Thoughts, hikes and healthy chocolate

Out of all of the things you have to dedicate time and energy to, where do you find yourself? Work, family, social life and so forth take a big chunk of ourselves and because we are committed human beings, we make it work but to what sacrifice?

I don't blame how hopeless some people can feel. Imagine after all you do in a day, having to go home and deal with those issues then start thinking about how you're going to achieve what you want out of your body, health and self. Following the very best advice to a T but not seeing the tangible evidence of your efforts.

In an ideal world we'd be working for enjoyment, eating perfectly and ideally and socialising to as much as our hearts content and having the joyful little family around us and completely manageble. Under these conditions our health and anything related to emotions and self esteem would be a breeze. Living with perfect harmony would create just that happy, healthy people. What a world but it's not our reality!

Our reality is what it is. Not to focus too much on the darker side of life but unsatisfactory work situations, sickness and emotional hurdles are all part of it. The darker side clarifys even more clearly what we do want or could have. Given these conditions our health (emotional, mental and physical) is a challenge, just as much as work and family life are. How do you achieve health when all this is going on? Very simple and hard answer is put yourself higher on the priority list.

The only reason why you don't have what you want is because you don't value yourself enough, simple. If you truly valued yourself and treated yourself like royalty then you would have it all. Guilt, necessity and circumstance all dictate upon you from choices and beliefs made earlier in life. My mother always used to tell me "you only look after yourself" and "you are so vain, one day God will punish you." It didn't stop me from looking after myself but it did make me feel guilty everytime I did! These days is obvious my mum's beliefs in putting herself last show, she is in pain and still believes in the same old paradigms. I don't see God helping her out....

Come to terms with what you focus on expands. If you focus on everything else, where will you get the attention you need from? How do you expect to cultivate self love, happiness and make your dreams come true if you don't have the time or energy to do it?

When the world seems to be falling apart, THAT'S the time to be looking after number one. That's when it will really make the difference and you will have the strength, ability and ease to get through whatever it is you need to get through.

Something I like doing that gives me total personal satisfaction is going hiking! I look like like a total dag here but I just climbed a 700mt incline!

Me!

A beautiful reflection, love running water...

 

Cute mushroom

 

Things to do when life throws the unexpected...

* Have a mini morning routine.

This helps sets the flow for the rest of the day...

* Keep a journal.

It can help you process your thoughts and also give you an outlet...

* Eat well and regularly.

Keep food healthy and eat raw chocolate for a natural pick me up...

* Get outdoors.

Helps unclutter your mind and free up a few thoughts...

* Listen to soothing music.

Especially if your mood is low, choose your favourite tunes to help elevate your thoughts.

* Get some body work.

Massage, acupuncture or anything that helps your body to physically relax...

* Aromatherapy.

Is beneficial to the psyche...

Lavender- to soothe

Peppermint- to energise

Rosemary- to switch on your mind

Lemon/ orange/ lime- to refresh and inspire

Fig, Ginger and Raw Cacao Fudge

Another raw chocolate weekend, inspired by sifting through information on the incredible properties of raw cacao. I had fun with this recipe by using cookie cutters to make cute heart shaped pieces then dipped each of them (twice!) in raw melted chocolate. The sweetness is entirely from the Turkish figs, a bit of crunch from their pips and cacao nibs (crunchy pieces of raw cacao bean) and a slight warmth from the fresh ginger. Ginger and fig compliment each other and adding chocolate is the perfect combination. I added maca powder for extra nutrition and the ground pepper for the tinniest spice it could give. The outcome is a very presentable and delicious fudge pieces.

Ingredients...
1.5 cups of chopped fresh figs (organic Turkish)
1/4 cup whole raw cacao beans or nibs
2 tbs fresh grated ginger

5 tbs maca powder

pinch of Himalayan seasalt

Freshly ground pepper

Chocolate coating...

1 cup of grated cacao butter in metal bowl

1/2 cup raw cacao powder

1 tbs raw honey

pinch of Himalayan sea salt

Method...

1. Place all ingredients in food processor and process on high untill well combined and doughy in texture.

2. Press the mixture into a pan (lined with baking paper) at about 3 cm thick (or as desired, no rules).

3. Use cookie cutters to cut out shapes, this takes a bit of effort.

4. Place on a plate in the fridge until chocolate is ready.

Chocolate coating

1. Place cacao butter into a metal bowl over a saucepan with a 1/4 amount of water heated until steaming.

2. Turn off heat and place the metal bowl over the saucepan, stir until melted.

3. Add the cacao powder, salt and honey and whisk it in until smooth.

4. Take off the heat and let sit until it starts to thicken slightly.

5. Use a fork to genty dip the cooled fig cut outs into the chocolate and place on backing paper.

6. Can double dip if desired!

Left over chocolate

You will always have left over chocolate and it's such a waste to throw any away because you don't know what to do with it. This time I poured the left over melted chocolate in little coloured mini cups. They set nicely and are perfect for a little afternoon or after dinner chocolate hit. 100% total raw, organic chocolate!