The road from aversion to acceptance: an avocado tale

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More than three decades ago, I was afraid of avocados. On a dinner date—while residing in the Midwest and before I met my husband-to-be—I ordered a California burger. When it arrived, topped with a gooey blob of green stuff, my expression no doubt reflected uncertainty and something akin to fear (aka distaste). Fast-forward dozens of years, now living in the Southwest: even then, whenever my cousin touted the merits of avocados, I winced at the fat content packed into those leather-skinned pouches. However, not too long ago, I discovered the deliciousness of guacamole. Newsflash: it’s made with avocados! Plus, the fat is the good kind our hearts crave. No longer afraid of the fruit, I add the tasty goodness to salads and tacos, smoothies and more and—of course—my weekly guacamole fix: Combine two large avocados, peeled and smashed; one small yellow or white onion, chopped; one Roma tomato, diced; juice from ½ lime; salt and pepper to taste. Try it on a toasted bagel!

Image courtesy of khumthong at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

A recipe for happiness

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Recipe for happiness

 

[Image Credit: digitalart]

Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are
Something to do, something to love,
And something to hope for. ~ Joseph Addison

With April 1 around the corner, so are two 30-day personal challenges I’ve set up for myself: make a different salad every day and do something [new] each day that makes me happy. I’ve been reflecting on the latter and drafted a quick list for starters. Although subject to change—depending on my mood and the circumstances—here’s what happiness looks like to me:

1. Iced green tea latte with soy.
2. Volunteer my time.
3. Practice Bikram yoga.
4. Read something for fun.
5. Plan a trip.

The beginnings of a simple list, really. One that makes me realize how easy it is for happiness to become a regular habit. As long as I have something to do, something to love and something to hope for, I’ve got my recipe for a lifetime of happiness.

What are your essentials to being happy every day?