Dick Grace

How, where, and why we give are personal choices. Here is one mans story of giving that touched my heart.

This article reminded me that when we give of ourselves we get the bonus of receiving a level of personal joy that is often missed when we are absent from the giving.

I am reminded daily if I focus my giving and receiving on what is right in front of me the rewards are the greatest. My days have meaning, I feel connected, and I have a sense of peace that now, in this moment, all is right with the world.

For me there has been a level of awareness I've needed to cultivate in order to see the gifts. I am very grateful I see the beauty in the small moments of my day and often receive them with my arms wide open.

We can't all contribute on the level Dick Grace does but we can contribute in our own way and fill up the cups of others as well as filling our own.

Where is it most important for you give?

Gifts of Time

As we move into holiday season I am reminded to ponder what it is that has meaning for me and what is one more old "have to" I can turn into a "choose to" or let it go.

We've decided as a family to give gifts of time for each other this year. Each of us will give two gifts of time to the three others. Time meaning offerings such as; chores for a week, going out to lunch, take a hike or ski, a movie, game night...

I'm excited to explore this way of gift giving and to be able to give more financial aid to individuals and organizations that are in greater need than we are. I'm also curious to see how it affects our Christmas day having fewer packages and less material goods to look at. My hope is it opens up opportunities to connect by playing games, getting outdoors, and visiting neighbors and friends. We will see.

I like the idea of simplifying and I am very grateful my family is willing to give this a shot.

"There must be more to life than having everything"
-Maurice Sendak

Smashed Potatoes and Roasted Garlic

For a twist on a Thanksgiving favorite, these are a hit at our house.

Serves 4

8 medium sized new potatoes scrubbed well, skins on
8-10 cloves of garlic
1/3-1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil
salt
fresh ground pepper

Heat oven or toaster oven to 425 degrees, rub a bit of olive oil on the cloves of garlic place on a flat pan and roast in oven for 10-20 minutes or until you can easily pierce a clove with a fork. Remove and allow to cool. After cooling peel the skins off.
Place potatoes in a pot of water and boil them until you can easily pierce with a fork. Drain off the water and place potatoes in a serving dish. Add roasted garlic and drizzle the olive oil onto potatoes while you use a fork or potato masher to mix in the garlic and break up the potatoes until smashed not mashed. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve while warm.
Enjoy!

The Holidays

What are some strategies to get your needs met throughout November and December?

It seems for many folks the holidays happen and we simply do our best to make it through without looking at strategies to support a more enjoyable stretch of time.

I find the most important piece for me is recognizing and acknowledging what my needs are for this time of year. My needs are for fun, connection, freedom, service, giving, and being present for all the opportunities to do random acts of kindness.

I want a stress free zone that allows for space to be creative and to give and receive from my heart.

I do believe it helps to have an intention for the season and touchstones that support you to remember what is most important.


It helps that I have an exuberant ten year old that reminds me regularly about the need for fun and being in the moment. Here is a funny quote I found that may support you to remember as well:

"An adult is just a deteriorated child"
-Max Wertheimer




Homework: If possible take a moment to think about the enthusiasm of a child and what they love about the holidays. Set an intention for the season, reflect on your needs and the needs of those around you and strategize to get them met!

"The greatest revolution in our generation is that of human beings, who by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives"
-Marilyn Ferguson

The above quote is a great definition of what coaching is to me. A space to explore your inner self so that you can bring the most joyful, centered, loving parts of yourself to your outer life.

I feel fully alive as I write this because this is what connects me to the true beauty of being a human.

What is it that connects you?

When the light goes dim

This time of year when the light outside begins to dim I often find myself feeling a bit out of sorts especially if I have chosen less time to be outdoors. What I notice is a need for more connection, a need to cozy up and a need to create as much light in my life as I can.

That said I am still exploring how I create that light and wonder if any of you have any great ideas you would be willing to pass on to me and others who read this??

As I said above one of the keys for me is getting outside everyday, even if it is darker because being in nature definitely fills me up. Its also very helpful for me to connect with friends more and to read inspiring words.

The shifting seasons bring different feelings to my days and I want to explore how to honor those feelings and meet what needs arise. How about you?

Winter Squash Soup

Fall is such a wonderful time for this vegetable. I love to simply bake squash and serve with a bit of butter on top. However this is a great soup, easy to prepare and freezes well.

2 to 3 lbs winter squash (butternut or the dark green variety are best)
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil plus what you brush on the squash
6 cloves of garlic, unpeeled
4 leeks or 2 onions
1/4 to 1/2 tsp dried thyme or 8 sprigs
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2+ quarts water or stock
1 tsp. salt and pepper to taste
2-4 tablespoons natural peanut butter,depending on how nutty you want it
1/2 cup cheese- fontina, romano, or asiago

Preheat oven to 375. Halve the squash and scoop out seeds. If the squash is too difficult to cut, put it in the oven whole for 10-15 minutes take it out of oven cut and do next step. Cut squash in half brush the surfaces with oil, stuff the cavities with garlic and place them cut side down on a baking sheet. Bake until soft to touch, 30-40 minutes.

In the meantime pour oil into a large soup pot. Add the onions or leeks and thyme and cook over medium heat until onions have begun to brown, 10-15 minutes. Scoop the squash flesh into the pot, peel the garlic and add it to the pot as well as the soy sauce and salt. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer partially covered for 25 minutes. If the soup is too thick add more water or stock. Add the peanut butter one tablespoon at a time to find the perfect amount for you. Puree the soup in small batches in the blender. Adjust seasoning,add cheese as a garnish and serve.
Enjoy!