rituals and intentions

Rituals and Intentions Over Resolutions

Happy New Year, Gorgeous!

What rituals and intentions are you setting for 2022?

We’re  jumping into the first week of the New Year while reflecting on what worked last year and what changes we want to make moving forward.  Speaking with clients and friends,  I’m already hearing ladies that are feeling like they are falling behind.  Many who feel like they have to “catch up” to setting resolutions and goals.  Many who are already beating themselves up and the first full week is still in motion.  Ladies, can we give ourselves some grace?

Years ago, I chose to set intentions and rituals over the concept of resolutions.  A term that many feel carries a lot of weight and stress.  Resolutions may leave us feeling like we are attached to a goal that doesn’t align on a soulful level or one that we have to “grind” to create.  Often leaving us feeling like we failed, sitting in guilt or shame.  In addition, the term resolutions are often linked to goals that many stop pursuing come February (if not sooner).  Again, leaving negative feelings that do not align on a soulful, purpose driven path.

As a health and lifestyle coach, here’s what I suggest for consideration… set rituals and intentions!

Set a schedule of events or action steps that start your day on your terms.  Living out the day feeling more grounded, playful, joyful and energized.  Celebrating your small or big wins along the way.

For example: For me, one of the things that sets up my day and aligns with who I am is a healthy and slower paced morning routine.  I don’t hit the snooze button and get up.  I’ve already prepped my coffee or tea the night before and have my room temperature water to start the day. I also have some detox tools that I implement before my first cup of caffeine and I welcome you to connect if you want to learn more.  I spend the first hour with my faith (spirituality), meditation and goal setting.

For me, I find that I have a more soulful, energized day when I can start my day on the terms that support my own bio-individuality.  If you like to start your day in a faster pace, fantastic!

My day plays out with actions that align with the woman I am growing into!

Have you slowed down to think about your future self?  Who do you want to become in 2022?  I don’t mean “future tripping” as Gabby Bernstein describes it.  To learn more: Future Tripping

We are not marinating in the past or living in the concept of ” I will be happy when…”  It’s more of vision planning!

another tip: reflect on who you want to grow into.

What does she wear?

What does she look like?

Who are the people in her circle?

What foods and activities nourish her?

What makes her feel sexy and confident?

Is she traveling? What does she do for FUN and JOY?

Here are some things that came up for me recently….

  • When looking at my future self (the one that aligns with me and my higher self), I envisioned her starting the day more grounded.
  • Building an incredible business that does not include burnout or sacrifice.
  • A growing connection to my community, service and the things that light up my soul.
  • Joyful play and events with family and friends.
  • Hosting retreats with other women and collaborating with others that align with me.
  • Daily nourishment, movement and connection that will support my mind, body and heart.
  • Expanding my business and creating more of a team to work with others for growth that benefits the highest good for all.

This simple mindset shift and system leaves the hustle, grind, burnout and negative belief systems in the past.  Leaning into soulful and aligned rituals and intentions that will connect with your higher self.  This is a great week to set intentions and rituals that are on your terms.  Leading with the Next Level Non-Negotiable mindset and the goals to get you there! Not Resolutions!

If you’re more of a visual action taker, this is a great time to create a vision board or start creating a visual system that you can look at on those days when you’re feeling less inspired.  I welcome you to get creative with journaling, drawing and creative expression.  It may also benefit you to consider partnering up with a friend, accountability partner, community that aligns with you or a mentor.

Remember, you don’t need to see the entire staircase.  You don’t need to get caught up in the how.  Focus on this simple shift of mindset, take action on the next step and lean into what aligns for YOU!  Oh, and don’t forget to Celebrate!!! Big or Small- Celebrate them all! 💃

Are you committed to this Next Level YOU in 2022? 

Let’s Grow!🦋

XOXO,

Kim

P.S. If you’re feeling like a reset would nourish you from the last year (or more), I’d love to have you join my New Year Nourished You Reset.  We kick off prep week on Monday, January 10th.  A holistic approach to wellness and healing-from the inside out.

To learn more: New Year Nourished You Reset

 

Brussels

Farm Fresh Brussels Sprouts with Bacon

Brussels sprouts are a vegetable that’s often given a bad name.  This topic came up over Thanksgiving dinner after I made this super easy and delicious recipe for my family.  As much as I love seasonal eating and shopping local, this tasty veggie is regularly found on my plate or the plates of those I serve during colder seasons.  Being a cool season crop, this is a great time of the year to enjoy them and try new Brussels recipes.

Whether you’re looking to try something new or make this dish for the holidays, I highly recommend cooking it up for you or your family.  This recipe doesn’t compare to some of the soggy steamed Brussels dishes we were served as kids.  I prefer to roast them in the oven and especially in a cast iron pan.  I love the combination of flavors and the crisp brown appearance from the cast iron pan. If y’all are local, I highly recommend the Pepper Bacon from Hemp’s Meats in Jefferson, MD. Hemp’s Meats

This cruciferous veggie is starting to show up on menus around the country.  Many restaurants are starting to serve them as a crowd pleasing appetizer or side.  Not only are they delicious, but they’re healthy too!  Brussels provide antioxidants, support healthy digestion, alkalizes the body and provide a powerful punch of nutrients.

farm fresh brussels with bacon

ingredients:

1  1/2 pounds of fresh Brussels Sprouts

3 slices of bacon (I love farm fresh country bacon)

1 shallot, chopped

1 tablespoon avocado oil or ghee

Salt and Pepper to taste

directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cut bacon into one-inch pieces and set aside.  Clean and trim Brussels sprouts.  If the outside leaves fall off, that’s fine.  Add them into the dish before baking.  Make sure the tough bottoms are carefully cut and removed.  Depending on the size of the Brussels, cut into halves or quarters.

In a large cast iron skillet or baking dish, combine the shallot, oil (or ghee) and Brussels.  Evenly lay out the Brussels in a single layer.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired.  Next, evenly sprinkle the bacon pieces throughout the dish.

Once your oven is preheated, roast your bussels in the oven for 20-30 minutes, turning throughout the cooking process.  Cook until your desired texture and caramelization. Serve warm.

Note: This dish can be prepared two ways and both work well.  Depending on preference and desired crispness of the bacon, either cook the raw bacon with the raw Brussels or cook the Brussels and bacon separately.  If choosing the latter, add the cooked crumbled bacon to the dish after it’s done thoroughly cooking.  Toss to combine the ingredients.  

Enjoy!

As mentioned, this dish makes for a wonderful appetizer or side at your event or holiday party. Looking for more holiday recipe ideas?

Additional Holiday Health Tips: Eat Your Way Healthy Through the Holiday Season

blessings for a healthy and happy holiday season!

XOXO,

Kim