This post is inspired by the Social dimension of wellness and the concept of Musical Nutrition using the song, "Be a Light", by Thomas Rhett.
Social wellness is about relating . It's about attracting and maintaining long-lasting relationships. Further, it involves building healthy, nurturing, and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you by taking the time to listen and learn from others.
“Be soft. Don’t let the world make you hard. Don’t let pain make you hate. Don’t let the bitterness steal your sweetness.” - Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.
Considering today’s crazy world, it’s hard not to become hardened by all of the events happening around us. However, though it may be hard to see at times, there is still an abundance of beauty in this world. I think what’s more frightening than all of these events is when I see good-hearted people lose touch with humanity and stop helping and caring for others.
When everything around you seems messed up, it’s easy to think nothing good exists. And if you only pay attention to negativity, you will inevitably feel exhausted and overwhelmed. So, during hard times, it’s crucial to seek out what’s beautiful in life to help you overcome these feelings.
“In a time full of war, be peace. In a world full of hate, be a light.” - Thomas Rhett
Something I learned early on in life was that whenever I was feeling down, I felt better when I did something special for someone else. You see, there is always a reason to be grateful because there is always someone worse off than you, but doing something special for others doesn’t always mean throwing money at someone. It can be a phone call, a touch, a smile, an invite to lunch, or whatever you think of that can make all the difference to someone else. And this ultimately takes the pressure off yourself and your own problems.
My mother was a very wise and spiritual soul who taught me some very important lessons on helping others. I often questioned her about why I was put in tough situations, and she would respond by saying things like, “God takes people with the brightest light and puts them in a department where you will help someone else.” or, “God gave you a job for a reason to influence but in order to influence you must engage.”
This important message about helping others had me thinking about a sermon I heard where I learned an acronym for influencers. The acryomym is, REAL: Relevant, Engaging, Authentic, and Life.
Relevant - an action or person must be connected to a larger scheme.
Engaging - ask questions be a good listener, get out of your own head.
Authentic - embrace vulnerability, stop hiding who you are, accept feedback as a gift.
Life - live everyday with a fresh new start, create your own opportunities, quit complaining.
To summarize, my message is this... ”Don’t hide in the dark. You were born to shine in a world full of hate. Be a light.”
Recipe of the Day: Clam Chowder
INGEDIENTS
6 slices lean bacon cut into 1/2" strips
2 medium carrots sliced into thin rings or half rings
2 celery ribs finely diced
1 small onion finely diced
4 Tbs flour
2 cups low sodium chicken broth or stock
1 cup chopped clams with their juice from 2 small cans
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper or to taste
1 1/2 lbs 6 medium potatoes (yukon gold or russet), peeled
2 cups milk any kind
1 cup whipping cream or heavy whipping cream
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium/high heat and add the chopped bacon. Sauté, stirring occasionally until browned and crisp, then transfer to paper towel lined plate. Keep 3 Tbsp of bacon grease in the pot (discard excess if desired).
Add prepared carrots, onion and celery and continue cooking over medium/high heat, stirring occasionally until soft and golden (7-8 min). Sprinkle in 4 Tbsp flour, and sauté another minute, stirring constantly.
Add 2 cups chicken broth, 1 cup chopped clams with their juice,1 bay leaf, 1 1/2 tsp Worcestershire, 1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce, 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring soup to a light boil.
While soup is heating up, chop potatoes into bite-sized pieces about 1/4" thick. Add potatoes to pot then stir in 2 cups milk and 1 cup whipping cream. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and lightly boil until potatoes are easily pierced with a fork (about 20 min). Season to taste with salt and pepper.
To serve, garnish with cooked bacon and fresh cilantro.
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