For over a year, I had been feeling this desire to feed the birds. Living in a condo without the possibility of having a bird feeder on my balcony, I felt to go to PetSmart and buy bird food and feed birds outdoors. But I didn’t act upon it – my procrastination got in the way.
Finally, last week, I felt at least this year I should do it and act upon it. And I did it. The idea came to me: why not go to the trees in front of our home, to the little park area where there are trees? Why not feed them there?
I bought a bag of bird food – dried corn, seeds, and peanuts – and began my morning routine of feeding the birds under the trees in the park area in front of our home during my walk with my dog, Tuffy. Watching them come and eat filled me with such joy.
God’s Provision for His Little Ones
This morning, I woke up a bit late and made my way to the trees around 10 AM with my bag of bird food. As I was scattering the seeds on the ground, I noticed a lady walking toward the same tree. We smiled at each other, and she asked, “Do you feed the birds?”
“Yes,” I replied, “I just started doing this recently.”
What she told me next revealed the beautiful miracle unfolding. She had been feeding these same birds for the past year. Right there, in the very tree where I had been placing food on the ground, she had three bird feeders hanging – feeders I had somehow never noticed.
With tears in her eyes, she shared that she was moving away at the end of this month. She was heartbroken thinking about the birds who had come to depend on their daily feeding. Who would take care of them? She couldn’t bear the thought of these little creatures going hungry.
And there I was – having just begun this same calling on the exact same tree, just one week ago.
“Don’t worry,” I told her, “This is taken care of. I will continue feeding them.”
In that moment, I saw so clearly how God orchestrates His care for even the smallest of His creatures. The birds would not go unfed. One instrument was preparing to leave, and another had already been called into place. The same work of love, continuing seamlessly through different hands.
As we talked more, Marianna (she graciously allowed me to share her name and our story) showed me how to properly use the bird feeders. We discovered we had so much in common – both of us believers in listening to God through our hearts, both drawn to the same spiritual language.
Marianna and me by the tree
I shared with her how there was a time when I felt deeply connected to the trees, when I would hug one particular tree daily, asking it to be my friend and give me strength – to help me become solid and humble like the tree itself, unassuming and non-presumptuous.
She smiled and said “I have a tree I hug every day too.”
How can such connections be mere coincidence?
Reflections on Divine Orchestration
This whole experience revealed such a beautiful truth to me. It’s not about me or Marianna at all – it’s about God’s tender care for these little birds. They needed to be fed, and He made sure they would be.
One instrument was preparing to leave, and another had already been prepared and placed. The same work of love continuing through different hands. How perfectly He orchestrates!
This experience reinforced what I believe: that God takes care of everything. When we stay in the moment and listen to what our heart is telling us – we become part of His plan. This is what matters most to me: trusting that God handles everything, that He knows everything, and that He is as close as we can imagine, even beyond that.
It’s important to remember and remind ourselves that this is not something we are doing – or to feel great about it. It’s humbling to realize and feel that we are just instruments in God’s hands, just as Marianna was His instrument for the past year. The birds’ needs never go unmet because God sees them, cares for them, and provides for them through willing hearts.
This is the miracle: not the human connection, but the divine provision. God’s seamless care for His creatures, ensuring that the food these birds depend on continues to come, day after day, through whoever He calls to serve. And in this calling, we discover the most intimate relationship of all – with the One who knows everything, who orchestrates everything, who is closer than close.
Thank You, God
Thank you, Marianna, for listening to your Heart and feeding these birds so lovingly, and for helping me see how beautifully God provides for His creation.
And thank you, God, for using us both in Your perfect plan to care for these little ones. Thank you for showing me that even the birds are not forgotten, and that You make sure they are fed through willing hearts.
The miracle isn’t in human connections – it’s in Your seamless, tender care for every living creature. How amazing that You would call me to continue this sweet work of feeding Your birds.
But it’s not just the birds who are taken care of. God’s love is so complete that everyone is taken care of. Marianna and I are both filled with joy, gratitude and trust in You.
Every time we hear God’s voice in our heart and act upon it, we are transformed. When we become His instruments and don’t claim responsibility for ourselves, we are changed in the humblest way. God’s love transforms everyone who is touched by it – it transforms everything connected to it.
Sometimes the most profound truths are revealed in the simplest acts: that God sees, God cares, and God provides – even for the smallest sparrow.
One week down, and I’m genuinely surprised by how good I feel about this whole thing. Having my meals planned and ready made everything else feel easier – I suddenly had more headspace for work, my workouts and just living my life.
Weight Check-In
I’ve been weighing myself every morning right after I wake up and use the bathroom, before eating or drinking anything. That’s when you get the most accurate reading.
I stepped on the scale yesterday morning and I’m down about 3 pounds from last week. But honestly, the number on the scale isn’t even the best part. I could see the weight dropping a little bit each day, which kept me motivated to stick with my plan.
How I Actually Feel
This is what surprised me most – I feel healthier. Not just physically, but mentally too. I have more energy throughout the day, and I feel lighter in a way that goes beyond just the weight loss. The bloating I was dealing with felt better.
There’s something about knowing exactly what I’m going to eat each day that takes so much mental stress away. I’m not constantly thinking about food or worrying about whether I’m making good choices.
What Worked (And What I’m Keeping)
Everyone needs to find at least one meal that feels like a comfort food but still fits their goals. For me, that comfort spot is my masoor dal with toasted bread (I add just a tiny bit of ghee for more flavor on the bread) and a boiled egg on the side.
The egg muffins were honestly a risk I wasn’t sure about – I’ve always felt eggs do not taste good when reheated. But I’m so glad I tried them! They saved me so much time, and I love that I’m getting vegetables right in my breakfast without even thinking about it. They really do taste like masala omelettes, just more convenient.
I also discovered I really love the simple things – crunchy celery and carrots as snacks, Greek yoghurt with berries and my hot oatmeal with walnuts and berries has become something I look forward to in the morning.
These are going to be my “anchor” recipes – the ones I’ll probably include every week because they make me feel satisfied and happy.
Looking Ahead to Week 2
I’m feeling positive and committed to keep this going. I spent some time this week researching new recipes for Week 2 because I want to add more variety while keeping my favorite dishes from this week.
I’m planning to do my grocery shopping today and start cooking tomorrow. I learned a lot about what to freeze and when, so I think I can do even better with keeping things fresh throughout the week.
My Biggest Lesson
My biggest lesson? Taking time to plan and cook for myself is about respecting my body’s needs. I used to feel mentally drained after work and would then focus on cooking for my family first – making sure they were all taken care of. By the time it was my turn, I’d just throw together something simple without thinking about calories or protein.
Even though I was eating less, I wasn’t getting enough protein – the same mistake I made in my previous weight loss attempts. But when I started putting that same planning and care into my own meals, everything shifted. Now I can cook for everyone else with an understanding of better nutrition and not having to think about what I need to make for myself saving me mental stress and helping me focus on other important things.
