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!  

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Podcast: Overcoming Grief: Lessons from Poetry on Perseverance & Courage

In Season 2, Episode 14 of Journey from Grief to Healing, Dr. Ray Calabrese explores perseverance as our secret weapon in grief. Each triumph over adversity strengthens us, proving that we are more resilient than we realize. Drawing from the wisdom of Elizabeth Edwards, Pablo Neruda, Anne Sexton, and contemporary poet Quiet Wolf, this episode reflects on the transformative power of resilience in the face of loss.

Grief is a journey through darkness, much like Neruda’s metaphorical lily blooming against all odds. It is in choosing to continue, even in the smallest acts—getting out of bed, cooking a meal, or facing another day—that we reclaim our lives. Sexton’s poem Courage reminds us that resilience is found in everyday moments, proving that even in sorrow, we have the strength to move forward.

Join Dr. Calabrese in this inspiring exploration of perseverance, healing, and the courage to keep living. The victory is already yours—just keep going.

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Life & Love Always Win

Every time I see a dandelion growing through a crack in the sidewalk, or see baby birds take their first flight, or feel a baby grasp my finger I know life wins. I know love wins. I know when I am in the presence of someone who knows how to love and how to enjoy the wonders of life. It is etched on their faces, it is in the sparkle of their eyes, and it is in the message their heart sends to all who come by. The Sufi mystic Hafiz wrote, “The heart is a / The thousand-stringed instrument / That can only be tuned with / Love.” When our heart is tuned with love, we know that life is love and love is life. The two are intertwined and inseparable. Here’s hoping love is fine tuning your heart and all the blessing life can offer come your way.

You Know What You Want to Do – Do It

“Let yourself be drawn by the stronger pull of that which you truly love.” ~ Rumi

Vision ~ A Poem by Aldous Huxley

Vision

Aldous Huxley

I had been sitting alone with books,
Till doubt was a black disease,
When I heard the cheerful shout of rooks
In the bare, prophetic trees.

Bare trees, prophetic of new birth,
You lift your branches clean and free
To be a beacon to the earth,
A flame of wrath for all to see.

And the rooks in the branches laugh and shout
To those that can hear and understand:
“Walk through the gloomy ways of doubt
With the torch of vision in your hand.”

Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes: Chicken Breast & Chicken Fajitas

Chicken breast is a versatile, nutrient-packed protein that can be a cornerstone of a healthy diet. Here are four healthy reasons to include chicken breast in your meals:

  1. Lean Protein Source: Chicken breast is low in fat and high in protein, making it ideal for muscle repair and maintenance while keeping calories in check.
  2. Rich in Essential Nutrients: It provides B vitamins (like niacin and B6), phosphorus, and selenium, which are vital for energy metabolism and immune function.
  3. Supports Weight Management: The high protein content promotes satiety, helping to control hunger and maintain a balanced diet.
  4. Versatility in Cooking: Its mild flavor makes it a perfect canvas for a wide range of seasonings and cuisines, including Tex Mex, without compromising nutritional value.

Below is a healthy Tex Mex recipe for Spicy Chicken Fajitas that not only brings bold flavors to your table but also keeps the dish light and nutritious.


Healthy Tex Mex Spicy Chicken Fajitas Recipe

Ingredients

  • Chicken & Marinade:
    • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • 1 teaspoon chili powder
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Vegetable Mix:
    • 1 large red bell pepper, thinly sliced
    • 1 large yellow or green bell pepper, thinly sliced
    • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
    • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for extra heat)
  • To Serve:
    • Whole wheat or corn tortillas
    • Fresh cilantro, chopped
    • Optional toppings: avocado slices, a dollop of Greek yogurt, salsa, or a squeeze of extra lime juice

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    In a bowl, combine the chicken slices with olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the refrigerator) to absorb the flavors.
  2. Sauté the Vegetables:
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil, then toss in the sliced onions, bell peppers, and jalapeño. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the Chicken:
    In the same skillet, add the marinated chicken (if needed, add a little more olive oil) and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and lightly charred around the edges.
  4. Combine & Finish:
    Return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the chicken. Toss everything together for another 2 minutes to meld the flavors. Adjust seasoning with a little extra salt, pepper, or lime juice if desired.
  5. Serve:
    Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave. Spoon the spicy chicken and veggie mixture onto each tortilla. Top with fresh cilantro and your choice of avocado slices, Greek yogurt, or salsa. Serve immediately for a vibrant and healthy Tex Mex meal!

