Several years ago, I started a gratitude journal. It helps in time like these, times when I have the American Beauty dad and son’s conversation in my head, almost every hour:
Son, this country’s going straight to hell.
And I truly feel that way, sometimes.
Well, a lot of the times, these days.
Starting and ending each day with my gratitude journal is incredibly helpful:
- We’re not at war (not yet)
- Our most sacred lands are still sacred (for a limited time only)
- Our public schools still offer art and music education (don’t get me started on this one)
- Women still have access to safe and affordable birth control (I can’t even begin to talk about this one without all the veins in my forehead popping out)
- We’re an accepting nation that offers chances to every one, regardless of where they’re from, because we’re all strangers here (this one, too, I can’t begin to talk about).
The gratitude journal, to be serious now, it does help. It makes you recenter, refocus, realize the people around you are strong, that our citizens of the United States are good people, that our small businesses are making this country excellent, that there’s truly so much good going on. It’s so hard to focus on the good in times like this. And the journaling helps. Trust me.
It’s also important to remember, our government is corrupt and only cares about money in their pockets and is completely full of greed and disgust, but for the most part, our people are not.
And that many other countries are in similar situations: their governments are completely corrupt, but the people are good. The citizens are good.
There’s so much good in this world.
So refocus. Recenter. Look at your community, the people in your circle, the teachers in your schools, the baristas in your coffee shops, the woman who knows your name at the grocery store check out line, and know that good is happening every single day. And think of all of the people in this world, and how much good is coming from them.
And then write this down in your gratitude journal. Record it. It’s nice to be reminded, daily, that you’re surrounded by good.
And be nice to yourself. This is a long journey, and we’ve only just begun.
I had dental surgery two weeks ago and have been on a liquid diet. The liquid diet was supposed to last for 4 weeks, but yesterday, I was given permission to eat soft foods. I am so freaking excited. BUT I’ve been excelling at soup and smoothie recipes these past two weeks, so this is what I am presenting to you today: the most delicious potato soup I have ever tasted. Seriously. It’s so good, and creamy, and fully vegan, and healthy. Next week, you’ll have plenty of smoothie recipes to dive into. And then the real cooking will start back up.
In gratitude,
Jen.
Gratitude Potato Soup
Ingredients
- 1 c. cashews, soaked
- 1 large sweet onion
- 1 shallot
- 3 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. chili powder
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 6 large russet potatoes, chopped (I prefer not to peel mine)
- 7 c. vegetable broth
Instructions
- Place the cashews in a medium size bowl. Boil a small pot of water, and pour over the cashews. Set aside for about an hour.
- Heat a large soup pot over medium, add the onion and shallot, and cook for about 5 minutes.
- Add the carrots and celery along with the spices, stirring well. Cook for an additional minute or two.
- Add the potatoes and broth, and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to medium low, and cook for 20 minutes, until potatoes are fork tender.
- Rinse and drain the cashews and place in a high powered blender or Vitamix. Add 1 c. water, and blend well.
- Using an immersion blender (or slowly and very carefully pouring the soup into a regular blender), blend the soup as smooth as you'd like (I like it blended all the way - it comes out nice and creamy). Then, stir in the cashew sauce. And enjoy the best potato soup ever!