I'm feeling quite the opposite of what the above pictures may suggest - fearless.
I'm actually really scared. Fearful.
I'm afraid of failing, looking like a fool, and not preparing enough.
Although I've done this many times, it still makes me want to cringe. {thank you Toastmasters for making me a little bit more confident in public speaking but the thought of it still freaks me out!}
So what do you do when you start feeling scared or hesitant or worried that you might Fail?
Face it and do it anyways. I'm biting the bullet today and doing my best. Why?
Because I feel like not trying would be much worse.
Secret #1 You don't have to spend 5 bucks on a container of pre-made Hummus. Secret #2It's a healthier alternative to regular bean or cheese dips. Secret #3 Hummus (which is mostly comprised of chickpeas or garbanzo beans, are high in fiber - - helps to keep cholesterol levels low and your heart healthy) Secret #4Chickpeas/Garbanzo beans are rich in vitamins and minerals. Secret #5 And, because olive oil is a part of the recipe, this ingredient also helps keep your heart healthy.
To make approximately 1lb of hummus, it only costed me two bucks to make this recipe.
2 cups dried garbanzo beans/chickpeas, cooked and drained*
3 garlic cloves, crushed
4 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons sea salt
2-3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil., a little extra if moisture is desired
Now the cooked beans should have at least doubled in volume. After cooking the 2 cups of chickpeas, I ended up with approximately 5 cups of cooked chickpeas.
Combine garbanzo beans/chickpeas, garlic cloves, ground cumin, sea salt, and olive oil into large blender or food processor.
Gradually add more olive oil into blender or food processor to maintain desired consistency of hummus.
Note: You can freeze hummus for up to a few months but make sure it's sealed shut with zero air. Enjoy!
It's sad that on this particular day, the highest number of heart attacks occur as a result of various stressful factors in life i.e. work, traffic, etc. Each Monday, I'm going to provide you with photos that provide me a sense of calmness, serenity, and tranquility. I want to reverse the negative images that may appear from hearing the word 'Monday' by providing you with images that stir up positive feelings...feelings of empowerment, strength, and peace. Until then, have yourself a beautiful Monday!
Reading:After the Ecstasy, the Laundry by Jack Kornfield; a book given to me by a special person in my life that cares a great deal for me. He knew that I would be embarking on a unique adjustment period especially after a long trip far far away from home, and this book discusses how to find peace in day-to-day activities. I haven't started it yet but definitely plan on doing so on this peaceful Sunday.
{I never finished the short stories by Ernest Hemingway and I am exactly halfway done with it; I always feel super guilty when I don't finish books but that's just the way it's going to be. I'm just too excited to read this new book!!}
Watching: I'm not sure if I told you this before but I have never been too big on television. If I watch anything, it's usually an episode of something funny such as the Big Bang Theory or Arrested Development. But, as of late, I've been watching a few flicks. The two that I have recently watched is Blade Runner and Howl's Moving Castle. Blade Runner is an excellent science fiction film that involves a robot assassin tracking down the last of the 'replicants' aka robots to save his society - - I must admit, I'm not usually a fan of science fiction films but this was well made and Harrison Ford was great in it.
Howl's Moving Castle is so cool!! Read the description here, an excellent animated film about a young woman's curse and the only way to break the spell is through her other interesting and cursed companions.
Working on & Thinking about: 1) My fitness, 2) My blog, 3) My relationships, and 4) Taking it Slooooowwww.
First, my fitness. After returning home from my trip abroad, I stopped working out for a few weeks. I'm not one for excuses but I have to say, it was just so nice to spend quality time with good friends over in the East Coast and not have to worry if the weather was going to permit my running or not. I'm proud to say that I'm getting back into the workout routine and it's mind boggling how challenging it gets when you stop for just a little bit. So, what finally reeled me back into an almost daily exercise routine? Small steps. Small goals. I would tell myself to just GO to the gym and work out for however long - - that was a goal accomplished in itself. Then, the next day I would tack on another 5 minutes to my workout and so forth.
