Bake

Oatmeal cookies for a better day

07:13


It is said that it is better not to connect food with emotions. Nonetheless, I cannot find the answer for one of the most startling questions: how are we supposed not to connect food with feelings, when it actually has the power of making us feel just so good and, analogically, so bad, too? In my opinion, almost everybody needs comfort food from time to time and almost everybody has their own 'type'. However, disturbingly often our comfort foods take form of fat-dripping and salt'n'sugar caloric bombs, which, in the long run, do not make us feel better at all. This is the reason for which I have developed an interest in creating healthy (and still delicious) alternatives for our everyday cravings. 

Today I want to present to you one of my favourite cookie recipes (and not only mine). These cookies are surprisingly multipurpose, as you can actually eat them for breakfast, snack or dessert, you can take it to school or work, use it as a gift for your best friend and give it to your kids without feeling like a bad parent. Moreover, they are extremely easy and fast to make, so even if your baking skills are not a Master Chef level yet or you have a busy schedule (and I bet you do), you are still perfectly able to make them.


 What are your favourite comfort foods? Which one of them would you like me to 'reformulate' next? Or maybe you have your own healthy recipes you would like to share? I cannot wait to read your experience with the subject!


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Blog

Don't obsess if you mess

05:10

Everybody makes mistakes. EVERYBODY. (Yeah, my brain is not fully convinced whether this theory is true or not - where is freaking scientific evidence?! - but deep within my subconsciousness, I know it to be true after all). I am sorry to say so, but we are really not perfect, regardless of how much we try to be. Of course we can argue on various definitions of perfection right now, but let's just assume it is - I like this one - "the action or process of improving something until it is faultless." 
“Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it.” 
― Salvador Dalí

As a clever guy Salvador Dali once said: “Have no fear of perfection - you'll never reach it”, and these are the true words of wisdom. We tend to create a completely unattainable image in our minds which we can strive to achieve for the rest of our lives. Why such a long time? Because, just as Dali pointed out, we will never reach it. Moreover - I'll quote another knowledgable man - "If you look for perfection, you'll never be content" (Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina). Which basically means you will be unsatisfied with yourself and other until you die. Not such a pretty scenario, I guess.

“If you look for perfection, you'll never be content.” 
― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

Why am I reflecting on this topic, anyway? Well, that is because I am undeniable expert in it. I perfectly know how it is to feel that I didn't do enough and that I could have done so much more and so much better. And I also know just how much it doesn't matter at all only a few days later. That is why I think it is better not to strive for perfection. The amount of stress related to that is not worth the effect at all. Causing self-destruction to oneself, mentally as  well as physically, will not make life of this person better. Now when I'm writing this I see how true it is. Of course, it is not that easy to change firm thinking patterns that we learned throughout the years. However, it is by all means possible. All that is needed is some time and motivation. I think I am going to need a lot of both, though.







Achievement

New Year, New Me, blah blah

12:18

This post will be a little more lofty than usually, as - even though I toss "New Year, New Me" crap to trash - I am still in a pretty reflective mood right now.

This year I decided not to make any resolutions I would forget after a day of hangover (although there was no hangover this time). What I mean is that I wish to focus on my inner state rather than on the external aspects of life, such as weight loss, money etc. (I'm not saying they're not welcome...). I have to admit I wasn't in the best health condition lately and it brought my attention to the issues I neglected for years, with suppressed emotions in the lead. I believe that everything that happens to us is the elongation of our inner - often subconscious - state. Here are the things I am aspiring to this year:

  • be in contact with my emotions
  • be aware
  • be gentle for myself
  • let the things that block me go
  • let control go
  • embrace the uncertainty
  • be grateful
  • love
I am not claiming that I will achieve all of the above at once, as it involves changing my habits, which is a rather long-term process. I intend to be proud of myself for even small steps taken towards the direction I chose. Basically, I want to open for what life brings and stop trying to control everything. I want to be true to myself, as well as trust my intuition. I believe that this is the best thing I can do for myself (and others in my surroundings) at the moment.

What are your New Year's reflections and resolutions? Can't wait to read them!






Anxiety

On guilt and shame

02:41


Lately I gave in the cozy and melancholic atmosphere of late autumn afternoons, put me in a rather reflective state of mind. Taking long strolls while freezing my butt off definitely encouraged contemplative mood. Moreover, Christmas is around the corner, and it would be nice to really be able to enter this time with 'pure heart'. By this I mean the heart not cluttered with negative emotions. If I were to name the worst (or maybe, the most unpleasant) feelings, it would definitely be guilt and shame. What is so special about them, you ask? Why are they any better than anger, sadness or even despair? It is because, my friend, shame and guilt involve a whole ton of self-hatred and self-accusations, which are, basically, a weapon aimed at yourself.

Ok, it is just the beginning of the second paragraph, however, we can already draw a relatively clear conclusion out of what I have written. I used the word 'weapon' not without a reason, as it indicates some kind of a battle going on inside of you. As you may be aware, the reality we find ourselves in is very often (or even always) the reflection of our inner state,  hence, at the time being, you might be battling with the rest of the world, too. And you know what? It is completely fine. 

So, if you in a state of resistance and pushback, by definition you are isolating yourself from the world, as well as from life. Guilt makes you numb on the inside - you feel empty, 'dead' even. Paradoxically, you're in the great pain at the same time - pain caused by helplessness. And here, my friend, we come to another conclusion: you live in an illusion. Why? Because you are NOT helpless - actually, you are the furthest from that. 

 What can you do in the situation you found yourself in? The answer may seem counterintuitive, as the best thing you can is... surrender. Allow for the wave of 'negative' emotions to overflow you, actually FEEL what is there inside of you. Your consciousness may resist this, however, try to find this trust in you which will allow you to go through this process. Cry, scream, throw plates (maybe just not the Rosenthal ones...) - basically, it's all about letting your feelings manifest themselves. From my own experience, this is the fastest way of letting them go. Moreover after some practice, you will probably not need to turn to such 'extreme' means of emotional release, breathing it all out will be enough.

This technique is also applicable if you struggle with any other emotions, of course. It needs practice, so don't be discouraged at first. Myself, I am still working on understanding and realising feelings which prevent me from feeling well. At most times, I at least attempt to have one goal in mind - act in order to be at peace, not on a battle with yourself. Be like these ducks swimming in a pond nearby - simple and without expectations. And just so beautiful in their incomplexity.

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