Catching my Breath

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Where I usually find myself needing to edit my blog posts way down (to eliminate…err, minimize) the digressions, over the past week I’ve been feeling quiet. A mood came over me and things inside my mind have simmered down to a low hum instead of the buzzy chatter that so often goes on there. I have to tell you – it’s bliss. Our little family has returned to our normal routine as of this weekend. We’ve left behind the holidays, a couple of very busy work weeks, plenty of travel, a batch of “winter” illness, and now things have finally settled into a comfortable calm.  It’s been a long time coming.

With the energetic boost of the new year, I finished up lots of projects in the past couple weeks, and more importantly, gave myself permission to drop a few things off my to-do list. I’ve given myself a clean slate. In the interest of keeping things simple and quiet for at least a few days more, I also spent my time in the kitchen this weekend making some easy favorites that I nearly know by heart.  I stocked our pantry with my favorite granola.

I made a big bowl of protien-rich Asian Chicken Salad with Edamame.  This salad is one of my favorite lunches – I’m always glad to find it packed in my bag and even a small bowl holds me all the way through to dinner.

I also whipped up another batch of baked brown rice and my very favorite treat this time of year – Baked Crab Rangoon.  Chinese New Year is just a week away, but we’ll be starting a bit early around our house so that I can share a few more of my favorite Chinese-inspired foods in the next week!

This week I’ve been quiet, but I feel like I’m catching my breath.  Both figuratively and literally.  By the time this blog posts, I will be tucked into the restorative world of Yin Yoga.  A new addition to my yoga studio, and a style that I am loving for its supported postures that are held for up to five minutes each.

I am remembering the commitment I made earlier this year to slowing down.  I am breathing.

 

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About Jess Smith

Jess is the recipe creator and photographer at InquiringChef.com. She spent nearly a decade as the Chief Recipe Developer for the award-winning meal planning app Cook Smarts. Her colorful, healthyish recipes have been featured in popular online publications including Parade, Hallmark, and HuffPost.

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5 Comments

  1. Glad you mentioned your post on slowing down. A few weeks ago, I felt the need to read it again and afterward, I posted in on my office wall. It’s a quick reminder to strive for the balance you seem to have (and that I aspire to have). Thanks for reminding us.

  2. Now that sounds like a lovely plan for this year… your rangoon are just so perfectly pinched and tidy in their rows.. I bet they are so yummy!!