Stress is a crazy thing. There are million and one proverbs, clichés and admonitions about how going through times of trial and tribulation bring out one's true colors or show what someone is made of. And while that's all true, valuable, and potentially reassuring - it often doesn't feel like it (or like it matters) in the moment, nor do I always like to be reminded of that fact. I've mentioned before that my own personal, very unattractive natural tendency when I am out of time, patience, or energy is to become a "dictatorial steamroller." Since I am aware of this proclivity, I try to pay attention to the times…
Broaden-and-Build, the Benefits of Positivity, and a Whole30 Chicken Chili
I would consider one of my strengths to be my ability to both formulate and execute a plan. I LOVE planning - everything from meal plans to barre choreography, from vacations to my wedding, and everything in between. I would consider one of my weaknesses to be my strong distaste for not knowing what to expect. I'm not great at "going with the flow" and just seeing what happens when it happens. In fact, "not great" hardly scratches the surface. I loathe being in the dark and thus ill-prepared for anything of importance. Thus the logistics of moving and such a big transition have my anxiety levels above optimum at…
Joy, Cozy Weekends, and Whole30 Mushroom Asparagus Cauliflower Risotto
Although I knew that it would come up quickly as soon as we had finalized the decision to move back to the US, I have to say that I am still shocked by the fact that we will be sailing away less than 7 weeks from now. There are a multitude of things that I will really miss about Ireland and our lives here, most especially the friends I have made of course, but also the little things like walks to Coco and Lulu's favorite park, the familiar faces of the baristas at Cork Coffee Roasters, "our spot" at The Spitjack and the Sweet Potato Toast there, and the ability to…
Paleo Banana Bread Muffins (Easy Enough for Even the Non-Bakers)
Yesterday marked three years of #mandjhappilyeverafter. It seems simultaneously that our wedding was just yesterday and yet so long ago since so much has happened since then. We've moved internationally (and are currently coordinating the move back home!), traveled all over Europe, adopted our two little fur babies, and have grown tremendously as individuals and in our relationship. Anytime that I stop even briefly to consider my life, my relationship with Jonathan is something which I never cease to be grateful for. Even when I'm really feeling sorry for myself, I cannot ever come up with any evidence contrary to the fact that he is the best husband in the world. Thankfully…
What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? (and a Whole30 Smoked Salmon and Peach Salad)
So my latest obsession is learning about all things personality related. It was something which I felt it would be interesting to look into in more detail based on my experiences with my Happiness Project. In short, a major finding is that although we can all move the needle in a more positive direction, what exactly leads to a happier life for me is probably not identical to what would for you due to our individual differences. Starting out that project, I remember reading Gretchen Rubin's argument that one of the keys to happiness is self-knowledge, and she says that "we can build a happy life only on the foundation…
Consistency > Perfectionism :: Whole30 Avocado Compound Butter
Originally I had planned to write about the topic of perfectionism today in light of some of the recent internal dialogue I have been having on the subject after recently reading Brene Brown's, I Thought It Was Just Me (But It's Not). I have been someone who has struggled with some relatively serious maladaptive levels of perfectionism for probably my whole life. In her typical penetrating style, Brown's insight on the topic was a bit deeper and more nuanced than the usual on the perils of perfectionism and it's been something which I have kept coming back to over the past few weeks. But as I sat down several times to try…
Keeping Perspective and Paleo Strawberry Cashew Truffles
As someone who absolutely loves to travel (for fun, NOT work), I have had the opportunity to go on several trips accompanied by others. My most frequent travel partner is naturally my husband, but I have also traveled with friends and family in recent history, some relationships more closely knit than others of course. And I've seen that it can be interesting to learn what certain people value or consider a vacation. For some people, doing as little as possible aside from sitting poolside in the sun is ideal. For others, it's not a holiday unless that means drink in hand at all times. There are beach goers, there are adventurers, and…
Learning How to Stay in Touch With Ourselves and a Whole30 Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Much has been written demonstrating the value of investing in experiences as opposed to things when it comes to boosting our satisfaction with life. And I know from personal experience I rarely regret spending money on meaningful or unique experiences which is especially true when they include the company of friends or family, a fact I was reminded of when my parents came to visit over the summer. Although we had many very memorable experiences together, one that I was considering lately was our night out in the West End to see Wicked. The production was fantastic. And it was fun to see it together because none of us were at…
Foundational Habits Part Three: How What We Eat Affects Everything Else
An idea which has always been a bit lost on me is the expression or admonition to "work smarter, not harder." Now I know intellectually what is meant, however, I cannot wrap my head around why there is necessarily a dichotomy. I have long thought that if only I could work both SMARTER and HARDER, then it would only serve to be all more advantageous no matter the endeavor. And in many ways this seems to have been the case (and in others it was my sanity and that of those around me to pay!). Certainly being strategic about one's efforts, in addition to being diligent, can really have a…
Foundational Habits Part One: Sleep and a Whole30 Butternut Squash and Sage Frittata
Although summer is my favorite, I do love September. The changing colors outside are gorgeous and (usually) the weather takes its time transitioning to full on freezing. I also love fresh starts and fall resolutions and getting back to routine, perhaps especially this time around when I've been out of it for so many weeks. I feel a bit behind in general as I attempt to catch up on everything personally and professionally in addition to preparing for a major move back to the States in just three months (that in and of itself is both exhilarating and anxiety-provoking simultaneously!). And while there's so much to do and I have…
