I know how it feels. I've done it many times throughout my life.
~Still feeling love for my now ex (maybe a different kind than in the beginning) but knowing I had to leave for many reasons, so mustering every ounce of courage and energy to start divorce proceedings.
~Breaking down crying when told that I'd take a massive loss in selling the marital home that I was solely financially responsible for (thank heavens I broke even).
~Facing the reality that there weren't many options for my mom in her fight against ovarian cancer, due to the fact that she'd already been battling Multiple Sclerosis for years.
~Sitting and breathing with her during the last hour and twenty minutes of her life.
~Feeling scared but delivering her eulogy anyway, because I wanted to honor that precious woman.
~Going to work every day in an acutely stressful corporate job, never knowing what would happen (and doing it while going through the divorce and watching my mom slip away).
We've all experienced events that have demanded walking through fires that change us forever. Whether they occurred when we were children or yesterday.
It's just what happens. And no one is exempt.
I was vividly reminded of this recently during an intensive class on self-healing....I'm the self-care (and healing) queen, if you were not aware ;)
The aftermath was astounding...feelings of release, liberation and being cleansed. And hysterical fits of laughter with my fellow self-healers.
The kind of laughter that will wipe years from your face.
The kind that makes you happy to be alive and ready for the next adventure, whatever it is.
Xoxo,
Lauren
P.S. I was inspired to make the soup below when I got home. It's fiery and cleansing ;)
Tempeh is made from fermented soybeans and is high in protein; it's also easier for the body to digest and assimilate it's nutrients.
Ghee is a healthy saturated fat; because it's saturated it has a higher smoke-point, which makes it great for cooking; there are also studies that suggest it may lower body fat. It's also believed that ghee actually attracts other fats and removes toxins that are traditionally difficult to eliminate.
Ginger strengthens digestion and reduces gas and bloating.
Napa cabbage improves digestion and is rich is vitamin A (great for young looking skin).
Sweet potato removes toxins from the body and is rich is vitamin A.
Radishes are detoxifiers and known as fat scrubbers.
Fiery Napa Cabbage Soup With Tempeh Croutons
INGREDIENTS:
For the tempeh croutons
-1 8 oz package of tempeh
-2 cups of water
-1 tbsp ghee (clarified butter), I use Purity Farms
For the soup
-2 tbsp ghee
-1 large onion, cut in half and then sliced thinly
-3 cloves garlic, minced
-1 inch piece of ginger, diced
-1 head of Napa cabbage, roughly chopped
-1 sweet potato, peeled and diced
-1 bunch of radishes, diced
-5 cups water
-1/2 tsp chipotle powder (you can sub cayenne if you can't find it, but the combo of the smoke and heat is worth the extra effort to find it)
DIRECTIONS:
For the tempeh croutons
1. Place the tempeh in a saucepan with 2 cups of water and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to soften it; remove from the saucepan, pat dry and when cool enough, cut into cubes
2. Heat 1 tbsp ghee in a pan over medium high heat; add tempeh cubes and a dash or two of salt and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown, about 7 minutes; remove and set aside.
For the soup
1. Heat the 2 tbsp of ghee a large pot over medium-low heat and add the onion and 1/2 tsp salt, cooking until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and ginger and cook for a few more minutes.
2. Add the cabbage and 1 tsp of salt and sauté for a minute or two until it wilts slightly; then add the sweet potato, radishes, water and chipotle powder; bring to a boil and cook for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until the sweet potato and radishes are tender.
3. Let the soup sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to deepen; when serving, top each bowl with the tempeh croutons.
Because the soup contains protein-rich tempeh, this could be considered a one pot meal. I love to be totally indulged though, so I'd also have another quality protein (quinoa, eggs or salmon), a salad or veggie and a small bowl of cultured veggies.
Food fact credits: Dr. Mercola, Paul Pitchford and Dr. Axe