Lessons Learned from Embracing the Life we were Created to Live. Pausing for moments of happiness and purpose.
I’m just going to put it out there. I am not a writer. In fact, writing makes my brain hurt. Ugh. The words. I can’t. My 11th grade English teacher would agree, writing is not my forte. Thanks for confirming that Ms Whitenight.
So let’s pretend you are at my house and we can have real talk. Mmm k? Come, sit down. Have a cup of coffee or tea with me. I’m going to tell you about life. Embracing life. This life. Like whoa.. it’s cray cray (aka crazy).
The other day, my good friend Carla asked me the tough question….. “Are you as really happy as you seem?” You mean, am I fakebooking it? Haha. Yes and no. I’m just trying to embrace this new life, job, and season we are in. I’m trying to embrace the happy and create a pause button for that. With a few feeling of overwhelm and cry spurts in between.
“Occasionally, weep deeply over the life you hoped would be. Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. Trust God. And embrace the life you have.” – John Piper
You see, we moved to Utah 5 months ago, and I haven’t even unpacked everything. That’s normal right? Sure, I’m embracing it. Instead, I’ve been working like a dog. But that’s okay, I’m embracing it. I enjoy my work. I enjoy creating new gluten free recipes, meal plans, and connecting with YOU! I enjoy photography, cooking, and I feel SUPER blessed to be able to work from home, and for myself now. I do not enjoy the busyness it brings or the extra “social schtuff.” But that’s okay, I’m embracing it… for now.
Yes I work too much. Yes I will always have certain health issues (thanks to my lovely colon). Yes I will always worry about finances and future. Yes I can be a stress ball (okay more that I AM a stress ball). Yes I sometimes feel like throwing in the “blog towel” to rest, refocus, and actually have more time to give to others (aka relationships in my present life here, now). Yes I can get caught up in where “we should be” in life, versus how far we’ve actually come.
But then I realize these things offer NOTHING to life. And the more I focus on the should woulda coulda, the less happy I become. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about feeling the feelings. Sad, happy, excited, disappointed, all of the above. Yes, feelings need to let out for mental space and healing. But this is just another season we are in. Seasons come and seasons go. If we don’t embrace the HAPPY parts (and let go of the should woulda coulda), we might stay stuck in it and continue to magnify those feelings of discontent.
Am I even making sense? Just nod and agree to make me happy. We are in charge of our own happiness (and fulfillment), and for that very reason I try to tune into MY happy and press pause. You still with me here?
Here’s how I am learning living to pause the happy and embrace this LIFE.
1. Small breaks to breathe.
I am continually amazed at the beauty around us here in Salt Lake. Every time I step outside or I am in awe and feel refreshed. If you don’t believe me, just follow me on instagram. My stories are pretty much picture after picture of the scenery. LOL! Truth.
The past few weeks we’ve tried to get out and go somewhere. Even if it’s not far.
A few weeks ago I asked my friend if we could rent out her condo in Solitude Resort. We spent the weekend celebrating the Kiwi’s birthday in Solitude, like literally! The resort was empty and quiet. We slept. We napped. We went snow shoeing. We completely vegged. We restored a little bit of happy and health!
2. Be INSPIRED
Last month I had the privilege of traveling to NYC for a KitchenAid Retreat. It was … CRAZY BUSY and oh so INSPIRING! I was there with a small group of AMAZING bloggers. Style bloggers, travel bloggers, lifestyle bloggers, and food bloggers.
Food tours, cooking at Food 52, a cooking lesson from Chef Marcus Samuelson, dining at some of the most amazing places in NYC. You name it, we did it! All in 3 days. Tiring, yes, but also so refreshing!
This group was a JOY to be around. We learned from each other. We talked about so much more than food and blogging. We talked about… HAPPINESS and how we can enrich each other’s lives and the lives of those around us!
Thank you KITCHENAID. You’re team (and brand) are amazing and inspiring! And than you Marcus Samuelson for changing the way I look at creating and sharing food.. with joy, love, and HAPPINESS!
3. Disconnect and RECONNECT
In March we took a weekend trip to Moab, Utah. It was there we reconnected with my parents and spent the weekend exploring. Gosh I miss them so much!
The weekend was more than just a weekend trip. It was reconnecting with family that fills your happiness cup. It was disconnecting from work to get out and see God’s beauty of a creation.
It driving 5 hours with no phone service and chatting real life with my husband. It was a little bit of happiness tucked in a moment of adventure. I sure as heck wanted to press that PAUSE for more than just a weekend. Reconnecting with relationships and nature left my soul feeling well fed and nurtured. I know you get this, right?
