Awakening

Pre coffee

Pre shower

Pre 8 o' clock traffic

Pre to do lists

Pre deadlines

Steady syncopation

On the ground

In the cold

Cleansing sweat

Welcoming a new day

Rustic Chicken Minestrone + Extra Greens

Along with smoothies, I’ve found soups to be an easy way to pack extra greens (spinach, kale, collards, etc.) into my diet. Dear ole Martha never fails to provide new ideas for recipes, home décor and crafts. I came across this recipe in January/February’s Everyday Food and made a few nutrient-enhancing tweaks:

• Reduced chicken broth to eight cups (32 ounces)

• Used whole grain pasta shells

• Doubled kale to eight cups

• Added another chopped zucchini

This recipe makes 10 servings and is delicious frozen and reheated.

A New Perspective

Experience has taught me to be a bit timid about making bold New Year's resolutions that barely make it past mid January so I'm writing my New Year's post today, on January 11th when I'm not feeling the freshness of New Year's Day. 

Today I came home early from work hoping to sleep off the remnants of a flu-like virus that overwhelmed my system last week. I'll be working all weekend, and will need to be fresh. The sick, foggy head is going to have to clear up so that I can get back to the business of life. Outside my window, the weather commiserates with me - it's chilly, rainy and grouchy. We are both in desperate need of some sunshine. 

So, why the cheery photos and upbeat blog title? Because I'm working something out here. Give me a second to explain. 

You see, there is something I'd like to start implementing in my life this year: Finding joy when I don't feel and my surroundings are not, happy. When I'm stressed to the max, my loved ones are hurting or I haven't gotten a good night's sleep. 

This doesn't mean that I'm forcing a constant fake smile or being disingenuous. It's more about maintaining a steady, joyful rest even when life is serving up chaos for the day. I've been testing this new mindset, and though I am far from mastering, I've met a bit of success. Here are a few best practices I'd like to share with you.

• Open each day with a hot cup of coffee and the Bible. There's simply no better way to set the day's perspective in the right direction.
• Exercise. Daily. I read in Bob Greene's new book that we should aim for 200 minutes of cardio each week. This may seem excessive unless you've just completed a 30 minute run or hour spin class and are feeling high on life. Exercise never fails to lift my mood. 
• Make weekly plans and keep commitments. The wintertime often zaps my desire to do anything after work. It's dark and cold, and all I want is to get warm inside my home and back to The Hunger Games. I've come to realize how important my weekly coffee, dinner, workout and home group times are with my family and friends. They provide a routine escape from the stresses of the day and encouragement for the rest of the week. 
• Plan ahead. Sign up for a race, make plans for a weekend trip at the lake, set a calendar date for hosting a friend's baby shower. It's always fun to have things to look forward to in the future.
• Count your blessings. I've recently gotten into the habit of journaling all the good things and answers to prayer. Although I don't do it every night, whenever I do, I fall asleep with a thankful heart. Gratitude is a pretty full-proof panacea for many of life's ailments.

Here's to a joy-filled 2012 y'all!

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. 

~Philippians 4:12 & 13