Ahh Monday. Feels good over here. I slept 8 hrs. That’s pretty fantastic! You see, I was on a blogging sabbatical last week. I needed a break from blogging because I knew my week was full. Full of time in the kitchen making Healthy Bites, full of time spent Dog sitting, house sitting, and take care of 2 kiddos over the weekend.
While this is all a blessing financially for us, it can also cause additional stress on my part IF I don’t let go of a few other things.
Last year I learned that I cannot STRETCH MYSELF too THIN. I don’t handle it well, my body breaks down, and I am not the best wife, friend, daughter, etc.
I learned this the hard way. God sure did humble me. And I am thankful for that.
I learned NOT to Stretch myself too thin with the non priorities. I scaled back on teaching classes, on saying YES to writing more money making posts, etc. And guess what, God provided. He provided more than enough.
So while this past week was FULL, it was by no means too much. I was able to enjoy my priorities, and not view them as obligations. Talk about an AH-HA moment, lol!
I love being a wife, it’s one of my favorite jobs. But the last thing my husband wants for me (us) is to spend my (our) days overworked, overstretched, and under nourished (physically and spiritually).
Less is more, amen?!
Gluten Free BBQ Chicken and Red Pepper Pasta.
| Gluten Free BBQ Chicken and Red Pepper Pasta |
- 1 cup diced organic chicken sausage (I use Applegate farms). Tempeh or Tofu work well here too!
- 1 cup corn
- 1 cup diced bell pepper
- red pepper hummus
- cilantro
- GF Sweet BBQ sauce
- Red chili pepper flakes
- oil
- black pepper
- 2-3 servings of GF pasta (spiral quinoa or rice pasta works best). I’ve also used kelp noodles and Cauliflower rice for those looking for a Paleo option.
- Cook Pasta according to package, add ½ cup BBQ sauce and a cilantro, set aside.
- In another skillet, cook sausages with a little oil, garlic, red chili. Then add in your corn and bell pepper. Cook thoroughly.
- Once cooked, add sausage and vegetable mix to pasta. Mix again, add some hummus and oil if you want it more creamy.
- Top with more cilantro, feta or goat cheese, and chili flakes.
What do you do when you find yourself getting Overstretched?
Cheers to a restful Monday!
LC
Looks so good i have to try this one=)
Oh man alive, I NEED to follow in your footsteps. Being spread too thin is the story of my life. I have been paying the price lately too and I have not been the most pleasant person to be around .Yikes. Thanks for the reminder that God will provide. Life and big decisions are scary sometimes, but we have to rely on THE MAN. 🙂 Hugs friend!!!!
He will provide. Take care of you and your family first. Less is more these days, amen?! HUGS HUGS HUGS!
Hi Lindsay,
It’ really good to know what the main priorities are. I tend to forget sometimes and try to overwork myself, but I know I have to take care of my husband first.
The pasta recipe looks really good. I wonder if I can find quinoa pasta over here.
yes indeed! we need to take care of our families and ourselves first. Such good balance, right? Hope you find the quinoa pasta. I can send you some if not!
AMEN to that girl! i need to start spreading myself not as thin – more me time is the story of my life haha
yes, you workaholic. hehe. More JULIE TIME!
That dog is just beautiful – is he a Weimaraner? I start prioritizing and planning better when I get stretched too thin…or saying no more often. Both work pretty well, but it’s a tightrope for me. 🙂
no she is half black lab and half blue lacy, love my sadie. sadie needs to play with you pups!
Love the idea of a blogging sabbatical. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I have half a thing of red pepper hummus (homemade) in the fridge that I’m just plain sick of. Great idea to use it up!
it’s so good and it makes it creamy! how are you? how’s the 100F heat? you still love it?
ha … bye bye heat. 🙁 it’s in the 70s here now. Sad.
oh lindsay you are so wise…..!!!! everytime i read a post from you i want to piggy back on it on my blog. i am back to work and wondering how i will manage the blog, staying sane, working smart and taking care of me and my hubs…..
oh no, you are wise. I learn from you! To ENJOY more, do less, and just be. Amen?! hope school is going well!
I’m kind of the opposite of overstretched right now since I’m unemployed – we moved for my husband’s job to another state and I haven’t been able to find a teaching job. He doesn’t mind having me at home at ALL since I basically do everything at home so we can relax and focus on other things when he gets home. Still hope I find a job… but maybe part-time!
oh i have been there too! enjoy the extra time but still be productive in looking. I’ll say a little prayer for ya!
When I first looked at the photo, I thought the red peppers were peaches. And I thought – Yum! Of course, your recipe as is sounds just as good. 🙂
I have definitely stretched myself too thin in the past- and my body lets me know! It’s really nice to have some downtime now.
it makes me happy to see you getting that downtime too! well deserved. when are you coming to visit?! 🙂
BBQ should be its own food group. 😉 Love it!
i agree! and it should be there with 5 servings a day, okay maybe not, but you know what i mean.