Small goals WORK!
Second, my blog. I feel like it's been all over the place. Initially, my blog started out as a travel blog because of my trip - - but what happens when you come home and that's just not the sole focus anymore? The blog is in a transition period because I am as well. I'm working on revamping the overall look to reflect the person that I am today, planning my posts ahead and creating more consistency with it. In addition, I still plan on doing future giveaways and fun contests but for now, because I want to give you my very best content, it will take some more time. I appreciate your support and patience with me!
Third, my relationships. I finally turned on my cell phone! At first, I was a bit hesitant, a little scared. Of what? I'm not so sure. I was possibly associating the act of turning my cell phone on with the finalization of my trip and what some might say, 'getting back to reality'. For a long time, I was used to planning my day in advance and seeing what adventures lie ahead of me and now, the phone helps me out with that. I'm looking at my cell phone as an addition to my life, not a necessity. It helps me get in touch with others so much faster than email, and as a result, provide me more time with the people I care about the most.
Lastly, taking it slow. For the first week, I was trying to get everything in order too fast. I felt like I needed to to have my life in order as soon as possible. But then, I realized what for? Everything takes time. What's the rush? There's no rat race that I'm entering anytime soon. I'm here now with the people I love and that love me back. I'm doing what I can, day in and day out to adjust. I've learned to always take it at your own pace - - don't rush yourself. Life is never a race.
Anticipating: Building my whole life from scratch & fun summer trips to San Diego, Chicago, and Vegas with my girls in August!!
Listening to:
Eating & Drinking: Healthy while indulging in a traditional iced Vietnamese coffee. I also recently found this lovely place in downtown Phoenix that has tasty and healthy delicious wraps called That's a Wrap! I included a few photos below of my Lemon Tarragon Chicken Wrap! Yum!
Wishing: for a six pack. of Abs. But, other than that? Nothing else! I've got everything I need to keep on smiling!
“Dance, when you're broken open. Dance, if you've torn the bandage off. Dance in the middle of the fighting. Dance in your blood. Dance when you're perfectly free.” ― Rumi
Off to my Zumba class! Which dance will you do today? The running man? The pogo (my personal favorite) or the shuffle? Ever watch any of those Step it Up movies - - although the plots are, for the most part, predictable - - those dance moves have always inspired me to get up and shake it on any given day. It's Thursday, why not??
I'm ready to wake up from this dream that I've been living in for the past almost half year. Going on an extended traveling adventure can definitely confuse your definitions of 'dream' and 'reality'. I'm ready to wake up from a dream so I can craft what we call reality into another dream. I realized that dreaming isn't just for idealists anymore. It's for people who have hope, an imagination, and the desire to mold their world as need be. Today, on this wistful Wednesday, I'll be training for a new volunteer position, meeting up with an old dear friend to catch up on life over some tea or coffee, and if my gym has it - - maybe even a little late-night power yoga (or zumba) depending on my mood.
Don't ever forget that you are in control of your life. Write those thoughts down.
Do something that you wouldn't normally do on any other day just to see how strong you are ;)
Here's to a Wistful Wednesday! Wishing you the best! :)
Did you know 100% pure organic honey can be used as a moisturizing face mask? Leave it on for a good 15 minutes and it will do your skin so good - - which is something that is so necessary for me especially in this 100F degree weather in Arizona. And, did you know putting citrus in your drinks can help cut fat? How about the fact that Dancing can improve your relationship and also help brain activity (source) ?
Let's make a pact together. To love yourself dearly this summer by eating fresh and healthy foods, doing what you dream to do, and knowing that there is no stopping when it comes to dreaming paired with acting.
I've got high hopes this summer and even higher, more contagious levels of positive thinking. I must admit, I'm still readjusting to the fact that I'm revamping my whole life again - - which has involved a lot of ups and downs. Which is fine because I need to remember that it's normal to feel discouraged or frustrated sometimes - I guess I'm just really hard on myself. The most important thing that I've been reminding myself is that we need to continue living passionately, everyday, every moment - - it all counts.
