Happy first day of winter, lovely people! I’ve separated myself from social media quite a bit for the past two or so weeks. The break allows me to enjoy the season and try to develop a new perspective on how I want to move forward. Lately, I’ve been at quite a standstill with how I want to proceed with my life. I won’t bore you with the details but when I’m at this sort of place, I reach toward my creative side to give me the perspective I desperately need.
If you’re reading this right now, I just want to let you know that I value you as a reader. As a creative individual (which I like to consider myself to be) it means so much to know that someone else took a bit of time out of their day to read my words. Before proceeding, here’s a quote that resonated with me recently from one of my favorite articles by the fabulous Mark Manson:
There have been times where I felt conflicted and confused, where I mourned for a past self that I knew I would never see again while anxiously awaiting a future self who seemingly would never come.
-Mark Manson
Back in high school, I often received comments about how good my writing was. My friends who peer-edited my essays would say my papers were great and without mistakes. My teachers usually wrote comments about how I could go a little deeper with the analyses but they liked my fluency and word choice. Those were the essay reviews I received consistently throughout high school—and, let me tell you, I was in honors English classes so I wrote A LOT of essays.
The reason I received the same feedback from peers and teachers was likely for a couple of reasons.
I treated each essay like it was a BIG DEAL. When it came to schoolwork and grades, I considered every assignment to be highly important so I put my full effort into making it as best as I could. On some occasions, I would literally spend a solid hour trying to find a synonym or the perfect way to word a sentence.
For my thesis sentence in essays, I almost always took a neutral and qualifying stance on topics. That is, I wrote from the middle perspective and provided evidence to show how both sides of the topic were valid to an extent.
I didn’t know it at the time but I can now see that these are qualities that I carry with me in my everyday life.
Jumping Into New Commitments
I still treat the hobbies and endeavors I partake in with maximum effort. If there is something I am going to spend my time on, it must be important to me or important to someone close to me so I want it to be my best work. Thus, I am really choosy about new commitments, whether those are hobbies, people, jobs, or anything!
It is commendable to want to go into something ready to give it your all for the long haul but the contrary can also be a good thing. I would say there is a lot to learn when jumping into a new commitment without expectations. Something doesn’t have to be a big deal all of the time. Nor is there necessarily a perfect way to do something. Many times the best outcome you can get to make some mistakes and learn from them.
Make a Choice and Don’t Worry Where it May Lead You
Choices are a topic I really like talking about (see here and here). Maybe that is because I have a hard time making them. Still, I often find myself residing in the middle of an issue. I can see both sides and both have their own strong reasoning and appeal. That isn’t such a bad thing but I’ve always had a wishy-washy attitude and being indecisive gets you nowhere.
Plus, I think the brilliant thing about making a choice is that it can define you. The choice becomes the guiding force for however long you want it to be. When I’m struggling to find perspective, choosing anything helps me get clear on MY TRUE THOUGHTS. If I make a choice I am later pleased with, the experience will now assist me in tackling future situations of a similar nature. There are certainly a number of times where I am unhappy with a choice or fall hard on my ass because of it. Again, this majorly sucks but, it provides experience that assists me in future decision-making.
Personally, I think the worst thing I can do is stay still. Okay, besides meditation, there is little that I can benefit from when I’m staying still. I want to be ever-growing and to do so I also need to be ever-learning. This leads me to the creative process.
I think the reason I enjoy writing so much is because it helps me explore the strengths and possibilities of different ideas. It’s like a conversation…except I’m having it by myself and with a paper (or computer because #21stCentury).
Truth be told, many times when I sit down to type up a post I start with one idea and, by the time I’m through, it’s something else completely. The magic of writing is that I don’t realize how much is in my head until I get it down on (virtual) paper. From there, regardless of what I intended to write about, I’ll choose a post title appropriate for whatever I created. (Today’s post is an example of that and my next blog post will be on what I originally intended to write about.)
I encourage you to dive into your creative outlets to toss around ideas. Whether you play an instrument, paint, scrapbook, cook, or enjoy writing like me, the answers will unfold in front of you.
So, where is the answers part of the creative process? Interestingly enough, we often talk about our styles of something and those styles provide a look at why you’re inclined towards the things that you are pursuing. When you’re doing the activities, consider what you’re creating and why. Ask yourself if you’re taking a new approach or are you sticking with what is familiar? I consider creative outlets to be a safe space—your space—to figure yourself out.
