Authentic Life Chronicles

Isn’t it ironic that as adults we think how ridiculous we were to worry so much about what other people thought of us when we were teenagers? Yet, as adults, we too, tend to worry about what other people think of us? As if every person we speak to is testing our ability in a particular area? We speak or behave in a particular way to ‘prove’ we are good parents, good friends, good son’s or daughter’s, good neighbors, smart, worldly, funny, professional, self-controlled, free-spirited, playful, serious, happy, sad…I’m exhausted. How can we BE all of those things? WE CAN’T!!!

Good Lord, stop trying to run all those races!! It’s not a contest!! You are humanly perfect. That is not a contradiction. There is no one else in the whole wide world exactly like you. There never was and there never will be again. Just. Be. You. …Unapologetically. The people I’ve loved the most in my life have been the one’s that ‘be’ themselves, without apology, with all their faults, in all their crazy glory!

Be kind, be loving, but be YOU! Your authentic you is the best ‘you’. Stop trying to be someone else, or please someone else. When you are fully you, you will attract those who appreciate what makes you different and special and unique. You’re missing out on those relationships by trying to fit into someone else’s mold.

If you’re pretending to be someone that you’re not, the people that fall for you aren’t really falling for you. They are falling for the person you are pretending to be. That knowledge will continue to make you feel like crap! But when you are being your true, authentic self and people gravitate towards you (and they will, I promise!) you will feel like the Rockstar you truly are. You ARE special, You ARE important, You ARE unique, You ARE AWESOME!

Why on earth would you try to hide your awesomeness? You think math is cool? You think farts are funny? You looovvvvvveee Scrabble? You have 11 cats? You look like a homeless person when you wake up? You’re emotionally constipated? You buy all your clothes from consignment shops? You use sarcasm as a shield? You need to be held when you have nightmares? You are overweight, fashion unconscious or introverted? God I love you!! Let your FREAK FLAG FLY!!!

Rock on with your Bad Self!! Again, be kind, be loving, but BE YOU!! Tell me in the comments section something that makes ‘you’, unapologetically ‘you’. Shout it from the rooftops, because I think you’re awesome!

With social media so rampant and news media able to communicate so quickly, information gets delivered at a much faster pace.  In the past, information came from the 6 o’clock news or the morning newspaper.  Now you can learn about any published report, from any corner of the world, in seconds.

This technological advancement comes at a cost.  First, there are many inaccurate reports, so you have to vet out the rumors and theories from the facts.  Secondly, you can support virtually any argument or belief.  This is great if you are trying to support the idea that there are more good people in the world, than bad.  This is depressing if you’re trying to support the idea that there are more bad people in the world, than good.

I believe that which we focus on, is our truth.  As I’ve stated in previous posts, I don’t want graphic pictures of abuse or neglect to assault my world.  It’s not that I doubt their existence; it’s simply that I don’t need to SEE it.  It only serves to add negativity to my world.  I CHOOSE to live in a place of light.  Dark may enter it, but I try to determine how much of that I allow in.

December 14^th, 2012, and the days immediately following, were some of the darkest days I’ve ever experienced.  I and many of my former hometown classmates were devastated by the loss of 26 lives at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  In my grief, I immersed myself in anything related to this.  Online, TV, radio, I couldn’t miss one single detail.  In retrospect, this was an entirely unproductive exercise.  It helped catapult me from sorrow to depression.

Viewing these reports (some rumors, some theories, some true) caused me to see my world from a perspective that only served to ‘prove’ that bad things happen to good people.  What you focus on becomes your ‘truth’.  If you focus on the bad in this world, your perspective is going to view everything from this angle, which will make you feel anger and want to share that anger with others. Likewise, if you focus on the good in this world, your perspective will view things this way, which will make you feel good and want to share that goodness with others.

This mindset is not intended to encourage ignorance or oblivion.  You have to be smart and balanced, but if you continually view media that is negative, you will ‘live’ in a negative place.  There are more than enough reports to support conspiracy theories, but there is equal publicity on ‘do-gooders’ as well.

