Mental Nurishment

If there is one thing I have learned, it's that the only thing in this world that I have absolute control over is myself.

No matter how much any of us would like to control what happens around us, we ultimately cannot.

However, we can control the way WE deal with any given situation. The choices we make shape us as individuals and are a part of who we become.

I've come to terms that however much I may disagree with something, I have two choices; accept it or change it. That which cannot be accepted must be changed and that which cannot be changed must be accepted.

I'm content in the fact that as long as I am happy with the way I handle myself, then it doesn't really matter what other people think. There is no "right" way of living your life... but there is a positive way and a negative way. Your choices determine which side of that spectrum you fall on.

I intend to live mine on the positive side.

Just some food for thought.

MUSIC!!!

I love that music has the ability to enhance your mood. I don't know if this is the case for everyone but I find that music can make my moods.

When I am happy and I hear an upbeat tune with inspiring lyrics, I can't help but feel that everything will be OK. That no matter what, you're attitude can totally change a situation for good or bad.

We're human, so of course we get upset or angry or down on ourselves... that's only natural. But if we can take a step back and gain some perspective on our situation vs. the world or any given person who has it way worse then we do... we realize that we can and will go on.

What I'm saying is music makes me happy when it's happy. I feel like it lifts my spirits and give me that extra push in the right direction.

Even when I am upset or angry and I am listening to music that lets me channel those emotions by singing along or even just blasting it while I clean my house... it helps me vent in a way that sometimes talking never could.

Even simply singing in my church choir lifts my spirits and makes my shoulders feel lighter.

My point? Music can make any given situation better, so long as you choose the right tune for the right moment.

So turn your radio UP people!!!

Have a great weekend! :)

Recipe of the Day

Balsamic Chicken
w/ Baby Red Potatoes & Veggie of Choice

Chicken (Tender, Breast or Thin Sliced)
1 LG Garlic Clove (Pressed)- add more if you love garlic
2 Sm Garlic Cloves (finely chopped)
Pinch of Ginger
Fresh Rosemary (to taste)
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
Balsamic Vinegar

Place chicken in a shallow dish or large zip-lock bag. Add the Pressed Garlic, Pinch of Ginger, Rosemary and S&P and then add balsamic vinegar to just cover the chicken. Let it marinate for up to 30 minutes (or more).

Cut baby red potatoes in half. Place in a pot to boil. Add two cloves of garlic finely chopped to the water. Add fresh rosemary to the water. Put over medium heat and bring to a boil. Boil until potatoes are soft and then drain. Add one Tablespoon of Smart Balance Butter to the potatoes. Salt & Pepper to Taste.

Blanch or steam your veggie of choice as the second side dish.

Remove chicken from marinate and cook on the grill (or Foreman Grill) until done.

*As an alternative to the potato & veggie, you can also serve this chicken over your favorite salad.

The Power of Positivey

It's been a while... sorry about that. April has been a crazy busy month for me and I am oh so grateful that it's almost over!

I have been doing well with my life style change and have been in situations where I have not had the best options food wise and I have managed to make the best of them and find the healthiest avenue within what was available.

Weight wise I have hit a plateau... I am holding at 161+/-... So now I think I need to kick up the work-out end of my deal. Went for a nice Jog/Walk this weekend.

My motivation (besides the obvious): We have a wedding to attend next month to which I would like to get a new dress BECAUSE my staple black dress is too big on me! :)

I have found myself letting the negativity of others get the best of me and plant it's seed. I am a fester-er... when something is bothering me it is almost constantly on my mind. I know it is a horrible habit, because often times I make more of a situation then I should or just worry myself sick from stress.

I have decided that Positivity has a lot of power behind it. I think if I make a conscience effort each day to begin it on a positive note and continue on a positive note... I might just be able to change this bad habit of mine into a good one.

I know that there will be times that I just get a little down or let a little of the negative come out... it's only natural with all these feelings and emotions flowing through me on a daily basis... but if I can manage to make the positive continue to out weigh the negative, then I might just make each day a little brighter.

Shut out the bad and let in the GOOD!!!!

Mornings, UGH!

I am SOOO not a morning person. I always snooze one too many times and make myself behind by just a few minutes. But those few minutes make me perpetually late for EVERYTHING.

Even if it is only by 5 to 10 minutes, I still feel badly. I just hate waking up in the morning... I wonder why that is.

Anyway, since I have been doing so well with the eating habits... still not an ounce of chocolate and I am OK with that... My new challenge is to start forcing myself out of bed when the alarm goes off. I want to be able to eat breakfast at home before leaving for work by the end of next week.

I hate rushing and I hate feeling guilty for arriving late on a regular basis. I will change this bad habit of mine!

I have a busy Friday & Saturday but I plan on taking it easy Sunday and doing some stuff around the house. As long as I get to bed early, I should be well rested to start this on Monday.

Also... Monday is week two weigh in... We'll see if I maintained and/or lost any more weight. I am excited and anxious... but I am being optimistic!

So until next time... Enjoy your weekend!