If you’re stumped on where to go begin with creatively gaining perspective, I have an easy (sort-of) activity for you. On a single piece of paper, start jotting down what is on your mind right now. It can be a large brainstorm structure or simply use words, symbols, or drawings. Then, organize your thoughts. You can circle everything that is important with a highlighter and use other colors to circle secondary and tertiary things of importance. Alternatively, you can turn these things you’ve jotted down into a clear list.
My suggestion is to just focus on expressing whatever is on your mind before interpreting what comes out of the activity. Perhaps, afterwards, you may notice some related ideas or reoccurring themes. These, my friend, are the piece of perspective that you need at this moment in time.
It costs no money and requires no therapist. I like to think we have many of the answers we need inside of us already. We just need to allow ourselves time and grace to reveal them.
Thank you for reading. Let me know what this post meant to you by dropping me a comment or shooting me a message. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Nope, no witchery required. I just wanted to have some fun at a photoshoot but don’t let that detract from today’s topic on the power of manifestation. We’re only working with ourselves and plain, pure intentions.
Do you set intentions? If you follow me on Instagram, you’ve probably heard me share adoration for the practice of setting intentions. The concept of intentions is more than just a trend in the health and wellness community. The more I practice setting intentions, the more I see them as a beneficial addition to daily life.
An intention is similar to a goal in that it involves steps to make something become a reality but with a stronger emphasis on mindset. In a way, we are already setting intentions in everyday life without knowing it. Let me explain.
We are constantly reciting thoughts in our head and it is up to us to choose what those words are saying. Do you ever think negative thoughts about yourself? That is basically an intention right there—except it is an intention aimed at punishing yourself. The put-downs, self-hate, complaints, and derogatory thoughts are not thoughts of a creator. They keep you down. They keep you in isolated distress.
I definitely understand how situations can be tough and frustrating and it can seem impossible to think anything positive. Though, with all of the mental energy that negative thoughts require to survive in your head, you could be thinking positive thoughts and be making progress in what you really want.
So what is the one thing you need to do to make sure your intentions become a reality? Believe they are already true at this moment.
Imagine that the thing you want to bring into reality—the love, the finances, the friendship, the happiness, whatever—is already here. Imagine that you already have it. In your mind and body, imagine the feeling of being who you want to be and having what you want right now. That is you creating the intention. You’re turning the words into something REAL.
You see, this is why negative thoughts do not belong in our heads. We tend to think negatively and make ourselves sick with self-punishment over insecurities or actions that we believe we cannot change. When you believe something is true, it will be true. It is up to you if you want to believe in negatives and hinder your potential or, start thinking positively and shift your reality.
When you speak of your intentions, instead of saying “I will” or “I want to”, phrase them in the present tense. Speak of them as if you already have them and they are already real. Word your intentions using clear, self-definitive words like “I am” or “I have” and then the thing you’d like to manifest. See this post for some of my favorite mantras to repeat.
The more you say your intention aloud and believe that it is true, the more it will be.
If you’ve heard of the intention practice but weren’t quite sure what that meant, I hope this post has helped clarify that. Also, if you’ve been treating intentions like goals, but not achieving success, perhaps the one trick I mentioned can be the difference for you.
What is your experience with intention-setting? Do you have some tips that you feel help manifest intentions into reality? Please share in the comments 🙂
I’ve experienced firsthand how mantras can encourage a positive self-image and also serve as motivation for any dreams or goals. Though, I was recently provided a new perspective when I listened to The Party in My Plants Podcast with guest Erin Stutland. Erin is the creator of a concept called Mantras in motion which basically connects mantras to physical activity (read more about this on her site). I strongly believe that repetition is the key to igniting change and ingraining ideas in oneself so reciting mantras while performing a repetitive activity just makes sense!
After hearing the episode, I started thinking of what mantras resonate with me. There are a few mantras I’ve connected with over the years and I keep coming back to them. I rotate between these depending on where I am at in my life and what I’m working on. Though, they all provide a lovely dose of self-empowerment. I think the key here is to repeat. Repeat one while running or between lifts. Start your day with a mantra or let it be the phrase that occupies your thoughts when your mind wanders.
