G’morning, gracious internet pals.
I’m glad you enjoyed the anxiety post. It gave me a good cry so it warmed my soul to hear that it had the same effect on some of you. My mental health isn’t something I talk about tons as I try to keep this space positive, but knowing how many of you are suffering from similar things, I wanted to give a voice to something that’s a bit darker but equally as important. While I’m generally a happy, grateful person, anxiety is no stranger to me. We’re all fighting battles that don’t make our highlight reels.
So I’ve started doing yoga. I went to my second class last night. Coming from someone who’s never done yoga, I really love it so far. I feel like I never gave it a fair chance until now when I feel like I actually need it.
I’m also putting more of an effort back into the little things in my life that bring me joy. Lately it’s enjoying a slower mornings, talking about my feelings with Jeff, making a new recipe, spending quality time with friends, walking alone in the park, getting lost in a book, and breakfast dates. At night, it’s lavender and peppermint in my diffuser, listening to calming nature music, and really just treating myself to experiences overall that make my mind and heart feel at peace. I’m big into a warm and fuzzy nighttime routine.
I’ve been reading more uplifting, spiritually-minded books and it truly helps me to remember that we’re part of something so much bigger than ourselves. Raining turned to pouring for me in a couple personal and professional situations over the past couple weeks. It’s not always easy to find but I know I need to be attracting and absorbing as much positive energy as possible right now. As humans we instinctively resist our own darkness. I’m working on embracing rather than fearing it so I can foster my light and that of others. Onwards and upwards!
My smoothie routine is something else that’s changed. I was having a moment with eggs and avocado toast but my body’s been asking for cold creamy things the past couple days. I’ve been wanting to change up my smoothies for a while. This blend was a big sliced peach that I froze the night before, a good handful each of sliced frozen zucchini and cauliflower, a tablespoon of chia seeds, a big spoonful of cashew butter, vanilla spirulina protein powder, cinnamon and dried ginger, vanilla, and almond milk to blend. It tasted like a really yummy fruity cookie. Cashew butter is basically the answer to all my problems.
P.S. The peep toe booties I’m wearing are insanely comfy and adorable and 40% off right now. I wear them all day and my feet don’t hurt at all.
Lunch part one was a leftover beet burger topped with caraway kraut, hummus, hot sauce, leftover roasted veggies, and crackers on the side for crunch. I made the tzatziki with plain greek yogurt and it was awesome.
Then we had a tasting of TRISM’s new egg sammies. I tried the one with pesto, roasted tomatoes, and arugula and a southwestern version with black bean spread, pepper jack, arugula and sriracha aioli. They were dreamy in case you couldn’t tell.
Before yoga I snacked on a Blueberry Orange Muffin (def the best muffin on the blog) plus a clementine.
For dinner I put a bunch of leftover taco-seasoned roasted veggies, sweet potatoes, and black beans in a bowl with Taqueria Mix fermented veggies, avocado crema, and Target’s Simply Balanced blue corn tortilla chips with flax seeds. More on this meal in tomorrow’s post! On the side I had a salad with local greens, tomato, and basil from our CSA dressed with olive oil, balsamic, salt, pepper, and garlic. So fresh and easy.
Dessert was a Soft Chocolate Chip Cookie, AKA pure perfection. I made the recipe exactly as written and they’re fanfreakingtastic. With or without vanilla ice cream after you’ve microwaved the cookie for ten seconds so it’s warm and gooey. OMGAHHHH.
Have the best day! You deserve all the happiness.
Glad to hear that you’re indulging in the little joys of life. They’re the best!
So are your meals, as always.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog recently posted…The Oversized Jumper You Need for the Uninspired Day
The combination of things in that smoothie just sounds so, so weird, but somehow I believe you when you say it’s good….THAT’S how much I love your blog and trust your insight! LOL
emily vardy recently posted…be gentle with yourself
If you’re loving the Universe Has Your Back, try Gabby’s book May Cause Miracles. It’s so wonderful and helped me transform my thinking. I just went to a retreat weekend with her at Kripalu in MA. So many happy tears shed!!
We can always choose light and love for ourselves and others no matter the circumstances. One mantra I walked away with from the weekend that may be helpful for you is, “What is going to bring me peace RIGHT NOW?” and Anne Frank’s quote of during the Holocaust (darkness)
“Being in the attic but thinking I’m in the garden.” We can always find the gratitude and light.
Thank you for this post for sparking my own reflection-Ive been in a funk for a few days and this helped me reframe my thinking.
Wowza! What a delish day of eats! I’m super happy to hear you’re loving yoga! I got into it last summer and instantly fell in love! I definitely finds it helps to clear my head and keep me in a positive place!
