healthy food

Herb Roasted Acorn Squash

/ embracingspirit / 2 Comments

My garden is bursting with some really good size acorn squash this year and one of my favorite ways to prepare it is simply roasted. This easy Roasted Acorn Squash recipe is a flavorful, colorful, and nutritious side that goes with everything! You’ll love how easy it is to make this! Acorn squash is not just super flavorful but it is also packed with nutrition.

Health Benefits of Acorn Squash:

Acorn squash is high in antioxidants that help fight free radical damage. They contain carotenoids, beta-carotene, Vitamin C, potassium, manganese, thiamine, magnesium, Vitamin B6 and other key nutrients. Acorn squash is in usually available year-round, with peak season from early October to December. A ripe Acorn Squash will feel heavy for its size and has smooth, dull skin, and no soft spots. Look for one that has a good mix between green and orange coloring.

The Ingredients

This easy, basic recipe is essentially just acorn squash, butter, and seasonings! You’ll love how simple it is to pull together roasted acorn squash on the fly.

  • Squash: Cut one squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds.
  • Butter: Melt the butter, or substitute your favorite oil.
  • Oregano and Thyme: Dried oregano and thyme are perfect with the natural sweetness of squash.
  • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder is an easy way to add intensity of flavor to this dish.
  • Paprika: Made from dried ground peppers, paprika is earthy and mild (not spicy!) and lends a beautiful color to the squash as it roasts.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste.
  • Fresh Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley is an appetizing optional garnish.

How to Make Roasted Acorn Squash the Easy Way

  1. Preheat the Oven and Cut the Squash. Before you start, make sure to preheat the oven to 400°F. Next, cut the acorn squash in half, lengthwise, stem end to pointed end. (For the easiest way to cut through squash rind see the “Tips” section below.) Then slice each squash half into ½ inch-thick slices.
  2. Season the Squash. Arrange the squash slices on a baking sheet. Make the seasoned butter mixture by melting the butter and stirring in the herbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Brush the squash slices with the butter mixture.
  3. Roast. Roast the seasoned squash for 20 minutes or so, until the squash is tender.
  4. Enjoy! Remove the baking sheet from the oven, and garnish the squash with parsley before serving warm.
My little baby acorn is growing

So, that’s it! Perfect roasted acorn squash, pretty enough for a holiday menu, but easy enough to make any time. I am so excited for my acorn squash babies to fully grow so that I can make some great dishes like this one.

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With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

Autumn Pumpkin Soup

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Are you tired of all the pumpkin recipes yet? It seems everywhere you look someone has yet another pumpkin recipe. But this one cannot be overlooked! It’s so good and so easy! It’s nutty, spicy, delicious and good for you!

Ingredients:
  • 1 pie pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil
  • 1 jar roasted red pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1/2 coconut milk
  • 1 cup cashew butter
  • 1/2 tsp tumeric
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 2 garlic cloves or 2 tablespoons minced

To make this soup you’ll need to roast a small pie pumpkin. I like to cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, add salt and pepper and pop in the oven at 350 degrees for about an hour. I like o save the seeds and roast them for garnishes or quick snacks. You can also do this the easy way and use canned pumpkin but there is something so soulful about roasting one.

Meanwhile in a large pot sauté the onions in the coconut oil until tender. When the pumpkin is fully cooked and soft, allow it to cool enough to handle and then scoop out that delicious flesh. Add the pumpkin and the rest of the ingredients to the pot.

Let this simmer for at least 30 minutes. I actually love the smell and allow it to simmer sometimes for an hour or more, stirring for often.

Using an immersion hand blender, blend until velvety smooth. You can also add to a large blender but be mindful hot liquids and some blenders don’t like each other.

You can top this soup with roasted pumpkin seeds or not!

Enjoy!

Grilled Garden Veggies

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I honestly can’t wait until this time of year despite my often endless complaints about the heat. I balance out my intolerance for long summer days of high temperatures with plenty of time to play in my garden and marvel at the bounty of goodness that comes with a little time and patience.