I feel encouraged to take my favorite mantras into my daily activities! Let me know if any of these resonate with you and tell me where you’ll be taking your mantras.
I am doing enough, I have enough, I am enough.*
“I am taking action, today is the day, I will feel the fear, I will do it anyway” – Erin Stutland
I love myself. I give my love to others. I attract the love I deserve.*
I am worthy of respect. I am worthy of any dreams I aspire to bring into reality. I am worthy of having a voice. And most importantly, I am worthy of love.
I have everything I need right now in the present moment.*
For mantras marked with an * asterisk, I want to note that these mantras may have been inspired by media or speakers but I’ve transformed them into phrases that work for me. I tried to find these exact phrases online but I could not. Therefore, my recommendation is to hear a phrase or motivational quote and make it your own. That is the best way to make a mantra your own and make it stick with you.
If you’d like to learn more about the idea of motivational mantras, definitely give the PiMP podcast episode with Erin a listen or check out her website!
Recently, my family and I took a day trip to a neighboring city and we spent time walking downtown. As we walked down the sidewalk, we curiously looked at the shops and restaurants, eventually coming to a corner brewery advertising Happy Hour and their new hoppy specialty.
Consequently, my dad was all too eager to go inside and was trying to get the rest of us on board. My mom shook her head and rattled on about why she dislikes beer. So, my dad turned to me to see if I wanted to go in. Let it be known that I’m always excited to try new food but I’ve discovered food allergies of mine in the past months and that makes eating out real hard.
Then, my eternal look of hesitancy on my face must have probed him to say, “You can still drink beer, can’t you?” Before I could answer he was like, “You can drink beer—it’s made from plants!”
I like my father’s style; if only it was so easy. Anyone with dietary restrictions knows they need to ask all the questions. Sometimes twice—you can’t be too careful.
As a plant-based eater (two years now!), I’ve become somewhat skilled at navigating a lackluster menu. Though, adding a dietary restriction on top of that makes life challenging to say the least. I’m not sure if I’ve formally announced it here on the blog but I am sensitive to gluten.
Many of you folks reading have probably heard of the gluten-free movement, if you aren’t already following it yourselves. I haven’t been formally tested by a doctor but I conducted my own elimination diet during the summer and noticed a huge difference in my body, mental clarity, and overall energy. My go-to avocado toast or spaghetti at restaurants is now out of the question because they contain wheat.
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten eye-rolls and, “Ugh, but what’s Melanie going to eat?” remarks from others. So much so that I’ve contemplated adding in certain foods just to appease others and make dining with me easier.
If you’ve been or are currently in a similar boat then let me just be the one to tell you: YOU DON’T NEED TO CHANGE FOR ANYONE BUT YOU.
If I started eating these foods that I already know don’t feel good in my body, I’d be the only one suffering, not others. It is not worth it. I’m living this life for me so I want to feel my best! Dining out is still a deal but, if anything, I appreciate home cooking a lot more now. Simply said, eating at home allows me to completely avoid wheat allergens and continue my plant-based way of eating. WIN-WIN.
So that this post isn’t a total pointless ramble-fest, I’m going to share a loose recipe for my favorite Tumeric-Spiced Chickpea and Golden Potato Salad. Gosh, I crave it just thinking about it.
After making it several times for myself, I finally tried it out on my family and they loved it. I’m certain it was the potatoes that won them over 😉 It could’ve also been Primal Kitchen’s bomb-ass Lemon Tumeric Vinaigrette. (not sponsored!) Though, I’ve got an alternative if you don’t have the dressing. Overall, I hope you guys don’t mind the rough recipe but if you try it out, be sure to tell me what you think!
Xoxo
Melanie
Tumeric Chickpea and Golden Potato Salad
Recipe Type: Entree
Author: Melanie
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 4 salads
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb golden potatoes, rinsed and chopped into large cubes
Avocado oil
Garlic powder and salt
2 cups of cooked chickpeas
Turmeric, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt (about ¼ tsp each)
Spinach or mixed salad greens
Cilantro or parsley, if preferred
Extra Virgin Olive Oil and lemon or Primal Kitchen’s Lemon Tumeric Dressing
Optional: red onion, red bell pepper
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the chopped potatoes to a lined baking sheet and coat them in a tablespoon or two of avocado oil and a generous sprinkle of garlic powder and salt. Bake for 30 minutes or until the potatoes are as tender and crispy as you like.
