Our Greatest Fear —Marianne Williamson

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.
Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,
talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.
Your playing small does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other
people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,
 we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear,
Our presence automatically liberates others.

—Marianne Williamson

2013 Manifestations

I have read in a few places of the power of writing down our manifestations for the upcoming year. Christine Hassler has nice New Year Ritual that for those that are not downing mixed drinks at an over crowded bar sounds like a really nice practice. I spent my New Years Eve at my favorite place in Michigan with my favorite little sister cooking an epic vegan meal, sipping on perfectly buttery chardonnay, discussing our highs and lows of 2012, and sharing many laughs. It was wonderful.

As I think about what I hope for 2013 I have a hard time even "hoping" for anything. As I have read, it's important to focus on our manifestations being present focused.

For example, "I am balancing a fulfilling career with a satisfying academic schedule". That sounds boring but I guess realistic. Key point, it's present focused, realistic, and filled with lots of lovely adjectives.

This past year has been all about letting go and letting things just happen so I feel a bit torn with creating manifestations. I do believe in putting out the energy of what I hope but I sometimes feel anxious about creating goals and desires. I've felt very at peace with passing off the steering wheel of my life and focusing my energy more internal.

So, 2013...here's what I got: (reminder that nothing is permanent so this list can always change)

I am committed to self-care through a variety of daily practices, like: a consistent morning/night routine, keeping my home clean and comfortable, exercising, taking time for Nellie, fueling my body with nutrient foods, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and creating time for me. I know when to say "yes" and when to say "no", knowing when to listen to my physical and mental well-being.

I am comfortable being uncomfortable in my yoga practice, practicing frequently through the week, establishing a community along with acceptance and challenge.

I am balancing my social life, holding onto my close friendships and making new groups of friends - all of those who enlighten and inspire me. I know my people and feel confident going from group to group and bringing groups of people together. 

I am fulfilled in my career pursuits, happy with the alignment with my academic direction and desire to create betterment for people along with having challenges and growth and opportunity every day.

I feel financially secure and am able to make time and set aside money for adventures: social adventures, travel adventures, spontaneity, and to save for my future. 

I love myself entirely and I have let someone into my life romantically to love me and see me as enough - just as I see myself. Someone who is my ideal.

I do not worry about my future because I know I am exactly where I am supposed to be. 

2012 Top Moments

One of my favorite bloggers, Emma over at Emma's Thing  recently posted about her top moments of 2012. Notably, it wasn't a list of her top fantastic moments, it was a list of the moments that defined the year. Her simple yet thoughtful list got me thinking. And, I credit my bff for bringing it to my attention because Emma's list resonated with some profound moments in my year too. I also credit good ole' Facebook for highlighting my year as well. So, here we go.

1. Independent Adventures

I'm proud of seeing places that I have wanted to see and just booking tickets, jumping in my car and jetting off. I said "yes" to so many things this past year.  I went to Breckenridge to see the mountains, camp outdoors and laugh with a best friend. I ventured to many weddings with out a plus one and did just fine. Nashville got hit once again, a sisters trip to Vancouver and back to Arizona. Every time I decided I wanted to go to the lake, I did just that without waiting for a partner in crime. I made independent decisions and followed my pursuits of adventure. I got out more, saw more, connected with friends, experienced parts of the city I had not yet seen. I'm also excited that 2013 has more in store: Arizona, Colorado and Austin all back to back. Also, my knowing that I can do anything I want to do because I can. I'm young and healthy and fun times are a callin'. 

2. Tackling Change

My life is a complete 180 from where it was a year ago. A year ago I had a roommate, a boyfriend, paid 1/2 as much rent, had a comfortable income, a perceived career plan that is vastly different now and no graduate school. From January, 2012 on I started each day with a clear realization that my life as I knew it was no longer the same. And it was scary as hell. Never before have I faced so much uncertainty and felt so vulnerable. Just when things would seem better, I would tumble again. There were many times when I pushed forward so quickly that I lost sight of my deep wishes because I was just trying to survive. Survival for many months was my only objective but in having such tunnel vision I lost so much direction and also lost the ability to just let go. The past year has been a ride of emotions and my friends and family are so amazing for supporting me through it all. I have accepted those that have been able to join me for the ride and those that were never really equipped to be a true friend. I let a lot go. I let go of plans, of expectations...of trying to figure out every next move of my life because I knew how quickly it could all change. Just as I would feel myself getting back into control mode something would happen to remind me that the control is not mine. I surrendered. 