Usually by this time of year I am also getting a little bored with variations of salads so it is always a thrill to find the first few summer squashes or yellow crook neck zucchini’s because one of my favorite summer foods is grilled vegetables. I also love to grill peaches, drizzle with honey and top with fresh ice cream!

I usually pair grilled vegetables with a juicy steak or a grilled chicken breast but these are also delicious just on their own. Simple, fresh and super tasty.

Here is how easy it is:

Preheat an outdoor grill to high heat. (I have also been known to use my indoor grill if I am in a hurry or it is the middle of winter and I am craving some summer flavors). Cut three zucchini or crook neck into thin lengthwise planks. Brush with one tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. I also love to use garlic salt instead of plain salt. Arrange on the grate with plenty of space between. Grill until tender, lightly charred or about 3-4 minutes per side (unless you’re using an indoor grill that closes it would be just 3-4 minutes total). Transfer to a plate. In a bowl mix together cherry tomatoes and one tablespoon olive oil, apple cider or balsamic vinegar and I love to add some fresh chopped mint or rosemary. Stir up the tomatoes, smash a few for a splash of juice and pour over the grilled veggies.

Delicious!

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Seven Days of Wellness

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You are whole and also part of larger and larger circles of wholeness you many not even know about. You are never alone. And you already belong. You belong to humanity. You belong to life. You belong to this moment, this breath. ~Jon Kabat-Zinn

The Seven Days of Wellness Program includes a beautiful email each day with guidance on how to create a mindful practice of affirmations, food choices, yoga and meditation. This program also includes 7 blends of essential oils—one for each day! These beautiful emails will be a reference for the months to come as you can always go back and utilize the practices again and again.

We each have the capacity to create the space for something magical to change within us.

With your commitment to find renewal and a deserving wholeness, together we will pave the way for you to cultivate the change in your life you are seeking. Maybe it is to get back on track, or perhaps you are looking for a deep connection to a part of you that has been buried by giving to others. Whatever your goal is, the first step is saying yes.

Finding Wholeness

My passion is helping others to find emotional healing and wellness and to live vibrant, empowered lives. By leading others to the many available tools that support the mind, body and soul we are collectively changing our lives and those around us for the better.

The most beautiful thing can happen when the recognition of oneness exists and a sense of never feeling alone on the journey happens. It is my honor to walk side by side with you towards the path of health and wholeness.

Mind. Body. Spirit.

It has been my greatest joy to link arms with people who are seeking out an inner connection to who they are. Through the practice of Yoga we can dive deep into the essence of who we are and begin the beautiful process of loving who we are.

Through my own self-exploration, I have walked the journey to discovering myself and love to share aspects of that in my practice with others. By saying yes, I promise to you that I will take your intentions into my heart and offer you a doorway to health of the mind, body and spirit.

Each day will include a guided yoga practice and mediation, positive affirmations, recipes and guidance on a mindful meal, and more.

Essential Oils & Crystals

This program also includes seven blends of essential oils—one for each day! You will learn what they are and the benefits of each blend. With guidance on how to use them it is my hope that you will not just smell the joy, but you will feel the benefits of using them intentionally.

You will also receive a gemstone for each day. Perfectly chosen just for you and the lesson of the day, you will learn how and why crystals play a big role in finding peace and harmony in the mind, body and spirit.


Investment

When we take care of ourselves we naturally become better at taking care of others. Whatever capacity that is in your season of life, I believe we must first learn to care for ourselves. This 7 day program will be your forever and you can always restart when you feel the need. By investing in yourself, you are also investing in the world because your wholeness will have an impact on those around you. As you find peace, so will others.

Included in this program:

  • Seven days of gorgeous emails with daily guidance
  • Seven days of positive affirmations
  • Seven days of food choices and recipes
  • Seven sensation based gentle yoga practices
  • Seven guided meditations
  • Seven custom essential oil blends
  • Seven beautiful high vibe crystals
  • Ongoing guidance, mentoring and love

Investment: $125

Team up with a friend or two for accountability and save money. For every person you bring along, you’ll save $10! Get six friends to register and yours is free! * you must all register together to receive the discounted prices. For a little over $17 each day you will receive so much! This package is valued at well over $200.

Register Here

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About Stacie

With over fourteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.

