If you've ever had a day when you awoke unrested or hungover or generally not feeling your best, you'll know that on those days even the simplest thing like going to work feels like a drag you don't have energy for.

Take that concept and apply it to life. Today we have some tough challenges facing us - and we need to find the will, optimism, and courage within to overcome them. But if we're not feeling complete, healthy, vital - we're going to have trouble feeling we can summon the strength to meet these challenges and kick some ass.

So I implore you: are you taking care of YOU? Are you doing what's needed to cultivate personal vitality?

This may seem like I'm adding one more thing to your already full plate, but I'm not: let me introduce a way of thinking about this: taking care of yourself is not another thing to do - more often, it's about NOT DOING - or consciously doing - some of the things you're doing now. Here's what I mean:

• Are you prioritizing your time and energy so that you give yourself time to unwind and replenish strength? Evaluate how you spend your time - is it in line with what's important to you? Do you burn time surfing the web, or tell yourself that you're relaxing by watching TV shows you could care less about (TV is passively draining - it is not replenishing) Identify what really re-energizes you, be it a quiet walk, reading a book, taking a bath, or cooking a delicious meal for yourself - and trade your time.

• Are you working yourself into the ground? Feel like you don't have enough time to get things done? Trying to maximize time on the clock? Here's a secret: if you take a truly restful 5-10 minute break - perhaps eating lunch (mindfully, of course!) away from your desk - you'll get just as much done (perhaps more ) and you'll disrupt the stress hormone production in your body which can lead to chronic illness and fatigue.

• Are you paying attention to the types of foods you are fueling your body with? Choosing whole, fresh foods when possible will nourish you and give you more energy than packaged, processed foods (this includes things like bagels, crackers, and powerbars!) which are full of empty calories. Read labels, keeps healthful snacks (nuts, fruit, trailmix) on hand, and make an effort to get fresh food into your body.

That last phrase I used, "make an effort" is the key to it all. Hold the intention to be conscious, to be mindful. You won't be able to make perfect decisions every time, and that's ok. But the intention will get you there more often than you think. And before you know it, you'll be feeling more on top of your game, friendlier to others, and ready for bigger challenges.

Posted by Michelle at 10:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Above my desk, I have a home-made bulletin board type thing that I made out of an old piece of masonite board with huge industrial sized rubber bands on it. All kinds of scraps I have deemed precious remain pinned to the board beneath the rubber bands. Over the past week, it's been falling apart as the very old rubber bands have finally snapped, one by one. I find it curious that, after all these years, the rubber bands decide to go within days of each other. Perhaps rubber bands have a more finite life than we ever knew.

In any event, every day I find scattered on my desk the previously posted (and completely neglected) scraps that have fallen due to the rubber band's tragedy. As someone who believes that it's important to pay attention to that which the creative energies of the universe put in your path, I've found it quite interesting to see what awaits me each day.

Today, upon my desk, sat the following list; a modest collection of thoughts by designer Stefan Sagmeister, entitled "Things I have Learned". I love this list for its simplicity and authenticity. What with all the uncertaintity today, we tend to let fear and worry carry us away. Why not, instead, take a moment to breathe, re-calibrate and find our authentic selves. We might go through some tough times, but hey, we're all going to be ok. I hope this strikes a chord of 'chill' for you too.

Things I have Learned by Stefan Sagmeister

* Complaining is silly. Either act or forget.
* Thinking life will be better in the future is stupid, I have to live now.
* Being not truthful works against me.
* Helping other people helps me.
* Organizing a charity group is surprisingly easy.
* Everything I do always comes back to me.
* Drugs feel great in the beginning and become a drag later on.
* Over time I get used to everything and start taking it for granted.
* Money does not make me happy.
* Traveling alone is helpful for a new perspective on life.
* Assuming is stifling.
* Keeping a diary supports my personal development.
* Trying to look good limits my life.
* Worrying solves nothing.
* Material luxuries are best enjoyed in small doeses.
* Having guts always works out for me.

Posted by Michelle at 07:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

One of the reasons I like fall so much is that one of my favorite foods is in season here in the Northeast: squash. And I can warm my house and fill it with the delicious smell of them roasting away. (Of course, not only are they delicious, they're incredibly good for you, too. See this article, and this one for more nutrition information.)

I like all kinds, but some of my favorites are acorn, delicata and pumpkin. The other night I was inspired by the acorn squash sitting on my counter to create the dish below. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did! (Luckily, I made extra quinoa, which was delicious in my salad for lunch the next day.)

Quinoa Stuffed Squash with a Kick
serves 2

Ingredients:

1 medium acorn squash
2 teaspoons coconut oil
Ground cinnamon
Cayenne

1/2 cup quinoa, rinsed
1 cup vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1 handful raw almonds
1 handful raw pumpkin seeds

Directions:
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds and place in a roasting dish. Put 1 teaspoon coconut oil in each half, sprinkle with cinnamon and cayenne to taste and roast in the oven for 45 minutes or until tender (to test, poke with a fork - if it goes through easily, the squash is done). The oil will form a pool in the bowl of the squash, which you can use to baste them periodically.

Meanwhile, place quinoa in a sauce pan over low flame and stir to toast for approximately 3 minutes (quinoa will smell nutty when toasted). Add broth and salt, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20 minutes or until liquid is absorbed. Add almonds and pumpkin seeds and stir to combine.

Fill squash with quinoa, sprinkle with pepper, plate and serve.

Variations:
The possibilities are endless! Substitute butter or ghee for oil. Use whatever spices you like. Simmer the quinoa with fresh herbs. Add sesame seeds. Dress with parmesan or other cheese. I'd love to hear what you come up with!

Posted by Jody at 10:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (0)