If You’re Thinking About Starting
Find that one meal that feels like a hug – something that satisfies you and makes you feel good about eating it. Build your plan around including things you actually enjoy, not just things you think you “should” eat.
For some people, it might be a perfectly seasoned soup. For others, maybe it’s a protein smoothie that tastes like dessert. Whatever it is, make sure it’s in your regular rotation. You might discover something unexpected that becomes your favorite, like I did with these egg muffins!
I’m excited to share Week 2 with you all. The recipes, the prep, and hopefully with more good results.
What’s your comfort food that you’d want to include in a healthy meal plan? I’d love to hear what makes you feel satisfied and happy when you eat it.
Here are all the recipes I used for my first week of meal prep, with exact measurements and protein content. These gave me everything I needed to eat well throughout the week while hitting my protein goal of about 90-100g per day and staying within my daily calorie target of about 1400-1500 calories.
My daily breakdown goal was roughly:
– Breakfast: 300-350 calories, 20-25g protein
– Lunch: 400-450 calories, 25-30g protein
– Dinner: 350-400 calories, 20-25g protein
– Snacks: 300-350 calories, 20-25g protein
This gave me the structure I needed while still having flexibility to mix and match recipes based on what I was craving each day.
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Breakfast Recipes
Masala Egg Muffins (Makes 12 muffins, 6 servings)
I was very skeptical when I tried this recipe for the first time, as I never liked eggs any other way – either hot omelette or boiled eggs. But these tasted like masala omelettes when reheated and they freeze very well too. I used a silicone muffin tin which made it easier to cleanly pull out the egg muffins.
Ingredients
8 whole eggs + 4 egg whites
1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
1/2 medium onion, finely diced
4-6 green chilies, finely chopped (I like it spicy. Please reduce to 1-2 based on your spice levels)
1 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp coriander powder
1/2-1 tsp black pepper
Salt to taste
Cooking spray for muffin tin
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
Spray silicone muffin tin with cooking spray
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and egg whites
Add all chopped vegetables and spices, mix well
Divide mixture evenly among 12 muffin cups
Bake for 20-25 minutes until eggs are set and lightly golden
Cool completely before storing
Storage: Refrigerate 6 muffins for Days 1-2, freeze remaining 6 muffins
Protein per serving (2 muffins): 14 grams
Oatmeal Base Mix (5 servings)
Perfect for quick hot breakfasts throughout the week.
To serve: Add 3/4 cup unsweetened original almond milk, microwave 1.5-2 minutes, stir and enjoy.
Protein per serving: 6 grams
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Lunch Recipes
Dal Tadka (4 servings)
My comfort food! This protein-packed lentil curry is soul-warming.
Ingredients
1 cup yellow lentils (masoor dal), washed
2 cups water
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
Salt to taste
1 medium onion, chopped into big pieces
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
4-6 green chilies, slit lengthwise
1 tbsp finely cut ginger
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp ghee
a pinch of asafoetida (optional)
Lemon juice
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Cook lentils with onions, tomatoes, ginger, green chilies, water, turmeric, salt until soft in Instant Pot (manual mode – 7 minutes – release naturally)
Mash lightly and set aside
Heat ghee in a pan, add cumin and let it splutter
When they splutter, add asafoetida
Add to cooked dal
Add juice of a lemon and stir
Garnish with cilantro
Note: For variety, you can substitute the onions and tomatoes with bottle gourd or zucchini, or add a mix of vegetables like carrots and green beans for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storage: Freezes beautifully
Protein per serving (3/4 cup): 18 grams
Brown Rice Base (5 servings)
The perfect foundation for any meal.
Ingredients
1.5 cups brown rice
3 cups water
1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Rinse rice until water runs clear
Combine rice, water, and salt in pot
Bring to boil, then reduce heat to low
Cover and simmer 45 minutes
Let stand 10 minutes, then fluff with fork
Cool completely before storing
Storage: Refrigerate in individual portions
Protein per serving (2/3 cup cooked): 3 grams
Mixed Vegetable Curry (4 servings)
Colorful, nutritious, and pairs perfectly with dal and rice.
Ingredients
2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
1 cup green beans, cut into pieces
1 large carrot, sliced
1 bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp ginger, finely chopped
1 tbsp garlic, finely chopped
1 tsp cumin seeds
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
2-3 green chilies, slit
1 tsp oil
1/2 tsp – chilli powder (optional)
Salt to taste
Lemon juice (optional)
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Heat oil in large pan or pot
Add cumin seeds, let splutter
Add onions, cook until translucent
Add ginger, garlic and cook 1 minute
Add tomatoes and all spices
Add harder vegetables first (sweet potatoes, carrots)
Cook 5 minutes, then add remaining vegetables
Cover and cook 15-20 minutes until tender
Squeeze lemon for taste
Garnish with cilantro
Storage: Great for meal prep
Protein per serving (1 cup): 4 grams
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Dinner Recipes
Paneer Bhurji (3 servings)
Rich in protein and so satisfying!
Ingredients
200g paneer, crumbled
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 tsp ginger-garlic paste
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder (optional)
1 tsp oil
Salt to taste
Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat
Add cumin seeds, let them splutter
Add onions, cook until golden
Add ginger-garlic paste, cook 1 minute
Add tomatoes and all spices, cook until tomatoes break down
Add bell pepper, cook 2-3 minutes
Add crumbled paneer, mix gently
Cook 3-4 minutes until heated through
Garnish with cilantro
Storage: Freezes beautifully, portions well
Protein per serving (3/4 cup): 14 grams
Vegetable Soup Base (3 servings)
Comforting and light, perfect for dinner.
Ingredients
2 large carrots, diced
2 celery stalks, diced
1 medium onion, diced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 cup green beans, cut into pieces
4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
1 tsp dried Italian herbs
1 bay leaf
Salt and pepper to taste
Quinoa addition (cooked separately):
1/2 cup dry quinoa (makes about 1.5 cups cooked)
Instructions
In a large pot, sauté onions until translucent
Add carrots and celery, cook 5 minutes
Add tomatoes, herbs, and bay leaf
Add broth, bring to boil
Reduce heat, simmer 20 minutes until vegetables are tender
Season with salt and pepper
Remove bay leaf before serving
To serve: Add 1/2 cup cooked quinoa to each bowl
Storage: Soup freezes well in individual portions, store quinoa separately
Protein per serving: 3g (soup only), 5.5g (with quinoa)
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Snack Recipes
Personal Note: I personally like to eat tofu as is to avoid oil plus I like the taste of raw tofu, but you can spice it up however you would like without much oil.
Protein Energy Balls (Makes 10 balls)
These actually taste better after being frozen!