Mind Body Sprit Detox

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“True healing comes with the nourishing of the mind, the body and the soul”  – Unknown 

This time of year we hear all quite a bit of talk about cleanses and I have even participated in some over the years. It seems we over indulge during the holiday season and then dive into something to erase the pounds of cookies, fudge and eggnog we enjoyed for weeks.

I wonder what would happen if instead of taking extreme measures we simply implemented some daily habits into our life so that there is less of a need to swing the pendulum from enjoying all the good things to eliminating and withholding?

As a person who sees the whole person, I think many of us good benefit from minor tweaks to our daily habits as a way to clean up our mind, body and spirit, rather than focusing only on detoxing the body. Small, subtle changes to our everyday routines could provide a great impact to our overall wellbeing. I know that I am working on making these part of my everyday life, not just during the the new year season.

Mind:

Our mind can be constantly recycling our past experiences or predicting the potential disasters of the future, most of which never occur.  Ask yourself how much time do you spend during the day participating in an inner narrative about the past and the future? How much of the time do we get stuck in the past, reliving the same old miseries?  How much time do you spend assuming expectations or anticipating future events? Take some quiet time to look at your thoughts and emotions. Are they mostly happy and optimistic or are you mostly recycling the same worries, doubts, and regrets?

Meditating cleanses your mind, body and spirit. To sit in silence and connect is pure bliss.  Think of meditation as a way to cleanse your mind of any negative thoughts and create space for yourself to listen with a relaxed focus. 

There are many different meditation techniques and practices, the most important thing is finding one that resonates with you and is one that you will return to time and time again. 

Journalling is a great way to get things out of your head and onto paper, it allows you to fully process things that are bothering you and for you to see them in a different light.  

There is no need to follow any structure, allow yourself to write freely and see what comes up.

If you have trouble getting started with journaling, try answering these questions as a starting point:

  • Write down everything that’s taking up space in your mind.
  • What can you do to get yourself some nourishment and self-care?
  • What would you like more of in your life 
  • Rather than write your thoughts, doodle and draw pictures simply to empty the mind

Take a non tech day

Take time out away from your computer, phone and social media. for 24hrs. Give yourself a break away from the screens and the external world. 

Give your eyes and mind a rest and do some more nurturing activities like getting out in nature, cooking nourishing food, playing board games, doing yoga, journaling, spending time with family and friends, do something art or simply do nothing.  Taking some time out in silence is another great way to connect and check in with yourself.

Sleep is a powerful and very needed reset for the mind.  A quality sleep can help you to be more resilient to the stressors of life and will help you access your coping strategies when life does get hard.  Try to go to bed early  and aim for 8-9 hours of sleep. Limiting screen time and sipping on a chamomile or lavender tea can prepare the mind and body for sleep.  Some of my favorite sleep essential oils are cedarwood, bergamot, lavender, siberian fir, vetiver, and eucalyptus.  This free ebook describes some of the amazing uses of essential oils beyond just for sleep.

Affirmations are an amazing strategy to switch our thinking from a negative to a positive. The repeated use of affirmations can be life-changing.

I do believe that the two most powerful words we speak are I AM.  Whatever we speak after that we are inviting into our life.  

When you catch yourself saying a negative I AM, immediately replace it with a positive I AM. Post positive statements where you will see them.

For example:

  • I AM a failure to I AM trying to overcome this.
  • I AM a mess to I AM working hard.
  • I AM a loser to I AM doing my best.

Body: 

Detoxing the body can be something you do seasonally, yearly, or whenever you feel like your body is in need of a refreshed feel.  Some cleanses last anywhere from a one day cleanse to month long cleanses.  If you are not comfortable taking that on, you can also implement these habits into your daily life to maintain a detoxed and lighter body. 

