grateful – Page 4 – make today happy

Day 43: Broccoli Soup

Being grateful for the best homemade soup EVER:

As the weather turns autumnal, my tummy is starting to crave soups.

Being a sunshine girl, I dread the summer drawing to a close. But one of the things I do look forward to in the colder months is delicious homemade soups.

I find there’s nothing quite like a steaming bowl of goodness to warm me up and lift my spirits; it’s the ultimate healthy comfort food.

A friend forwarded me Donna Hay’s recipe for Broccoli and Lemon Soup and after slightly adapting it to my tastes and preferences, it has become a firm favourite. My mum’s quite partial to it too.

I think adding the lemon at the end is a stroke of genius from Ms Hay, as it brightens up the flavours. And adding a swirl of yoghurt delivers a refreshing tang, completing the yummy factor.

So with this in mind, my happy for today is being grateful for the best homemade broccoli soup EVER.

The Best Broccoli Soup EVER

1 tbsp coconut oil or 50g butter
1 leek, rinsed and sliced
2-3 cloves garlic, crushed or chopped
1 head broccoli, chopped (including stalk)
1 Litre vegetable stock, or chicken broth
100g baby spinach leaves, washed
½ lemon, or to taste
2 tbsp coconut yoghurt, or to taste (optional – can use natural greek or natural yoghurt if preferred)
Handful almond slivers, lightly toasted in frying pan (optional)
Olive oil, to drizzle on top (optional)

1. Melt oil/butter in medium saucepan
2. Add garlic and leek and cook for around 5 mins, until leek is tender
3. Add broccoli and stock, bring to boil and cook for 8-10 mins, until broccoli is tender
4. Add spinach and let the soup cool for a little while
5. Use a hand blender or carefully blend in a blender until smooth (stop here if you wish to freeze)
6. Stir in lemon
7. Season to taste
8. Ladle into bowls and top with yoghurt and almonds, and drizzle olive oil
9. Eat and enjoy!

NB Makes 4-5 portions. Can be frozen at Step 5, before adding lemon, yoghurt and almonds.

Day 42: Frangipani love

Being grateful for my new frangipani hair clip:

Frangipani is my all-time favourite flower.

I fell in love the moment I saw it during my first visit to Australia.

I adore its delicate simplicity, the freshness of its white petals flushed with yellow, and its sweet scent.

Fangipani season was one of my most favourite times of year when I lived in Sydney. I was so excited to see the buds on its gnarly branches starting to blossom around December time, heralding the beginning of summer.

I was always in awe to see a tree in full bloom, and to witness my neighbourhood streets carpeted with freshen fallen blooms was such a treat.

On my walks, I used to collect a fistful to float in bowls of water at home and on my desk at work.

And I couldn’t resist popping one of two of them in my hair.

Recently, I was delighted to find a frangipani hair clip on eBay. I’ve been wearing it in my hair since it arrived, not really caring that I’m only wearing it around the house.

It never fails to make me smile when I catch a glimpse of it in the mirror: my happy flower.

So with this in mind, my happy for today is being grateful for my new frangipani hair clip.

Day 41: Healing hugs

Being mindful when giving and receiving hugs with my family:

There’s nothing like the warm comforting embrace of a long, deep hug with a loved one.

And after being home alone for the last two weeks and following an emotional few days, I really needed a big hug.

Thankfully my family were due back from their summer holidays in the sunshine. As well as looking forward to seeing them, I was also looking forward to sharing some lovely hugs with them.

This morning, I popped round for a cuppa and chat with my sis who’d returned home late last night. And of course I wanted to sneak a few hugs in: making sure I enjoyed a few snuggly ones with my three-year-old nephew Thomas, who is becoming as good as his older brother at giving the bestest hugs ever!

(I always make sure I get a nephew hug or two whenever I see them; there’s no escaping Auntie Helen’s Mega Hugs!)

Then, early this afternoon, my folks returned from their two-week holiday. As their taxi pulled up, I ran out to welcome them home, and of course, to give my mum a big welcome home hug.

I’ve really been missing my daily love-hug with my mum and followed her around the house the rest of the day, trying to grab as many hugs as I could.

