baking sheet in the upper third of the oven to prevent the bottoms from burning. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned.


Enjoy the cookies and the rest of the holiday festivities!
Check in soon for the next installment of HANDBOOK 2010.

Click here for the printable version of this recipe!

Peace,

Lisa

GIVING THANKS

Ah, Thanksgiving! What a special holiday a day set aside for the sole purpose of giving thanks. Giving thanks is a practice that is a surefire way to feel better about almost any trying situation you may find yourself in. Counting your blessings brings about a feeling of abundance and overall well-being. When I find myself whining, complaining, worrying or any other fruitless behavior the mindful act of gratitude always seems to soften my edge and bring me into a state of hopefulness. Knowing that things could always be worse seems to be the trick to turn me in the direction of feeling better. And so the goal is to make everyday a day of thanksgiving.

I have so much to be thankful for....as we all do. Personally I feel very grateful to have this opportunity to share with you and to have this avenue for creativity in the hopes of inspiring you to perhaps eat a little better, get healthier, be happier, breathe easier and to offer you a stream of support. Last year right before Thanksgiving I decided to put together a cooking class for some healthier, low glycemic index recipes for my patients. I had a lot of fun coming up with the recipes and I chose to include a Tofu dish instead of turkey because alot of folks know how to roast a turkey but not too many even know what to do with Tofu. So below you'll find all of my recipes for a simple yet delicious and very healthy Thanksgiving meal that I hope you will enjoy.

Thanksgiving Tofu Turkey and Sesame Gravy
2# extra firm tofu
4 Tbs olive oil
4 Tbs. tamari
1 Tbs each onion and garlic powder
1 cup onion, minced
1 cup celery, cut chunky
1 cup carrots, cut chunky
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1 cup mushrooms, quartered
2 pieces dry whole grain bread, cubed
1 tsp fresh or dried sage, thyme, basil
1/4 cup water or broth
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Preheat oven to 350.
1. Cut the tofu into thick slabs and brown in olive oil, sprinkle the tofu with tamari, onion and garlic powder. Cook over medium heat till brown and crispy on both sides. Cut into thick cubes and set aside.
2. Saute in 1 Tbs olive oil onion, garlic, mushrooms, celery and carrots .....cook til carrots are almost tender....Add cubed bread, water and all of the herbs and spices....cook for 5-10 minutes til everything looks combined. Prepare a lasagne or deep baking dish by oiling lightly.
3. Add veggies to pan gently mix the tofu into the veggies.
4. Cover with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Click here for the printable version of this recipe!

Sesame Gravy
Saute in 3 Tbs olive oil and 2 Tbs earth balance:
1 finely chopped onion
1/4 tsp celery seed
2 cloves minced garlic
2 tsp sage
1 tsp salt
When onion is light in color, add:
1/2 cup nutritional yeast
2 Tbs. ww flour
Brown for 5 minutes. Then add:
3 cups sesame milk:
1/2 cup sesame seeds blended in blender with
2 1/2 cups water and 2 tbs tamari.
Stir until thickened. Adding more water if too thick.
Serve hot over Tofu Turkey.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe!

Strueseled Sweet Potato Casserole

Assemble the potato mixture and sprinkle with the streusel, then freeze the casserole up to 2 weeks ahead of Thanksgiving. Thaw in refrigerator and bake as directed. Or cook just the potatoes a day ahead, mash and refrigerate and proceed with the recipe as directed the day you're serving the dish. Add 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper if you want to add a bit of heat to this sweet dish.

Yield: 8 servings (serving size: about 1/2 cup)
14 cups (1-inch) cubed peeled sweet potato (about 5 pounds)
2 scoops vanilla ultrameal or protein powder
1 cup water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup flaxmeal and 1/4 cup ww flour
1/4 cup apple juice concentrate
1/4 cup chilled earth balance, cut into small pieces
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Preheat oven to 375°. Place potato in a large pot, and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 12 minutes or until tender. Drain.
Combine the ultrameal or protein powder and next 4 ingredients in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Add potato to egg mixture; beat with a mixer at medium speed until smooth. Spoon potato mixture into an oiled13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Combine flour, flax, apple concentrate in a food processor; pulse to combine. Add chilled butter; pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in pecans; sprinkle over potato mixture.Cover and bake at 375° for 15 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 25 minutes until golden and crusty on top.

Click here for the printable version of this recipe!

Collard Greens

A healthy alternative to the delicious southern greens.
SERVES 4 -6
Ingredients:
1 lb collard greens
2 Tbs olive oil
1 red bell pepper, cut in 2-inch strips, 1/4-inch wide
1/2 large onion, slivered
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 T balsamic vinegar

Directions: Slice off the stems from the collards right below the leaf, and discard the stems. Fill the sink with cold water and give the leaves a good soaking and washing to get rid or all the grit clinging to the folds of the leaves.
Drop the greens into a couple of inches of boiling salted water. Boil for 5 minutes. Drain and rinse in cold water. Drain again and chop coarsely.Pour the olive oil into a large skillet. Toss in the peppers and onions, seasoning them with a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Once they're soft, toss in the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Dump in the greens and give them a stir. Add 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper, the vinegar. Stir one more time and serve up a mess of healthy greens.

Click here for the printable version of this recipe!

Cranberry Sauce

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
1 12-ounce bag fresh whole cranberries
2 tablespoons water
2 cinnamon sticks
1 cup orange marmalade, sweetened with juice
1 to 2 tablespoons apple juice concentrate

Place the cranberries, water, apple juice concentrate and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan.
Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring,
until the cranberries pop. Remove from heat, stir in the marmalade, and cool.
(This can be made up to 4
days ahead.) Cover and refrigerate. Serve at room temperature.
Time-saver: Using marmalade to flavor the cranberries is a quick way to add a
sweet, complex dimension to a traditional side dish.


