This post is inspired by the concept of Musical Nutrition and the song, "How They Remember You", by the Rascal Flatts.
“I feel like my kind of music is a big pot of different spices. It’s a soup with all kinds of ingredients in it.” - Abigail Washburn
Unfortunately, we all view others' lives on Facebook through a lens that’s not always accurate. We depict a picture of how we see ourselves. Some of us choose to show positivity while others show pain, but the fact of the matter is that we all have shared experiences. It’s how we respond to our experiences that can be a game changer.
“People are interested by talent. God is impressed by character.” - Mark Twain
Each of us have gone through hardships whether it's been by facing personal tragedies, having financial setbacks or something different, and these are examples of times that test our spirit. The fact is, the way you respond to certain events in the short-term can impact your long-term success and happiness.
It's easy to look like a star when times are good, but what about when your life is spiraling out of control? That’s when people watch us! That's when your true character is tested!
“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” - Nietzshe
The idea I am referring to is the word character. Character is not how you and I act when life is going good; that’s easy! If everything in your life is going relatively well, you can’t take credit for being a nice person. Instead, your character shines when you are being tested. I believe that we are here on this earth to help one another be our best selves, and when our character is tested, that's when we are being watched, especially by our children! The worlds' eyes are on us when our lives are not going as planned. Character is how we choose to behave when we’re scared, tired, frustrated, and when you’re faced with so many challenges you can hardly keep up with them. That is when it counts.
“Character is how you and I act when our lives are so far from what we want we can barely breathe through the day.” - unknown
Life is all about choices. Each day, you have the option to either wake up, work, and have a good attitude or, to not! Working on your attitude allows good things and people to come into your life. Good character opens yourself up for good relationships. Of course, you can choose to be angry, mad, and hostile instead… the choice is up to you. Just know, your character will be how they remember you! 😊
Recipe of the Day: Minestrone Soup
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 carrots, peeled, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
3 ounces thinly sliced pancetta, coarsely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 pound Swiss chard, stems trimmed, leaves coarsely chopped
1 russet potato, peeled, cubed
1 (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 fresh rosemary sprig
1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans, drained, rinsed
2 (14-ounce) cans low-sodium beef broth
1 ounce piece Parmesan cheese rind
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves
Salt and pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Heat the oil in a heavy large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, celery, pancetta, and garlic. Saute until the onion is translucent, about 10 minutes.
Add the Swiss chard and potato; saute for 2 minutes.
Add the tomatoes and rosemary sprig. Simmer until the chard is wilted and the tomatoes break down, about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, blend 3/4 cup of the beans with 1/4 cup of the broth in a processor until almost smooth.
Add the pureed bean mixture, remaining broth, and Parmesan cheese rind to the vegetable mixture. Simmer until the potato pieces are tender, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes.
Stir in the whole beans and parsley. Simmer until the beans are heated through and the soup is thick, about 2 minutes.
Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
Discard Parmesan rind and rosemary sprig (the leaves will have fallen off of the stem.) Ladle the soup into bowls, serve, and enjoy!
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