Ingredients
1 cup pitted Medjool dates
1/2 cup mixed raw nuts (almonds and walnuts)
2 tbsp vanilla protein powder
1 tbsp ground flaxseed
1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a food processor, pulse dates until they form a paste
Add nuts, pulse until roughly chopped
Add protein powder, flaxseed, cocoa, and salt
Process until mixture holds together when pressed
Roll into 10 equal balls
Refrigerate 30 minutes to firm up
Storage: Keep 3-4 balls in fridge, freeze the rest
Add toppings just before eating to maintain texture
Storage: Keep refrigerated, use within 5-7 days
Protein per serving (150g): 15 grams
Veggie Sticks (5 servings)
Perfect for mindless snacking!
Ingredients
2 large cucumbers
3 bell peppers (mixed colors)
5 large carrots
Instructions
Wash all vegetables thoroughly
Cut into uniform sticks
Divide equally into 5 containers
Place a damp paper towel in each container to maintain crispness
Storage: Keep refrigerated, stays fresh for 5-6 days
Protein per serving: Less than 1 gram
Super-Firm Tofu Snack Prep (3 servings)
Great plant-based protein option. I like to have mine plain without any seasonings.
Ingredients
1 block (12oz) super-firm tofu
Seasoning options: lemon pepper, chili lime seasoning, or herb mix
Instructions
Drain tofu and pat dry
Cut into 3 equal portions (4oz each)
Store each portion with different seasonings
Eat cold or lightly pan-fry before eating
Storage: Keep refrigerated, use within 5 days
Protein per serving (4oz): 9 grams
Recipe Notes & Tips
Spice Adjustments: All spice levels can be adjusted to your preference. I love heat, so I use 6 green chilies in my dal!
Meal Prep Success: Cook components to 80% doneness — they’ll finish cooking when reheated.
Protein Tracking: Each recipe includes protein content to help you build balanced meals throughout the week.
Storage Labels: Always label containers with contents and protein amounts — you’ll thank yourself later!
Flexibility: These are building blocks — mix and match based on what you’re craving each day.
Next week, I’ll share exactly how I combined these components into daily meals and my honest review of how Week 1 actually went. Spoiler alert: I lost 4 pounds and never felt deprived!
Which recipe are you most excited to try? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear about your meal prep experiments!
After struggling with consistency in my healthy eating journey, I finally decided to give meal prep a real try. What really pushed me toward this was my frustration with reaching for desserts and fried snacks when I wanted a treat or grabbing whatever was convenient when hunger struck unexpectedly. These habits were undoing all my good efforts with conscious eating and exercise.
Now, after just one week of proper meal prep, I can honestly say it’s been a game-changer. Once my meal planning was done for the week, I felt such relief knowing that part of my life was taken care of. Each day, I could focus on cooking for the rest of my family without constantly worrying about what I would eat or whether I was making the right choices for myself.
Why Sunday Meal Prep Works for Me
Eliminates Decision Fatigue: No more standing in front of the fridge wondering what to eat or whether it fits my goals.
Curbs Impulse Eating: When healthy meals are ready and waiting, it’s so much easier to resist the urge to grab processed snacks.
Saves Time During the Week: Mornings are smoother when breakfast is already prepared, and I’m not scrambling to put together a healthy lunch.
Reduces Food Waste: I buy exactly what I need for my planned meals and use everything I purchase.
Supports My Protein Goals: As a 46-year-old woman doing strength training, getting adequate protein throughout the day is crucial, and meal prep ensures I hit my targets.
My Complete Week 1 Sunday Prep Timeline
The key to my Sunday success actually started on Saturday. I planned out all my Week 1 meals and finished my grocery shopping by Saturday evening, so I wouldn’t be scrambling on Sunday morning. I even journaled my Sunday prep plan the night before, writing down each step so I could check them off as I completed them. This preparation made such a difference – I felt organized and confident going into my first big meal prep day.
Here’s the 4-hour timeline I followed for my first week of meal prep. After planning everything out on Saturday and journaling my approach, I felt ready to tackle this organized schedule on Sunday morning.
Note: I use my Instant Pot for cooking lentils and quinoa, which speeds up the process significantly. All recipes can also be made on the stovetop – I’ll include both methods in the detailed recipes next week.
9:00 AM – First Wave Prep (Getting Organized)
Begin soaking 1.5 cups red lentils in water (helps with better digestion, enhanced nutrition and faster cooking time)
Chop all vegetables and organize into recipe-specific piles:
Egg Muffins: 1 cup spinach, 1 red bell pepper, 1/2 onion, 4-6 green chilies
Masoor Dal: 1 onion, 2 tomatoes, 4 cloves garlic, 2-3 inch ginger, 6 green chilies I like mine spicy. You can limit to 1 green chilli for less spice.
Vegetable Sabzi: 2 cups cauliflower, 1 cup green beans, 1 cup carrots, 1 onion
Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl: 1 cucumber, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, 1/4 red onion, 1/4 cup parsley
Vegetable Soup: 2 carrots, 2 celery stalks, 1 onion, 2 tomatoes, 1 cup green beans
10:00 AM – Second Wave Prep (Starting the Cooking)
Start egg muffins
Beat 8 eggs + 4 egg whites
Mix in chopped vegetables and spices
Pour into silicone muffin tray, bake 20 minutes at 350°F
Begin cooking quinoa:
Rinse 1 cup quinoa thoroughly
Add to Instant Pot with 1.5 cups water (or stovetop with 2 cups water)
Instant Pot: High pressure 1 minute, natural release
Stovetop: Bring to boil, reduce heat, simmer 15 minutes
Start cooking lentils:
Drain soaked lentils
Add to Instant Pot with 4 cups water and chopped vegetables (or stovetop with 4 cups water)
Instant Pot: High pressure 8 minutes, natural release
Stovetop: Simmer 20-25 minutes until soft
11:00 AM – Third Wave Prep (Multiple Dishes Going)
Prepare vegetable sabzi:
Sauté spices and onions in a pan
Add mixed vegetables, cook until 80% done (they’ll finish cooking when reheated)
Start vegetable soup:
Sauté onions, carrots, and celery
Add remaining ingredients and herbs, simmer 20 minutes
12:00 PM – Final Wave Prep (Finishing Touches)
Make protein energy balls:
Blend dates, nuts, protein powder, flaxseed, and cocoa
Roll into 10 equal balls
Prepare veggie sticks:
Cut cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots into sticks
Divide into 5 containers with damp paper towels
Portion Non-Fat Plain Greek yogurt:
Divide into 5 small containers (150g each)
Prepare oatmeal bases:
Mix oats with flaxseed and spices, portion into containers
Set up overnight oats with chia seeds and plant based milk. I use almond milk.
Storage & Organization
Container Recommendations:
Glass containers are ideal for freezer storage – they don’t absorb odors and heat evenly when reheating
BPA-free plastic containers work well too, especially for soups (freeze in freezer bags, then transfer to containers)
Avoid regular plastic containers in the freezer as they can become brittle and may retain odors
For soups: Freezer bags laid flat save space and thaw quickly
This strategy ensures nothing loses its taste or texture, and I’m eating the freshest possible meals throughout the week.