All in all, I guess you could say that EMBRACING the life you have is all about shifting focus. We have so so much in front of us. Good stuff, great stuff! We must allow time to pause so we can STARE IT RIGHT IN THE FACE. Because if we don’t, we will miss the in between moments of happiness.
“Take the time to pause, regularly, whether feeling optimistic and “on a roll,” or feeling sad and wounded.” – Mara Karpel
Okay last food for thought for the day. And a little announcement. Well, actually, I snuck in the announced somewhere before. Anyway, I need your help!
You see, I’m KNEE DEEP in creating a “POWER BOWL”cookbook. I’m doing the photography as well. Now you see why my brain is tired and I hate writing, right? LOL! Well, here’s the thing. The manuscript is due in a month! 40 recipes down and 35 more to go! But we still need a Title for the book.
Here are a few Substitles and Book Title ideas
Title 1: Bliss Bowls
Title 2: Nourish Bowls
Title 3: –> Would love any of your ideas!
Subtitle:
75 Healthy and Delicious Superfood Bowls to Power/Fuel Your Day
75 Healthy and Delicious Gluten-Free Bowls for a Dynamic You
75 Nourishing and Delicious Bowls for Your Diet and Health Needs
Do you mind chiming in? What title and subtitle catches your eye the most?
Cheers and may you have a bit of Happiness in your day!
Embrace it!
P.S Just finished reading the book DEEP WORK. Highly recommend it for those needing SPACE to live, create, etc.
Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.
I just adore the realness of this post! It’s one of those posts I read twice just to make sure I soak in all the little nuggets. You are so right, its not about ignoring or hiding the un-fun parts but just choosing to not give them any more of our energy than necessary. Focusing on the good stuff and realizing it’s always changing. Nodding and agreeing like crazy over here, and not just to make you happy but because I know so many of these thoughts and feelings myself. But I have to disagree on the you are “not a writer”–that is just a lie because THIS. Ah the book is going to be gorgeous, I think I like Nourish Bowls best 🙂 Also Utah–WOW! Chilly but wow.
First off, congrats friend on the book!! I’m so freaking excited that you are working on this. THAT makes me happy! This is exactly the post I needed to read. I’ve been struggling with this hard this year. The balance is out of whack and I do crave a break and rest. But like Carla, I’ve struggling to figure out what refills my happiness cup. The things that used to don’t seem to anymore and I need to explore what does. xoxoxo
I kinda think we all get to that point. A “lost in space” feeling. WE’ve been so busy and distracted for so long. It’s hard to know what really refills and restores us, yes?
I love everything about this post. Lately my life has exploded with busy as well. I’m not quite sure how to manage it all because I’m SO not a hustler. I thrive best when I have little bursts of rest every day, and lately that hasn’t been possible. Heck, I’m not even getting in my basic workouts or enough sleep these days!
So I feel ya! I must remind myself to get away and breathe. You’ve inspired me to unplug. Just for one day. Maybe I’ll make it happen on Saturday. (scary!)
And the book (YAY!) I really like Title 2 with Subtitle 1 – good luck! you got this! Also, let’s get coffee please 🙂
I still need to read that book! Thanks for the reminder. Also, you rock. I have no idea how you do so much, and you’re so positive through it all. You’re a wise old soul.
I’ll think on a title… I’m leaning toward “I like big bowls and I cannot lie”. Maybe you don’t need my help. 😉
OH! I have always thought you are a GOOD writer! I think you should send your teacher your blog.
With my coffee in hand, early this morning, reading through your post is a much needed reminder of how important it is to unplug and reconnect with those you love, your family, friends… with yourself. Nature has a way with allowing that to happen and we could all use more of this. I’ve never been to Utah, but it’s somewhere I long to visit and what’s better than a springtime snowshoe? Thank you for this, for sharing. For focusing on the now, not the past. Looking forward and learning as we go is the most we can ask of ourselves. Should-ofs are hard to squelsh.. but if we learn from those, well then. Progress. Your book is coming along! Hooray! I like Nourish Bowls – … to fuel your day. Keep going Linds! You’re almost there! xo
LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!! My life is pretty much shoulda woulda coulda & caught up in it… the book I am working on is about that being caught up. I am a super complicated person that does not tell the real me to anyone & I mean anyone – except now the person that is helping me with the book. I may never get it written but 1 person will know me. 🙂
Such a fantastic post Lindsay!
