Anyone else feeling it?

That June gloom? A feeling of persistent grey and cloud? And I’m not just referring to the dismal weather (my favorite DVF chiffon sundress is still hibernating in my closet from last summer). I’m talking about the very state of my emotional well-being. That part of me that today, feels like the bug; not the windshield.

My legs are tired and sore from running. My head hurts from not enough caffeine. I haven’t had enough time in my kitchen lately to whip up yummy treats to share with you. I’m turning yet another year older in the very, near future. The sun never shines; I’m tired of being cold. I need to see some bright, happy color. And I really, really need a hair cut. And maybe a good night out on the town with my dancing shoes.

I recently read an article about conversations we have with ourselves. It really made me stop and think: are most of my conversations focusing on negative things? Am I complaining to myself? Obsessing about things? Ruminating on things that aren’t working?

What would happen, if instead of fixating on the negative, I would spend my time consciously focusing on what is good in my life and what is working? What if I started noticing all the little things that bring me joy? What if my conversations listed things I am grateful for? Or how about having a conversation with myself with intent of creating a positive change? If I did, the paragraph above might go something like this:

I just completed a half marathon with a PB of 1:46 and my legs burn in that good way you feel after a hard and gratifying run. I had the inner strength to lay off the caffeine & junk food the week before my race which helped me put in my PB. I have been really busy these past few weeks with a great new client and finishing up a really large project. I did manage to sneak in enough time to try out one new recipe filled with bright and healthy veggies. I am lucky enough to have family and friends that love me and want to celebrate my 29th (uh hum) birthday with me (again); and I can hardly wait for my mom’s famous coconut cake. On my birthday, I am going to relax, forget about work, warm up in a hot yoga class and get a much needed haircut. Then I’m going to grab a Starbucks and rock out a car concert (a little chair dancing, and a whole lot of singing) to my favorite tunes all the way home.

Huh. Now that I think about it: that all sounds pretty good.

So I’m going to turn off my internal editor and NOT accept that I am the bug. Today I am going to be the windshield.

Lucky me.

Cowboy Caviar

lightly adapted from What’s Gabby Cooking, serves 4 as a side

• 2 cobs of corn, kernels cut off
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 zucchini, chopped
• hand full of sugar snap peas
• 1/4 red onion, chopped
• 1/2 jalapeno, chopped (& seeded if you don’t want the heat)
• 1/4 avacado, chopped
• the juice of half a lime
• 1/4 C fresh cilantro, chopped
• sea salt and fresh pepper to taste
• dash of cumin

• In a non-stick skillet, gently saute the onions until they are soft about 4-5 minutes. Add in the red pepper, zucchini, snap peas (or whatever veggies you want: asparagus, more peppers, carrots, etc) and jalapeno. Saute another 4-5 minutes until tender crisp.
• Add in the corn and saute two to three minutes, just until heated through.
• Mix everything together and serve at warm, at room temperature, or cool. It’s up to you!