3. Yoga

Now, this is more recent. 2012 was an uphill battle of trying to hold onto my emotions through just avoiding everything all together by sleeping (i.e. watching Tivo) days away, keep everything in so tight like a freaking corset, or sprinting so hard on the treadmill that I almost passed out for some sort of release. No balance. I would go on spurts and then resign to being too busy for the next 2 months. Then, I got back in touch with yoga. Yoga was always a practice that scared the shit out of me because I am just not that good. I'm flexible but I'm competitive so I like to do things where I can look around and grin a big ass Grinch grin and my inner monologue is all like "yea, gurl, you kicked their asses, you da bomb" (yea, my fitness ego is ghetto). So I stayed away from yoga because yoga is so.not.that. That was until one day (see #2) I realized that in order to grow I need to face my fears. So, my yoga practice started back up and although my ego gets bruised, my energy is glowing. Ugh I sort of hate myself for saying that line but in all fairness, yoga has allowed me to center myself, challenge myself in awesome ways and allow for some more spiritual awakenings. 

4. Finding the Universe

I've never been religious or faithful, really. But funny things happen when you land on your ass pretty suddenly and the whole world is really freaking frightening...you start looking for guidance. Reading The Daily Love  became a routine for me this year and really allowed for some profound spiritual growth. I also read The Secret. It was my readings that I allowed myself to accept that I am, at this very moment, exactly where I am supposed to be. I also have been able to see that letting go is the best way to live my life and it's the most liberating feeling. I stopped counting calories once and for all. I stopped trying to think about 1-2-5 years ahead, hell, even 2 months ahead. I allowed things to manifest around me. All I had to do was think positively and trust in the process - trust that everything will happen as it is supposed to. In doing so, I have landed back at a job that is absolutely the best fit for me with the best managers I could ask for. I have found a passion in vegetarianism and explore veganism and have never been healthier or freer in my diet. I somehow am able to do all the things I want to do even with a part-time salary and full-time graduate school work load. I have discovered that my original graduate school path wasn't the best fit and allowed myself to explore other paths. I have allowed for movement because I am open to whatever comes my way. 

5. Loving Me

Wow, this one has not been easy. I was in a relationship for 3.5 years where every moment was spent loving someone else and ensuring the love in our relationship was enough - enough to keep us going, enough so that he'll want to spend more time with me, enough to withstand the hard times, enough so that he'll never leave. I gave and gave. I also gave and gave our dog. I love my dog, Nellie, but there have been countless times when I sacrifice things that I love and will make me better for her. I do the same for my family and friends. I put so much in and am disappointed when it is not returned. But what I was missing was taking care of ME. No one was ever going to truly love me unless I loved me first. That means being okay being alone- accepting what alone really means. Not that I'm lonely because I am single. No, it means being comfortable spending days and nights with myself. Being comfortable sharing company with only me because I enjoy me. It means forgiving myself. Forgiving my imperfections and accepting my mistakes. Unconditional love starts at the core - it starts with me. 

I didn't mean to end at five because it's a bit cliche but this year has been the hardest and the best year of my life thus far. I keep saying to people that I'm anxious for 2013 because 2012 has been so difficult but I wouldn't change a thing. Through the past challenges I have become someone I am proud of and someone I say is pretty darn neat. I have more development ahead but I look forward to challenges that may arise because I know I can overcome and be a better person on the other side. I am thankful for 2012. 

But lets be honest here. I'd love a kick ass 2013. 

