communication

breakfast quinoa with raisins, pepitas, hemp seeds and blueberries

it's been eight days since the new year and already a lot of shifting has begun. i've noticed it already. it seems that simply externalizing your feelings to friends, loved ones, coworkers and most importantly yourself the world will materialize what you need and even sometimes what you want.

sprouted grain tortilla pizza

i was given a really awesome opportunity. on christmas eve, my friend passed on her grant she won at our local yoga studio to me, so i could continue my education as a yoga teacher. i couldn't believe it! i was unable to afford this particular program that i wanted to do this month with the holidays being so close, (not to mention i was still paying off tuition from the first training) so it was truly a shock when she came through my line and told me i was enrolled. the program will not only build upon my strengths and weaknesses, but allow me to meet with a mentor of my choice. it's an amazing feeling to have the support from the friends in your life.

music making

and with that said i had another realization. when i find myself lost, there are the little reminders in life that propel me in the right direction. it's easy to get caught up in the stress of life when your all tangled up inside. but truly it's the people that are willing to meet you halfway and listen. it's the days when it's the hardest to wake up and you push yourself to get up. it's that selfless giving and unconditional love that gives me energy to keep going. we aren't as insignificant as we think we are. we have purpose. i have purpose. the decisions we make are important. no matter how small or large your purpose is, it's there and you're here for a reason. ☺

now for a simple, yet delicious raw cookie recipe.

cinnamon almond cookies

(makes 6 servings)

1/2 cup almonds (soaked for at least 8 hours)

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup pitted medjool dates

1 teaspoon extra virgin coconut oil

1 teaspoon cinnamon powder

1 teaspoon raw agave nectar

pinch of pink himalayan sea salt

start by processing the almonds, cinnamon and salt alone. remove almond powder from food processor, and pulse dates, raisins, agave and coconut oil until you achieve a paste like consistency. combine the paste and powder and knead until well combined. shape into cookies and garnish with halved almonds.

- side note: i like to have a "crunch" when i make raw cookies so I process all of the ingredients together at once.