It’s funny thinking back to how I used to feel a little uncomfortable and embarrassed at anything longer than a quick embrace.

And I have a dear Sydney-based friend to thank for that.

She’s a fantastic hugger. She stopped me from breaking free after a nano second and helped me overcome my hugging awkwardness! She showed me how there’s something really special about long, deep hugs. I still miss her hugs.

I totally see how there’s so much scientific evidence on their many health benefits. A meaningful hug does wonders for my wellbeing. As well as feeling loved and protected, they make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

And there’s also incredible benefits for giving as well as receiving. Knowing that the person I’m hugging is also receiving the bountiful benefits a hug can bring, adds to the magical experience.

As I continue to make the most of daily love-hugs with my mum, I urge you to get hugging too.

Here’s my top tips for enjoying a nourishing and heartwarming hug:

1. Pick the person you’d like to share a hug with
2. For a heart-to-heart hug, put your head to your right as you look at the other person, and place your left arm over their right arm and your right arm under their left arm
3. Hug like you mean it and be mindful not to rush it. Aim for at least 20 seconds in order to release the ‘love drug’ hormone Oxytocin, which calms the nervous system and boosts positive emotions
4. Enjoy bathing in the afterglow of your love-hug

So with this in mind, my happy for today is being mindful when giving and receiving hugs with my family.

Day 39: Splashing good fun

Being grateful for the joys of jumping in puddles:

After spending the last few days having to have complete rest due to recently overdoing it, I was going a bit stir crazy in the house and needed some fresh air.

With the Bank Holiday washout putting a dampener on most people’s holiday plans, I donned my fabulously colourful wellies on and headed out for a soul stroll.

One of the best things about walking in the rain is how Mother Nature comes alive. I love the flowers bursting with vibrant colour and the lush greens of the grass, the bushes, and the trees brought to life. I also love the wonderful earthy scent in the air, which even has its own name: petrichor. How brilliant.

But the best thing has got to be the puddles.

I rediscovered my inner child as I jumped in the puddles, giggling as I went along.

It was so much fun, I felt so joyful and my spirits were instantly lifted.

What made it even funnier was that the puddles were alongside a busy road, and cars were passing me by as I jumped in and out with glee. But I didn’t care. In fact, I didn’t have a care in the world.

I returned back home with my spirits soaring, and my heart happy.

So with this in mind, my happy for today is being grateful for the joys of jumping in puddles.

Day 34: Nahko Bear

Being grateful to see Nahko and Medicine for the People:

I’m So Thankful.

Today I got to see my fave band play as they finally made their UK debut.

Nahko and Medicine for the People describe themselves as a musical collective with a mission “to be the motivation and inspiration for all that have become members of our Tribe.”

And they’ve been motivating and inspiring me ever since I first came across Nakho and MFTP at the Bali Spirit Festival over three years ago.

They blew me away.

It was one of the best live music performances I’ve ever seen. I immediately joined their Tribe and have been loving their music and their message ever since, waiting for a chance to see them again.

And today it finally came.

The last few days I’ve been coming down with a cold which has caused a flare up of CFS symptoms. For a time, I wondered if I’d feel well enough to go. I also knew that if I did go, I would spend days and days recovering.

But I was determined. I chose to accept the consequences. And boy was it worth pushing myself for.

I was already on Cloud Nahko Bear before the show. I was wandering looking for somewhere to eat and almost bumped into Nahko and Pato. Too shy to say anything, I saw them notice the pre-show meet up of UK Tribe members with signs propped up against the pub window. Nahko happily took a photo of them, and popped inside to say hello. I love how much they care about their fans, their Tribe.

I’d phoned the venue a few days ago to ask if there was somewhere I could watch the show a little out of the way of the main hub. They very kindly obliged by putting a stool for me at the front of the balcony and letting me into the venue early to take my place.

I had the best view in the house.

It was such a friendly, love-filled atmosphere as the UK Tribe members gathered ready for the show.

Nahko and MFTP didn’t disappoint. Seeing them live is an awe-inspiring, soul-empowering, light-filled experience.

