It's been a few weeks. I haven't been blogging,nor have I been very vocal on social media. I needed to be silent with myself-not complacent-silent. Sometimes silence allows us to hear our thoughts better and act accordingly. It provides purpose and direction-something I feel I haven't had in a while. I still don't. This typically leads to a stale journey, lack of creativity and focus. When this happens, however, the way back is by returning to the basics. So, what does that look like for me? Well, it means getting back to the things that once brought me joy that I have abandoned. So, here's what I have been doing lately to restore my sense of self- because if I can't do that for me, how will I ever be able to do it for someone else?
Walking. When the pandemic initially started, I felt it was imperative for the entire family to be on a schedule. Newsflash...my idea of a schedule did not go over well with the kids. Nevertheless, I walked everyday. For some reason, I stopped in the recent weeks, maybe its because I had to keep moving out of people's way to socially distance and was almost hit by a car. Kind of put a damper on things. But I'm back. Walking. We have a lake around our house and I get to witness beautiful nature at its best-adorable baby ducks, turtles, cardinals and herons. I even found a hogged out spot ensconced by trees that I call my mediation corner and meditate for a few minutes.
Drinking water-It's unbelievable how much better I feel when I am on a consistent water schedule. More on this in my next post.
Meditation-I have returned! I missed it. You don't realize how much something helps until you feel crappy and return to things that help you feel less crappy.
Pulling out old recipes that are simple and delicious and make me happy-like the granola recipe below. I'm not really in a "create new recipes mood" rather, I find comfort right now in the tried and true. My brain just takes over without the anxiety of "will it work?" "will other people try it?" For now I am just sticking to the things I know.
Writing-my love and joy. Lately, haven't been feeling it, so I am just sticking to blogging right now until I am hit with new inspiration.
That's it folks. It isn't mind blowing, or news worthy, but it works. Enjoy the recipe!
Granola
Ingredients
2 cups oatmeal ( I used gluten free)
3 tbsp. dessicated coconut
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/4 pumpkin seeds (or seed/nut of your choice)
1/4 -1/2 cup dried fruit of choice (raisin, cranberry, chopped apricot)
1/4 dark chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees
LIne rimmed sheetpan with parchment paper
1. Combine oatmeal, seeds, chia and coconut in a large bowl.
2. Combine coconut oil, honey, and cinnamon in a small pot on stove. Heat pot on low and stir until honey, oil and cinnamon are combined. (Literally like 20 seconds).
3. Stir into dry ingredients and and make sure everything is coated.
4. Spread out in a single layer on baking sheet.
5. Bake for approximately 20 minutes (you will need to stir a couple of times as it tends to burn)
6. Keep an eye on it!
7. Let cool completely! This is the most important step! When you take it out of the oven, it will be soft and a little wet. To know if its done, the corner will be a nice toasty brown. As it cools the granola will harden and then you will get those lovely little cluster when you break it apart.
8. Once it's cooled add the dried fruit/choco chips.
I store this in the freezer (especially in summertime) and it works beautifully.
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