I am so bad with titles & stuff!! I do like the Power/Fuel Your Day but not sure if you want the GF part in there. On the other – I kinda like nourish cause it can be the body & the mind 🙂
I love this post SO much. It is so true that sometimes we need to take a step back, take a pause, assess and then embrace what God has given us. Life will never be “perfect” and so often people lose themselves by searching for that perfection. I’m glad that life is happening for you and that you’re embracing it. In this huge season of change we too are trying to do that – realize it’s a journey and will be a bumpy path but love every moment.
Wow. I love this post. And I sure do enjoy following your adventures. Love the term “facebooking” it and the quote you started out with by John Piper. I’m 45. And I so often want a “do-over” in some aspects of life. Because what I’m living (while fine and good and all that) is not what I’d planned. So, even though you’re not a writer, today you made me feel better and find some calm with your words. Thanks. I like the title POWER BOWLS. They are a mishmosh, hodgepodge, wonder-mess with easy prep and even easier cleanup.
Oh i am so glad we could share that same feeling today friend. You’re life is God ordained. Our lives are God ordained. We might as well EMBRACE each day, right?
There is so much I want to say about this post, and yet I have mere minutes before the tiny human wakes up and I need to shower.
I’m happy to real everything you write, although I would gladly join forces with you. You photograph and I’ll write. Unfortunately cookbook writing isn’t exactly my specialty.
Your tips are spot on, as always.
I live a Facebook life too in that life is good but there are always rough spots. While I don’t gloss over them, I certainly don’t put a spotlight on them either.
You should ask for an extension on the book, or for help. That’s a lot of work in a short amount of time. That being said, I love the idea and that last photograph is magic. You tucked flowers into it…..I’m in awe.
My favorite is Nourishing Bliss Bowls. 75 Gluten-Free Power Bowls for a Healthy Mind and Body.
This fills my happiness cup up again this morning watching and seeing how you are soaking in God’s goodness and mercy at every step. I totally agree that I’m also sometimes stressed, sometimes working too much, not sleeping enough, but God is SO good. He gives us those beautiful moments, those moments of disconnecting and reconnecting with our families. He gives us those moments of getting to go on trips, weekend getaways that just refill our cup. I’m so thankful you’ve gotten those opportunities Lindsay, because I know you hustle a good bit (it’s refreshing to see you be refreshed!)
I like Nourish Bowls! I also thought of Balance Bowls or Energy Bowls. I like any of the subtitles but I think the 2nd the best!
Your pictures are stunning and you’re doing an amazing job embracing and loving. Your soul is so beautiful and it comes through in your words and pictures 🙂
you’re picturing all smoothie bowls? Haha, don’t worry there are only 4 or so smoothie bowls in the book. Or are you referring to the title makes you think of smoothie bowls? Would love more ideas! Thanks Amy!
the title makes me think of smoothie bowls. Maybe that’s just me. Depending on what the recipes are, I’m now leaning more towards Nourish Bowls.
On a separate note, your pictures are beautiful. How fortunate to live in such a wonderful place.
I’m feeling the same way about life and blogging lately. Sometimes a break is much needed but I don’t always know how to get it! I like the first name!
You know I so have struggled with this recently, and I really needed to find the moment of stillness the other weekend. It helped me so much, and I haven’t been perfect, but I’ve felt so much freer ever since!
I leapt on this post before I even saw you gave me a shout out. Because I read the title and thought: that’s just what I need to read and that’s just what you and I were talking about!!
I think my struggle is I don’t know anymore what refills my happiness cup. I mean I can a identify what gives it a few Dribbble drops 🙂 but filling it overflowing?? I don’t think I know anymore. I need to explore that.
I think you fill other’s happiness cup to the point they overflow. But also leaves you depleted. Dies that make sense? I often think you deserve a vacation (space) by yourself to tune into what would fill that cup. right? I know you know this. But also, have you read the book Essentialism or Deep work? Makes me think of you. P.s You are a rock star in my book! Always. I want you to know that feel HAPPY!
So inspiring! Grieve the losses. Then wash your face. And embrace the life you have!
I just adore the realness of this post! It’s one of those posts I read twice just to make sure I soak in all the little nuggets. You are so right, its not about ignoring or hiding the un-fun parts but just choosing to not give them any more of our energy than necessary. Focusing on the good stuff and realizing it’s always changing. Nodding and agreeing like crazy over here, and not just to make you happy but because I know so many of these thoughts and feelings myself. But I have to disagree on the you are “not a writer”–that is just a lie because THIS. Ah the book is going to be gorgeous, I think I like Nourish Bowls best 🙂 Also Utah–WOW! Chilly but wow.
