Month: January 2025

Healthy Tips: Listen to Your Body

by

Pay Attention to Energy Levels

Notice when you feel sluggish or energized after meals, activities, or sleep. Adjust your diet, exercise, and rest accordingly.

When we are aware of our bodies and the messages they are sending to us we can adjust what we’re doing to help our bodies maintain a healthy status. Let’s say you stayed up to midnight to watch your favorite team play. You couldn’t fall to sleep right away because the game’s excitement. You finally dose off around 2 a.m. The alarm goes off at 5:30. You usually do a 3 mile run before showering, grabbing a bite to eat and heading to work. Listen to your body. Skip the run. Protect your energy stores.

Admitting the Truth

by

I don’t drink alcohol, however, I am a big fan of AA and their 12 step program. The first step is critical. It is a self admission that one is powerless over his/her ability to control their drinking. What is your addiction? Is it sugar? Sub sugar for alcohol. Is it drugs? Whatever it is, recognizing our powerlessness over it is a first step. It is also a humbling experience. Don’t fear admitting an addiction and seeking help. It is a sign of incredible strength and insight into one’s self.

Anagram Challenge

by

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

We Can Choose How We View External Events

by

“If you are pained by external things, it is not they that disturb you, but your own judgement of them. And it is in your power to wipe out that judgement now.” ~ Marcus Aurelius

As One Listens to the Rain ~ A Poem by Octavio Paz

by

As One Listens to the Rain

Octavio Paz

Listen to me as one listens to the rain,
not attentive, not distracted,
light footsteps, thin drizzle,
water that is air, air that is time,
the day is still leaving,
the night has yet to arrive,
figurations of mist
at the turn of the corner,
figurations of time
at the bend in this pause,
listen to me as one listens to the rain,
without listening, hear what I say
with eyes open inward, asleep
with all five senses awake,
it’s raining, light footsteps, a murmur of syllables,
air and water, words with no weight:
what we are and are,
the days and years, this moment,
weightless time and heavy sorrow,
listen to me as one listens to the rain,
wet asphalt is shining,
steam rises and walks away,
night unfolds and looks at me,
you are you and your body of steam,
you and your face of night,
you and your hair, unhurried lightning,
you cross the street and enter my forehead,
footsteps of water across my eyes,
listen to me as one listens to the rain

Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes: Basil

by

4 Healthy Reasons to Add Basil to Your Diet 🌿

  1. Rich in Antioxidants – Basil is packed with polyphenols and flavonoids that help fight oxidative stress, reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
  2. Supports Immune Function – Basil has natural antibacterial and antiviral properties, helping to strengthen the immune system and fight infections.
  3. Promotes Heart Health – The eugenol in basil may help lower blood pressure, while its anti-inflammatory properties support overall cardiovascular health.
  4. Aids Digestion & Reduces Inflammation – Basil has gut-friendly compounds that help ease bloating, reduce inflammation, and support a healthy digestive system.

🌿 Healthy Basil Recipe: Lemon Garlic Basil Pesto Zucchini Noodles

A light, flavorful dish that’s low in carbs and packed with fresh basil goodness!

🍽 Serves: 2

⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 5 minutes

🌿 Ingredients:

For the Basil Pesto:
  • 2 cups fresh basil leaves
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp pine nuts (or walnuts for a budget-friendly option)
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free)
  • 1 small garlic clove
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Zucchini Noodles:
  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralized into noodles
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
  • Extra fresh basil for topping

🔥 Instructions:

  1. Make the Pesto:
    • In a food processor or blender, combine basil, olive oil, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  2. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles:
    • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add zucchini noodles and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until slightly softened.
    • Add red pepper flakes (if using) and cherry tomatoes. Stir for another minute.
  3. Combine & Serve:
    • Remove from heat and toss zucchini noodles with basil pesto until well coated.
    • Garnish with Parmesan cheese and extra fresh basil.
    • Serve immediately and enjoy!

✅ Why It’s Healthy:

✔ Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly – Zucchini noodles replace traditional pasta.
✔ Heart-Healthy – Basil, olive oil, and nuts provide healthy fats.
✔ Gut-Friendly & Anti-Inflammatory – Basil, garlic, and lemon support digestion.
✔ Rich in Nutrients – Full of vitamins A, C, and K for overall well-being.

Healthy Tips:

by

Honor Hunger and Fullness Cues

Eat when you’re genuinely hungry and stop when you’re satisfied, not stuffed. Mindful eating helps prevent overeating and supports digestion.

Awareness helps. Every stand in front of the fridge, door open, and staring in to see what’s available for snack? Been there done that. When we become aware of what we’re doing, we can stop and do something different.

A Love Song ~ A Poem by Bernard Waters

by

A Love Song

Bernard Waters

WHEN Love awakens there shall be a radiance
Like to the sun’s setting on a rainy day,
The breathed-in air bring roses to your cheeks,
Your eyes shall shine like stars in softened sky ;
The clouds that lowered their black bosoms of late
Shall fondle you against their crimson breasts
And the moon, majestic, will mount the heavens
Mated in beauty with the death of eve ;
All time distilled to a moment’s sweetness ;
Life, glimmering, a jewel in your grasp,
Your soul spreading its wings at the touch
Of hand on hand, of lips upon your lips.

Source

Don’t Give in to Fear

by

Famed American psychologist Abraham Maslow said, ““One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” We have to challenge ourselves over and again. It’s not a one and done deal. Each time we give in to an irrational fear, we lose a bit of confidence, a bit of swagger walks aways from us. A question we can ask ourselves when we’re assessing if something is too dangerous to do is, “Is this something a psychologically healthy person would do? Look around you. The answer is there.

Anagram Challenge

by

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

Verified by MonsterInsights