Enjoy these spicy chicken fajitas as a nutritious, flavorful option that supports muscle health, energy metabolism, and overall balanced eating while celebrating Tex Mex flavors!

Healthy Tips: Learn From Your Mistakes

Mentally tough folks learn from their mistakes, they refuse to be crushed by them. Here is a tip on how to make mistakes work for you:

“Making a mistake is just a source of feedback informing you that you are off course use that data to focus on what to do next. Then forget the mistake. You can visualize yourself flushing it down the toilet or releasing it in a balloon. The point is to leave the mistake behind and build on what you’ve learned. You cannot perform at your best by focusing on your worst.” Source

Healthy Foods & Recipes: 4 Reasons to Make Lentil Soup Once a Week

Lentils are a nutritional powerhouse that can really brighten up your weekly meal routine.

Here are four healthy reasons to enjoy a bowl of lentil soup once a week:

  1. Nutrient-Dense Protein: Lentils are an excellent plant-based protein source, which helps support muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
  2. High in Fiber: The soluble fiber in lentils promotes healthy digestion, stabilizes blood sugar, and aids in cholesterol management.
  3. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: They’re loaded with essential nutrients such as iron, folate, magnesium, and potassium that contribute to overall wellness.
  4. Low in Fat & Calorie-Friendly: Lentils provide a satisfying, hearty meal with minimal fat, making them a great choice for weight management and heart health.

Below is a healthy, Tex Mex-inspired lentil chili recipe that really kicks it up a notch—packed with vibrant flavors, a spicy punch, and plenty of nutritious goodness!


Healthy Tex Mex Lentil Chili Recipe

Ingredients

  • Lentils: 1 cup dried brown or green lentils (rinsed)
  • Vegetable Base:
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Veggie Medley:
    • 1 red bell pepper, diced
    • 1 green bell pepper, diced
    • 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped (keep the seeds if you like extra heat)
  • Spicy Extras:
    • 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (optional, for a smoky kick)
  • Liquid & Tomatoes:
    • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (no salt added, if possible)
    • 2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
    • 1 cup water (adjust for desired consistency)
  • Beans & Sweetness:
    • 1 can (15 oz) black beans or pinto beans, rinsed and drained
    • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed (adds natural sweetness and extra fiber)
  • Spices:
    • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Finishing Touches:
    • Juice of 1 lime
    • Fresh cilantro, roughly chopped
    • Optional toppings: diced avocado, a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics:
    In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion becomes translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
  2. Build the Base:
    Stir in the diced red and green bell peppers and jalapeño. If you’re using chipotle peppers, add them now. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the veggies start to soften.
  3. Combine Lentils and Liquids:
    Add the rinsed lentils, diced tomatoes (with their juices), vegetable broth, and water. Stir in the cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, oregano, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Add Sweet Potato:
    Mix in the cubed sweet potato. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer. Cover and cook for about 25–30 minutes, or until the lentils and sweet potato are tender. Stir occasionally, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Finish with Beans and Lime:
    Once the lentils are cooked, add the rinsed beans. Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat the beans through. Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice.
  6. Serve and Garnish:
    Ladle the chili into bowls and top with freshly chopped cilantro. For extra creaminess and healthy fats, add diced avocado or a spoonful of Greek yogurt if desired.

Enjoy this robust and satisfying Tex Mex lentil chili as a heartwarming, nutrient-packed meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also supports your overall health!

You’ve Got the Life Force

South Texas is a bit different than northern tier states when it comes to tree leaves. The predominate leafy tree in my area is the live oak tree. This is the time of year the live oaks start shedding their leaves. Not far behind the falling leaves are new leaves getting ready to take their turn. I like the quick turnaround of leaves falling and leaves growing. It symbolizes a core belief of mine, life wins, life always wins. The life force in my life oak is the same life force in you and me. It tells me that in your case and in mine, life will win again, no fear, no doubt.

Do You Dare Live Your Own Myth?

“Don’t be satisfied with stories, how things have gone with others. Unfold your own myth.” ~ Rumi

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