If your intent is to make a difference, focus on those areas where you can effect change.  Posting that Africa has starving children or the US has ‘crooked’ politicians does NOTHING, unless you back it up with peaceful, intelligent action and non-confrontational education.  Tell me how I can use good to improve those situations.  Making donations, writing to my representatives or any other positive actions I can take.

I’m all for awareness and protests and expression, but if your only form of action is posting it on social media or sharing your unsolicited views at the water cooler, than you haven’t really made any positive difference at all.  Do something positive and productive or shut the “F” up about it.  This sounds harsh and may erroneously imply that I’m unwelcoming to opposing views.  I would just rather pay attention to those good aspects of this planet, and if I feel passionately about a negative, I will do my part to improve it by taking peaceful action.

Won’t you ‘conspire’ with me to do, and spread, goodness and positivity?  Tell me what YOU are doing to make a difference.  Perhaps instead of focusing on how the wealthiest country in the world has such a high homeless population, you can tell us about volunteering at the food bank.  You get the idea.  Comment and share the action you’re taking to make this world a better place.

To commemorate Earth Day, I thought I would post an alternate way to honor and respect this round thing we call “home”.  Once upon a time, I was a full-time Vegan.  I lost weight, I felt good and I learned a lot!  Veganism is neither a cult nor a religion, it is simply a lifestyle.  While many Vegan’s are very passionate about their lifestyle, they are not praying to the god of tomatoes.  Furthermore, some can be a bit outspoken about debunking the myths of Veganism, but that’s likely because they have heard the question, “but where do you get your protein?” a gazillion times already! Lemme give a quick rundown for those unfamiliar with the basic premise: Vegans do not eat any animal products.  This includes meat, chicken, pork, seafood, eggs and dairy products.  Instead, their plates are filled with veggies, fruits, legumes and grains.

Here are three main reasons people typically choose to become Vegan:

1-     They love animals and respect their right to live & die naturally

2-     They want to eat in a more healthful way

3-     They want to respect Mother Earth

Let’s talk about good ol’ Number 3 today.  So what, you ask, does being a Vegan have to do with Mama Earth?  I thought you’d never ask.  Some factoids you probably didn’t know include:

• Factory farming (where traditional meat products, dairy and eggs come from) is incredibly detrimental to the environment
• The methane from all the gas passed by 10 billion animals a year is directly responsible for global warming (ewwww!)
• The urine and feces from these animals pollute and contaminate our soil and water (double ewwww!)
• See more info below from www.CulinarySchools.org

There are numerous facts and research papers to support the benefits of going Vegan, however, proposing an all-or-nothing type of lifestyle works for very few of us and quite frankly is likely what gave Veganism the cult or religion stereotype in the first place.

So I propose being an Occasional Vegan.  That’s what I am now.  While some of my meals include dairy, eggs and seafood, I regularly create meals that are Vegan.  One meal a week can make a difference; one full day of meals a week, an even bigger difference.  But do what’s comfortable for you and your family, every little bit helps. As an adult, you can feel good knowing you’re providing a healthy, nutritious meal for yourself and family.  There are also many great opportunities for family discussion on the topic.  While I hope, over time, you’ll increase the fruits and veggies portion on your plate and decrease the animal products, this doesn’t HAVE to be an all-or-nothing lifestyle.  To help get you started, I’ve included a few of my favorite recipes that I encourage you to try.  Don’t be fooled by the claims that state that a particular Vegan dish tastes just like its non-Vegan counterpart.  It likely doesn’t.  But introducing an entirely new flav to your weekly dishes is super cool!  Just like Thai and Mexican are fun themes for food, now you can add Vegan dishes too!  Not only are they healthier, but it’s a great way to appreciate that big ol’ Mama of all Mama’s!  Happy Earth Day!!  And if you have some favorite earth-friendly recipes, c’mon now…share-nice in the comments section!

