The Power of positive influencers

“Stand up to your obstacles and do something about them. You will find that they haven’t half the strength you think they have.” -Norman Vincent Peale

The other morning I was standing in the kitchen procrastinating out loud about going out for my run.  It was drizzling outside, I was tired, etc., etc., excuses, excuses.  My husband very kindly said to me: “you’ll feel better if you go”.  All it took was that gentle little nudge from one of the most important positive influencers in my life, and I had a great workout, and I felt great after. 
 
That was my Choice Point.  I was standing at a crossroads, and I was waiting for something or someone to sway me in one direction or the other. 
 
We all have Choice Points every single day.  Some are small: “Should I put butter or avocado on my toast?”  And some are more significant:  “Should I go back to school?  Should I switch careers?”

"Will is a different beast than should. It is, at best, the direct response to our experience of being centered. Awareness is our in-breath, taking in our world. Will is our out-breath, acting upon and in our world. It is not wish, want, hope, try, maybe, should, kinda, soon, have to. It is the act that moves us from purpose and meaning through deliberation into choice and action. And right in the middle, between purpose and action is the Choice Point. There is always a fraction of a second, or a minute or days and years, when we are poised at the edge of a decision."
- Dorothy Firman, Ed.D., Psychology Today

What hit me that morning while I was out for my run, is how important it is to be a positive influence on others, as well as how important it is to surround yourself with positive people who bring out the best in you. 
 
Inspire someone to do something healthy for themselves.  Workout with a buddy.  Start a family Fitbit challenge.  Start a friends or family healthy recipe challenge (who can make something healthy, but taste the best?!).  The list could go on and on!

This is a great link with tons of free exercise videos for ALL different levels.  Everything from a ten minute arm video, to a 30 minute pool exercise video.  Perfect to pull up on a computer at home, or to take with you on vacation!
 
And I will gladly start out the healthy but tasty recipe challenge.  Read on for some great summer recipes!

White Bean Hummus
This is such a great staple to have in your collection.  Switch up the herbs to whatever you have on hand.

Roasted Cauliflower and Farro Salad with Avocado 
Perfect for lunch or dinner, and great served warm or cold.  

Veggie Collard Wrap
This is a great low-carb option, and it’s beautiful!  Fill these with whatever you like (hummus, chicken salad, etc.).  This website has a great step-by-step walk through of wrapping with collards.

Thai Chicken Salad  
Delicious!  To reduce sodium, eliminate the fish sauce.  I mixed in quinoa and topped with avocado to make a complete dinner.  Would even be good stuffed in a taco.  Everything’s good in a taco!
 

Shrimp Tacos with Mango Slaw 
Speaking of taco’s…I made these last weekend and they were a huge hit.  The tacos and the slaw were so easy to make, and perfectly refreshing on a summer night.

Flourless Chocolate Chip Chickpea Blondies with Sea Salt
And one more bean dessert to share.  Trust me, these are delicious.  They come out a little like fudge.  Try them.

Bon Appetit!!