Yoga saved me from my anxiety, and while it might always be a battle, I feel a lot more in control than I did. So much so, that I now teach yoga to others with similar struggles! So glad to hear it’s helping you <3
Juliette | Namastay Traveling recently posted…The Must-Sees (and Eats!) in Madrid, Spain
LOVe how you are sharing your struggles and allowing us in. On another note, a smoothie sounds so good right now. Its been humid over where I live and it ain’t fun :/
Carrie this fit chick recently posted…Recipes, Round-ups and Q+A
I am on the hunt for a new protein powder! Do you like the Hawaiian Spirulina Vanilla? Would you say it is worth buying? I have never had that brand. I am always hesitant to buy protein powders without trying them beforehand. I ma not a huge fan of the Vega One Proteins. Anyways sorry for my little rant 🙂 Any suggestions would be AMAZING! Thanks Girl!!!
Yes, it’s so good. I love it!!
You should totally try either a restorative or yin yoga class. It’s definitely not a “work out,” but it is honestly SO good for my mental health/stress levels. They are my favorite types of yoga classes!
Yesss I’m definitely looking for something like that!!
I am loving your blog and your anxiety letter to yourself was amazing and hit home with me. Thank you so much for helping me to feel that I am not alone in this struggle. Have a wonderful day!
It is so awesome that you can be so real with your readers! I have without a doubt been dealing with anxiety for the last couple months and have found slowing down has made all the difference! I have tried yoga as well and it has been working great!
Hilary recently posted…Coconut Butter Cups
“We’re all fighting battles that don’t make our highlight reels.” This hit me, and I absolutely love it. It encompasses so many feelings. Feelings that we aren’t stacking up to others becuase their Instagram, blog, social media platform portrays happy-go-lucky times but not any of the dark times. But by sharing them, we do bring light to ourselves and others. Thank you so much!!! <3 I hope it's alright, but I'm going to share on IG and credit you. As for your eats, so lovely! I too have found yoga and Barre3 that really boost my mood and can help wash away my fears. XO
Kori recently posted…Paddle, Paddle, Paddle
I am SO GLAD you spoke on your mental health. Not because I am nosey, but because I think it’s so important that mental health get the attention it needs and deserves (says the mental health counselor.) Too many times I see how open people are about any physical health problems they may have, but discussing a mental health problem is still so taboo for many. We definitely need more people advocating and sharing! Thank you!
Amber @ Bloom Nutrition Therapy recently posted…My Top 10 Self-Care Tips
your honesty is so admirable & inspiring – i think focusing on the little things that make you happy (like your morning routine or hot yoga class, whatever taking time for yourself looks like!) is so important. i try to do the same, especially when i’m feeling down!
also your smoothie combo sounds deeeeelish – i haven’t even put peaches in my smoothie before (i know, i’m a monster) but adding the ginger, vanilla and cinnamon makes it sound even better! i have yet to try cashew butter, but i’m on the lookout.
have a great week!!
jordan @ dancing for donuts recently posted…Rainbow Summer Salad with Mango + Black Beans.
I really appreciate your honesty and openness about your anxiety! I just wanted to mention that coffee can actually be really bad for anxiety, sadly… just a thought!
I adore the shift of your blog content. As always, thanks for sharing!
Lavender and mint is my FAVE diffuser duo!! Those scents always make me feel so calm and soothed. Holy cow, that cookies! As soon as I saw it my heart fluttered at its pillowy goodness. I’ve been enjoying warm chocolate chip cookies and almond milk this week too. Such a cozy treat before bed.
xxMeah
Meah Konstanzer recently posted…Salted Lemon Rosemary Olive Oil Hot Fudge Sundae
Thanks for the book recommendation, Alexis- I’ve added its o my reading list! Totally into these self-development books on mindset lately. Another 2 which I recommend are Synchro-Destiny by Deepak Chopra & Heal Your Life by Louise Hay…both excellent!
You inspired me with the cashew butter in a smoothie! I’ve never had it before but bought some at TJs. I whipped up a smoothie with blueberries, flaxseed, vanilla protein, cashew butter, spinach, and vanilla almond milk! So good! I usually can’t stand when people refer to healthy things as tasting like baked goods but…this really was blueberry muffin-esque!
Your eats look delicious as always. I should mention that I spent a big chunk of today combing through your old WIAW posts to find something to make for breakfast tomorrow (no cook oats with almond butter, almond milk, hemp seeds, and berries are goin’ DOWN tomorrow, in case you were curious 😉 )
That cookie looks so delish, and I’ve had it on my radar for ages and ages.
Ooooh before I forget, I made myself a snack that I feel would be right up your alley. Ready? It’s kind of life-changing. Roasted plantain chips (from Trader Joe’s) dipped in hummus. ERMAGERD! Just go try it and thank me later. 😉
Nicole Rosalyn recently posted…Massachusetts Trip Recap Part 1 {Boston & Cambridge}
What kind of cashew butter do you use??