Yield: 2 cups

Apple Crisp with dried cranberries
Serves 8-10

4 large baking apples
¼ cup dried cranberries juice sweetened or unsweetened
¼ cup apple juice concentrate
¼ cup ww flour or rice flour
¼ cup flaxmeal
½ cup oats
¾ tsp cinnamon
¾ tsp nutmeg
¼ cup earth balance or canola oil

Core, peel and slice apples into a baking dish.
Mix remaining ingredients and spread over apples.
Bake for 30 minutes at 375.
Best served warm.

Click here for the printable version of this recipe!

Well all.....please have fun cooking all the yummy Thanksgiving foods, and gathering together with your family and friends for a lovely and very nourishing holiday. It is truly wonderful to have a day to stop and Give Thanks!


With Gratitude,

Lisa

FAITH is believing when common sense tells you not to

Early this Autumn I was having a stressful day, it was rainy and cold and I was feeling discouraged about how a few things were going in my life and my faith was a tiny thread....I rationally knew that I needed to have patience that all would work out in it's own time but my heart was heavy and I was weary. While I was out doing errands that day a few treasures were laid before me that seemed to say ....."don't lose heart because help was on the way". The treasures I found were a beautiful heart shaped leaf with tiny beads of rain on it and some pennies from heaven not common cents/ common sense at all!

How many times did you start out having faith and you lose steam and stop believing and then give up on your dream? This has happened to me too often and I question my faith in general as well as my belief in myself. Something happens that creates tension in me whether it be a conflict with someone or something , perhaps I don't feel well or I have some form of limitation that is frustrating me and as a result I decide to change my response, my habit, my thought pattern. I do know that I can change, I've seen it , I've done it and I've been there. I know that improvement is natural and that wellness and joy is my true nature physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually....so what trips me up and disempowers me? Doubt as well as a lack of patience trips me up and seems to be a pervading presence that undermines my focus. Why do I doubt so much? I think deep down that I have belief systems in place that work against me. Rationally all is fine and good but when push comes to shove my pattern is to cave in. And why am I so impatient? If I could just sit back and relax and know that time will take care of everything and that some things just take more time and that things usually get easier after awhile and with practice.

For instance, one activity I would like to incorporate in my life is the practice of meditation.....I seem to find every excuse in the book not to be regular. I need only to get started and have a taste of the peace that comes and then I would get hooked and a new habit would eventually be formed. Maybe somewhere in there I don't believe I really have the ability to quiet my mind despite the fact that on a daily basis I am learning to focus and become aware of negative chatter so I need to look to my accomplishments and dwell on that and move forward.....easier said than done...but definitely doable. Does this require faith alone....I think it also requires my willpower and my inner resolve. Things are meant to go well and if I find myself in a state of unwellness- I know that the nature of life itself.... is CHANGE. Making changes in myself does require faith. The dictionary states that faith is complete trust or confidence in someone or something. So where is my faith? A good question to ponder.

Starting small seems to really help. Small goals help to set the pace and build on small accomplishments. If you're learning to eat better....how about trying a new recipe each week? It feels overwhelming to try and do it all....all at once.....but a recipe a week is not hard. If you are drinking coffee everyday and want to kick the habit...weaning yourself is the way to go for more surefire success. So if you're used to the daily grind full strength...how about cutting back to making a couple of those cups decaf? and slowly, slowly cutting back....How about taking relaxation breaks ? If you don't have 30 minutes, how about a 5 minute stretch and breathe break....there is always something you can do that helps you feel like you are accomplishing your goals. And what a gratifying feeling. Having faith in the little things can help you with the big things. Before you know it you have some confidence in yourself aka faith in yourself!!!!! Bingo!!!!! Success!!!!!!! Bravo!!!!!!! You did it and know you're on your way.

Talking of new recipes....I have one for you. The other day I had made some nice broiled fish, baked potatoes and greens and I needed one more dish. I felt I was needing more color on the plates to look pretty and also I was having a major craving for a crunchy salad thus Crunchy Cabbage and Apple Salad. I was very pleased with the way it came out that I think you'll enjoy it too.....just be careful because you may want to eat too much!

CRUNCHY CABBAGE AND APPLE SALAD

1/2 medium head red cabbage, shredded super thin

1 celery stalk, sliced super thin on the diagonal

1-2 apples depending on size, cored and sliced super thin

2 Tbs olive oil

1 lemon, juiced

1 scant tsp sucanat, optional can also use 1 tsp. apple juice concentrate

Mix everything in a bowl being sure to slice the veggies super thin as texture is everything in this salad. If time is available place in the frig to meld the flavors and chill the salad, but this is not necessary. You can also substitute green cabbage or use a mixture of both red and green cabbage. Toasted walnuts or sunflower seeds might be a delicious addition as well. Enjoy this refreshing salad.

Click here for the printable version of this recipe!

Remember also that cabbage is one of those wonder foods .....it cures just about everything that ails you, it is high is vitamins, fiber and iron and being in the cruciferous family it contains phytochemicals that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Cabbage is great for the digestion especially in the form of sauerkraut. The best part is that is great for the budget and for the waistline. So make sure to eat your cabbage!

So as you believe your dreams into existence just remember that.............. Faith is believing when common sense tells you not to.


All my best,

Lisa