Where Are We Going?

“A lie doesn’t become truth, wrong doesn’t become right, and evil doesn’t become good just because it’s accepted by a majority.”
– Booker T. Washington

I’ve been thinking…

In this month of traditional love and gratitude, where are we? Specifically, you may ask yourself, “Where am I?”. Where have I been this past year and where am I going? This is not necessarily a traditional time of planning or examining your life, but, we have to admit, COVID has derailed many things as well as prompted many new beginnings. New habits, new relationships, new ways of being, and perhaps new ways of giving and loving both others and ourselves.

I know that I am personally so grateful for so many things right now. Family, friends, a great practice of self care, yoga, exercise….so many things to concentrate on on those days which may be a little grayer than others.

The quote at the top is in honor of Black History Month. I know I keep saying it, but we must individually take responsibility and BE THE CHANGE that our culture needs to see. Last night I watched a documentary of Josephine Baker, an exemplary black woman in the first part of the last century. She fought hard in the French Resistance for freedom, and she fought hard in the American Civil Rights movement. Things are not so different now. WE MUST LIVE THE CHANGE.

As our free gift to you this month, we are offering a one month Gratitude Journal. It is free to you and anyone you refer to us, and you can reprint every month. Simply click on the link to take you to the page to receive it. It is our hope that if enough of us start living by example and putting our gratitude and grace out into the world we can – one by one – begin to effect change.

Happy February and Happy Valentine’s Day!

With love and in deepest gratitude,

Lynette

FREE Gratitude Journal HERE: https://lynettefioroni.com/journey-to-incredible-gratitude/

Recipe of the Month:

White Chicken Chili

I love the smell of this wafting through the kitchen on a weekend day. This is a basic recipe from Taste of Home but I use a simple rotisserie chicken and I always add some veggies like peppers, corn and even fresh tomatoes. Enjoy!

Link for source:

https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/white-chicken-chili/

Ingredients:
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 cans (14 ounces each) chicken broth

1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chiles

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 teaspoons dried oregano

1-1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

3 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) great northern beans, drained, divided

1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Sliced jalapeno pepper, optional

Directions:
In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook chicken and onion in oil until lightly browned. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Stir in the broth, chiles, cumin, oregano and cayenne; bring to a boil.

Reduce heat to low. With a potato masher, mash one can of beans until smooth. Add to saucepan. Add remaining beans to saucepan. Simmer for 20-30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and onion is tender.

Top each serving with cheese and, if desired, jalapeno pepper.
Freeze option: Freeze cooled chili in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Heat through in a saucepan, stirring occasionally; add broth or water if necessary.

Yoga Pose of the Month:
Tree Pose – Vrksasana

This month is all about grounding yourself and rooting down, especially in this time of change. Vrksasana – or Tree Pose, is a great way to get yourself connected to the earth while simultaneously improving your balance and concentration. Use a chair or the wall to assist with safety. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1:

Start by standing straight with a long, tall back and your feet aligned and touching. Your arms should be straight along either side of your body.

Step 2:

Take a few breaths and find a place or object in the room to focus your attention. Slowly shift your weight to your left leg and begin to raise your right foot off the floor. Align the sole of your right foot with the inside of your left thigh. The toes should be pointing down and your pelvis should be completely straight.

Step 3:

For an extra challenge, stretch your arms straight up toward the ceiling with palms pressed together forming an inverted V.

Source Link: https://classpass.com/movements/tree-pose

Picture Link: https://www.freepik.com/premium-vector/blond-girl-who-practices-yoga-tree-pose-surrounded-by-pots-tropical-plants_6726522.htm