Happiness

Are people truly happy anymore?  I think we all get so caught up in wanting things and that want seems to justify how happy we think we will be once we've attained it.  In reality, once we have attained our "want" we are no longer happy and want more or something else.  It's a vicious cycle of trying to find happiness in material objects or people.  To be truly happy, we just need to look inside ourselves and find the positive attributes that make us who we are.  If we find there are some negative attributes that we're not so proud of, then make the changes necessary to create as positive a self image as possible.  Nobody is perfect but you can be the judge of what makes you feel at peace about who you are.  Material objects or specific people cannot make you truly happy.  You can find joy in things and people and have love for people, but they are not what will make lasting happiness.  It is up to each one of us to be able to find our inner happiness and this is what will sustain you even when times seem bleak.  

Making a difference

You never really know how far your positive actions actually go.  For example, something as simple as smiling at someone could have a lasting affect and change their day if, prior to your smile, they were in a bad mood.  They, in turn, may be more pleasant to those around them rather than scowling.  Even if you smile at someone and they don't smile back there's no need to take it personally and, again, you never know what impact your smile may have had.  They may think about how they responded and be kinder to the next person they encounter.

All too often we get caught up in just doing things because of routine or because we want recognition or something in return.  Making a difference in life doesn't always have to have a "reward" per say.  Doing something nice for others is a reward in itself for how it makes you feel.  Making sure everyone knows about your good deeds just minimizes the good in them.   Taking positive actions doesn't even have to involve much.  You can always donate money, which is generous, but doesn't truly connect you to others.  There are so many other ways to serve others, the planet and animals that are of great benefit.  Donating your time by getting involved in cleaning up our planet, volunteering at animal sanctuaries or food kitchens are enormous steps in creating positive energy.  There are countless ways to give of yourself, just think of all that you have to offer, you may be surprised.   Even just one day a month of donating your time to something or someone will have enormous lasting affects.

Where are you?

Are you here right now?  Being present in every moment is not an easy task to accomplish.  It is actually extremely difficult for most people.  We are all so caught up in "what do I need to do today, tomorrow, the rest of the week?"  Although there is nothing wrong with planning, having a weekly or monthly planner is a great tool, the constant obsessing about "the next move" all the time is not a healthy way to live.  Even our children are losing their childhood moments to the what's next phenomena.

Slowing down to enjoy the here and now helps in so many ways.  I notice when I am not present, I begin to feel rushed and that feeling carries over to everyone around me.  The key now though, is that I can become aware of that rushed feeling, I mentally and physically slow myself down.  When I do this, I instantly feel calmer and then I recite a little mantra (or saying) to help the calming process sink in.  The mantra I like to use when things start to feel overwhelming is, "there is always enough time."  Another technique that I find helpful is to just take a few calming breaths and ask myself "if I don't get XYZ done at this moment, is it really the end of the world?"

Putting things into perspective is a key element to begin being present and enjoying the moments as they occur.  Yes, there will be things that need to be dealt with in a timely manner, and you can prioritize those things.  The main goal is stop thinking that everything is urgent.  Emptying the dishwasher does not need to be done at a specific moment, especially if that moment could be reading a book to your child or taking a few moments for yourself.

Try the following exercise for starters.  The next time you find yourself stuck in traffic, instead of the blood pressure rising and thinking "great, I'm going to be late getting to ..." , put in some calming music or audio or just turn the radio off altogether.  You are in the traffic, there is no avoiding it, look at this current moment as the universe telling you to slow down.  Enjoy the extra time you have been blessed with.

Raw Energy Bars

I made three different batches in about 1/2 an hour, that's how easy this recipe is.  The picture to the side is of my version of chocolate, apple/cinnamon and cherry.

This recipe is the easiest one I have ever come across.  I found it in VegNews Magazine (August, 2011).

2 C. raw cashews
2 C. pitted dates

Place cashews into food processor and mix until well ground.  Add dates and process until the mixture starts to form a large mass.  Flavor the bars according to preference and process once more (see below for mix-ins).

Line an 8 x 12 baking dish with foil or parchment paper and press them down firmly so that you will have uniform thickness.  Refrigerate for about 30 minutes until firm.

Cut into 12 bars and serve.  If not eating right away you can store them individually in the fridge or freezer.

For custome mix-ins:

Lemon or Lime
Add 2 Tbs of lemon or lime juice and 1Tbs lemon or lime zest to the mixture after incorporating the dates and pulse a few times.

Cherry blossom
Add 1/2 C. cherries to the mixture when the dates are added.

Fancy Apple
Add 1/3 C. dried apple rings and 2 tsp. cinnamon to the mixture when the dates are added.

Chocolate Explosion
Add 2 Tbs. cocoa powder and 1/2 C. cacao nibs to the bars after incorporating the dates and pulse a few times.

A variations of chocolate that I came up with, and my kids loved, was:
Add 1 C. vegan chocolate chips with the cashews, mix and then add the dates and process.

All of these are supper easy, delicious and much healthier than store bought varieties.  The best part is, you never had to turn on the oven!