I’m getting stressed over silly things and totally need this post at the moment!
You always have the best wisdom:)
Life is meant to be enjoyed in the moment. My goal is to not focus so much on the past or future! We shouldn’t wake up living in the past or the future, but wake up living in the now! What is going to make today special for me! And definitely being able to say no when you are overwhelmed and stretched too thin!
yes, live in the NOW! so hard i know. I tend to focus on the future, or worry. So letting that go means living life one THANKFUL day and ONE SIMPLE day at a time, right?
Less IS more, unless we’re talking about that recipe… or wine…. or dog-sitting.
you read my mind. wine is always good when you have a little more. haha
I agree! I can do the same, filling up my schedule too much and overcommitting to the point that fun activities feel like chores:) Well said!
oh totally, and it should not be that way. fun should be… fun!
yay! God works wonders, we just have to trust him 😉
yes I am slowing learning to say yes to everything, but keep true to me! It can be hard!
slowly but surely, right?! hugs! miss you.
YES! love this!! Less is more has been our motto around here. We (mostly I) have been learning to say no and to not spread myself so thin. The hubby is good at helping me find a healthy balance. 🙂 Love you and your wisdom!
good stuff woman! i bet your hubby is liking more time with just YOU too.
Oh my goodness, that looks delicious!!! (I’m currently hummus-obsessed. You knew that, didn’t you? Sneaky girl. ;))
I’m currently overstretched, and I’m a little pissy about it. This move has been rough on me in numerous ways. Emotionally, physically, mentally. I’ve felt lost and unfocused, and it’s my parents’ old home. I’m sure you remember me mentioning the divorce, but moving into their home sort of sealed the deal for me, in a weird way. What’s made it worse is packing the stuff my Dad left behind (which takes up half of the garage), because he’s “too busy” to get out here yet. I’ve felt the need to pack it because we need the space for storage, and yes, it could have been left (but added stress). So, packing his stuff reminds me of two people I desperately wanted to see work out. Sigh. Anyways, I’m feeling refreshed this week…and I’m so glad you are, too. I love coming here…your perspective on life (in so many aspects) lifts me up.
oh i totally understand. Sit down, have a cup of tea, say a prayer, and let go of things. Wish i could be there to help! you know i would.
<3
I LOVE THIS. Plain and simple, life is to be enjoyed. Yes, work and finances are a part of it. But it’s to truly enjoy those you love. Keep up the amazing work at finding the right balance for you – you rock lady!
truly enjoy! yes yes, that’s what the heart desires, not stress
You’re so wise to give yourself a break! We’re visiting family and have been less plugged in than usual, but tomorrow we leave kid-free for a few days and I am looking forward to being unplugged, other than maybe a little Instagram action here and there. 🙂 Glad you’re feeling refreshed and ready to be back!
oh enjoy every moment Laura! you deserve it. Unplugged and unstretched!
Ugh! I am the WORST at streching myself too thin. I get kinda bitchy…ha…I am sure you know from personal experience. Anyway…usually making a thorough “to-do” list so I can see exactly what needs to be done and when helps me clear my head and not feel so stressed and over anxious.
haha, and you know that i do the same and just get quiet. ohh not good. We are learning some much needed balance these days friend, phew!
Yes, less IS more! I agree that I’m not at my best when I’m stretched too thin. I’m glad you did what you needed to do!
no one is. but we’re learning, right? <3
i love this! you’re taking the yoga equivalent of child’s pose – protecting your inner core, bowing to the greater being, and letting the world roll off your shoulders!
you are so freaking amazing with life analogies. I love it. thanks T!
There’s an anonymous quote displayed in the Visitor’s Center in Pt. Reyes, Ca that says “The closer you look, the farther you see”. I think taking time to simplify life can be so blissful and rejuvenating! It’s easier to look closely at my life when it’s not bogged down with craziness, most of which can be rescheduled or at least put on hold, and then I’m able to really cherish the things that are most important. Good for you for making that a priority for yourself last week! Btw, I love your blog! So happy I found it 🙂
oh man do i love that quote! i am going to be engraving it in my head forever. thank YOU!!
It’s been a week since I’ve written a post. I haven’t had time and just need to take a little break from it right now. It feels nice, because I’ve honestly got too much other stuff going through this brain. Dreaming big and need to put my energy there. Ya know? Happy Monday Gorgeous! xoxo
oh I missed you but so excited to hear all about your weekend!! Email me!
Understanding that saying NO is OKAY.
You’re so great 🙂
no you are great! group hug!
Love this post and your thoughtful reflections, Linds! I was gone all last week (as you know) so I came back thinking I missed a lot but found out about your sabbatical week – such a great idea. 🙂 Sounds like it was needed and you enjoyed it to the fullest!