Their music style is a mix of folk, rock, with some reggae-style vibes thrown in. Their lyrics are honest, heart-felt stories and strong spiritual messages of power and healing, with some truly inspiring affirmations:

“Each day that I wake, I will praise. Each day that I wake, I give thanks.”
“We are the ones… We’re a part of something special.”
“I believe in the good things coming”.
“Balance my chemistry, hydrate these cells. The body talks and meditation helps.”
“Now is all we have.”

Nahko Bear is a musical warrior of light. Seeing Nahko and Medicine for the People really is medicine for my soul.

I felt inspired to leave a few of my Kindness Cards (see Day 3) around the venue, spreading my own messages of love and kindness.

I’m so grateful I pushed myself to go, and it is so worth the aftermath of feeling like I’ve been hit by a bus as my CFS symptoms flare up big time.

But my spirit is still soaring. And that’s what counts.

So with this in mind, my happy for today is being grateful to see Nahko and Medicine for the People.

ps if anyone’s interested in checking them out, start here and here.

Day 33: Checking in

Being grateful for my happy days so far:

I can’t quite believe I’m already one third of the way through my ‘100 days of happy’ project.

Wowser.

I can honestly say that I’m glowing with happiness and gratitude from the inside out and that feels really amazing.

I’m thrilled that I’m managing to write most days, and grateful that I’ve given myself permission not to write if I don’t feel up it.

I noticed after the first couple of weeks that I was putting myself under too much pressure to post something every day; my CFS symptoms flared up and I had to take a break.

After I’d paused for a breath or two, I knew I needed to be gentler and kinder with myself. I accepted that it’s completely ok if I miss a day or two. And if I do, I’m comforted in that I still look for my happy during those days and instead of writing this blog, I write a couple of lines in my gratitude journal.

And that’s ok.

I’ve accepted that my blog doesn’t have to be perfect. I’ve accepted that I don’t have the time to edit and re-edit, again and again. And that sometimes my energy battery has just enough in it to write a few lines. I’ve decided I can revisit certain topics I’d like to expand on, after the 100 days.

I initially worried that what I wrote was a load of rubbish and not worthy of anyone else’s eyes. But then I realised it’s not going to be everyone’s cup of tea.

And that’s ok too.

I’ve noticed how ‘100 days of happy’ project has already had a hugely positive impact on my state of mind:

Being grateful helps me see there is so much to be thankful for, and helps me keep a positive mindset, even on the most difficult days.
Being mindful helps me stay grounded and present. It also helps to realise there is so much joy and beauty surrounding us, we only just have to take a moment and open our eyes to see it.
Being kind gives me such joy and a sense of purpose. It’s true what they say about the giver benefits as much as the receiver.

I love doing my anonymous acts of kindness. It’s so much fun and if I can make the recipient smile, then that’s brilliant. If the recipient then pays it forward, what more can I ask for.

What I have found more challenging is being kind to strangers face-to-face. It’s pure ‘out of my comfort zone’ stuff. As I gently, and sometimes not so gently, nudge myself to do them, I feel so happy afterwards. That’s after I’ve got over my initial embarrassment of course. But I know this will get easier the more I do.

I’m also surprised by how kindness has come back to me in terms of others’ reactions to my kindness gestures. I hadn’t considered this before, and it’s a beautiful bonus.

All in all, I’m chuffed to bits that I thought of this project and started it. And here I am, 33 days on. I’m really looking forward to see what the next 67 days of happy will bring… and beyond.

So for today, my happy is being grateful for my happy days so far.

Day 29: Jolly Cauli

Being grateful for cauliflower pizza:

Thank golly for cauli.

I would never in a million years have believed that cauliflower would become one of my favourite veggies.

Up until quite recently, my experience of cauliflower was boiled or steamed and, to put it quite frankly, pretty bland.

Well, no more.

Now, I can’t get enough and even have bags of frozen grated cauliflower in the freezer for whenever it takes my fancy.

These flowery florets have recently had a makeover. A healthy, alternative to grain and gluten, it can seriously tantalise those taste buds. And getting creative with this cruciferous is the key to making all the difference.

I now replace rice with rice-size cauliflower pieces for veggie-powered fried rice, risotto or paella on a regular basis.

And I was amazed to hear you could use it as a pizza crust. The first time I made it, I was pretty sceptical and fully prepared to chuck it and settle for some toast.

