I’m getting more cynical as I age. And I hate that. I hate pessimistic people and I always try my best to not be anything like them. I like to make jokes and I may seem pessimistic at times, but I’m really a super happy person. But as I get older, as I see more people’s true colors, as I get more negative emails and comments on my blog and on social media…I can’t help but feel negative towards the world. We live in such a hateful world now and people are constantly saying we need to come together…but even this political race is pulling people even further apart.
So I’ve been searching for ways to find the positive and find the light when it feels like so much darkness. And believe me, there is A LOT of light. I get so many amazing emails and comments and feedback, but I can’t help but drown sometimes in the negativity. It’s weird how we are like that as human. So I think I need something stuff…
- To go on a vacation with no cell reception. That may happen with Lake Powell. Fingers crossed because LP is probably one of my favorite places on earth. And it makes me feel like all is right in the world. But I also have little girls trips coming up this month that will hopefully bring me back to happy JuJu.
- I think I need to listen to fun podcasts that make me laugh. I pretty much have the TV on ALL day just on the food network or cooking channel in hopes of food inspiration, but it doesn’t make me laugh much. I need to laugh more often and be reminded of the happy, bubbly people out there, all while not watching crap TV. Except for the Bachelorette…that’s a must…obviously.
- I need to do yoga. I need to get in tune with my zen side. My friend even sent me 2 free weeks of yoga! Now…I just need a yoga mat to make it official and pull the trigger.
- I don’t know what else. That’s where I need you to come in! What do you do to destress and stay positive when there are things dragging you down? How do you continue to conquer on?!
In case you haven’t seen my Pacific Foods inspired recipes yet, I’ve shared Shrimp & Zucchini Pad Thai, Simple Summer Squash Soup, and Coconut Thai Iced Tea all inspired by products from Pacific Foods!
Today I’m using their unsweetened almond milk to make this delicious and simple strawberry milk! The almond milk is slight sweet and nutty with no unnecessary sugar! If you are new to non-dairy milk, it is high in vitamin E but low in protein. I use their almond milks and other alternative milks in smoothies, blended coffees and protein drinks! You can find the other non-dairy drinks that Pacific Foods has to offer at your local grocery shop or here!
Strawberry Almond Milk
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced strawberries
- 1/2 cup maple sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups Pacific Foods Original Unsweetened Almond Milk, chilled
Instructions
- Place strawberries, maple sugar and vanilla extract in a small saucepan over medium heat and mix until the sugar begins to melt and the strawberries begin to break down, about 10 minutes.
- Add mixture to a blender and blend until smooth then run through a sieve to strain out the seeds.
- Place in fridge to cool completely.
- Mix strawberry syrup with almond milk and serve!
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Hi, can you substitute maple syrup for maple sugar or I also think I have coconut sugar?
Juli – love your blog and it’s the only one I read. I typically avoid people who are negative, but I know that’s not possible for you. Whenever I feel down I try to spend time with positive people. Even if it’s having a quick chat to a happy go lucky co-worker or going for a walk and dropping in at a cafe or salon where I know people and can say a quick hello. They don’t need to know something is upsetting you. Talk about a completely different topic that will cheer you up.
And to those people sending nasty e-mails – there are plenty of other blogs you can follow. Or maybe start your own???
Smoothie looks great. A family member has a nut allergy so I’ve recently started making my own Tiger Nut milk and using it as an almond milk substitute. Num num.
I do yoga when I’m stressed and sometimes I just go for a walk with loud music! Sometimes it’s angry music, sometimes uplifting. Depends on what I’m working out in my head. Avoiding social media helps too, because it often makes me feel bad about myself. I limit to once a day and won’t check it again until the next day. Lastly, I always feel good after I hug my dog. 🙂
I know that you receive a lot of positive comments and praise but it’s hard to forget the negative comments. For some reason, those tend to stick out more than the positive ones. One thing I like to do is turn off my cell phone. It’s really freeing to be unreachable and not spend time on social media for an afternoon/evening/couple hours. That helps me appreciate being in the moment and can make you look at all the wonderful things around! And I know for every five positive comments, you get a negative one, and frankly- it’s hard to shake the bad vibes but just know that your readers love you for your honesty and it’s been so fun to see you evolve into such a rad human!!
Those pictures are BEAUTIFUL. I don’t even know what to say about the negative comments- “that sucks” doesn’t seem to cut it. I’ve never understood why someone would expel energy to be nasty to someone else. You are just doing you, something I think more people should try. I hope you find some laughter today!
PS I’ve really been digging the “No Agenda Show” podcast 😀
Gonna make this for breakfast today! I’m a pessimist by nature, but I try super hard to be positive! I second yoga, amazing for clearing the mind and getting rid of stress. I also like long hot baths by candlelight with Lush bath bombs, and long hikes with waterfalls. Also ice cream. These are just a few tiny things that make me happy ???? Love your blog Julie, keep on keeping on!
I’m sure getting a barrage of negative comments and emails feels like a huge punch in the face but remember, that is ONE TINY group of people in a huge world full of all kinds of people. I hope you know in your heart of hearts, even when the shitty negativity is getting you down, that the TRUTH is that you actually help people. You inspire them and your work spreads positive change for so many. When people choose to act unkindly, it is not because of anything YOU have done. It is all about the other person. Whenever I have encountered unkindness (including me towards myself!), I try to remember that people who choose to act unkindly need love more than anyone, and that they are suffering. That’s not to say you should just accept abusive and hateful words that come your way–but just remember that people who choose to act that way just don’t yet have the tools to act differently. It is not because they are “bad” people, they just may not be equipped as well as you are. Dont let their negativity take up any precious real estate in your mind and heart and don’t tolerate the abuse, but also just know that their behaviour is a result of their suffering and that its up to them, not you, to change that about themselves. Hopefully one day they will be able to help themselves and find inspiration in what you’re doing! But if they’re not ready, that ain’t on you. You just keep doing what you’re doing because it’s effin awesome.
I find I can get completely engrossed by podcasts and love hearing the stories on This American Life and Death, Sex and Money. Great journalism and also the stories are also so interesting and revealing about all the complexities and mysteries of humans and the world we live in. They’re great for finding perspective!
Also just put on some Jim Gaffigan standup on YouTube. He’s hilarious.
Order the 5 minute journal! It was life changing for me. Soooo simple but it really helped me. Also, there is a yoga mat that says “after this we get pizza” that I think you need for yoga!
Owning my own business and going through a lot in my life (my Dad just passed away from cancer, living with my Mom, and handling a crazy busy hectic schedule) put me into a downer but it also helped me realize that only big things should get me down and definitely not the little things. This calmed me down a lot. I have also taken up yoga atleast a few days a week in addition to my normal w/os – CorePower C2 or Yoga with Adrienne and/or Yoga by Candace on nights where I just need something quick
Two podcasts I have been liking are Cherry Bombe Radio (which is about women in food and is amazing) and Slumber Party with Ali and Georgia. I think you would like both!
Try signing up for Deepak & Oprah 21 day meditation (it’s free) and I recommend it even if meditation is not your “jam”. I also read before I go to bed (most nights — still a work in progress) but it helps put the phone down and I feel like I am actually doing something intelligent even if its the latest and greatest beach read.
Podcasts: I listen to NPR’s Wait Wait (it’s hilarious and trivia all wrapped into one), Juicy Scoop with Heather McDonald (because she’s hilarious and talks about all the nonsense we all want to discuss)