As I begin to write today the song phrase, “I think I like this little life,” from Cordelia keeps repeating in my mind. In my last posting, I talked about worthiness. That same day my daughter, Ruby and I spent the day home while her older brother, Kenton was at school. Although it was freezing outside, the sun shined brightly in a clear blue sky. Throughout the day I tried to focus on the fact that in this present moment I am good and valuable regardless of what happens. From time to time, I’d catch myself reverting to old habits of belittling myself. When you’ve trained your mind for nearly thirty-seven years that you are not good enough and you need to strive for a better version of yourself, it’s hard not to revert to old habits. “You aren’t broken, Joy. You are simply human.” Rather than masking issues we personally face, let’s unearth underlying causes. Let’s work with professionals to create a treatment plan that directly impacts the issues people are facing. You have no idea how many times I heard the following advice when I vulnerably shared issues I was facing, “You need to read your bible more and pray more.” You have no idea how hurtful this advice was. Remember when I wrote I was tired of the fake? This is what I am referring to. What is our evidence? Let’s base our reasoning off of reason.
My daughter is currently three years old and loves helping me whenever possible, especially around the house. After she completes a task, she smiles up at me and says, “I did it!” You have no idea how meaningful her pride in herself means to me! I love how she recognizes her efforts and applauds herself for giving her very best! For lunch I let her “help” me prepare her meal. I gave her a mini cutting board and a toddler safe utensil to “slice” her cheese. We placed her favorite bunny rabbits around her plate. While she enjoyed her food, she talked to them and “fed” them. Gratefully she ate cauliflower, carrots, strawberries, cheese, and crackers. I swear I did not raise her differently from her brother that acts as if he is being tortured for simply taking a bite of a vegetable. Luckily, she loves almost any veggie I give her. After enjoying our meal together, we decided to try a new recipe: Vegan Bacon Bits. And yes! I did just use “Vegan” and “Bacon” in the same sentence. This recipe is very simply, but it packs a ton of flavor! It is the perfect crunchy addition to any salad or roasted veggie dish.
Vegan Bacon Bits
Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp Molasses
- 2 Tbsp Liquid Smoke
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tbsp Cider Vinegar
- 3 cups Bob’s Red Mill Coconut Flakes
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Whisk together all of the ingredients except for the coconut flakes. Add coconut flakes and mix well. Let sit for 10 minutes to allow the coconuts to absorb all of the liquid. Spread coconut flakes in an even layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until deeply toasted for about 15-20 minutes. Be sure to stir often while cooking, about every three minutes. Let “bacon” cool completely before enjoying. Store in an airtight container.
I think I like this little life!
For the rest of the day, we played on the floor! We first finger painted and then played with playdough.
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