Breakfast:

Scrambled Tofu

• 1T olive oil
• 3 scallions finely chopped
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 1 pkg (16oz) firm or extra firm tofu (usually found in the produce section of your favorite supermarket)  ((drain water and remove from package.  Place tofu block on paper towels and wrap in dishtowels to absorb water.  Place heavy cookbook on top to help drain water for 20-30 minutes))
• 1C spinach leaves, rinsed and patted dry
• ½ tsp turmeric
• 1 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• 2T nutritional yeast (most health/natural food stores carry)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

Heat oil in sauté pan then add scallion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.  Add bell pepper and sauté till tender.

During the sauté, crumble tofu in a large mixing bowl using a fork, pastry cutter or your hands to create coarse crumbs that resemble scrambled eggs.  Add to sauté pan, stir and combine with scallions & pepper.

Add spinach, and all remaining seasonings and sauté an additional 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally until tofu is bright yellow and heated through.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve with toast and Earth Balance spread.  Serves 2-3.

Lunch/Appetizer:

Cuc-YUM-ber and Cream Cheese Sandwiches

• 1 eight-oz container Tofutti nondairy cream cheese (most health/natural food stores carry)
• 3T finely chopped chives
• 2T finely chopped fresh dill (fresh is key here)
• 2T finely chopped fresh mint (fresh is key here)
• 1 cucumber peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 pkg cocktail rye, wheat or pumpernickel bread (usually in the deli area)
• ½ lb arugula
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix cream cheese with chives, dill and mint.  Dry cucumber slices between paper towels.

Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mix on each slice of bread.  Top every other slice with cucumbers and arugula and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cut each sandwich into a triangle and enjoy!  32 servings

Dinner:

Veggie & Bean Cassoulet (that’s French for yum)

• 2T grapeseed or olive oil
• 6T Earth Balance butter, divided
• 2 leeks, thinly sliced
• 1 celery stalk diced
• 1 carrot peeled and diced
• 1 minced garlic clove
• 1.5T tarragon
• 1T fresh minced thyme
• 1T fresh sliced chives
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cans white cannellini beans drained and rinsed
• 1C veggie broth
• ½ C panko breadcrumbs, divided
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Preheat oven to 350.  Heat oil and butter in large pot over med-hi heat.  Add leeks, celery, carrots and garlic and cook 5 mins, stirring occasionally.  Add thyme, chives and bay leaf and cook 5mins more.  Add tarragon, beans, veggie broth and ¼ cup of breadcrumbs.  Reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Season with S&P to taste.

Meanwhile, nuke remaining Earth Balance butter then mix with panko crumbs and set aside.

Pour veggie mix into a 13X9 baking dish, throw out bay leaf.  Cover loosely with foil and bake about 25 mins.  Remove foil and sprinkle with breadcrumb mix and cook til browned on top.  6 Servings.

 Side/Soup:

Corn Chow-it-down-Der

• 2T olive or grapeseed oil
• 1 small yellow onion chopped
• ½ C chopped celery
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 6 small gourmet red potatoes chopped into large chunks
• 2 C corn (fresh or frozen)
• 4 C veggie broth
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 2 C almond milk (can substitute with soy)
• 1T unbleached all-purpose flour
• 3T water
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper

Heat oil in large saucepan and sauté onion and garlic about 4mins.  Add garlic and continue cooking for 30 seconds. Add potatoes, corn, broth, thyme and milk.  Simmer 20-25 minutes until potatoes are tender.

In small bowl, whisk flour and water til smooth.  Add to soup.  Simmer 5 more minutes.  Add S&P.  8 Servings.

 Dessert:

Perfect Parfait

• 2 pts strawberries (preferably organic) quartered
• 1 pt blueberries
• 1 pt raspberries or blackberries
• 1T lemon juice
• 1 six-ounce container nondairy plain or vanilla yogurt (health/natural food stores)
• 2T agave nectar (sweeter than honey, but honey is not a Vegan food)

Evenly divide fruit between 6 bowls or wine/champagne glasses, leaving 6 fruit pieces separate. Add lemon juice to each bowl or glass. Spoon yogurt on top and drizzle with agave nectar. Top with fruit piece. Serves 6.