“We all have this limited time on Earth, how can we help others?” 
– David Giertz

 

I’ve been thinking……

And I’ve been feeling a subtle energy shift over the last month. Talking to clients and hearing others verbalize the same thing, it seems that we are all experiencing a sort of bleakness that we don’t usually encounter until midwinter here in the Midwest, when the snow is deep and the sun is long forgotten. I feel an angriness when I go out, driving, walking, just erranding. People seem very preoccupied, stressed and angry. So, if you too have been experiencing this type of “sadness” or Covid hangover, a simple suggestion is: let’s try to move outside ourselves in service to others in some way. How do we do that though?

Helping others should come naturally. It shouldn’t be a question of “why should I do it”, but “how can I do it”.

It is still a fact that some people are less fortunate; life is not kind to all of us. While you and your family might be lucky enough to live a comfortable life even during Covid, others don’t have a roof over their head or food to put on the table. You won’t be able to help everyone in need, but your gesture, no matter how small, will definitely make a difference.

Helping others is not always about giving them money or material things. Some people just need a shoulder to cry on or some good advice. Reach out to one another, to a neighbor living alone, or a widow or widower struggling to make each day count. And you don’t necessarily have to be friends with someone to be there for them. This is simply about being human and caring about other people’s well-being.

It really doesn’t matter who you are or how much you have to offer. Be Kind just for the sake of it and expect nothing in return. For more on this topic join my Facebook group, (link is below) for some other interesting ideas about serving others during this time.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/321480369770693

I personally love this quote by Sally Koch: “Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.” It’s really the little things that we do every day that add up to our feeling better and helping others feel better. Some simple things could include: letting an elderly person go ahead of you in the grocery line, stepping out of the way of others who may be in more of a hurry, taking a step back to regroup when confronted by an irritable stranger (or acquaintance)…..so many things we can do.

For more ideas or to schedule a private complimentary consultation, reach out to:  tinyurl.com/callwithLynette

In Gratitude,
Lynette

 

This Month’s Recipe:

Sweet and Spicy Chicken with Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Asparagus

 

This healthy dinner takes a little more time to make than the previous recipes posted, but it is worth it! The flavors in the chicken are very good together and if you don’t prefer spice, you can always adjust the flavors to your liking. The roasted potatoes and asparagus as the sides go excellent together and help to bring balance to the meal. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 ( 3 1/2-to-4 pound) whole chicken, spatch-cocked (back removed and chicken flattened)
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 c. chili-garlic sauce
  • 1 tsp. lime zest plus 2 tablespoons juice
  • 1/2 tsp. grated fresh ginger (from a 1-inch piece)
  • 2 tsp. pure honey
  • 1 lb. sweet potatoes, cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tbsp. coriander seeds, crushed
  • 1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and halved
  • Fresh cilantro, for garnish

DIRECTIONS
 

Preheat oven to 425°F. Place chicken, breast side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. 

Combine chili-garlic sauce, lime zest and juice, and ginger in a bowl. Transfer half the mixture to a second bowl (about 3 tablespoons) and stir in honey; set aside. Brush remaining mixture over chicken. Roast 20 minutes.

Toss together potatoes, oil, and coriander in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Scatter around chicken. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the thigh registers 165°F, 18 to 20 minutes.
Season asparagus with salt and add to pan. Roast until asparagus is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Let chicken rest 5 minutes before carving.

Serve vegetables and chicken garnished with cilantro and reserved sauce alongside.

Recipe Link: https://www.countryliving.com/food-drinks/a26434203/sweet-spicy-chicken-roasted-sweet-potatoes-asparagus-recipe/

 

This Month’s Yoga Pose:

Supta Baddha Konasana
or Reclining Bound Angle Pose

 

Lie down comfortably on your back, with your legs extended and your arms at your sides, palms face up toward the ceiling.

Bend your knees to bring the soles (bottoms) of your feet together to touch. The outer (pinky toe) edges of your feet should be resting on the mat. Let the legs fall open and allow gravity to support the weight of the legs.

Check in with your body. If your hips and groin are feeling tight, you can take your feet further away from your body; alternately, if you’re feeling more open, you can bring your feet closer toward your body to deepen the stretch.

Relax your shoulders away from your ears and allow your back body to sink more deeply into the mat. Stay in the pose anywhere from one to five minutes, depending on your level of comfort.

To come out of the pose, take the palms of the hands on the outer thighs to gently fold the legs together, and bring the soles of the feet flat down on the mat. Then, hug your knees into your chest and gently rock from side to side to release the low back.

Yoga information link: https://www.doyou.com/how-to-do-reclined-bound-angle-pose/
Yoga picture link: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/197314027404332685/

 

 

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
– Mahatma Gandhi

 

Join my exclusive Facebook group where I share tips monthly on Calm and Easy living. This month’s focus will be Self Care in Service to Others. Click the link below:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/321480369770693

To schedule a complimentary 30 minute call with Lynette, click here:

tinyurl.com/callwithLynette