Month: December 2024

I Continue to Dream ~ A Poem by Langston Hughes

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I Continue to Dream

Langston Hughes

I take my dreams and make of them a bronze vase
and a round fountain with a beautiful statue in its center.
And a song with a broken heart and I ask you:
Do you understand my dreams?
Sometimes you say you do,
And sometimes you say you don’t.
Either way it doesn’t matter.
I continue to dream.

Source

The Power of a Smile

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One of the things that makes me happy is to see people smiling. When I see people smiling (not the fake posed kind, the kind that comes from the heart) I know they are happy. Smiles have a way of silently expressing a genuine love for others. Smiles are contagious. I know when I smile at someone, they return the smile. In that moment, two human beings made contact and in a silent way assured each other of life’s goodness. Each time we offer another a warm smile we are sharing a moment of peace, a moment of connection, and a moment of love. Mother Teresa said, “A smile carries a powerful message. We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”

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

Do All With a Sense of Calmness

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Never be in a hurry; do everything quietly and in a calm spirit. Do not lose your inner peace for anything whatsoever, even if your whole world seems upset. ~ Saint Francis de Sales

Healthy Foods & Recipes: Pinto Beans

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Four Healthy Reasons to Include Pinto Beans in Your Diet

  1. Rich in Fiber
    • Pinto beans are an excellent source of dietary fiber, which supports digestive health, promotes regular bowel movements, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
  2. High in Plant-Based Protein
    • They are a great plant-based protein option, making them ideal for vegetarians, vegans, or anyone looking to reduce their meat consumption while maintaining adequate protein intake.
  3. Packed with Nutrients
    • Pinto beans are loaded with essential nutrients like folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium, which are crucial for heart health, energy production, and maintaining strong bones.
  4. Low in Fat and Cholesterol-Free
    • Naturally low in fat and free from cholesterol, pinto beans are a heart-healthy addition to any meal.

Easy and Healthy Pinto Bean Recipe: Pinto Bean and Veggie Tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce or spinach
  • 1/2 cup diced avocado
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • Optional toppings: salsa, lime wedges, chopped cilantro, or hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Beans
    • Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
    • Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add the pinto beans and mash lightly with the back of a spoon for a creamy texture. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat.
  2. Assemble the Tacos
    • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
    • Divide the bean mixture evenly among the tortillas. Top with cherry tomatoes, lettuce or spinach, avocado, and any optional toppings.
  3. Serve
    • Serve immediately with a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

This recipe is nutrient-dense, customizable, and quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a healthy, balanced meal. Would you like suggestions for side dishes or other recipes featuring pinto beans?

Source: ChatGPT

Great Healthy Tips: Do This Before Exercising

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Stretch daily to improve flexibility and prevent injuries.

Note: I stretch soon after I wake up. One of my favorite stretches is the child’s pose. It loosens my lower back and shoulders. I’m ready to take on the world after a 90 second stretch.

Song of Youth ~ A Poem by Migieni

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A Song of Youth

Migieni

Sing, youth, the loveliest song you know!
Sing the song that seethes within your breast,
Let your joy burst forth in passion…
Don’t hold back your song! Let it soar.

Sing your song, youth. I beg you sing…
Let it seize you, kiss you, inspire you to love
With youthful ardour… Let the foaming wave of  feelings
Which your song arouses surge over us.

Sing your song, youth, and laugh like children!
Let the sound of your voice rise to the heavens
And echo back to us again, from the envious stars.

For we adore you, as we adore the sun.
Sing, youth! Sing your joyful song!
Laugh, youth, laugh! The world is yours.

Source

Journey to Ithaka: Embracing Grief and Transformation

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In Episode 158, we explore the transformative journey of life, grief, and healing through the lens of Constantine Cavafy’s iconic poem, Ithaka. Discover how life’s greatest lessons come not from the destination but from the experiences along the way. Reflect on how grief shapes us, teaches resilience, and leads to growth. Join us as we unpack the metaphorical monsters of fear, guilt, and regret and learn to embrace the adventure of discovery, even amidst pain. Whether you’re navigating loss or seeking deeper meaning in life’s journey, this episode offers profound insights and encouragement for moving forward with hope and strength.

We Are Part of the Fabric of the Human Community

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We do not live isolated lives. We live in a community. We depend on each other. Think of how much you will depend on others as you drive today. You are counting on every driver who shares the road with you to drive carefully. Our dependence exists on the micro and macro levels. We are a part of the woven fabric of life where what we do affects other people. When we bring to the forefront of our minds that we are integral part of the human community we begin to see how dependent we are on each other. Discover creative ways to dialogue, cooperate, and seek common ground.

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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

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