I want to start by throwing it all out there. I have tried to write this post at least half a dozen times. It is interesting how my brain works when it comes to writing and things that I am excited about. I am VERY excited and passionate about this blog. It is essentially helping me to cultivate a better understanding of who I am and where I am heading. 

But at times I seem to almost sabotage myself and think in terms of all or nothing. 

There are a million and one ideas to write about that swim around in my head on a consistent basis. If I am lucky then I am able to get them out of my head and onto paper before they disappear. 

Over the past few weeks, well months really,  I have been on quite the journey of self- exploration. There is really no other way to describe it.  When it comes to this specific endeavor, I have had some hesitation. 

Included Among the thoughts I have had: Am I really a writer? Will anybody read this? Is it worth my time and energy to write consistently? Do I have anything interesting or new to share? 

After the questions- I have had 3 major lightbulb moments.

1. It doesn’t have to be perfect. This is my truth and these are my thoughts. I don’t have to make it gorgeous or sound a certain way. It is what it is and that is that.

2. I want to do my best to behave and structure my day/ schedule as if I am already living my future life. A life where I have the business and family and life balance that I dream of now. 

3. My belief system and ideals around food, wellness and all things health will be ever changing. I do not want to label myself in any way. I am a work in progress and will remain that way until the day I die. 

So, here I am, putting this out into the universe. To be honest, what I am learning more than anything else is that I still have A LOT to figure out! 

I want to discover what I am truly made for. I want to figure out what my personal balance is when it comes to food. The good news is…I am getting there! I am creating the space for me to do the work.

With that being said…I titled this post: Dear December…The main thing that was on my mind to share lately was how I am going to navigate the Holiday season. I clearly remember after the fog cleared last year- around December 28/29. I was a mess. Mentally, Physically and spiritually, a mess. 

I narrowed it down to the fact that I did not have a plan going into the season. I had no roots to go back to when I started getting too far off track. I don’t believe necessarily in there being a wagon to fall off of. What I do believe is that we have a basic set of values when it comes to food and our general well being on a day to day basis. This is even more important when it comes to the busy hustle and bustle of the Holidays. 

So if we do ONE thing- lets figure out WHAT those core values are. I know I will have more to share about this in future posts, as I continue to wrap my brain around my own answers to those questions. 

My plan is still evolving even as we are almost half way through the month of December. Everyday I am doing my best to be present and create an awareness around my goals and  values. Maybe the most important question to ask myself- how do I want to feel on Jan 1?

Part of my plan is reducing stress and letting go of the things that are not absolutely necessary. Learning to say NO and owning my JOY. Taking back my day, my time! Zeroing in on what I am truly excited about and how do I want my kids to remember our Holiday times and traditions. Do I want to be a frazzled, stressed out mom OR do I want to be calm, cool and collected as we make our cookies?! The latter sounds good to me.

In addition to all of this Holiday hoopla, I am Prepping for the WHOLE 30, starting Jan 1. I am super excited and ready to create even more space and time to discover where my thoughts and values lie when it comes to my body and the way I will nourish it moving forward.

*I created a WHOLE 30 Facebook group to help myself and anyone interested as we navigate the program. Please email me and let me know if this is something you would like to know more about! 

All in all I am trying to SLOW DOWN. One way I am doing that is by making homemade SOUP! YES! This Butternut Squash recipe is my first ever attempt at this particular variety and let me tell you, in my humble opinion, it turned out pretty good. 

Happy Holidays! 

Butternut Squash Soup- (Gluten, Sugar and Dairy Free)

– Preheat oven to 400. Roast an entire Butternut squash(cut into large chunks and peel) then cut into 1 inch cubes. Sprinkle with olive oil, salt, pepper, rosemary and cinnamon. Roast about 30 min until soft.

– Place the Squash with the remaining ingredients into a large blender( I LOVE my Vitamix) 

– 1 cup pumpkin puree

– 1 box Kettle and Fire Chicken Bone Broth

– Drizzle of olive oil

– 1 shallot

– 3-4 cloves garlic

– 1/2 c- 1 cup Creamy/ Thick coconut milk( I like: 

– Spices- to taste- Rosemary, Sage, Thyme, garlic powder, Salt and pepper

– I added a small handful of pumpkin seeds, this gives the soup a bit more texture and a few more nutrients! win win! 

Enjoy cold or heat it up- whatever you’re in the mood for! BOOM.

That is all there is to it! Super fast, easy and ridiculously healthy!! Perfect for the chilly days as the temperature is dropping. Also, This recipe makes a lot of soup, I was able to freeze two servings to eat on a day when I have no desire to do anything besides press the button on the microwave! 

XOXO 

Sarah