  • Start the day with a glass of warm water and lemon juice, drink lots of room temperature water throughout the day. I also add a drop of lemon or grapefruit oil to my water.
  • Have a light breakfast, maybe a green smoothie and or fruit, avoid or limit caffeine, if possible. 
  • Make lunch your main meal with lots of colorful vegetables and a light lean protein.
  • Avoid processed and packaged foods and heavy proteins, minimize sugars.
  • Get some light exercise such as walking, yogic stretching.
  • Eat an early, light dinner. Ideally eating no later than 6pm can help your body properly digest food and help with a solid sleep.
  • Dry brushing is a method of gently exfoliating your skin using a special firm-bristled brush. Some people use it as part of their skin routine to try to restore firmness, get rid of dry skin flaking, and encourage blood flow to certain areas of the body. It also helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph flow/drainage
  • Coffee to tea swap.  As much as I love coffee, I am trying to swap my afternoon brew for a yummy tea.  A work in progress.  Some say that coffee can cause the adrenal glands to work extra hard and this ultimately causes fatigue and stress in the body.
  • Salt Baths are my favorite way to relax and detox the body.  I love to add essential oils such as lavender, cypress, cedarwood, basil, eucalyptus and peppermint to one cup of epsom salt. Soaking for 20 minutes can support a natural detox for the body. Himalayan salt is also a great alternative to epsom. 

Breath Work

Breathing is living and a function of life, without it we wouldn’t be here. Every single cell and organ in our bodies needs our breath to fully function. With a regular breath practice we can lower stress levels and prevent disease. 

Moving your body is vital to feeling good and detoxing your mind, body and soul. Any form of exercise supports the functionality of your organs and the natural detox process and gets your cardiovascular system going, improves your blood flow and, thereby, has a positive impact on your body’s systems and processes. 

Yoga is beneficial for your body in general. Iyengar stated that twisting poses compress the muscles and organs, blocking the flow of blood. When releasing the poses, the blood flows back into those areas, improving circulation. Twists are an important part of a balanced yoga practice as they improve circulation – which certainly is beneficial to your internal organs. I have a full library of yoga videos on my website!

Spirit:

When we commit to taking care of our mind and our body, we have a natural and beautiful awakening of the spirit, however there are times when heavy emotions weigh us down and prevent our light from truly shining. Caring for our spirit involves recognizing parts of ourselves that we are holding onto that are interfering with our ability to show up fully in life, and can also prevent us from giving and receiving the goodness of life. 

Ask yourself if some of these resonate:

  • I have regrets
  • I carry resentment.
  • I feel guilt.
  • I need to forgive myself or someone else.
  • I blame others for my pain.
  • I feel ashamed of my actions or thoughts.
  • I do not feel worthy.
  • I am in constant disappointment.
  • I worry much of the time.
  • I fear the worst.
  • I rarely laugh or find joy in everyday moments. 

If a statement above hits you in your gut, it is likely that your spirit could use a little cleaning. I like to think of this as simply polishing off some smudges that have accumulated on our light. With some similar mindful practices to the mind, you can work on clearing out the dark spaces in your heart that are taking up space for something much more beautiful.

Gratitude

A gratitude practice can be a wonderful balm for a sore spirit. The research supports that a deliberate gratitude practice can shift our minds (and spirits) from a place of lack and limitations, which we are hardwired to think/feel, to a place of abundance and grace. What is a deliberate gratitude practice?

  • Look for 3-5 experiences throughout your day to jot down in a book.
  • Notice the feelings that these experiences bring to you. Write that down.
  • Go beyond the touchable and tangible (family, friends, home) and go for the deeper reason why these matter.
  • Review your gratitudes weekly and sit with all that is noticeably good.

Meditation, proper sleep, connecting with trusted people, walks in nature, praying, attending a spiritual community gathering, silence, gardening, and other ways that you identify feed you can get your spirit cleaned up so that you can be the best person you can be. 

Caring for our whole Self is a powerful and life sustaining practice that can enhance all areas of your life. When we are clear and engaged in ourselves we can show up better for the world. These simple steps should not feel like a heavy and insurmountable undertaking, but instead should feel like a way of being and something you can carry into each season of the year.

Coconut Curry Lemongrass Soup

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Are you all starting to feel the yearning for fall and all that comes with it? Sweaters, leaves, pumpkin everything and cooler days??

I think since we here in Colorado have had a cooler-ish August, I have been rushing the coming of fall. But one of my sweet yoga students reminded me early August that we still have lots of summer left and I why rush it??