Have you tried meal prep before? What worked or didn’t work for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!
The meal plan and nutritional information shared in this post are based on internet research, personal experience, and general wellness principles. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Every individual’s nutritional needs, health conditions, and weight loss requirements are unique. Before beginning any new diet plan or weight loss program, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional, registered dietitian, or your physician, especially if you have any underlying health conditions, are taking medications, or have specific dietary restrictions. The author is not a medical professional or certified nutritionist. Results may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always prioritize your health and safety above any fitness or weight loss goals.
This blog is not intended to teach a particular nutrition pattern but to share what worked for me.
I am in my mid-40s. The last time I attempted to get in shape, I focused on cardio and eating right but made mistakes with my protein intake. I ended up losing weight but did not appear healthy.
I am 46 years old, and with winter came hibernation and a lack of interest in physical activities due to the cold. I enjoy being physically active outdoors, but with chronic sinus issues, I get headaches even when bundled up in the cold and going for walks. I felt disconnected from my strength training and cardio as well, despite having a gym in our condo.
The last few months, however, I have sincerely been making attempts to slowly get back to eating healthy and doing more physical activities. What I have noticed is that despite being more physically active and eating consciously, I was not losing weight. Even a little indulgence showed up on my weight scale.
So, I have been focusing on more protein-rich foods and healthy foods for my age and perimenopause. Through my research on health and nutrition websites, I learned that women over 45 need increased protein intake to maintain muscle mass and that perimenopause can affect metabolism and weight distribution.
During this time, I also committed to strength training 3-4 times a week and cardio through brisk walks or other activities. From my research, I learned that adequate protein intake becomes even more crucial when doing strength training, especially for women over 45. Protein helps preserve muscle mass during weight loss and supports recovery after workouts.
Through this journey, I remind myself of the need to feel healthy and be physically active for my body and mind, and that it is not about achieving a certain size. Honestly, the need to physically lose weight to fit better in clothes is there, but I consciously choose to be gentler with myself and my body, to prioritize what is right for my body rather than how I perceive my body should be. I try my best to listen to my body and skip workouts on days when I truly feel the need to rest or am not feeling good. Some days, even when I feel lazy, I try to put on my shoes and take my dog out. After just a 5-minute walk, I feel the enthusiasm and energy to finish my walk. My reward is my dog’s happiness too. It is a balance between laziness and maybe the true rest our body requires.
I plan on sharing my diet journey and the kinds of food I consume. I am a vegetarian and can eat eggs, so my diet focuses on that. As I do not personally like mushrooms, I have avoided them.
What really pushed me toward meal planning was my tendency to reach out for desserts and fried snacks when I felt like treating myself, or grabbing high-calorie convenience foods when hunger hit unexpectedly. These occasional indulgences were setting me back despite all my conscious healthy eating efforts.
So, I ensured I did proper meal planning on the weekend for the week and planned what foods I would have each day. I planned and packed my snacks too, so I wouldn’t have to wonder what I would eat during pangs of hunger. This helped me a great deal to curtail my urge to eat unhealthy processed foods. Once my meal planning was done for the week, I felt such relief knowing that part of my life was taken care of. Each day, I could focus on cooking for the rest of my family without consistently worrying about what I would eat or whether I was making the right choices for myself.
As I have mentioned in the disclaimer, this is just what worked for me. This may give you an idea of how you can meal plan for yourself.
Please know that we are not alone and we have many others who struggle like us. It is best to not be too hard on us and take this one step at a time. I feel even doing the meal plan and going through each day is a reward and the best thing we can do for our body.
Some of the foods we prepare can be frozen after they’re freshly made and cooled, so we can just heat them up when needed. From what I’ve read, freezing helps maintain nutritional value better than keeping cooked food in the refrigerator for a full week.
Through the end of the first week, I lost 3 pounds of weight – which I had struggled to lose with just physical activity and conscious eating. Meal prep truly helped me eliminate my urges.
If you are someone like me, this will help. This is tailored for 45+ women who may be entering their perimenopause phase.
I hope to improve upon my blog structure for meal planning and share more meal prep ideas. Please share your suggestions, thoughts, and whether this worked for you. If there are any helpful ideas, please share them in the comments. It would benefit me and others who are on their healthy body journey.
As Mental Health Awareness Month prompts us to reflect on what truly nurtures our wellbeing, I find myself thinking about relationships – specifically, the ones that, despite our best efforts, aren’t meant to last.
I recently faced this with someone who once meant a great deal to me. After experiencing hurt, I valued the relationship enough to offer peace, to make things lighter, to do my best from my end. I genuinely tried to nurture what we had, hoping we could rebuild what was lost. Yet despite these sincere efforts, I eventually realized something important: sometimes the same patterns that caused the initial hurt remain, even after forgiveness has been offered and accepted.
Some relationships naturally drift apart, as though they were never truly meant to endure. The pattern can be particularly painful: a relationship forms, hurt occurs, distance grows, forgiveness follows, reconnection happens… only for the same cycle to repeat itself months or years later.
What I’ve learned about mental health through this experience is profound. Our inner voice often whispers the truth long before we’re ready to hear it. That feeling of something not being quite right – that’s wisdom trying to protect us.
I believe that prioritizing mental health means honoring those internal signals. It means recognizing when a connection depletes rather than replenishes us. It’s not about blame or holding grudges; it’s about acknowledging the reality of what is, rather than clinging to what we hoped could be.
Not every relationship that enters our life is meant to remain there permanently. Some connections serve their purpose for a season, teaching us necessary lessons before we continue separate paths.
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is that forgiveness doesn’t obligate us to restore a relationship that repeatedly shows itself to be unhealthy.
I don’t believe we should forget the experiences that have shaped us. Each relationship – even the painful ones – has contributed to who we are today. These moments have taught us about boundaries, about ourselves, about what we truly need from connections that deserve space in our lives.
The journey toward better mental health often involves making peace with the reality that some chapters in our story are meant to close. This isn’t failure – it’s growth.
As Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us, we must come first in our own lives.
The greatest responsibility we have is to nurture our own wellbeing. No one else carries this responsibility for us – it is ours alone.
Sometimes, protecting that wellbeing means making thoughtful decisions about which relationships deserve our continued investment, which ones should be honored from a distance, and which should be released entirely.
This is crucial to our mental health – recognizing what brings us peace versus what disturbs it, acknowledging those feelings, and honoring them instead of pushing them aside. There’s wisdom in our discomfort that deserves to be heard.
There’s profound courage in recognizing when a relationship consistently disrupts your peace. Sometimes the most compassionate choice – both for yourself and the other person – is to release the expectation that things will be different next time.
Forgiveness doesn’t always mean restoration. Sometimes, it simply means freedom – the freedom to wish someone well on their journey while continuing your own, unburdened by regret or obligation.
In honoring our mental health, we learn that some of the most important boundaries we’ll ever set are the ones that protect our peace, even when others don’t understand. And that’s not just okay – it’s essential.