Sweet Summer Corn: 2 Ways for Vegan Meals

Since I'll be visiting this nugget in Vancouver on Thursday for 5 days 

and have a fully loaded fridge of vegetables that I bought, hmm, over a week ago that desperately were crying out for some usage, Monday evening turned into make a freaking mess in the kitchen sort of night. Good thing I live alone. Sort of. 

"Hey Ma, I smell something awesome"

Well, I also have a friend who recently pledged that for August she's going to eat Pescaterrian (I don't even know how to spell that) but basically she's ditching the cows and pigs for something more like me and eating vegetarian plus some sea animals. She lit a fire under my ass to get her some recipes. And, when she was over at my house Saturday night and saw that at 2am I made Portabella Pizzas after drinking whiskey all night, there's really no excuse for not posting my creations. Anyways, here's...

Red Quinoa Corn Salad 

AND

Lentil, Corn, & Veggie Tacos. 

I cook 'em, you come up with better names. 

Lentil, Corn, & Veggie Tacos

serves 4

Ingredients:

• 2 corn husks.
• 1/2 bag of Trader Joe's Steamed Lentils (I go the easy route. If you don't have these, just cook about a cup of lentils).
• 1/2 pound of baby bello mushrooms or any other shrooms you like. Makes the tacos "meatier"
• 1 - 1/2 bags of fresh spinach (you don't need to use this much but I was trying to use shit in my fridge. Up to you).
• Chili powder to taste.
• Salt to taste.
• About 3 seconds pour of EVOO.
• 4 tortillas.

Directions:

• In a big pot, throw your corn in some water and bring to boil, about 10 minutes. Just keep your eye on this. 
• In a large pan pour in your olive oil and sauté your mushrooms. Season with salt.
• Once cooked down, add in spinach gradually over medium-low heat.
• By this time corn should be cooked. Don't burn your hand and cut off the husk and add in.
• Add in lentils gently, not to mush down. 
• Season with chili powder- I taste test, taste it so it tastes like tacos. Like, 1 tbsp or so. 
• Stir, warm through, careful not to again mash or mush the lentils.
• Serve in a warmed tortilla!

You can top with something like hummus (I chose TJ's horseradish hummus, it's like my drug) but if you're not vegan, a sour cream or greek yogurt would go nicely on top! The mushrooms & lentils add a great texture combined with the sweetness of the corn. This is a super filling meal that after just 1 taco you're full! But you can have more than 1 because hey, it's like all veggies. 

YUM!

 Next up... (you now picturing the state of my kitchen this evening?)

Red Quinoa Cold Corn Salad
serves 4


Ingredients:

• 1 cup red quinoa
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, quartered
• 2 corn husks, cut off the husks
• 1/2 red pepper, diced (optional) *
• 1 avocado, diced (optional) *

For the dressing:

• Juice from 2 limes
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• cilantro to taste (everyone's preference on this varies, so I say, do what you like, yo!)
• S & P to taste 

* I didn't have this in the kitchen but would have been tasty additions!

Directions:

• Cook quinoa according to directions- 1 cup quinoa to 2 cups water. Bring to boil then let simmer so all water is absorbed. Fork to fluff when done. Let cool!!
• Cook corn to boil, about 10 minutes, slice off husk and let cool too. 
• Chop/dice/slice veggies
• Mix dressing w/ whisk or fork. 
• Mix all together once corn & quinoa has cooled.
• Eat right away or let marinate over night. Can be stored for 2-3 days in air tight container.

Did I mention this was SUPER EASY? The tangy dressing is delicious and perfect on a summer day/night. 

 I'm also a huge fan of left overs. Both meals since I manic-cooked tonight are going to last me until I leave on Thursday for lunches and dinners. La.di.da.

So, until next time. Because I'm going to be hipstering it out with my little sis in Vancouver for a bit. 

To Spread Love, Start with Action

 

"I hope that this image travels the world . . ."

That is the image and message I saw today on Facebook. A message promoting awareness of a real tragedy on this day of that ironically sweeps the country up in commercial love when this day really began as a day to celebrate authenticity.




