









To say we could all use a pep talk, or pick-me-up is a monumental understatement.
The truth is, that might work if the challenge was short and familiar, but attempts at it feel phony when you’re dealing with a global pandemic, millions out of work, people losing loved ones. No matter how old you are, what language you speak, what you believe, you’ve been affected by the events of 2020.
But, the sun gets out of bed and shows up every day and so must we. What might have been a pep talk under different circumstances becomes an opportunity to really connect. Yes, we can find comfort or a sense of solidarity in hearing what each other is dealing with. But we can also find ways to support one another even if it’s just by listening with a deep sense of care. Whether I’m interacting via zoom or outside more than 6 feet apart, or alone with my own thoughts, here are some focal points that help me stop wasting time and energy on my own fears:
I did not say these practices are easy. I struggle with every single one of them. Maybe I should pick one a day and practice. (Oh wait, am I judging myself again?)
To say we could all use a pep talk, or pick-me-up is a monumental understatement.
The truth is, that might work if the challenge was short and familiar, but attempts at it feel phony when you’re dealing with a global pandemic, millions out of work, people losing loved ones. No matter how old you are, what language you speak, what you believe, you’ve been affected by the events of 2020.
But, the sun gets out of bed and shows up every day and so must we. What might have been a pep talk under different circumstances becomes an opportunity to really connect. Yes, we can find comfort or a sense of solidarity in hearing what each other is dealing with. But we can also find ways to support one another even if it’s just by listening with a deep sense of care. Whether I’m interacting via zoom or outside more than 6 feet apart, or alone with my own thoughts, here are some focal points that help me stop wasting time and energy on my own fears:
I did not say these practices are easy. I struggle with every single one of them. Maybe I should pick one a day and practice. (Oh wait, am I judging myself again?)
Serves 6-8
Ingredients
1 medium red onion, sliced into thin ½” rings
½ cup red wine vinegar
8 c salad mix (that includes radicchio & curly endive)
½ c lightly packed fresh basil leaves
½ lightly packed fresh Italian parsley leaves
½ c pine nuts, toasted (divided)
3 scallions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
3 oz parmigiano-reggiano cheese, shaved with veggie peeler into thin curls
3 oz thinly sliced prosciutto di parma, cut into bite-sized squares
Procedure
1. Soak onions in the red wine vinegar for several hours, drain.
2. Wash & dry lettuces, tear into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a large bowl, mix greens, basil & parsley, ¼ c pine nuts, most of scallions & half of parmesan & prosciutto.
4. Right before serving, toss salad with warm balsamic dressing (September’s recipe).
5. Transfer salad to deep platter, scatter top with red onions & remaining parmesan, prosciutto & scallions.