First off, congrats friend on the book!! I’m so freaking excited that you are working on this. THAT makes me happy! This is exactly the post I needed to read. I’ve been struggling with this hard this year. The balance is out of whack and I do crave a break and rest. But like Carla, I’ve struggling to figure out what refills my happiness cup. The things that used to don’t seem to anymore and I need to explore what does. xoxoxo
I kinda think we all get to that point. A “lost in space” feeling. WE’ve been so busy and distracted for so long. It’s hard to know what really refills and restores us, yes?
I love everything about this post. Lately my life has exploded with busy as well. I’m not quite sure how to manage it all because I’m SO not a hustler. I thrive best when I have little bursts of rest every day, and lately that hasn’t been possible. Heck, I’m not even getting in my basic workouts or enough sleep these days!
So I feel ya! I must remind myself to get away and breathe. You’ve inspired me to unplug. Just for one day. Maybe I’ll make it happen on Saturday. (scary!)
And the book (YAY!) I really like Title 2 with Subtitle 1 – good luck! you got this! Also, let’s get coffee please 🙂
I totally feel ya. Rest is so crucial for the creative side of us too. Take time today friend. You need it!
I hear ya!!! It ain’t perfect but that don’t mean it’s bad ?
you know it! now come visit. So we can take an outdoor break together.
LOVE this post! What a great reminder to pause and enjoy life! Rest is so important!
I like title 2 and the first sub title! 🙂
thanks friend
I still need to read that book! Thanks for the reminder. Also, you rock. I have no idea how you do so much, and you’re so positive through it all. You’re a wise old soul.
I’ll think on a title… I’m leaning toward “I like big bowls and I cannot lie”. Maybe you don’t need my help. 😉
OH! I have always thought you are a GOOD writer! I think you should send your teacher your blog.
Ha, I hate writing. But if I am pretending i’m just talking to you, i Like it. I’m positive because let’s face it… wine.
With my coffee in hand, early this morning, reading through your post is a much needed reminder of how important it is to unplug and reconnect with those you love, your family, friends… with yourself. Nature has a way with allowing that to happen and we could all use more of this. I’ve never been to Utah, but it’s somewhere I long to visit and what’s better than a springtime snowshoe? Thank you for this, for sharing. For focusing on the now, not the past. Looking forward and learning as we go is the most we can ask of ourselves. Should-ofs are hard to squelsh.. but if we learn from those, well then. Progress. Your book is coming along! Hooray! I like Nourish Bowls – … to fuel your day. Keep going Linds! You’re almost there! xo
I think you need to visit soon. We could hike, drink coffee, disconnect, and focus on the NOW! <3
Love you so much friend 🙂 And you really ARE a writer!!!
I really like Power Bowls or Nourish Bowls – I would definitely buy a book with those titles (well, and let’s be honest, your photography)!
You are too good to me friend! I appreciate all your support! More than you know
LOVED THIS SO MUCH!!!! My life is pretty much shoulda woulda coulda & caught up in it… the book I am working on is about that being caught up. I am a super complicated person that does not tell the real me to anyone & I mean anyone – except now the person that is helping me with the book. I may never get it written but 1 person will know me. 🙂
Such a fantastic post Lindsay!
I am so bad with titles & stuff!! I do like the Power/Fuel Your Day but not sure if you want the GF part in there. On the other – I kinda like nourish cause it can be the body & the mind 🙂
I think you are totally embracing life! You inspire me daily
I am definitely not Lindsay – but that is all part of things people don’t know about me & if I ever get the book done, I will let you read! xoxoxo
Ps I want to read your book!
I love this post SO much. It is so true that sometimes we need to take a step back, take a pause, assess and then embrace what God has given us. Life will never be “perfect” and so often people lose themselves by searching for that perfection. I’m glad that life is happening for you and that you’re embracing it. In this huge season of change we too are trying to do that – realize it’s a journey and will be a bumpy path but love every moment.
Thank you friend! I’m glad we could pause together and SUPPORt each other!
I would select Bliss Bowls (It has a happiness feeling to it.) and 75 Healthy and Delicious Superfood Bowls to Power/Fuel Your Day.
thank you!
