Impossible

December 27, 2009

It’s impossible to think of clever/relevant titles everyday. But I try.

This weekend, I finally watched Julie & Julia… um, why did it take me so long? Any movie that combines both food and blogging is golden to me. I’m sure most of you have seen it, but if you haven’t, you must.

This morning started off swell, with a bowl of ‘gingerbread‘ oats topped with banana, apple, & almond butter spoon.

Delicious.. however, I would have preferred dried fruit and nuts as toppings instead.

Yesterday, I had a successful first attempt at Butternut Squash Oats!

IMG_6808

(1/2c oats, water, 1/2c bnut squash puree, 1/2 banana cooked in, topped with pistachios and the other 1/2 banana)

So let’s talk New Years…. it’s right around the corner!

Of course, there are the resolutions, hopes, and desires for the new year… The most two most common seem to be:

1. Lose Weight.

Now let’s have a moment to ponder… First off, no one likes losing or being lost. Lose has such a negative connotation. To lose is to deprive, to fail to sustain, to wander or go astray from… However, society has shown a positive light on losing. There’s no glamour in dissatisfaction with yourself, nor is there glamour in insecurity. There’s no pride in wanting to be like someone else, nor is there pride in muting your body’s signals. You want to be a strong, secure, beautiful person, don’t you? Instead, change your mindset and transform weight loss into health gain. You can gain health, by whatever means appropriate for YOU, but they must not and CANNOT harm your mental health. It WILL NOT be the same for everyone, it all depends each individual situation. Don’t think that just because someone else decides to lose/gain several pounds for their heath, that you should. Know thyself, trust thyself. If you see yourself as beautiful, then everyone else will be smitten.

2. Become a better person.

Who’s to say you’re not already a fantastic person? Why have the notion that a new year is the perfect opportunity to change yourself? Realistically, it only means a new number at the top of your day planner. Personally, ‘becoming a better person’ tastes a little bitter in my mouth. It feels a little selfish. I believe that to better ones spirit, one must become selfless. Better someone else through sincere care and concern, not through your own agenda. Don’t volunteer and participate in community service to make yourself feel better, do it for them. For the people who are facing a struggle. Not for your inner struggle. And the whole concept of ‘becoming a better person’ as a resolution confuses me. How will you know when you’ve reached that goal? You won’t. Because strengthening your soul cannot be perceived by the senses, it’s beyond our minds as well. You just live and let the good grow inside you. You don’t think about it. You live it.

Now, I’m just thinking out loud. You can take it or leave it, either way, life is a progression, not a set or intervals which allow you to restart at each beginning. It’s a free run. Not a relay.

13 Responses to “Impossible”

  1. Devan Says:

    Julie and Julia was such a good movie 🙂
    Your Butternut Squash oats looks SO delicious !!

    here is to a happy, successfull New Year!

  2. Rachael Says:

    This post is exactly what I needed to hear. Would it be creepy if I printed it out and stuck it on my mirror? Maybe, but I might do so anyway. 😉 You are so intuitive and perceptive, it blows me away. With that incredible wisdom and bravery on your side (plus a killer bowl of oats or two!) I’m sure you are in for a fabulous 2010.

    Rachael*

  3. Emily Says:

    I love that last thing you said in this post..

    “life is a progression, not a set or intervals which allow you to restart at each beginning. It’s a free run. Not a relay.”

    so incredibly true. Time is time, there is no beginning or end. Take each day in stride 🙂 wise words, my friend!

    Your oats look fabulous. Butternut squash oats? YUM, never heard of that one before.

    xoxo
    have a great day!

  4. seekmyself Says:

    I loved Julie and Julia 🙂 I watched it for the first time on Christmas night (where have I been?) and thought it was fabulous.

    As for new year’s resolutions… I never make them. Each moment is an opportunity to make a choice to turn your life around… I never understood why the clock striking midnight on December 31st is suppose to change people’s lives. Motivation needs to come from inside… not because the numbers on the calendar change. January 1st is another day like the one before… perhaps with more hungover people…


  5. how did you become so smart 😉
    i alway used to do resolutions, for many years i was going to eat healthier work our more (aka lose weight), i was going to be nicer to my family, etc. then last year i made the resolution that helped to land me where i am today. so i don’t think i’ll be making resolutions anymore. you’re right january 1st is just another day and i’m all ready working to better myself.
    thanks for this post lovie
    now i must say if you loved the movie, julie and julia, the book is even better 🙂 if you need a read.
    happy sunday dear!
    xoxo

  6. determinedtoshine Says:

    such wise words. and so true. i think this year i might forgoe new years resolutions – i have spent too much of my life being a slave to rules or goals. instead, 2010 is going to be the year of health and freedom!

    and i need to watch that film asap!
    xo
    hannah

  7. Jenny Says:

    I have seriously been known to sit in front of my computer screen and ponder a clever post title for 10 minutes.. though I’m pretty sure no one even reads it any way. Oh blogging obligations..

    I am so in love with what you said about “losing weight”. Perfectly articulated and such wise words, girl. You hit the nail on the head.. losing weight does not necessarily equate getting healthy ( in fact, losing weight can be quite counterproductive to becoming healthy..as I can attest to). I think if more people got out of their minds that losing weight is the only way to achieve health and happiness there would be a lot less of ME’s running around (aka, ED recovery patients). As you said, it is far more to work on “gaining health” which I think is a goal everyone can incorporate in to their lives in some way. Thank you for this post and having such a positive voice, girl. Honestly — you always brighten my world!

    Love you! xoxo

  8. Katie Says:

    Great words, and outstanding coming from someone my own age! I love your rendition of oats. Keep the posts coming and I will definitely keep reading. 🙂

  9. daintyvegan Says:

    Julie & Julia is actually what finally inspired me to get my butt in gear and start up a blog. I loved it! What isn’t so grand is that my sister didn’t really like it. 😮 Horrible, I know.

    You are very wise and I loved the “Lose Weight” portion of your post. That was great and so very true. ❤

  10. Shelley (findinghappinessandhealth) Says:

    first of all, your oats look incredible..something i want to try for sure 🙂 (the 2nd onee at leasst) & 2) i HAVE to see julie & julia.. been wanting to and haven’t either!!
    and i agree with you soo soooo much on the last 2 things- i hate some values our society promotes. like why is being skinny so ‘glamorous’??? i mean, i understand the importance of losing weight if you are overweight / have heart problems, but other than that.. i wish it wasn’t so important. love ya girl

    xoxo
    shelley
    http://findinghappinessandhealth.wordpress.com

  11. louisianagrown Says:

    I agree with you 100%! I didn’t give one ounce of thought to New Year’s resolutions this year.


  12. You are so right! Thank you for this perspective on new years resolutions – I have many goals to make for the new year, but they mostly relate to what I want to get out of recovery so I guess they are geared more towards the ‘gaining health’ aspect.

    It’s a real shame that no one is ever satisfied with themselves. Personally, I think everyone’s resolution should be to completely appreciate themselves. We are all beautiful, strong, and unique individuals that don’t need ‘fixing’.

    xox
    Tat

    ps – Your breakfasts look absolutely wonderful =D

  13. Emily Says:

    Your oats look so good! And I think your reflections about NY’s resolutions are so wise. NY’s is a good time to stop and think about how we’ve grown and how we’re continuing to progress (as you mentioned). Hope you have a beautiful day!


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