Unplugging is important for me too – less time spent stressing about blog writing/program planning/making people happy when it doesn’t concern me… Last week was amazing and I can’t wait to get a blog post up but work and life continue so it won’t be till later, and I’m okay with that! Such is life. 🙂 It’s easy for me to shut down too much and just watch a show or listen to a book on tape when I get home from a long day (which isn’t bad, but I’m working on doing other things). Goal this week? Healthy cooking instead of so-so snacking and committing to 2 climbing sessions with Mikey even if I get home late from work – that’s time well spent for us physically and emotionally – so important! Thanks for the reminder. Love you, friend!
and i love that you are back and making those goals PURPOSEFUL! YOu are so good at that Bonnie. Can’t wait to hear about the trip. Said a prayer for you guys!
I shut down and read a good book. Or… drink a beer. 🙂
Thank you for the recipe. Looks yummy.
oh that’s wine for me. Wish i could find a good GF beer.
😉
You have such a great way of putting things into perspective. I need to remember the “less is more” part right now. Sounds so easy, yet why is it so hard to do? Wishing you a blessed Monday.
i think it’s because we live in society that says do more, spend more, etc. It needs to be switched around. Yes?
Agreed – amen to less is more! Cody and I have really had to work at just saying “no” sometimes because early on in our marriage we were definitely stretching ourselves too thin by doing everything anyone and everyone asked us to do. We never saw each other, I was stressed, and we were always tired! I’m glad God continually teaching us to trust in Him and learn how to say “no” sometimes.
i think that is a trend for the first 5 years of marriage, right? haha. But really, God teaches a lot during that time. THANK GOODNESS!
Less is DEF more!! I am in complete agreement. for me, that means planning LESS and going with the flow MORE. I hate feeling rushed and no downtime. You are prioritizing exactly right! XO
amen amen, can we remind each other daily?
Glad you’re back and that you have learned to SAY NO! and not stretch yourself too thin. That is so hard to do sometimes.
ain’t that the truth. Live and learn, right?
you are simply amazing! and i did get your texts this time…i’m just an overbusy, bad friend and haven’t responded. 😉
youre never a bad friend. Trust me, i’d let you know. haha. jk. Love you!
I am definitely guilty of stretching myself too thin so thank you for the reminder that it is okay to say no sometimes too! Love recipe! Sounds really great!
its more than okay, it’s GOOD for us. yes?! hehe. <3
I am fighting the thinstrechedness myself. It’s an ongoing battle!! BTW, the pic of your hubs with a bum in his lap? priceless.
oh i bet you can beat that battle. But first you have to surrender a few things. hmmm… ironic yes?
Quality not quantity!
Recently – I felt stretched too thin I de-activated my facebook account for a bit, put my foot down to stay 100% OUT of my sister’s drama (I get sucked in), and made God-Time a priority as I find that the more time halted and spent with HIM, everything EVERYTHING is made better.
that sounds absolutely perfect! God time is so precious. I wish i could freeze time just for that. oh wait, i probably could.
😉
Great reminder and comes at a perfect time too as I am starting school soon and don’t want this sort of thing to happen! Great recipe, as always 🙂
oh i am so excited for you! i know this will be a good year for you and more relaxed! Hugs.
Great post and I am so glad you enjoyed your week. You most definitely deserved it and you were doing exactly what you needed to do. 🙂
The pasta looks amazing!
I just heart you! you are such an encouragement. thanks rachelle.
I read that post last week, and since I’m going on a working vacation tomorrow, I’ve decided that I’m not posting. I’ve got one written already that will be posted, but I refuse to spend my time thinking about it! Blogging vacation!
GOOD GOOD GOOD! You will not want to come back. Eat some jerky for me.
That pasta looks amazing! I don’t do pasta enough around here. I need to change that! Last week was a classic case of me over stretching myself! It was crazy. Hopefully this week will be a little more relaxed and I’m hoping to just be able to enjoy the new rhythm of our days.
i know, we don’t either, and then all of a sudden i just craved it!
i’m so happy that your boys are becoming men. What a transition though. But it does just prove right there that you are one amazing MOM!
Now unstretch and relax.
that recipe looks soo good!
its a tx thang, bbq on everything, right?
Thank you for sharing, i can’t wait to try the recipe!
let me know how it turns out mere!
I love your blog, your posts always seem to come at the perfect time for me lol….I think one of my biggest flaws is that I tend to stretch myself too thin! This is a good reminder that sometimes taking some much needed time off is a positive thing!
oh we all do, until we are frail and left with nothing. right? I guess it’s time to start noticing what our limit is. ya know?
hugs!
I hear you loud and clear Lindsay – so happy this is working for you!
oh i know you can relate petra. Thank you for being a great encouragement.
amen to that. I’m glad you feel refreshed after a break and had a somewhat relaxing but productive weekend.
yes m’am. I think we’ve both been at that point, good to notice it before it happens. Happy summer to you!