Now, I'm all about spreading love, but today, I want to focus on spreading love through our positive action and change. Lets step back for a second from the fancy dinner dates, expensive Hallmark cards, and displaying of rose bouquets and take a second to learn about a profound issue that has been going on in a country not too far away...






Belo Monte Dam






The new president of Brazil, has just been given approval by the Brazil government, despite years of international protests, to build a huge hydroelectric plant (the third largest in the world). This particular dam is part of a series of mega dams being planned as a central part of Brazil’s Accelerated Growth Programme, which aims to stimulate the country’s economic growth by building a huge infrastructure of roads and dams, mainly in the Amazon region. The size of these projects threatens to harm or destroy vast areas of land, upon which numerous tribal peoples, including several groups of highly vulnerable uncontacted Indians, depend for their survival.


The livelihoods of thousands of tribal people who depend on the forest and river for food and water would be destroyed. The influx of immigrants to the area during the construction of the dam threatens to introduce violence to the area and bring diseases to these Indians, putting their lives at risk. The Indians say that they will oppose the dam at all costs, and that if construction proceeds, the Xingu river will become a river of blood. Brazil’s Public Prosecutor’s Office, alongside numerous local and international organizations, have called for the license to be suspended, stating that the environmental impact studies were incomplete, and that the Indians and other people who will be affected were not properly consulted.


‘





The world must know what is happening here, they must perceive how destroying forests and indigenous people destroys the entire world.


Kayapó indigenous leaders


’


If the construction of this dam goes ahead, thousands of people will lose their homes, their livelihoods, and their lives. Indigenous peoples need their land in order to survive and, having lived there for centuries, they have a deep, spiritual link to it.






No amount of compensation or mitigation measures can replace their ancestral land.






A YouTube video was created by Brazil celebrities to urge the local and international community to protest the dam. To view it, click below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVUYV4YuKjc

So, as the title of today's post suggests, to spread real love today, start with action. I urge you to sign the AVAAZ Petition to stop the dam.











xoxo, Kerry










Sigourney Weaver demonstrates with indigenous people from around the world against Brazil's Belo Monte Dam. Brazilian Permanent Mission to the UN, New York, US.

© Amazon Watch

word musings

Somewhere in the faze of watching Bad Teacher for the second time last night at my friend's place, at 2am over veggie pizza (yep, one of those nights), I got to thinking about one of my all time favorite books, Eat Pray Love. Justin Timberlake's character asks his coworker what her favorite part of the book was: eat, pray, or love. I am not sure of my own favorite adventure section in the book: Bali, Italy, or India, but I do know that I marked up that text like crazy and want to share some of my favorite words from the book:

 You were given life; it is your duty (and also your entitlement as a human being) to find something beautiful within your life, no matter how slight. 

 When the past has passed from you at last, let go. Then climb down and begin the rest of your life. With great joy.

 You are, after all, what you think. Your emotions are the slaves to your thoughts, and you are the slave to your emotions. 

To lose balance sometimes for love is part of living a balanced life.

What are some of your favorite Eat Pray Love quotes?

Right to Know

As a follow up to my previous post, Decode the Codes, about how to read PLU labels at the grocery store, there are active campaigns through Label GMOs and Just Label It advocating for clear labels in all of our stores.




Simply put, we have the right to know what's in our food. Watch this great video to learn why labeling GMOs is so important and why we all should join the fight.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ep4uxbhsvI&feature=youtu.be&noredirect=1

More than 80% of processed foods at U.S. grocery stores are likely to contain genetically engineered ingredients. 

And you wouldn't know it, because the FDA doesn't require labels for foods with genetically engineered (GE) ingredients ‒ also called genetically modified organisms (GMOs). 

Genetically engineered (GE) foods, also referred to as genetically modified, or GMOs, are those that are altered at the molecular level in ways that could not happen naturally. This means plants and animals that have had their genetic makeup altered to exhibit traits that are not naturally theirs. These techniques use DNA molecules from different sources, sometimes different species, and combine them into one molecule to create a new set of genes (e.g. mixing of flounder genes into tomatoes so the tomatoes would be resistant to cold temperatures.)

For more info about GE foods, click here.