***I love Brené Brown's work. Her writing has had a VERY significant impact in my life. I do recommend her work to most people (especially individuals who may be struggling with shame).*** *Videos are solid :) This article explores how embracing vulnerability, authenticity, and self-compassion can deepen our sense of love, belonging, and fulfillment in life. It draws on the work of Brené Brown, particularly her research on shame, vulnerability, and wholehearted living, as shared in The Gifts of Imperfection. Below are key practices for living authentically: 1. Embrace Authenticity Let go of fear about others’ judgments and align actions with personal values. Authenticity fosters a sense of integrity and true belonging, rather than disconnection caused by seeking external validation. 2. Show Compassion, Not Perfection Reject perfectionism by embracing your humanity and allowing for mistakes. Practicing self-compassion deepens your connection with yourself and others. 3. Build Resilience by Facing Vulnerability Avoid numbing emotions through distractions or avoidance. By confronting discomfort head-on, you open yourself to joy, creativity, and empowerment. 4. Practice Gratitude Cultivate gratitude intentionally, focusing on the positives in life. Gratitude nurtures joy and helps build emotional resilience. 5. Trust in Uncertainty Let go of the need for control and embrace faith and intuition. Developing this trust helps reduce anxiety around unpredictability. 6. Avoid Comparisons Comparison limits personal growth and creativity. Celebrate your unique strengths and explore ways to express your creativity authentically. 7. Balance Play and Rest Prioritize play and rest intentionally. These foster connection, reduce stress, and improve mental health, in contrast to productivity-driven lifestyles. 8. Cultivate Calm and Stillness Set aside time for mental clarity. Calmness helps manage emotional reactivity, while stillness creates space for reflection and insight.

I made this for Thanksgiving everyone loved it. It’s delicious with chicken too. Christmas Salad 🎄 Ingredients 📋 For the Salad: 6 cups mixed greens (spinach, arugula, or baby kale) 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds 1/2 cup candied pecans or walnuts 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta 1/2 cup thinly sliced red apples or pears 1/4 cup dried cranberries For the Dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons orange juice 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper, to taste Instructions 🥣 Prepare the Dressing: In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, orange juice, apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Assemble the Salad: In a large serving bowl, layer the mixed greens, pomegranate seeds, candied nuts, goat cheese, apple slices, and dried cranberries. Dress and Toss: Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are coated. Serve: Garnish with additional pomegranate seeds or a sprinkle of nuts for a festive presentation. Serve immediately and enjoy! Serve and Enjoy: This Christmas Salad is light, refreshing, and packed with holiday flavors, making it a perfect complement to hearty festive meals. Prep Time: 10 minutesTotal Time: 10 minutes Kcal: 180 kcal per serving | Servings: 6 servings #ChristmasSalad #FestiveFlavors #HolidaySalad #HealthyHolidays #SaladSeason #PomegranateLove #FreshAndBright #HolidayMeals #EasySideDish #WinterSalad

https://www.npr.org/2024/12/18/g-s1-38137/active-aging-baltimore-gym-weightlifting-older-athletes-strength

https://recipestasteful.com/apple-salad-with-honeycrisp-apples-celery-grapes-pecans-and-dried-cranberries/