I think for many of us, it is our human nature to want to get on to the next thing–whether that is the next bite of food, next task, or even the next fun activity. I have been trying to catch myself going ahead more and more, and I am finding that it is becoming easier and I am more present.

One of my favorite soulful things in the fall and winter is make a big pot of soup and patiently wait for it to simmer. To me, there is nothing quite like the slow cooked flavors coming together. Plius then I have something to enjoy all week long.

Coconut Curry Lemongrass Soup

Check out this awesome recipe using Lemongrass essential oil. This oil is sourced from Southern India and is common in cooking. The primary benefits of Lemongrass include supporting healthy digestion when taken internally, combined with a carrier can be a soothing massage, can give a refreshing feeling. Emotionally, this one is known as the oil of “cleansing”.  Lemongrass is a powerful and effective cleanser of any energies that no longer aids in our expansion.

I am going to make this soup this weekend (even though I am not a big legume eater, I think the red lentils will be amazing). Enjoy the mindful simmering and tasty flavors. Let me know if you make it!

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 2 large onions, peeled and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped or pressed
  • 1 tablespoons fresh ginger root, minced
  • 1–2 drops Lemongrass oil
  • 4 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 4 tablespoons curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 8 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 cans coconut milk
  • 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped
  • 3 cups dried red lentils
  • 4–6 handfuls baby spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions 

  1. Heat coconut oil over medium heat; add onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook until onion is translucent then add carrots and sauté five to seven minutes.
  2. Add tomato paste, curry powder, and red pepper flakes; cook for another one to two minutes stirring constantly until all vegetables are coated and flavors combined.
  3.  Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil on medium high heat; reduce to simmer (low heat).
  4. Add Lemongrass essential oil and cook for approx. 30 minutes until lentils are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
  6. Garnish with one tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro and one tablespoon sour cream.

Tip: Add some brown sugar for a sweeter curry taste.

Go snag this free ebook to learn more ways to use essential oils.

Garden Beet Caprese

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You either love beets or you do not. Either way, the non-beet lovers just may convert over this one. Nothing tastes more earthy than a fresh from the garden beet.

These powerful little roots are packed with tons of nutrition. Beets are rich in folate (vitamin B9) which helps cells grow and function. Folate plays a key role in controlling damage to blood vessels, which can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. Beets are naturally high in nitrates, which are turned into nitric oxide in the body. Plus, they may help reduce inflammation in the body. Because these amazing roots are “cool”, in the Ayurveda world they are an excellent choice for reducing the overly hot Pitta that often accumulates in many this time of year. You can check out this post to learn more about Pitta balancing.

Beets come in the traditional deep reddishish purple, but they also come in orange and yellow. Beets contain fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins, and are low in calories making it a perfect choice for an elegant appetizer.

Beet Caprese

  • Oven roast the beets until they become soft, about an hour depending on size. Cool the beets and then peel and slice the beets into hefty size coins.
  • Layer softened goat cheese with beet coins making stacks.
  • Simmer one cup balsamic vinegar in a sauce pan until it reduces into a sticky goodness.
  • Drizzle beet stacks with balsamic glaze, top with baby arugula and enjoy!

Green Chile Enchilada Soup

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It’s almost soup weather and there’s nothing I love more than cooking soup on a cold rainy day. This could possibly be my new favorite soup… I think you’ll love it too.


INGREDIENTS:

  • -2.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • -28 oz can green enchilada sauce
  • -24 oz chicken broth
  • -1 cup half and half or heavy cream
  • -2 cup Monterey jack cheese
  • -4 oz cream cheese, cubed at room temperature (or softened)
  • -4 oz green salsa (salsa verde)
  • -hot sauce, optional
  • -salt and pepper to taste


DIRECTIONS:

Slow cooker:

  1. In a 6-quart slow cooker add chicken breast or thighs, green enchilada sauce, and chicken broth. Cook on Low 6 to 8 hours.
  2. Remove chicken and shred. Add shredded chicken, jack cheese, cream cheese, half and half, and green salsa to slow cooker. Turn slow cooker to warm and stir until cheeses are melted. Add hot sauce or additional salsa to taste.
  3. Serve and enjoy! Delicious topped with avocado, cilantro, green onion, and sour cream.

