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Life is a funny old thing….
For years I have taught meditation and mindfulness.
I have come across people that are just starting out on their journey, people who feel they have lost their way; people who claim to have done years of study (psychology, mindfulness, NLP, EFT etc.), but behave like they have no understanding of themselves or life, busy judging others whilst holding no accountability for their own actions; then there have been those who are so full of grace, peace, gratitude and compassion, that live their lives with congruency, ethics and integrity beyond anyone I have ever met before – they are the ones living breathing gratitude with every breath.
It doesn’t matter where you are at right now, because every moment in every day we have the opportunity to make new choices.
Most people think they know what gratitude is…
Some give gratitude daily, some experience gratitude daily.
Some practice gratitude each day, whether through journaling, prayers, meditation, mindfulness, being of service to others etc
But what is gratitude?
How does it differ to thankfulness?
How can we experience more gratitude daily?
I’m a strong believer in that the more we show gratitude to those around us, the more gratitude we experience and the more reasons we find to be grateful in life, because…
#GratitudeBreedsGratitude
Gratitude works two ways…
For example, if a friend was struggling emotionally, physically, financially, or all of the above and you organised to do something nice for them – have their kids for a day? cook them dinner to give them a night off? send them off for some pampering or a haircut?
Would you do it because you expect a reward, or because you care and love them?
Now let’s say one day you come home and find something simple like a little note, a block or box of chocolates, a bunch of flowers (handpicked, servo, supermarket, florist – does it matter?), etc
Would it make you feel good about the choices you make in life? Would it inspire you to do more? Spread more kindness?
Would their gratitude towards you, breed more gratitude elsewhere?
So how does gratitude differ to thankfulness?
Some people say thanks, some people put thanks into action…
#GratitudeIsThankfulnessInMotion
Sometimes the words “Thank You” are enough. But…
Everyone knows someone, or has a friend, that only ever talks about themselves, they show no interest in your life, they never ask questions about you, they might say thanks, but there is never any gratitude.
Do you keep them as a friend or even in your life? Maybe?
It depends on your self worth, your self love, your boundaries, the circumstances…
If gratitude isn’t two way, does it inspire you to keep breeding more gratitude in your relationship?
Even if you don’t expect a reward, it is always nice to feel appreciated, especially when it is unexpected…
I got home the other day to find a note and a bag of home grown apples.
It gave me a feel good factor because I often go out of my way help others, not for reward, but because I care.
What made it even more special is, as a single mum, it is very rare I get dinner cooked for me, let alone breakfast, yet I had just got home from a night away at friends, where I had received a weekend of true friendship, fun, love and laughter.
The husband cooked dinner for us all on Saturday night, and the wife made me coffee and breakfast the following morning, whilst also keeping my son entertained for several hours so I could get some online study and seminars smashed out.
I’d had a weekend of genuine care, nourishment and nurturing, that was their act of kindness and gratitude for all I do for them in business, life and friendship.
To come home and find a random note and gift, just topped off what I thought had been an already perfect weekend.
Everyone loves to feel appreciated – don’t they?
I already had reasons to be grateful and I found more reasons to be grateful.
So you have a choice…
You can find reasons to not show gratitude, you can focus on yourself, or…
The more reasons you find to be grateful, then the universe will deliver more reasons for you to be grateful.
Even if it is something as simple as a bag of apples on the doorstep, a written note left on your pillow, or under a windscreen wiper, a chalk pen message on a window, a book; or it can be as elaborate as treating friends to an open tab on a bar, a weekend away, a night at the movies, doing someone else’s laundry, cook for them, clean for them, the opportunities to demonstrate gratitude are endless.
We are all busy, but I promise, if you find the time to show gratitude to those around you, the universe will give you more to be grateful for.
What / Who are you grateful for today? How can you show it?
The choice is yours – what do you choose?
How can that be vegetarian I hear you ask….
Well, there is a product called Quorn that looks like diced chicken but in fact is made from #Mushroom Microbiotics, but if I’d have used the word Quorn would you have known what I was talking about?
I fell in love with Quorn over 20 years ago in the UK but I have only recently discovered it in the last couple of years, here in Oz.
It is a great meat alternative, as it has a similar texture to chicken, not quite suitable for Vegans, as it does contain egg white, but makes a great vegetarian option.
1 x Leek
1 x Zucchini
2 x Kale Leaves
1 x jar of Korma Sauce
(or a homemade curry sauce of your choice)
2 x packs of frozen Quorn (2 x 300g packs)
Sautée the #Leek in #macadamia nut oil or coconut oil goes well with some curries, add #Zucchini and #Kale and cook for 1-2 minutes, then add #Quorn and brown off until cooked through, add sauce and simmer.
I usually serve with red rice, but was all out, but you can serve with #freekah or #quinoa if you prefer.
This is another recipe that is great frozen down for another day.
I always make extra, so on those super busy nights, I can pull some out and have it defrosted and ready to chuck in a pan to reheat whilst I cook up fresh batch of rice or similar, depending on my food mood.
Quorn do several products, another one of my favourites is one that looks like mince meat, and I use it for all sorts of things like Spaghetti Bolognese, Cottage Pie, ‘Meat’Loaf, Tacos etc
Interested in more healthy recipes? Join our Facebook Group – The Nurturing Table As an ex chef with a vision for events focused around eating mindfully, as well as healthy and nutritious meals, keep an eye out for upcoming events.
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This is a great recipe, of heart warming winter veg, topped with a crunchy nut crumble topping.
The topping can be made to suit your values, beliefs or dietary requirements. I’m sure you could even remove the nuts and seeds if allergies require.
Depending on the size of your slow cooker, you can adjust amounts, as required:
Recipe
- Potatoes
- Parsnips
- Swedes
- Pumpkins
- Carrots
- 2 x Leeks
- 300 – 500ml Vegetable Stock
- 1 x tin tomatoes (This can be replaced with 5-7 fresh tomatoes)
- Turmeric and black pepper
- Crushed Garlic (optional)
Crumble
- Mixed Nuts (Brazils, Almonds, Cashews, Hazelnuts, Macadamias)
- Sunflower Seeds
- Sesame Seeds
- Breadcrumbs (or options as per below)
- Cheese (optional)
All root veg can be pre-chopped to 2.5cm chunks and leeks finely sliced.
Method
Pre-heat slow cooker and add butter or ‘fat’ of choice, once melted add the leeks and stir for 3-4 minutes, then add vegetable chunks and stir.
Add stock and chopped tomatoes, cover and leave until vegetables are tender.
For the crumble your choice of using:
- Butter and flour combo
- Pre-made (homestyle or shop bought) Breadcrumbs
- Rolled or Steel Cut Oats
Add finely chopped nuts, seeds and cheese or vegan option if desired.
Pre-heat grill, turn off slow cooker and remove lid.
Either transfer vegetable base to a smaller oven proof dish or individual pie pots, add crumble and grill until topping is lightly browned.
Great as a side dish for the non-vegetarians, but also well enjoyed as a main dish by all 🙂
I have even frozen the left overs down, they are amazing reheated, especially with a little added Worcestershire Sauce or Tamari to change up those left-over feelings…
Interested in more healthy recipes? Join our Facebook Group – The Nurturing Table As an ex chef with a vision for events focused around eating mindfully, as well as healthy and nutritious meals, keep an eye out for upcoming events.