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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i was going to suggest yoga! the practice really helped how i deal with negativity. i’ve found over the years of practice that having a great mat matters a whole lot, and i think the lululemon one is amazing because it wicks sweat and is non slip. here’s the one i love: http://shop.lululemon.com/p/women-mats-props/The-Reversible-Mat-5/_/prod6750166?rcnt=1&N=8bv&cnt=11&color=LU9A73S_027330
yoga will help you tune out that noise and let go of the things that aren’t serving you. enjoy!
Do yoga! Or go on a yoga retreat- it is go great to go somewhere, unplug, do yoga, eat healthy food, get away from all the negativity 🙂
Hi Juli,
As the saying goes… ‘misery loves company’, sadly this is true. I work around negative people all day, the worse kind that talk behind your back and literally hate your guts without a reason. The good thing is that my direct co-workers are super cool so that compensates for all the bitterness from the rest of the people I see on a daily basis.
I block what ever I don’t want to hear and just not pay attention to their negative comments, they want to make the rest of the world feel like them, but I don’t get sucked in. I refuse to ever feel anywhere close as they feel. As time passes by, I’ve decided not to care for what other people say or think of me, as long as I’m happy, nothing else matters 🙂
I can say for sure that laughing is a great remedy so you can see funny movies or, spend more time with Jackson.
My dog (which is the best dog in the world) just cheers me up all the time. I would also recommend Pilates, I love it.
I like yoga too but Pilates is my personal favourite, and most likely people will continue to be mean, it’s just a matter of continuously reminding yourself of the good things in life and all the good things in your life and the smile and happiness will come instantly.
Honestly my fav way of getting away from negativity (cause I often also find myself drawn to it weirdly enough) is to not watch the news and stay off of “extra social media” so like the news sections on twitter and snapchat (like those extra things up top like the Cosmso and Refinery 21 and Daily Mail stories) because even though the drama is not about me it still makes me feel anxious and negative.
Love your blog!
Juli –
I am a special needs worker/ part time housing activist and politically involved person (as of late) (and in Canada, not the States). I feel passionately about my causes, but I haaaate that they all still make me feel cynical too. I come here to read about food, workouts and fluffy thighs, no cynicism intended. I need an outlet for the lighter side of things in life, and I love that you provide that, so thank you from the bottom of my heart. It takes a lot to put yourself out there and intentionally write about the lighter side of things, as well as body issues that bring out the dragon in people. You are brave and appreciated, truly. Here are some other things I enjoy for a break – Brooklyn 99, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Jillian Michaels podcast, Damn Delicious blog and putting me together for really simple fashion advice. Please keep on keeping on, and know that you are appreciated. I love all that you do, and your posts about staying motivated are so encouraging. I have recently put weight back on after camping, er the beer that goes with it, and I’m not upset, because I know I will get back to where I need to be through consistency and hard work, something you write about. Many Thanks.
Well first of all, I fucking love you and I think you’re hilarious and I find all of your posts on Instagram, your blog, and snap real, inspiring, and funny as hell! It is hard to let the “dark passenger” (Dexter reference) take over because our feelings are essentially muted due to the hate we witness day to day. It’s hard to not let that consume you and get emotionally invested in what we see on the news. It’s fucking hard, man! When I start to feel myself drowning in pessimistic ways, I take a technology break. I just don’t bring my phone or whatever with me for a few hours. Yea, it’s hard because it’s basically another limb for us these days but it’s nice to not be so attached to an object and just enjoy your surroundings for a bit. As far as Podcasts, a few of the guys from The League have one called How Did This Get Made and they watch awesomely terrible movies (Mortal Kombat, Deep Blue Sea, et c.) and just discuss how bad the movie is for about an hour. It’s hilarious. Serial is a good one, as well. It’s not really funny but damn was I hooked! You’re awesome, and I apologize for using foul language. If it makes anyone feel better, I felt like I did a good job of censoring it.
In response to the negativity aspect you speak about above – it takes a while to really believe the “not my problem” mentality and not feel guilty about it. I sit in a hot tub daily with my spouse and we talk about the day or issues and bubble away problems. I use a “bed of nails” mat and pillow – it really seems to help. I get reiki sessions a few times a year and attempt to just worry about myself. At 45 I can tell things are not what they use to be – which I am OK with. I’ve cut off all my long stringy hair and went for a super short pixie cut to work on reinventing myself and keeping it fresh. I don’t have a facebook or anything like that because I don’t really care what others think of me. I only need to make ME happy and keep me healthy to live the best life I can.
All that being said: I absolutely LOVE your web site and recipes. You are very motivational. I just started taking care of myself and a huge newbie to Paleo and a better lifestyle. I figured it was finally time to make sure as I age I can keep it together as long as possible. Don’t let it get you down too much – because you do make a difference with every time you publish anything. Many people are waiting for your knowledge and value your opinion.
OHOHOHO, I can sound SUPER sarcastic. Try me. Don’t want to sound like a b*tch in this comment so you’ll have to peek at my blog to see! XD I HATE strawberry-flavored ANYTHING, so I WOULD say that I can imagine that this almond milk probably isn’t any different, BUT it actually doesn’t look too shabby. I might try it!
First of all…I simply adore you!!! It’s so fun to read your blog posts and see all your instagram shots! Anywho….yoga! Do it! It is such a holistic practice! I yoga 365! It is truly life changing! I practice power vinyasa. You’ll work hard but it is so powerful! Also…Baron Baptiste has some great books. With all that…namaste girlfriend!
Woman, anonymous comments always come from the same place: people who are ashamed of themselves. They can’t bully the world back, so they turn to random nasty comments via the internet to vent some childhood shame, some incident in a locker room or at a lunch table or at band camp. Sure, I do yoga, meditate, and pray. I watch Samantha Bee! I keep a small group of AWESOME friends in my life. I try to see the immutable goodness in the heart of each and every human being, no matter how foul. However, the one thing that helps me cope with jerks is remembering that the guy who said something really gross; that guy would be terrified to talk to a gorgeous woman like you in public, still lives with his parents, and is going to jerk off before crying himself to sleep. Pity!
P.S. Every recipe I have made of yours has been OUTSTANDING.