Instant Pot Instructions:

Cook your chicken on high pressure with 1 cup of broth for 8 minutes. Do a quick release after 10 minutes. Remove chicken and shred.
Set pot to saute medium, and add remaining broth, shredded chicken, green enchilada sauce, salsa, and heat until warm. Add cheese and remaining ingredients. Stir until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper if needed.

Stovetop Instructions:

In a large stockpot, add chicken and broth. Simmer until chicken is done and can easily be pulled apart. Remove chicken and shred.
Add shredded chicken, enchilada sauce, half and half, jack cheese, cream cheese, and green salsa to the pot. Stir and heat soup until it is warm and the cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper if needed. Serve with additional green salsa, hot sauce, and sour cream on the side. Enjoy!

This recipe makes a mild to medium spice soup. To add spice use additional green salsa or a green chili hot sauce.


Make sure your cream cheese is at room temperature before adding to soup.

Purpose

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I didn’t follow the traditional path when it comes to becoming a yoga teacher. I knew early on that my path would lead me to sharing yoga with those who are unable to easily access a traditional setting. I got many small certifications and began teaching before I even thought about getting a 200 hour accreditation. And to be really honest, I still cringe when someone asks me “where did you do your 200 hour?” I cringe because so many times our culture puts a focus on a title or a perceived standard. As my favorite poem the Invitation says—“it doesn’t interest me where or what or with who you studied, I want to know what sustains you on the inside when all else falls away”.

My path to becoming a yoga teacher was the same old monkey on my back that I carried because I didn’t take the common path and go to college. Instead, I got married and became a mom. I didn’t take a college class until I was 43 years old! Until I was able to see my own success I always felt less than others because I chose a different way.

What I have come to learn is that the path we take is OURS. There is no space for comparison when you are fully engaged with your purpose. I knew I was supposed to be a young mom and I also knew that I was supposed to teach yoga a certain way. I knew then and I know now that the paper certificate or who I studied with is irrelevant—it is how I show up on the world that matters. And that is with divine PURPOSE.

Let go of the distraction to compare and compete and instead step into who you really are. You’ll find a treasure within yourself that will change the world in many ways.

The Failure

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I want to know if you can live with failure, 

yours and mine, 

and still stand on the edge of the lake

and shout to the silver of the moon, 

“YES”.

The author of the Invitation says that real mistakes are genuine errors in judgment, and choices that can seen, with the knowledge of hindsight, not to have been the best.  We have all made them.  Not the kind of mistakes where we were misinformed or lacking of enough information.  The real ones where we screw up, despite our better knowing.

The real work of failures is to not deny them, or insist that there are no mistakes.  You may have heard people say that everything happens for a reason, or that good things come from the struggles. I wholeheartedly agree with this…up to a point. I do believe that the Divine works in mysterious ways with a purpose, but I also believe that we are fully responsible for our choices and what we do with what life offers.

We cannot live fully and at the same time avoid mistakes. Sometimes it may seem so much easier to overlook the failures and instead to hide them in some form. Refusing to acknowledge our failures is often an attempt to avoid shame.  That awful feeling we might get when we realize that at our core, we have failed and screwed up.  Ownership means that we do not blame others for our faults and screw ups. It means that we do not justify them as a result of my upbringing or story.  Instead to truly to own them.

The big question related to failure that I ask myself is can I live with my failures and still say “YES” to life, still feel worthy of love all that surrounds me.  The answer for me comes from the space of forgiveness. To allow love to move through me.

I know that many times I failed when my kids were little.  There we things that I did out of being clueless and then there were things that I did that were just mistakes. I am not going to justify them by saying I was a young mom with three little kids, or that I was overwhelmed, or that my marriage was empty, or that we were poor, or that I was burdened.  Instead I am going to love myself enough to say that I screwed up. At times I made choices that failed them, and failed me. But we all overcame them and despite the failures my kids turned out to be amazing people.  And I turned out amazing, too.  I came out of the failures so willing to say yes to life and to keep forging a path that brings me joy and contentment.

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