Wow. I love this post. And I sure do enjoy following your adventures. Love the term “facebooking” it and the quote you started out with by John Piper. I’m 45. And I so often want a “do-over” in some aspects of life. Because what I’m living (while fine and good and all that) is not what I’d planned. So, even though you’re not a writer, today you made me feel better and find some calm with your words. Thanks. I like the title POWER BOWLS. They are a mishmosh, hodgepodge, wonder-mess with easy prep and even easier cleanup.
Oh i am so glad we could share that same feeling today friend. You’re life is God ordained. Our lives are God ordained. We might as well EMBRACE each day, right?
I like Nourish Bowls!
Also, Utah was so pretty and I wish I had more time to spend there. I’m glad I got to see you though!
RETREAT in Utah! Let’s make it happen.
There is so much I want to say about this post, and yet I have mere minutes before the tiny human wakes up and I need to shower.
I’m happy to real everything you write, although I would gladly join forces with you. You photograph and I’ll write. Unfortunately cookbook writing isn’t exactly my specialty.
Your tips are spot on, as always.
I live a Facebook life too in that life is good but there are always rough spots. While I don’t gloss over them, I certainly don’t put a spotlight on them either.
You should ask for an extension on the book, or for help. That’s a lot of work in a short amount of time. That being said, I love the idea and that last photograph is magic. You tucked flowers into it…..I’m in awe.
My favorite is Nourishing Bliss Bowls. 75 Gluten-Free Power Bowls for a Healthy Mind and Body.
There is so much to say to you and yet I still hate writing. Let’s just meet up. Mmm k? I bring food and booze! and .. bowls?
Also I love the idea of ‘nourish’ bowls and the 1st subtitle!
This fills my happiness cup up again this morning watching and seeing how you are soaking in God’s goodness and mercy at every step. I totally agree that I’m also sometimes stressed, sometimes working too much, not sleeping enough, but God is SO good. He gives us those beautiful moments, those moments of disconnecting and reconnecting with our families. He gives us those moments of getting to go on trips, weekend getaways that just refill our cup. I’m so thankful you’ve gotten those opportunities Lindsay, because I know you hustle a good bit (it’s refreshing to see you be refreshed!)
I like Nourish Bowls! I also thought of Balance Bowls or Energy Bowls. I like any of the subtitles but I think the 2nd the best!
Your pictures are stunning and you’re doing an amazing job embracing and loving. Your soul is so beautiful and it comes through in your words and pictures 🙂
ooh friend. I adore you! Thank you for so much love and support!
I like Bliss Bowls and the first sub-title. I will say though I am just picturing smoothie bowls. Every time I hear ‘bowl’, I think of smoothie bowls.
you’re picturing all smoothie bowls? Haha, don’t worry there are only 4 or so smoothie bowls in the book. Or are you referring to the title makes you think of smoothie bowls? Would love more ideas! Thanks Amy!
the title makes me think of smoothie bowls. Maybe that’s just me. Depending on what the recipes are, I’m now leaning more towards Nourish Bowls.
On a separate note, your pictures are beautiful. How fortunate to live in such a wonderful place.
I’m feeling the same way about life and blogging lately. Sometimes a break is much needed but I don’t always know how to get it! I like the first name!
Have you read the book Deep Work? It helped me! And essentialism book!
No, I haven’t. But I probably should especially now that I’m done with school!
So excited!!
Nourish With Bliss
I like the first subtitle 🙂
Congrats Lindsay!
I would go for this option:
Nourish Bowls
75 Healthy and Delicious Superfood Bowls to Power/Fuel Your Day
Sounds great and maybe reaches a wider audience.
You know I so have struggled with this recently, and I really needed to find the moment of stillness the other weekend. It helped me so much, and I haven’t been perfect, but I’ve felt so much freer ever since!
don’t the mountains do that? really, the restore me! Email me if you need me friend.
I leapt on this post before I even saw you gave me a shout out. Because I read the title and thought: that’s just what I need to read and that’s just what you and I were talking about!!
I think my struggle is I don’t know anymore what refills my happiness cup. I mean I can a identify what gives it a few Dribbble drops 🙂 but filling it overflowing?? I don’t think I know anymore. I need to explore that.
I think you fill other’s happiness cup to the point they overflow. But also leaves you depleted. Dies that make sense? I often think you deserve a vacation (space) by yourself to tune into what would fill that cup. right? I know you know this. But also, have you read the book Essentialism or Deep work? Makes me think of you. P.s You are a rock star in my book! Always. I want you to know that feel HAPPY!