Joy To Everyone

Have you ever noticed how it can take time to relax? If you’re not in a constant state of relaxation as I know you are not, finally giving yourself the time and place to go there can feel, well odd. You are not accustomed to this foreign feeling people talk about or post about online.

Relaxation. Just the sound of it sounds relaxing. But as I mentioned, it can be an adjustment when you finally have it. Today I have the opportunity to relax. Both of my children are out of the house. And while I have two major duties being covered for the afternoon, I still feel the urge to fill the blissful silence. “You should be doing this.” Or “Now would be a great time to do this.” My body is still in “go mode.” It isn’t accustomed to slowing down because it’s always in a state of urgency. As if on autopilot, I ask myself what needs to be done next. Nothing! The answer to this question is that you don’t need to do anything. Did you hear me over the thoughts bombarding your train of thought? It is okay to be okay with simply being. Don’t look around the house for chores needing completion. Don’t reach for your phone you placed on silent in the other room. Stop and be. Be okay with now.

On the days I can relax, I begin by forcing myself to do only the things I enjoy. If it helps, make a list and start there. What you decide to do with your time should be personal and meaningful to you. It should not require additional work or planning. We are not adding more stress to our life! One idea could be painting your nails. When was the last time you gave yourself a pedicure? Give yourself permission to do what you want. If you’re still struggling, practice sitting quietly by yourself. Look at your surroundings and take it in.

Today the sun warmed the fall-colored trees, and the temperature rose into the seventies. It was perfect weather to take my paddle board out. It had been a few weeks since I last got on the water, and I was afraid my opportunity to go one more time had passed this season. For me, I find that when I leave my home and the chores waiting to be completed, I am better able to relax. Simply removing myself encourages me to explore and create.

While on the water, my shoulders relaxed. My hair blew in the breeze. And I filled my lungs with oxygen. “Finally!” I thought to myself. “This is exactly what I needed!” The tension in my shoulders subsided and I allowed my board to drift with the current. “Let’s see where this takes me!” I said this with curiosity and excitement.

Later that evening, I prepared a dish I had yet to ever try – Garlic Roasted Radishes. I had the idea to make this dish after picking up a veggie tray at the market. The pre-packaged veggie tray had sliced radishes in it. As I looked at them, I thought to myself, “no one is going to eat these.” And honestly, I could see why. A sliced white interior vegetable with a pinkish, reddish skin. They did not at all look appetizing. Curious as I was, I picked one up and popped it into my mouth. Although crunchy, the vegetable left nothing to be desired. Slightly peppery, it really didn’t have much flavor, and it certainly didn’t make me desire to take another bite. As a young girl, the only time I had radishes was either thinly sliced atop a salad or like, in this case, served in a vegetable tray with dip. Even then, no one ate the poor radishes. That’s when I thought, “We can do better!” Below is my recipe! Not only is this dish healthy and delicious, but it will also make you look at radishes differently. No longer will the radish be left out of your diet. I also include some fun information about the radish! By the end of it, you’ll realize the radish really is radish-ing!

Garlic Roasted Radishes

Ingredients:

• 1-pound fresh radishes. Wash, remove stems, trim ends, and cut into fourths.
• 1 TBSP olive oil. Drizzle and toss vegetables.
• 1/2 TSP salt.
• 1/2 TSP black pepper.
• 1/2 TSP dried parsley.
• 1 TSP garlic powder.

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 380 degrees.
• Line baking tray with parchment paper and place radishes in a single layer.
• Drizzle and toss olive oil all over the radishes.
• Sprinkle spices over the vegetables.
• Place backing sheet in the oven.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, tossing every 10 minutes.
• Cook until radishes are a golden brown and are easily pierced with a fork.
• If desired, serve with a ranch seasoning for dipping or drizzling on top. Fresh parsley, dill, or chives are a great garnish as well!

For more radish-ing information, check out the below! 🙂

Why Radishes are the Unsung Hero of Health Foods