New Year's Soup

 

The New Year's Soup Of New Beginnings  New Year's Day always filled the Anderson house with the comforting aroma of herbs and warmth. At the center of this tradition was Grandma Sarah's special black-eyed pea soup, a dish she believed could inspire positive change. This year, the Andersons needed that inspiration more than ever. Tom had lost his job in October and Emily's small bakery was struggling. Their teenage son, Jake, was withdrawing into himself and neither parent knew how to reach him. As the family gathered in the kitchen on New Year's Eve, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken concerns. Grandma Sarah, sensing the tension, clapped her hands. "Come on, let's start the soup," she said, her eyes twinkling. She assigned tasks to everyone. Tom soaked the black-eyed peas, Emily chopped onions and garlic, and Jake oversaw the herbs. "Easy with the thyme, Jake," Grandma said. "It's potent, like new beginnings." Gradually, the kitchen filled with conversation and the rich aroma of simmering soup. When the clock struck midnight, Grandma ladled the steaming soup into bowls. "Remember," she said, "it's not just about eating it; it's about believing in new possibilities." They savored each spoonful of the warm broth and tender peas. While they ate, something shifted. Tom mentioned a promising job lead. Emily's eyes lit up with an idea for a new line of pastries. Jake, to everyone's surprise, suggested helping at the bakery after school. Whether it was the soup's warmth or the simple act of coming together, the Anderson family stepped into the New Year with renewed hope and determination. Here's Grandma Sarah's recipe for New Year's Black-Eyed Pea Soup. Ingredients: 1 pound dried black-eyed peas, soaked overnight 1 large onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 cups broth 1 bay leaf 1 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 2 carrots, diced 2 celery stalks, diced 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes Salt and pepper to taste Chopped parsley for garnish Instructions: 1. In a large pot, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil. 2. Add carrots and celery, and cook for 5 minutes. 3. Add soaked peas, broth, bay leaf, thyme, and paprika. 4. Simmer for 1 - 1.5 hours until peas are tender. 5. Add diced tomatoes and simmer for another 10 minutes. 6. Season with salt and pepper. 7. Serve hot, garnished with parsley. As Grandma Sarah always said, "Serve with a side of hope and a sprinkle of faith in the future." With Warmth,

What Does 'Thanks' Mean To You?

 

As we get ready to gather with the people we care about, let’s pause and appreciate the simple joys that fill our lives. The thoughts we nurture create the world around us, so when we focus on positivity and abundance, we invite more of it in. Today, let’s reflect on what truly matters and embrace the happiness we can create with our mindset. Think about what you think about. What you think about you talk about, and what you talk about you bring about, so what are you thinking about? Have a look around! What you see is what you’ve been focusing on. Happiness is free. Experience shows that when you commit to being happy now, the journey of building the life you want is much more enjoyable. Abundance is your birthright. The scarcity mindset doesn’t think there’s enough to go around. The abundance mindset says, “There is plenty for everyone.” Nothing to fear. It’s funny how some people choose to worry about things they have no control over. As Roosevelt said, "There is nothing to fear, except fear itself." Know that a setback is a setup for a comeback. Most people give up when they meet setbacks and obstacles. When you meet challenges, do what you did when you learned to walk: When you fall down, learn from the experience, pick yourself up and keep going! Seize the day. Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. Stop for a moment and realize that you are occupying a unique space, at a time in history that will never be repeated. Seize this day and own it all. Happy Thanksgiving!

Self-Care in October for a Joyful Holiday Season

 

October is the perfect time to start thinking about the upcoming holiday season. Although this time of year brings warmth, joy and togetherness, it can also bring a flurry of activities and obligations that could leave us feeling drained. Before our energy shifts to focusing on the holidays, it's crucial to spend time this month caring for ourselves. Think of October as your personal recharge month. Use this time to reflect on the year so far and plan for the busy months ahead. Start with simple self-care practices: Enjoy quiet moments with a good book, take leisurely walks to admire the fall colors or indulge in a hobby you love. These small acts of self-kindness can help replenish your energy and provide a sense of calm. Planning early for the holidays can also alleviate stress. Making a list of to-do tasks — such as gift shopping, meal planning and organizing gatherings — spreading them out over the next few weeks and tackling these tasks gradually will make the process more enjoyable. Taking care of yourself now ensures you can fully embrace the holiday spirit when it arrives. Prioritize your well-being this October and approach the upcoming season with a renewed sense of peace and joy. Thinking about it now, which self-care rituals will you do during the fall season to help you recharge and prepare for the holidays? I'd love to hear your thoughts and maybe even get some new ideas to share with others!