There’s a reason the supermarket places the bakery near the entrance to the store. If you’re not hungry when you walk in the store, thirty seconds later your brain sends a message, “I’m really hungry, feed me.” It takes self discipline to walk past the bakery and forgo the samples they have waiting for you. Once you take a sample they got you. That’s how it is in life. There are lots of things grabbing for our attention. They fight and claw with each other over us. We are the prize. When we have a set of foundational values we are more ready to resist the temptations they toss at us. What are your foundational values in terms of spirituality, emotions, health, relationships, and family? If you can’t think of any, it may be a good time to reflect on what you value.
Month: November 2024
Anagram Challenge
Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
You May Already Have It All
“Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you.” ~ Lao Tzu
Echoing Echoes XXVIII ~ A Poem by Faustas Kirsa
Echoing Echoes XXVIII
Faustas Kirsa
Not all stars have the same pull,
Not all thoughts wave to the sun,
Not many words have heart appeal
While I dream bygone love.
I still believe you’ll show
Your kindest loving glance to me
And take on a sweet red glow,
And get me to find you flowers.
I’ll pick the best one for you,
The subtlest scented blossom
That came to life at dawn,
That earth and heaven sing to.
Come as the fog, wrap me in shadow,
It’s you my heart calls out to,
A song I made for you alone
Still echoing, still waiting.
Healthy Foods & Recipes: Grapes
4 Healthy Reasons to Include Grapes in Your Diet
- Rich in Antioxidants: Grapes are packed with powerful antioxidants like resveratrol, flavonoids, and quercetin, which help fight free radicals, reduce inflammation, and promote heart health.
- Heart Health Support: Grapes can improve blood flow and lower blood pressure. They also contain polyphenols that help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Hydration and Digestive Health: Grapes have a high water content, keeping you hydrated, and their fiber promotes healthy digestion.
- Natural Energy Boost: Grapes are a natural source of glucose, providing a quick energy boost while also delivering essential vitamins like Vitamin C and K.
Healthy and Easy Recipe Featuring Grapes: Grape and Walnut Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups seedless grapes (red, green, or a mix), halved
- 1 cup baby spinach or arugula
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- A pinch of salt and black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Wash the grapes and cut them in half. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over low heat for 2-3 minutes until aromatic.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, balsamic vinegar, honey (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the spinach, grapes, walnuts, and feta cheese (if using).
- Add the Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light meal.
This salad is vibrant, nutrient-packed, and perfect for a healthy diet. Enjoy!
Source: ChatGPT
Important Health Tips: Want to Reduce the Risk of Diabetes and Inflammation?
Today’s Health Tip:
Minimize sugar intake to reduce the risk of diabetes and inflammation.
Sometimes You Have Roll With It
An older friend gave me a great piece of advice when I was younger. When I remember it, life suddenly takes a turn for the better. His advice was simple, “Ray, when things are not the way you like them and you can’t change them, roll with it.” It works. Here’s an example of how I recently used his advice, This past Sunday I went for breakfast at a French bakery. I ordered coffee and a speciality omelet. On Sundays I like to treat myself to one of their bran muffins. They were out of the bran muffins. I could get upset and leave or I could roll with it. I rolled with it and asked for the blueberry muffin instead. Not quite as healthy, but it was delicious.
Anagram Challenge
Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!
Today’s Anagram:
Choose Your Words Carefully
Whatever words we utter should be chosen with care for people will hear them and be influenced by them for good or ill. ~ Buddha
For a Child ~ A Poem by Fannie Stearns Davis
For a Child
Fannie Stearns Davis
Your friends shall be the Tall Wind,
The River and the Tree;
The Sun that laughs and marches,
The Swallows and the Sea.
Your prayers shall be the murmur
Of grasses in the rain;
The song of wildwood thrushes
That makes God glad again.
And you shall run and wander,
And you shall dream and sing
Of brave things and bright things
Beyond the swallow’s wings.
And you shall envy no man,
Nor hurt your heart with sighs,
For I will keep you simple
That God may make you wise.
