Monday, March 1, 2010

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." ~Albert Einstein


"Things will get better, they have to get better, I will be strong." 

This has been my mantra for the past few months.  As many of you know, I have not had the best year last year, and 2010 did not start off on such a great foot.  With a plethora of heath problems that took me by storm, I have been feeling as though all I've been doing is venting, feeling frustrated, and letting it all out.  The hardest part about everything is that I have just not felt myself.  My body is out of control, my attitude is rather cynical, and my life is pretty at the mercy of the illnesses.  And even though there may be many things I do not have control over, I've come to the realization that I've had enough! 

It's a new month and I am determined to get back to normal.  I know that the process of healing is a long and hard one, but that doesn't mean I have to sit back and feel bad about it in the meantime.  I can still live my life, I can still be myself and I WILL ALWAYS BE GRATEFUL for the amazing blessings that I do have.  

So, that leads me to my new March Mantra….

To look up and not down, 

To look forward and not back, 

To look out and not in, and 

To lend a hand.” 

~Edward Everett Hale

I love this quote because it not only provides hope, it gives inspiration to go beyond pity and find peace in helping others.  What a fantastic idea!  I don't think there is any better way to feel better than to give back to others who are in worse situations that I will ever conceive.  

Now, I know I can't change the world, but I do vow to make a difference.  

Here is my challenge this month….

Every day, I am going to make it a point to go out of my ordinary realm and do something kind for someone else.  Wether it be a complete stranger, a friend, a co-worker… I am going to make sure that I spend at least a minute thinking of someone else.  

It's not only for others but good for my soul as well.  

Anyone else care to join me in this monthly challenge?  How awesome would it be if we could all share out daily acts of kindness each day.  Think of how uplifting it will be to hear how others are making a difference.  

At the end of every post, I plan to share my daily act.  I want to keep myself accountable and I figure this is the best way.  

Okay, but enough of the "We Are the World" speech, I have to share with you all the most amazing salad I made for dinner.  I think it had just almost every single one of my favorite foods! 





Grilled Salmon Salad.  Let's see if I can remember the list….

  • Honey Glazed BBQ Salmon
  • Roasted Asparagus
  • Cucumber
  • Red Cabbage and Romaine
  • Radish
  • Strawberries
  • Mandrin Oranges
  • Edamame 
  • Avocado
  • Goat Cheese
  • White Basil Hummus
  • Pecans

Talk about a huge plate of healthy fats and Omega 3's! Wow, my body thanked me for this.  I haven't been doing so hot with getting all of my nutrients, especially those healthy fatty acids, so this was not only amazingly delicious, but needed! 



Okay, I've already TV-o'd The Bachelor.  No way I am making it until 11pm, but I do hope to catch the first hour or so. 
Night! 

*****Today's Random Act of Kindness******
This is kind of a surprise for someone that I know is reading, so I can't really reveal.  I know, what a way to start off my challenge, but I promise, I did do something for someone else today!  You'll see soon enough! :) 


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9 comments:

  1. HUGS to you my dear!! Love you tons, and really hope everything starts looking up. I love this challenge!

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  2. What a great idea for March! Love the mantra - I think a lot of people can benefit from that. Helping others is so rewarding! I love the positivity!

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  3. Great looking salad! I love your March mantra...definitely something we can all strive to do! have a great night :)

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  4. Such a wonderful idea doing a daily random act of kindness! You have such a wonderful heart! Here's to a happy, healthy March! Hugs friend!!

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  5. Great post and I love that salad!

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  6. What a fun idea for a challenge. Smallest acts of kindness can end up going so far! Your salad looks wonderful - I love adding fruit to salads for some sweet bites thrown in.

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  7. You are an amazing person Lauren, great way to perk yourself up!! :) It really does help!! Small things make a huge difference.

    BTW. can I come over for dinner please, that salad looked to die for!!

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  8. That dinner is awesome! Very colorful and fresh looking!

    Girl you are so strong it is amazing!

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  9. what a super-star salad@

    and what a great challenge! you are such an amazing woman ;)

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