Vegan Quinoa & Sweet Potato Chili

Makes about 6 Bowls

Ingredients:

2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained

1 6 oz can tomato paste
1 12oz can crushed tomatos

32 oz vegetable stock

1 onion, chopped

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon chili powder

1 tablespoon Trader Joe's 21 Seasoning Salute

1 teaspoon oregano

1 tablespoon coconut oil

1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into bite sized chunks

1 cup dry quinoa

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat the oil in a large heavy soup pot over medium low heat. Add onions, and cook until soft and they start to turn brown (about 10 minutes). Add the garlic, and cook for about 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, chili powder, T Seasoning, and oregano and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add the beans, stock, and potatoes, and season with salt and pepper . Cook for about 5 minutes, then add the quinoa. Continue cooking for about 15 minutes – 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until quinoa and potatoes are cooked and the chili has thickened. Add a bit of water if the chili becomes too thick for your liking.

Enjoy!!

Top 6: Rules of An Apology

Tendering a genuine apology when an apology is due can go a long way to repair a disconnection following a fight.  Saying “I’m sorry” may sound easy (or for those who are stubborn, maybe not) but there’s actually a right way, and a wrong way to do so. Here's how to apologize wisely and well.

The next time you offer an apology--or, you're on the receiving end of an apology that doesn't cut it-- remember this:

1.  A true apology needs to be sincere. An “I’m sorry.” should not be a quick way to get out of a predicament or a fight.

2. A true apology does not include the word “but” (“I’m sorry, but …”).  “But” automatically cancels out an apology, and nearly always introduces a criticism or excuse.

3. A true apology keeps the focus on your actions—and not on the other person’s response. For example, “I’m sorry that you felt hurt by what I said at the party last night” is not an apology. Try instead, “I’m sorry about what I said at the party last night. It was insensitive and uncalled for.” Own your behavior and apologize for it—period.

4. A true apology doesn’t get caught up in who is to blame and who started it. Maybe you’re only 14% to blame and the other person provoked you. It can still help to simply say, “I’m sorry for my part in this.” 

5. A true apology does not demand or request forgiveness. Of course, you hope that the other person will forgive you. But a true apology does not ask the other person to do anything—not even to forgive. Also a serious hurt or betrayal requires repair work over time, and is never healed simply by saying “I’m sorry.”

6. A true apology requires that you do your best to avoid a repeat performance. Obviously, it doesn’t help to apologize with a grand flourish and then continue the very behavior you are apologizing for; Passionate expressions of remorse are empty if you don’t put sincere effort into ensuring that there is no repeat performance.

BONUS- Number 7: When you are really sorry...Flowers, candy... or even a coffee... never hurts.

Postscript: If the other person is an entrenched non-apologizer, don’t get into tug of war about it. Some people cannot or will not apologize. He or she may have another way of re-connecting after a fight, show you he’s in new place and wants to move on.

Accept the olive branch however it’s offered. Focus on becoming a “good apologizer” yourself and model the behavior you want to see in others.

Take the high road. It’s hard. And it’s worth it.

Now this is funny...

Let the Countdown Begin

162

Is the number of days until I graduate.

Intentions

Just as Mondays are treated as a day to start dieting, the beginning of the year is the time for resolutions. Last year I wrote about my commitments to improving, and with a head hung in shame I have to say I didn't succeed in many of them. I think I set the bar too high. I mean, really...a list of 10 was a bit ambitious! But…I won't call it a total failure.

While I didn't always take the stairs every time, in the year 2012 I did take on CrossFit. I have a list of ways this addiction (seriously, that’s what it is) has changed me. Being a part of this cult culture subjected me to the Paleo lifestyle, and therefore forced me to try new recipes. Lastly, one improvement I am very proud of… I have gained new friendships, and strengthened current ones.  

I will not be creating a list of 10 for this New Year. They seem to be more daunting than motivating.

However, I do have intentions.

In the year 2013…

I intend to remember that everything changes
I intend to practice kindness
And I intend to go bigger, look out, let be and let in love.