What have you realized about relationships that has been crucial for your mental health? What wisdom has your journey taught you about the connection between healthy boundaries and wellbeing?
Every time she shares these childhood memories – even though I’ve heard them countless times – I find myself filled with the same joy and wonder that lights up her face. I have gathered here some of the stories she has shared with me over the years. I never grow tired of listening to these tales. Instead, I am marveled at the innocence and plain adoration she has for her siblings. Watching her describe these incidents with such delight, even now at seventy-two, fills me with gratitude for her, for her upbringing, and for the joy she carries through life.
In a recent video call, my mother narrated her times with her siblings. Even though I listened to many of these stories before, I was delighted and engaged in her stories, smiling at her enthusiastic narrations of her childhood times with her cute expressions.
My mother with her younger brother Subi Mama
My mom Lakshmi’s face lights up when she talks about her family. At seventy-two, she still giggles like a child when she mentions Subi Mama, her younger brother and partner in mischief. When she speaks of Vicha Mama (Vishwanathan), her elder brother who was thirteen years older, she transforms into a respectful student, still in awe of his wisdom. And then there’s Balamma, whom we lovingly call Pedhamma (which means “elder mother” in Telugu), who was 15 years older than my mother and whose quiet strength has inspired us all.
When Mom talks about her brothers, her whole face changes. Stories about Subi Mama bring out her playful side – she smiles and laughs with that same childhood mischief in her eyes. But when she speaks of Vicha Mama, she becomes almost reverent – still grateful for her brother’s loving guidance.
My mother’s elder brother Vicha Mama
The Salt Surprise
When my mother was a little girl, she had a sweet tooth that often got her into trouble. Whenever she thought no one was looking, her small hands would sneak into the sugar box. She’d keep watch at the door while quickly scooping sugar into her mouth, enjoying her secret treat.
What she didn’t know was that Vicha Mama, her elder brother who was studying to be a doctor, had noticed her sugar stealing. One day, he quietly switched the sugar and salt containers.
That afternoon, when my mother dipped her fingers into what she thought was sugar, her face twisted in shock as salt filled her mouth.
“You think you had sugar,” Vicha Mama said, suddenly appearing in the doorway with a stern face hiding a hint of a smile. “But now it’s salt. I know what you’ve been doing, all that stealing.”
He made her finish what was in her mouth. “You need to swallow it all,” he said firmly.
Tears filled my mother’s eyes as she swallowed, but the lesson stuck with her forever. It wasn’t meant to be cruel – it was Vicha Mama’s way of teaching her to be honest, even when nobody seemed to be watching.
She is 72 years old now and still sneaks sugar and candies when we’re not looking. I’ll catch her with a sweet in her mouth, and she’ll give me that same guilty smile from her childhood stories.
Sweet Mango Days
Summer meant mangoes – sweet and juicy. Vicha Mama would hand-pick the ripest ones and bring them home for his younger siblings. My mother and Subi Mama would sit together eating mangoes, juice dripping down their chins, giggling as they enjoyed their treat.
“This is the best thing in the world even with the fiber that gets stuck in your teeth, it made it even more fun,” my mother would say, with those naughty eyes. I never understood how she could be so excited about something that left strings between your teeth, but her enthusiasm was infectious.
But one day, my mother got suspicious. She thought her elder brother was keeping the biggest, juiciest mangoes for himself. When no one was looking, she stole a large, perfect-looking mango from his room.
Her excitement quickly turned to disappointment when her first bite revealed it was sour and unripe. Before she could hide the evidence, Vicha Mama found her.
“Why don’t you wait for me to give you the best mango?” he asked, looking disappointed but not angry. “The best mangoes have wrinkles on the skin – that means they’re sweet. The big, smooth ones are usually sour.”
He made her eat the entire mango, teaching her another lesson: patience is virtue.
Learning Order from Chaos
Vicha Mama believed in teaching his siblings how to take care of themselves. On Saturday afternoons, he would empty their cupboards, throwing all the clothes on the floor in what looked like a mess. But he had a plan.
“Watch carefully,” he would say, showing them exactly how to fold each piece of clothing. “By the time I come back, everything needs to be back in the cupboard, neatly organized.”
Even the freshly ironed clothes weren’t spared from this weekly lesson. My mother and Subi Mama would work together, their small hands learning to transform disorder into harmony. These Saturday organizing sessions became a kind of ritual – first the chaos, then the teamwork, and finally the satisfaction of a job well done.
Penmanship and Character
“Your handwriting must be neat and very clear. It must reflect your mind,” Vicha Mama once told my mother, and she took this to heart.
He taught his little sister to leave exactly one little finger’s width between each word. He would watch as she practiced, gently guiding her hand across the page. “Make each letter clear,” he would say.
Today, at seventy-two, my mother’s handwriting is still beautiful – whether she’s writing in English, Telugu, or Tamil. Each letter is carefully formed, each word has its proper space. Her writing isn’t just words on paper – it’s a kind of art that shows how clearly she thinks.
Watching her write even a simple note is like watching someone who has practiced the same careful movements for decades. Her pen moves smoothly, never rushing. I marvel at her patience in enjoying the writing process – something never meant to be done quickly – in our world of quick typing and text messages.
Learning Self-Reliance
When school started each year, my mother and Subi Mama would first ask their house helper to cover their books with brown paper and put on neat labels. When her elder brother found out about this, he decided it was time for another lesson.
“You’re old enough to do this yourselves,” he told them, my mother studying in ninth grade at that time.
Step by step, he showed them how to measure the paper, make clean folds, and secure the corners. “From now on, you’ll do this yourselves,” he said.
This skill stayed with my mother her whole life. Years later, I would watch in amazement as she covered our schoolbooks with the same careful attention, neatly binding them. Those bindings weren’t just neat – they stayed strong and firm throughout the school year, protecting our books through daily wear and countless openings.
Paper Bits in the Breeze
While Vicha Mama was the teacher, my mother found a best friend in her younger brother, Subi Mama. When their parents would go out to see a movie, the siblings would say:
“Oh, you go. We’ll be fine at home” with angelic faces masking the playful schemes already forming in their minds.
Once alone, they would tear paper into tiny pieces, gather them in their hands, and run outside to throw them into the air, watching the bits float like snow. They never got caught for these small adventures, their shared secret bringing them closer together.
In the 50s and 60s, when social media was not part of the world and with many homes not having a television, children found creative ways to spend their time and play. I would say back then there was more quality time spent with each other, and people had a lot more time appreciating the little things in life.
As they grew up, their connection stayed just as strong. Being separated by less than two years in age helped them see each other not just as siblings but as true confidants. They became each other’s trusted friends, protectors, and supporters through life’s journey – their deep bond nurtured by those childhood conspiracies.
Strength Through Silence
My mother with her eldest sister (my mother on left, Pedhamma on the right)
Apart from these childhood adventures was Balamma, my mother’s eldest sister. Married young, as was common then, Pedhamma only appears in my mother’s early memories as a visitor who came home with her young son during vacations. But her influence on our family was deep and lasting.
