I haven’t felt this great since I was in my 20’s, and truthfully- maybe not even then.
There is something to be said for the True Love of Mr. Wilson, the “letting go” process, and being very, VERY, incredibly and indescribably HAPPY and content with your life. I have become friends with me again.
The view from here is amazing, Witches.
In years past, New Year’s has come and gone (yawn) without much notice. The usual parties, friends, resolutions…blah, blah, blah. Something happened this year; something inspiring astonishing profound life-altering. I became “AWARE".
I am fully awake and participating, and in charge. That’s right.
Life is good…not your life, or her life, or their life. MY life. The one I chose. I am taking complete responsibility for it; the laughs and the cries…the ups, the downs, the in-betweens. I guess it’s a new attitude…if I got rid of it, it was no good for me in the first place, whatever “it” was…and I’m not looking back. I know the things I can control, and as for everything else? Those are his choices, or hers, or theirs. They don’t concern me.
I’m making a few changes, and they’re not New Year resolutions, but something that started a couple of months ago. I had a car wreck; well, what really happened was that someone NOT paying attention or taking responsibility slammed into me. I have had to do some physical therapy and quite honestly I think that’s where it all started. My therapist is terrific- he’s thorough, and straightforward, and compassionate…and a little bit of a Nazi. Just kidding. It only feels that way when I am feeling lazy- which is as it should be. We should NEVER be lazy about our own health.
Physical therapy really put me in a place (mentally and emotionally) to actually THINK about my body, and what I was experiencing. When it hurt, or was uncomfortable, was to be explored just as avidly as when it felt “good”. It was an awakening of sorts, for me. I realized how “out of touch” I have been with my physical self for way too long. This has been an ongoing process of sorts, since I quit smoking a year and a half ago I have been on a steady journey of discovery- of me.
Centered in that mode, I’ve started to make substantially more aggressive changes. Some exercise- nothing crazy, just walking again, running (again, nothing that’s gonna put me in any marathons) with my dogs, right in my own back yard, kicking the soccer ball with Owen and Rae…and I noticed something. The more I do, the more I want to do. Fascinating. I’m learning to listen to my body and let it tell me what it wants/needs.
I am not shy about the fact that I love my own cooking better than anyone else’s. I write a “sometimes” food blog. I cook more nights than not. I’m spoiled- I typically have a much better meal from my own kitchen than a restaurant…and it shows. I have had my year to spread my wings, now it’s time to get back to the business of taking care of myself and Mr. Wilson. Neither of us needs to be THAT self-indulgent.
Don’t look to see any “diet” food here because it’s not going to happen, I promise. I’m simply eating (and cooking) a little smarter. I don’t feel deprived at all, I’m losing about a pound a week steadily, and I don’t go hungry.
What you will see, on a fairly regular basis, are some more “healthy” recipes- and I refuse to trade off taste for calorie reduction, so it’s a challenge for someone like me who just simply loves to cook and isn’t used to paying attention to fats and calories. I know the changes are worth it. Ugh.
If you made resolutions for the New Year, I wish you the best of luck…I just don’t feel like I need a holiday to work for a better version of my life, and neither do you.
You are deserving of a beautiful life- today and every day. All you have to do is want it. It’s always been right there, waiting for you to wake up to it.
Until next time-
Directions:
1. In a large pot, saute onions in oil for 5 minutes.
2. Add mushrooms, peppers, and garlic; saute 5-6 minutes, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
3. Stir in remaining ingredients; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 20-25 minutes, until heated through.
As always, add your own touches and adapt as necessary. I omitted the brown sugar, served it over brown rice, and added a healthy pinch of cheese. Even with the rice and the crackers, strawberries, and cheese the whole meal is under 500 calories.
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