Meanwhile, put a cast-iron skillet on the stovetop to heat up. In a medium bowl, add the chickpeas (no liquid) and spices. Stir them around to thoroughly coat. Add a bit of avocado oil to the pan and then add the chickpeas. Cook until the chickpeas brighten and begin to crisp.
Set out four bowls with two big handfuls of greens. Coat them in a drizzle of olive oil and lemon or the Primal Kitchen Lemon Tumeric dressing. Scoop the roasted potatoes and chickpeas on top. Plus, some chopped herbs and red onions or red bell pepper, if you’ve got them on hand.
If you walk into any store, the section for personal care items and beauty gifts are is probably through the roof. There are just so many options nowadays but, if you’re like me, you want to give gifts that are actually useful. Most people have a set skincare or beauty routine already so what can your gift provide to enhance that?
If you’ve been around here before, you know how these Friday Fives work. I’m keeping the list of beauty gifts simple and showing five items both women and men can benefit from! There’s no shame in the beauty game!
I recommend creating a gift set with 2-3 of the items. 😉 Or, you can grab several of whichever stands out to you and gift it as a stocking stuffer for your pals. Whoever you’re gifting to this year, you can’t go wrong with any of these products!
Before getting into jade-rolling, I had begun a routine of self-facial massaging. The roller is an excellent tool to help ease stiff jaw muscles and encourage blood flow. After jade-rolling, my face feels the way my body does after I do a workout. It feels refreshing and full of energy! I’ve also seen improved skin texture, wrinkle reduction (I have a bothersome one between my brows), and reduced inflammation and under-eye discoloration.
Oils have become the new moisturizer. That’s not to say you shouldn’t ever use a moisturizer but oils can help assist your skin with locking in moisture! Rosehip oil is my ideal choice because it is very gentle, soothing, rich in vitamin E, and, in my experience, it has been non-comedogenic. Perhaps you’ve heard of the coconut oil craze. While I like using coconut oil in food, and occasionally as a hair mask, I wouldn’t put it on my face. It’s extremely rich and might benefit mature skin better. Otherwise, opt for gentler oils like rosehip!
If someone says they don’t like face masks they are either downplaying their love or they haven’t found the right face mask! The Detox Me mask if unique in that it provides the skin cleansing properties you want in a mask but it won’t make your skin feel stripped! It provides moisturization thanks to the Argan oil base. Another thing I love about it is the Dead Sea salt microparticles which gently help exfoliate your skin. It truly is a multitasking product. If you want to purchase it, use this link or include the code MELANIEM to score 15% off your order!
Okay, so, essential oils might not scream beauty but they are amazing gifts that can be utilized for beauty purposes. You can squeeze a bit of your moisturizer into the palm of your hand and then add a drop or two of essential oils. I named both lavender and frankincense but really you could just use one or the other and still see benefits. Whichever you choose, the essential oils should be pure grade, like the kind from Young Living, and not contain additives. Oftentimes, I’ll even add a drop to my rosehip oil (mentioned above) and my skin loves it! The essential oil + moisturizer/oil trick can be done for your face or body!
I’ve saved the best for last! Okay, all of the products I’ve named today are beyond clutch (is that word still trendy?) but these gloves are amazing. The charcoal exfoliating gloves are a better alternative to those round plushy loofahs that you might have hanging in your shower. I don’t know about you but I have a hard time feeling clean without scrubbing my skin. I used to buy sugar scrubs left and right but now I mostly just use these gloves. No need to worry about them being too rough, though—it’s all about the pressure you apply. To use: you simply put on the gloves in the shower, add a drop of soap, and start scrubbing your body. They last forever, too! I pop mine into the washing machine once in a while to freshen them up and they’re good to go.
That brings us to a wrap with my five beauty gifts! No pun intended. Okay, semi-intended. I hope you’ve gathered some ideas for stocking-stuffers or easy beauty add-ons to enhance other gifts you may be buying for friends and family. Hey, and, if nothing else, I would recommend picking up these products for yourself because they are game-changing.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