Pedhamma’s life was filled with heartbreak – a genetic disease in her husband’s family took not only her husband but two of her children as well. As a single mother, she faced these terrible losses and many other hardships with a quiet dignity that touched everyone who knew her.
What made Pedhamma so special wasn’t just that she survived these troubles, but that she never felt sorry for herself or became bitter. She never complained, never acted like a victim, never let her own pain stop her from loving others. She would cry for someone else’s problems before even mentioning her own, facing each new challenge with quiet strength and dignity instead of giving up.
When my mother or her siblings had problems in their own lives, they would think of their eldest sister. Their troubles would suddenly seem smaller compared to what she had been through and how gracefully she handled it all.
Today, Pedhamma’s memory lives on in our family. Her name stands for accepting life’s hardships with dignity – not by giving up, but by acknowledging reality in a way that lets you move forward without being defined by your troubles. She showed them that real strength isn’t about avoiding hard times, but about how you carry yourself through them. Her perseverance, patience and love showed all of us how to accept life’s challenges and act from the place of now.
Stories that Bind Us
My childhood summers were filled with fun and excitement of meeting my cousins and staying at my Mamas’ and Pedhamma’s.
At Vicha Mama’s, I’d bubble with excitement as he’d greet me at Warangal station with that precious flask of vanilla ice cream – a small gesture that made me feel so special.
My time at Pedhamma’s house created another kind of joy – simple, happy times spent playing with neighborhood children, exploring freely in a loving space under the watchful eyes of my mother’s eldest sister. Pedhamma spoke little but loved deeply – strict yet never judgmental. Her quiet way of showing affection created a peaceful haven I looked forward to every school break.
Then there were the magical stays at Subi Mama’s home in Bhimli. His house, surrounded by mango trees in the ashram grounds, became my childhood paradise. The sound of ocean waves in the nights felt soothing and shifted us to a place of calmness. There was nothing like the thrill of climbing those mango trees with my cousins or playing hide-and-seek within that big compound.
Even now, when my mother and Subi Mama get together, the years fall away and they become those children again – the ones who once threw paper bits into the summer breeze. When she tells stories about their mischief, her eyes light up with that same playful sparkle, her laughter as fresh as it must have been back then. And when she talks about Vicha Mama, her voice fills with the same respect and love she’s felt her whole life for the brother who taught her so many important lessons – sometimes strict, always loving, forever shaping the person she became.
In my mother’s life at seventy-two, her relationships with her siblings remain the strongest foundation in her life. Their love for each other, the playfulness, and wisdom continue to influence not just her, but all of us who came after. The reverence we children feel for our Mamas and Pedhamma mirrors what my mother feels for her own siblings – a cycle of love and respect that continues through generations.
The stories she shares now – about sugar turned to salt, about sour and sweet mangoes, about paper pieces floating in the wind – are more than just childhood memories. They form the foundation of who she is. There is a special joy in watching my mother become a child again, her face lighting up as she relives these precious moments from her past.
In a small orphanage at the edge of a busy city lived a little girl named Eva. Her dark brown curls framed her almond-colored face. While other children complained of boredom, Eva found magic in the ordinary – ants carrying crumbs in perfect lines, raindrops racing down windowpanes, dandelion seeds drifting on summer air.
Unlike the other children who felt the ache of being parentless, Eva carried a different truth in her heart. Years ago, when she was tiny and weeping because she had no parents, her teacher had knelt beside her.
“You are not an orphan, dear,” the teacher had said softly. “Your true Father and Mother live in your heart.”
Those words planted roots deep in Eva’s soul. She embraced them completely, with that pure, unquestioning faith that only children possess. Not once did doubt cloud her certainty. While other children dreamed of being chosen by new parents, Eva already knew she belonged to someone greater than any earthly parent could be.
Each night, Eva knelt beside her small bed, hands folded tight in prayer. She spoke not to some faraway god but to a Father she knew listened to every whispered word:
My Father, please help me be happy My Father, please show me the way towards You My Father, please help me find my dream My Father, please help me know Your Will for me My Father, be my guide in my heart
On the night before her seventh birthday, after Eva finished her prayer, Eva asked her Father.
Father, could I hear Your voice? Could I see You, just once?
This wasn’t her doubt speaking – it was a child’s heart longing to be closer to someone beloved.
She chose her most treasured dress for the occasion – a light blue sleeveless one with white ruffle frills that touched her knees. It had come in a donation box, but somehow it fit her perfectly, as if meant just for her. She smoothed the fabric with care before climbing into bed, certain that tonight, her birthday night, she would finally meet her Father face to face.
Chapter 2: The Forest’s Welcome
Birdsong woke her – not the usual morning chirps but something musical and intentional, like a birthday melody created just for her. Eva opened her eyes, not to peeling ceiling paint but to ancient trees dappled with golden sunlight.
Fear never touched her. Instead, she felt something like coming home after a long journey – as if the orphanage had been the dream and this forest her real home. The air filled her lungs differently here, each breath deep and sweet.
Eva understood immediately – this was extraordinary and more than a dream. This was an answer, an invitation. The feeling of love surrounding her in this place, the happiness bubbling up from somewhere deep inside – this was her Father’s presence. The forest itself spoke His love directly to her heart.
A blue butterfly landed lightly on her curls. A hummingbird buzzed close, carrying a tiny white flower in its beak, which it tucked gently into her hair. Eva giggled, delighted.
Eva sensing that the beauty around her was a language of love meant just for her, whispered:
“Thank you for inviting me, Father“
A family of deer emerged from between the trees, eyes gentle and knowing. The mother deer approached and nudged Eva’s hand with her velvety nose, then gestured with her head for the girl to follow. The fawn pranced around her excitedly, occasionally rushing back to touch noses with Eva before darting ahead again.
As they walked, Eva noticed how different this forest felt from the small park near the orphanage. The air was pure, each breath filling her with energy. The sky above showed patches of clearest blue, with clouds that seemed to hang low enough to touch, as if welcoming her presence.
In the distance, mountains stood like wise guardians, ancient and knowing. The trees along the path swayed gently, creating a refreshing breeze that carried the scent of wildflowers and old bark. And the flowers themselves – they seemed to turn toward her as she passed, their blossoms brightening, as if offering greeting.
“Everything is alive here“
Eva whispered to herself, understanding intuitively that in this place, everything was aware – conscious in ways she couldn’t fully comprehend but could certainly feel.
Chapter 3: The Garden of Wonder
As the deer family led Eva deeper into the woods, more animals began to appear. Rabbits peeked from behind ferns, squirrels paused on branches to watch her, and butterflies danced around her head.
The mother deer stopped in a patch of sunlight. She looked at Eva, then up at the trees. Eva followed her gaze.