But oh my, how my taste buds jumped for joy at the result.

And it’s quick and easy to make too.

Simply grate some cauli, a food processor can do the job in seconds, stir in ground almonds – although I’ve also made it to great success without – mix in an egg, salt and pepper. Good to go.

Grease some grease-proof paper with coconut oil, as I find the base can stick. Flatten the ‘dough’ mixture into a pizza shape of your choice. I make it pretty thin, around 5mm, and bake until it starts to go brown.

Now comes the fun and creative part. Spread your choice of sauce – I prefer pesto – over the base, top with cheese and whatever toppings take your fancy.

Pop back in the oven until the cheese has melted and there you have it: a grain and gluten-free pizza that tastes sensational.

I know for anyone that hasn’t yet tried this yet, it sounds pretty crazy. But trust me, try it and see.

So with this in mind, my happy for today is being grateful for cauliflower pizza.

Day 28: Melty heart

Being grateful for melty heart moments:

I’m pretty wiped out after the last couple of days and my brain fog is in full swing.

But this moment made my heart almost burst, and I just had to post today’s happy.

As my three-year-old nephew arrived this morning to spend the day with us, he came up to me to say hello and show me his new hair cut.

Then he looked at me, his little face full of earnest, and said:

“Auntie Helen, you’re my best friend.”

A gorgeously sweet moment to treasure.

So with this in mind, my happy for today is being grateful for melty heart moments.

Day 27: Gracious acceptance

Being mindful of accepting gifts with grace:

I am a very lucky girl.

I’ve recently received some really wonderful gifts from big-hearted friends; inspiring bracelets, Tibetan Cymbals and Mindfulness Book, audio healing resources and online e:courses.

And today I received a big surprise in the post.

A dear friend has generously sent me a box full of books by one of my favourite authors.

Just because.

A whole heap of emotions pulsed through me from feeling gobsmacked, disbelief, tearful, excited, and over-the-moon.

And if I’m being completely honest, overwhelm and panic has set in.

Sounds crazy, I know.

I don’t know about you, but it’s all too easy for me to feel awkward when being the recipient of a generous gift. Feelings of “I don’t deserve this”, “This is too much”, or “I feel bad I can’t reciprocate at the moment” surface.

But I’ve come to realise that saying this can completely deflate the giver: it can deny them the pleasure of giving. I realise it’s about being grateful for how someone has taken the time to think about you and given you something you’d enjoy.

I recall an article that had a big impact on me. In it, Ellen Langer, a psychology professor at Harvard, said: “Receiving with grace isn’t about taking. You should see it as offering someone else the joy of giving.”

It’s about accepting gifts with grace.

It’s not easy, but I’m working on it.

So instead of feeling bad about the lovely gifts I’ve received, I choose to think : Look what magic and kindness my Fairy Godmothers have sprinkled on me, I am so blessed.

And I smile and say: Thank you dear friends.

So with this in mind, my happy for today is being mindful of accepting gifts with grace.

Day 25: Sunrise splendour

Being mindful by watching the sun as it rises:

Today I woke up at 5am. Feeling tired but too wired to go back to sleep, I climbed out of bed to open the curtains.

And was treated to the most magnificent sunrise.

So this is what I woke up at ridiculous o’clock for, I mused.

I love a good sunrise, and a good sunset too. I can sit and stare at them all day long as each changing moment brings new beauty to admire.

Sadly, I haven’t seen either for a good while. In the midst of British summertime, with a very early sunrise and a very late sunset, I’m usually in bed for both.

And while I am absolutely delighted summer is here, I do miss seeing those awe-inspiring skies.

So this morning was a very special treat for me.

As I observed the wonder of this morning’s fiery sky, I felt reflective.

I thought about how uncertain life can sometimes be. But we can always be certain that the sun will rise and that the sun will set. Even if it is hiding away behind those infamous British grey clouds.

I was reminded of how today is a new day, as Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield wrote:

“Each morning we are born again.
What we do today is what matters most.”

Today is a beautiful new day. And I choose to make a good one.

So with this in mind, my happy for today is being mindful by watching the sun as it rises.