Last week was one of those weeks that didn’t feel like anything would go right. And I kept finding more and more things to get upset about. I was drowning in frustration. And my attitude just made things worse. It’s amazing what a negative attitude can do. At one point, I was cry-yelling at home, by myself, to no one. I had finally hit my tipping point.
Now looking back on it, getting that upset about simple stuff was so incredibly pointless. It was a waste of energy and a waste of cortisol. But at the moment, it was such a big deal. I called a reputable company (zero res – seriously don’t ever use them) for carpet cleaning and couch cleaning and the creepiest guy came out. Maybe he was creepy because I listen to so many murder podcasts so everyone is up to no good in my head, but he was pretty creepy…and I was home alone. Anyways, he first cleaned our couch which took about 2 hours then quickly cleaned our rug. When I walked in the room, I noticed that the tarp he put down was covering part of the rug…turns out, he never moved that tarp so he forgot to clean the dirtiest part of our rug. How do you forget to clean the one thing that you’re cleaning?
My anger truly engulfed me. It was so unattractive but I couldn’t rid myself from it even with a good workout, a good meal, and working my ass off to get my work done before I left for Vegas.
Then Vegas came along. Thank the lawd for Vegas last weekend. I swear, if you are thinking about going to Vegas anytime soon, make it one night. There is really no reason to go more than one night. I worked out in the am back home in Colorado, flew out in the afternoon with two of my friends, went to dinner at my favorite Thai restaurant Lotus of Siam, went to the club until 4am, got 4 hours of sleep, breakfast, then flew back home. And luckily, my phone didn’t really work when I was there, so I got away from work completely. But it was only 20 hours so it wasn’t a huge deal. And I came home feeling refreshed and not angry anymore. Until I saw the rug again.
But why none of this story is entertaining today and why none of it really matters is because I lost a friend suddenly this week and really none of this crap matters. Not the dirty rug, not the money lost, not my stupid minuscule frustrations. None of it. In this post I planned on talking about making better choices on Halloween and making treats for yourself so you aren’t tempted by the sh*t fake food available, but I just can’t comprehend putting on some sort of lecture when all I really want people to do is not sweat the small stuff and to be aware that we never know what others are going through. So be kind to others. When someone cuts you off on the highway, remember that they may be going through something. When someone is rude to you on the phone, remember that you don’t know what their day has looked like. There are plenty of assh*les out there, but there are also plenty of people who are just going through something that we just don’t understand. So today, just try to be kind to others. Compliment someone you don’t know, smile at someone on the street, pay for someone’s coffee in line. Just do something nice for someone that may be able to turn their day around. We live in a tough world and you never know when a small act of kindness could go a long way. So enjoy a Halloween treat, enjoy the people around you, and enjoy the little moments.
Pumpkin Spice Chocolate Chip Energy Balls
- Yield: 15 energy balls 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw cashew butter (8 ounces)
- 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 8 pitted dates
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons vanilla protein powder
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal
- 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a food processor (except for the chocolate chips) and pulse until completely combine.
- Then fold in chocolate chips until combine. Place in fridge to firm up for about 30 minutes.
- Use a cookie scoop to scoop mixture then press mixture firmly in the cookie scoop. Remove then form ball with hands. Repeat until all mixture is gone, about 14-15 energy balls.
- Store in fridge until serving.
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More Halloween Balls!!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Balls
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So sorry for your loss, Julie. Right before reading this I was throwing myself a pity party because of a few (now completely insignificant) things gone wrong – and after reading your post I slapped myself out of woe is me mode and realized there is so much to be grateful for. When life is going a million miles a minute we often forget to enjoy the small things. After reading your post, I’ll be telling my loved ones what they mean to me! Thanks for the reminder 🙂
Hi Juli,
I don’t ever write comments but I can’t help myself now after reading your post. I’m very sorry about your friend. Life sucks sometimes and the worst part is when we lose someone close to us. I am amazed at how you are still able to maintain a positive outlook, especially given all of the other things that have happened to you lately.
I just thought I would let you know that you are amazing and inspirational and just an awesome person in general. Your blog is literally the only blog I read, and it’s always a part of my day that I look forward to. I love how you don’t ever claim to be perfect, and don’t preach like you have all the answers. You are human and vulnerable just like the rest of us, and the best part is how you are willing to share that with your followers. So THANK YOU for being exactly the way you are. You will be in my prayers 🙂
Juli, so sorry to hear about your loss. There are few things to say to make this time better, so just know that you are in many people’s thoughts and prayers. The subject of your post, not worrying about the small things and doing kind things for others, is such a great one. It’s so easy to get caught up in the little things, so reminders like this post are great. Thanks for all you do!
I am so sorry for the loss of your friend Juli. Thank you for the reminder to not sweat the small stuff. xoxo
Can I substitute cashew for almond butter? Also, another question, would you recommend me buying an open surface donut pan or the donut “maker” machine? I don’t really want to buy both, but would like to make paleo donuts every once in a while. Thanks!
you could, just make sure to not use a super runny almond butter. and i think a donut maker is way easier than the pan so that’s what i would recommend
So sorry to hear about your friend. Thank you for the reminder to reflect on the here and now and cherish our days.
On a separate note I saw that protein power the other day – there was a coco one as well. Do you use it much? Will is mix/ taste good with just water added?
Thanks!
i use the vanilla more because it mixes well with whatever i’m adding it too, but i haven’t tried mixing it with just water
I’ m so sorry to hear about the passing of your friend. The whole world seems to change when someone close to you passes away. Thanks for the reminder to cherish those close to us. I hope your pain eases with time.
On a food note, I made these yesterday. They are wonderful. I am working hard to hold back and parcel them out. My daughter said that “they taste like Christmas.” So good! I used almond butter and chocolate protein powder because that is what I had. Amazing! I look forward to making the recipe as intended someday. Thanks so much!
I’m so sorry to hear about your friend! It’s so tough losing people. I lost my husband 2 years ago and it’s amazing how differently I look at life now and how fragile it is. One day people are here and they next they could be gone without any warning. It puts into perspective what’s important.
Being kind is so important, for others and for our own peace. Doing something nice for someone else is as much for them as it is for us and if more people did it more often, the world would be a better place.
But… creepy guys in your house when you are alone are no fun!!
I can’t wait to try these little tasty morsels. I think they will be perfect to keep in the fridge at work for a mid morning or mid afternoon snack! Thanks Juli!!
So this has been one of my staple snack recipes!! I have to adjust cause I never have flax seed, dates or natural maple syrup in the house. I use honey instead of the maple syrup and leave the other 2 out. They still come out amazing and I can’t stop eating them, I have to restrain myself! I love every recipe I have tried of yours and love trying new ones!! Thanks Juli!!
Do you have the nutritional info on these guys?
i do not, but you can figure out the nutritional info with a calculator online!