At first, she saw only branches and leaves. But then she noticed how the leaves moved together, like they were talking to each other. The birds weren’t just flying – they were carrying messages from tree to tree.
The fawn nudged Eva’s hand and led her to a puddle of water. When she looked down, she saw not just her reflection but somehow the reflection of the entire forest. In that moment, something clicked in her heart.
“Oh,” Eva whispered. “It’s all connected.”
A bluebird landed on a nearby branch and began to sing. A rabbit thumped its foot in rhythm. Then the crickets joined in, and even the leaves seemed to rustle in time.
Eva didn’t know how, but she understood what they were telling her: Here, nothing is alone. Here, everything belongs. Here, even the smallest ant matters to the tallest tree.
She felt tears of happiness in her eyes. The animals weren’t showing her magic tricks – they were showing her the truth that had always been there, if only people had eyes to see it.
Her heart so full it could no longer contain itself, Eva began to sing. The words came to her as naturally as breathing:
Hidden treasures everywhere, In the earth and in the air. Now my eyes can truly see How we’re bound, eternally.
Father’s love flows through this place, Touching each with gentle grace. Tiny seed and mighty tree, All belong in harmony.
Thank you for this gift so rare, This secret world You chose to share. In my heart I make this vow: I’ll remember what I’ve found now.
When her song ended, the forest responded with a sudden chorus of bird calls, as if applauding. A shower of golden light filtered through the canopy above, touching her face with warmth like a loving hand.
The deer motioned with her head for Eva to follow again. Just ahead, sunlight poured into a clearing where an ancient oak spread its massive branches. Beneath it, an old man tended a garden of plants Eva had never seen before – flowers whose petals seemed to glow from within, medicinal plants whose spicy-sweet fragrances mingled and danced in the air around them. His home was a shelter crafted from interwoven branches and leaves, resembling a giant bird’s nest.
“The birds taught me how,” he would later explain to her with a smile. “They are the greatest architects of the forest.”
The old man looked up. His kind eyes showed no surprise at seeing a seven-year-old girl in a blue dress standing at the edge of his garden, accompanied by woodland creatures.
“Ah, Eva,” he said in a gentle voice. “We’ve been expecting you.”
Throughout the day, Eva experienced wonders beyond imagination. She drank nectar directly from flowers that bent toward her lips, tasted exotic fruits that grew nowhere in her known world, and helped the old man prepare a simple lunch of forest vegetables with lemon and creamy milk made from forest nuts that tasted divine.
“Why is there so much food?” she asked, watching animals come and go, each taking only what they needed.
“In this place,” the old man explained, “there is always enough. No being claims more than they require, and so no being ever lacks. The animals are not lesser than humans here – indeed, in many ways, they understand better how to live in harmony with creation.”
Chapter 4: Father’s Voice
As evening approached, the clouds above the clearing parted, and warm, golden light poured down like honey. Eva felt wrapped in something she couldn’t see but could certainly feel – love, pure and simple.
A voice spoke to her, not through her ears but straight to her heart:
“Few children ever find this place, Eva. You’ve come because your heart has always been open to love.”
Eva stood still, breathing in the golden light. She noticed it dancing around the edges of her blue dress.
“My sweet child,” the voice continued, warm as summer sunshine, “you look so pretty in your special dress. Did you wear it just for me?”
Eva nodded, her face breaking into a delighted smile.
“It’s my favorite,” she whispered. “I wanted to look nice when I met you.”
When the voice fell quiet, Eva gathered her courage. The question she’d wondered about for so long finally found its way out.
“What would you like me to call you?” she asked softly.
“What would you like me to call you?” she asked softly.
A feeling like a gentle smile surrounded her.
“People call me by many names. You can use any that feels right to you.”
Eva thought for a moment, her fingers fidgeting with the ruffle on her dress. Looking up into the golden light, she asked,
“Can I call you my Father?”
The light glowed brighter, like a sunrise.
“I am your Father, Eva. I always have been.”
Tears filled her eyes, happy tears that rolled down her cheeks. For a long moment, she simply stood there, letting the words sink deep.
The light shifted, like someone kneeling down to be at her level.
“You’re wondering about going back, aren’t you?” the voice said gently. “About how to find your way when you return to the orphanage.”
Eva looked up in surprise.
“How did you know what I was thinking?”
“I’m always with you, little one. I know you better than you know yourself.”
She nodded, suddenly shy.
“When I go back… how will I hear you talking to me like this?”
The light seemed to come closer, like a father embracing his child in his arms.
“My voice is quieter there, but it’s still the same voice,” her Father explained. “When you feel peace inside even when things are hard outside, that’s me speaking to you. When you know something is right deep in your heart, that’s me guiding you. Just stay open, like these flowers that always turn toward the sun.”
“But what if someone is mean to me?”
Eva asked, thinking of one of the older girls who sometimes pulled her hair.
“What if I need help and I can’t hear you?”
The light wrapped around her like a warm blanket.
“I’m with you even then, Eva. Sometimes being brave means walking away. Sometimes it means finding someone who can help you. Love doesn’t mean letting others hurt you – it means finding the wisest way forward. When you’re not sure what to do, just get quiet inside and listen. I’ll always find a way to guide you.”
Eva looked at the light around her and smiled.
“Father,” she asked, “in my prayers I always ask to know Your will for me. What is it that You want me to do with my life?”
Her Father’s presence seemed to brighten around her.
“My Will for you, dear one, is simple: to love and be grateful. To see the world as you see it now, with everything connected. To do all things from your heart, whether they seem big or small. When you wash dishes, do it with love. When you help someone, do it with your whole heart. And always remember to be thankful – for the sunrise, for a kind word, for the air you breathe.”
The light gently touched her cheek, like a parent wiping away an unshed tear.
“I don’t need you to do any one specific thing, Eva. I only ask that you bring love and gratitude to everything you do. Your unique way of seeing beauty in simple things is already a gift to the world.”
Eva pondered this for a moment. Then, looking down at her small hands, she asked her next question.
“Father, I’m just a little girl,” she said. “What difference can I make in such a big world?”
“That doesn’t matter, beloved child. What matters is what you choose in each moment. Every choice creates ripples that spread farther than you’ll ever see.
The results of your choices aren’t yours to control. Once you’ve chosen with love, let go of what happens next. The outcome isn’t yours to keep – it was never yours.
A single kind word to someone hurting might save a life you’ll never meet. Standing for truth might spark courage in hearts unknown to you. The smallest act of love ripples outward endlessly, touching shores you’ll never visit.
This is peace – to act with love and then release all attachment to what comes of it. This is how even a little girl becomes light in a shadowed world.”
Eva felt something heavy lift from her shoulders. She didn’t have to fix everything – just do her small part with love.
Looking up into the golden light, she asked her final question, the one she’d wondered about most of all.
“How will I see you when I go back?”
The light grew softer, and her Father answered in words that seemed to sing:
I’m in the love that fills your heart, In happiness that makes you smile. I’m in your faith that never wavers, In your surrender, filled with trust.
