Month: November 2024

To Critics ~ A Poem by Walter Learned

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To Critics

Walter Learned

When I was seventeen I heard
From each censorious tongue,
“I’d not do that if I were you;
You see you’re rather young.”

Now that I number forty years,
I’m quite as often told
Of this or that I shouldn’t do
Because I’m quite too old.

O carping world! If there’s an age
Where youth and manhood keep
An equal poise, alas! I must
Have passed it in my sleep.

Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes ~ Apples

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Four Healthy Reasons to Include Apples in Your Diet:

  1. Rich in Fiber: Apples are high in both soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids digestion, promotes gut health, and helps manage blood sugar levels.
  2. Packed with Antioxidants: They contain antioxidants like quercetin and flavonoids that support heart health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
  3. Low in Calories, High in Nutrition: Apples are a nutrient-dense snack that’s naturally low in calories, making them great for weight management.
  4. Supports Immune Health: Apples are a good source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system and promotes healthy skin.

Recipe: Apple and Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Ingredients:

  • 1 medium apple (chopped or grated)
  • ½ cup rolled oats
  • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (optional for extra creaminess and protein)
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds or flaxseeds
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • A pinch of salt
  • Optional toppings: chopped nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut

Instructions:

  1. In a jar or bowl, combine the oats, almond milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, cinnamon, and salt.
  2. Add the grated or chopped apple and mix well.
  3. Sweeten with honey or maple syrup if desired.
  4. Cover and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4-6 hours).
  5. In the morning, stir the mixture, add any desired toppings, and enjoy a healthy, satisfying breakfast!

This recipe is perfect for busy mornings and highlights the natural sweetness and crunch of apples.

Important Health Tip: Replace Refined Grains with Whole Grains

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Today’s Health Tip: Choose whole grains over refined grains for sustained energy and fiber. Your body will thank you.

From Darkness to Light: Coping with Holiday Grief

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In Episode 154 of Journey from Grief to Healing, Dr. Ray Calabrese shares personal insights on coping with loss during the holidays. For many, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s can be a painful reminder of loved ones who are no longer with us. Drawing on his own experiences and the inspiring works of poets like Alfred Lord Tennyson and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Dr. Calabrese offers practical steps for embracing the season with hope and resilience. Learn how to take a step toward the light, rediscover joy, and navigate the holidays with strength and purpose.

Anagram Challenge     

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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: 

QUIZ START

Try, Try, and Try Again

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You may never know what results come of your actions, but if you do nothing, there will be no result.” ~ Gandhi

Dreams ~ A Poem by Langston Hughes

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Dreams

Langston Hughes

Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow.

Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes ~ Whole Grains

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Four Healthy Reasons to Incorporate Whole Grains into Your Diet

  1. Rich in Nutrients
    Whole grains are packed with essential nutrients like fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and selenium, supporting overall health.
  2. Promote Digestive Health
    The high fiber content in whole grains helps regulate digestion, prevent constipation, and support a healthy gut microbiome.
  3. Support Heart Health
    Whole grains can reduce bad cholesterol levels, lower blood pressure, and decrease the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
  4. Aid in Weight Management
    The fiber and complex carbohydrates in whole grains promote satiety, helping to control hunger and maintain a healthy weight.

Easy and Healthy Recipe: Whole Grain Salad Bowl

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or any whole grain, such as farro, barley, or brown rice)
  • 1 cup mixed greens or baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup chickpeas or black beans (cooked)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: avocado slices, nuts, seeds, or fresh herbs

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Base: Cook the quinoa or other whole grain according to package instructions and let it cool.
  2. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked grains, greens, tomatoes, cucumber, beans, and feta (if using).
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
  4. Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Add optional toppings like avocado or nuts for extra flavor and nutrition.
  5. Enjoy: Serve as a light meal or side dish.

This recipe highlights the nutty, satisfying texture of whole grains while incorporating fresh vegetables and simple flavors for a nutritious and balanced meal.

Today’s Joke: Joe’s Still Trying to Figure it Out

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Joe: “My girlfriend asked me what I knew about Pavlov.”

Pete: “What did you say?”

Joe: “It rings a bell.”

What Are You Going to do When You Grow Up?

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“I’m not sure what I’m going to do when I grow up?” Have you ever said that or a variation of it to yourself? I have, many times. I know people who know exactly what they’re about and they pursue it with vigor. In my experience what I’m doing seems to be an evolutionary process. I’m always learning, discovering, and adapting. My biggest problem is narrowing down my choices. Aristotle gives some guidance to those who share a similar experience with me. Aristotle wrote, “Where your talents and the needs of the world cross, there lies your vocation.” I think the search for our talents is ongoing, much like peeling an onion, layer by layer. We often are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. Never stop searching, evolve, dare to step into the unknown.

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