Vitamix!!! 🙂
Whenever I feel that I’m stretching myself too thin, I listen to Jason Mraz’s Livin’ in the Moment. Makes me calm right down…and put off a lot on my to-do list 😉
oh i think i need to download that song. great advice paige!
LC I can so relate to this post! i have learned too many times that I can’t just expect myself to be able to do every single thing without finally breaking down. Maybe the toughest lesson for me has been to learn that its okay to say “no” sometimes but at the same time it has been a great lesson to learn! and ummmm. i seriously am making this recipe TONIGHT. not even kidding. it sounds incredible!
seems like we always learn the hard way, but at least we are learning. right?
hope you are settling in just fine. <3
This recipe looks delicious and has made it on to next weeks meal plans! Love the post too on nourishing. You sound so happy in your blog posts and that you are really content in life right now!
oh you will love it! and i’ve used it on cauliflower rice too, more paleo. But the cold pasta is pretty delish.
i am in a good place. we are using this time away from racing to really ENJOY each other, live, and love. Simple i know, but so so enriching.
OMG you must live inside my head HAHAHA!!! I also know this too well and I have had to learn to say NO even to people I care about when I know my plate already runneth over, yes??!! LOL! I’ve had a very hard time being more selfish & putting myself first but I am learning to do that more b/c I can be more of a help & blessing to other people when I do that. I had to learn to step back & look at the situation & if it causes me too much stress I may have to say NO b/c it’s not worth my peace of mind of health. Thanks girl! <3 ya for this 🙂
did you know that i could read your mind? hehe. But in all honesty, you already know whats best.
Hugs.
You are amazing for knowing when you have too much on your plate. I still struggle with letting go of things when other things pop up…So glad that you enjoyed your week – and that you took a week off from blogging =) Sometimes that does wonders!!!
Hope you have a wonderful week, my beautiful friend! xoxo
it sure does. I think you are one amazing mom, no need to be super duper mom who”s stretched thin, am i right? Your son probably loves that focused time on him
xoxo
Yes yes yes yes! Love this post, I’m trying to focus on some of the same things. Oh and that recipe?? YUMMMM!! 😀
and you are one busy chemistry studying fool! i’ve been there. It’s tough! less is more. Less worry.
p.s.
I have used cauliflower rice with this recipe for PALEO
I LOVE how your perspective has shifted this past year, how you’ve focused more on the concept of nourishing – nourishing yourself, nourishing your relationship with the hubs, nourishing your hubs while he trained, nourishing your LIFE. It’s a great place, where you are right now my dear. Less IS more. Amen!
you know you, jo, and heather have been my part of this healing. just sayin…
<3
proud of you for making those sometimes difficult choices to cut back!
that means so much linz. thank you!
Less is definitely more. I say this as I’m ridiculously stretched thin (both hubs and I) and it is NO FUN around our house right now. I’m trying harder to be purposeful and intentional in all the things that I do and not get caught up in the “shoulds”. It’s a hard habit to break but a work in progress.
i’m sayin a little prayer right now for you and the hubs. I know the feeling.
p.s.
Healthy bites on their way!
Well, see, I feel much better now knowing that HBs are on their way! And I’m not even joking.
oh i wish i could have overnighted them then!
It can be way too easy to let ourselves get stretched thin, and unnecessarily too. Technology keeps us always engaged and I think that has some serious drawbacks to REAL life and living. I’m glad you’re more aware and not letting yourself get stretched so thin. It’s something I have to work on I know. I can feel that stress creeping on when it happens and I get really irritable – just want to run away.
i think half the battle is being aware of it, am i right? Good thing you can run.. LOL!
Hope you enjoyed your busy week! How cute is your pup sleeping with its tongue out?!
I hate that feeling of too much to do knowing you won’t do any of it at 100%. It is tough to step back and prioritize. Glad you were able to do it!
i agree. and I’d rather drop a few things in order to focus on the important stuff, giving it 100%. Ya know?
love this post! I needed it right now.
feeling supa stressed over NOTHING, just the fact that I have so many things on my plate.
time to cut some of it out!
<3
do it!!!! it’s gonna feel so good!
dont stretch it and just…stretch [funny bc i justtt posted about stretching and then saw this!] 🙂
haha, love that we had the same but different concepts. happy monday Felicia!
That is a hard lesson to learn and stick to. I’m doing better with it lately, but it does take a conscious effort.
And now I’m craving BBQ at 8am. 😛
no kidding. like a post it note on my forehead. lol
YES YES YES.
Im really focusing on the same.
defining my priorities.
getting honest with myself.
and saying many NOS so Im not stretched too t-h-i-n.
honesty is the best policy, amen?!