When you share kindness with all beings, From tiniest ant to tallest tree, That’s when you see me most clearly – In love that flows abundantly.
Look for me in passing clouds, In birds that soar on gentle wing. I dwell in people all around you, In every plant and living thing.
I live within the smallest atom, While universes rest in me. I’m found in kindness and compassion, In all the goodness you can see.
I’m in your courage when life’s hard, In strength that helps you stand. I’m in the calm that finds your heart, When dark thoughts cloud your mind.
I flow within your very blood, child, And in each breath that gives you life. Open your heart to feel my presence – I’m always here, in joy and strife.
Eva closed her eyes, letting the words wash over her. When she opened them again, she saw the forest differently – every leaf, every creature, every ray of sunlight now shimmered with her Father’s presence.
“I see you now,” she whispered, “everywhere.”
Chapter 5: The Inner Light
From the golden light descended a pendant with an emerald stone that seemed to hold the forest’s essence within its depths. A delicate chain formed itself around the stone and gently floated toward Eva, settling around her neck. The pendant came to rest against her heart, warm and pulsing with the same rhythm as her own heartbeat.
“As you asked in your prayers, my will for you is to experience your world with love and kindness, sharing creation’s beauty with all you meet. This pendant will remind you of what you’ve seen here – a secret knowledge to carry in your heart.”
The golden light gradually faded, leaving Eva standing in the clearing with the emerald pendant warm against her skin, glowing with an inner light that matched her heartbeat.
The old gardener approached, kneeling down to her level and placing his weathered hands gently on her shoulders. His eyes held the same loving warmth she’d felt in God’s presence.
“It is time to return, sweet heart,” he said softly, drawing her into a gentle hug that felt like a blessing.
When he released her, he motioned with a loving sweep of his arm toward the wolf pack waiting silently at the clearing’s edge.
“They will guide you safely home.”
The largest wolf, silver-furred with amber eyes, bowed its head low. Eva followed the wolves through the twilight forest, her heart full of wonders seen and wisdom given.
She woke the next morning in her small orphanage bed. For a moment, she thought it had all been a beautiful dream – until she felt something heavy and warm against her chest. Looking down, she found the emerald pendant, glowing with an inner light that only she could see.
Eva smiled, tucking the pendant beneath her dress. Its origin would remain her secret, but its message she would share through how she lived – with kindness, with wonder, and with a heart surrendered to a wisdom greater than her own.
From the times of Covid when work from home became the norm, remote work has presented unique challenges, particularly in understanding and connecting with colleagues. You learn to interpret coworkers from whatever little they share during meetings or daily standups. Emotionally connecting with peers has been difficult, not to mention how crucial it is to understand each other to work effectively as a team.
Years ago, a new colleague joined our company. He sounded very sarcastic, often cutting people off and calling out mistakes in a somewhat snobbish manner when someone didn’t understand or comprehend what he shared. He quickly developed a reputation as a difficult person to work with, and very soon I had formed an opinion of him as being hard to collaborate with, intimidating, and aggressive. Let’s call him “Jacob” for privacy reasons.
With many new people joining our team at that time, I had suggested at our Retro meeting that it would help us bond if we did a casual team building exercise. I was pleased when my scrum master and manager agreed, seeing value in such an activity. My manager went the extra mile by preparing some creative questions for the team.
One question asked everyone to share something about their childhood – what was their best learning experience or what they wished they had learned better.
When Jacob’s turn came, what he shared caused a paradigm shift in how I perceived him.
Jacob revealed that he was orphaned and didn’t know his birth parents. He had moved between several foster homes as a child before being raised by an elderly couple when he was 8 years old in rural Iowa. His foster parents had a big farm with neighbors half a mile away. There weren’t many children his age nearby with whom he could relate and play. His foster parents were kind enough to teach him life skills and provide him education. He worked very hard to respect the opportunity he had and to thank his parents too.
He shared with a chuckle that due to his childhood and growing up with elderly parents, he had always struggled with connecting to people his own age. His weakness has been his awkwardness with people, and his communication style has suffered as a result. He acknowledged that he could come across as rude or too direct, but emphasized that he doesn’t do it intentionally – he’s simply struggling with it. He added that he’s actively working to improve.
Hearing him talk shifted something profound in me. It made me realize how quick we are to judge others. We don’t know their full story, and it’s true that to a great extent, our choices and behaviors are heavily influenced by our life circumstances and childhood conditioning.
While it’s important to listen to our instincts when our energy senses something or someone is not good for our mental health, we don’t need to rush to judgment or share harsh opinions. Rather, we can respect our feelings and create appropriate distance when needed, as our primary responsibility is to take care of ourselves.
We tend to waste our energy and time harboring negative feelings towards others or obsessing over “why” or “how could they” behave a certain way. This often leads us to assume things about situations unknown to us. We may never truly understand why people behave the way they do, but we can take care of our wellbeing, know our boundaries, and simply meet people where they are, keeping things uncomplicated. No one is responsible for our happiness except ourselves.
One fine day, I see saggy eyes, wrinkles on my skin Where were you before? Is it stress, is it my tiredness, is it my depression? That brought you to me. Being noticed not just by me but by family I realize I may be growing older.
Is this how getting old presents itself to me? Witnessing a silver hair Fatigue visiting more often Metabolism slower, body shape unpredictable Seeing younger men and women as my own kids Sometimes a reason for my excuse for stillness.
As time went by, I realize the abuse, neglect and being ungrateful My body has gone through because of me I feel remorseful, sorry, but I cannot change my past She has traveled with me for 46 years non-stop and continues.
I thank you, my divine abode, for providing me the space where my life can live in. You are a gift given by Him You were made just perfect in His eyes I ask for forgiveness from you and promise I will take care of you, To serve you, nurture you in gentleness and humility In gratitude for you as you are His blessing to me.
Thank you for this outer skin you have given me To protect the inner body from heat, germs and things not good for my life in you I promise to be present as my skin is touched with gentleness and love As I bathe and do my skin rituals To ensure my skin feels nourished and happy Not for others to compliment or pass me a second look in wonder But for me to ensure you are happy inside and out.
Thank you for giving me the appetite So I know I must eat so you are nurtured I promise to eat healthy Unprocessed food, greens, vegetables and fruits Plenty of water for hydration Not for me to lose weight or look in a certain way But for you to be happy and healthy, So that my life in you can live a minute more.
Thank you for the bones, muscles and organs That function and that work as magic To carry the life in me forward So I have another moment of living I promise to take care of you Through my walks, jogging, exercise Lifting weights so your muscles do not weaken For me to ensure you feel strong and happy.
Thank you, God, for this beautiful body To choose You through my actions this lifetime Giving me another chance This body being one of the most beautiful miracles created by You.
Dear God, please give me the mind, realizations, intention To only choose You To be grateful, loving to my body and all the gifts You have given me To live each day with purpose and meaning Using this most precious gift given to me by You.
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