The Journey of Living Wholeheartedly

To live with complete sincerity and commitment is my desire for this journey of life.

The past month and a half has been full of asking myself the question, “What am I doing?” Because of this nagging question, I felt incapable to share about life on this blog. I was trapped and confused, not knowing which direction the Lord was leading me. While direction is still foggy, I am learning that being vulnerable through the fogginess can bring life. So here I am. I hope the Holy Spirit uses these words to spur, encourage, and even challenge you in some way.

There is an instantaneous pressure once you graduate college to have a plan and know the direction of your life. However, the reality is this: I am still figuring out what that journey looks like. I’ve applied for different opportunities and have knocked on few doors that were closed shut, yet I wholeheartedly believe that the King of the universe is working on my behalf. Each day I am responsible for choosing how I want to respond to the circumstances and environment around me.

The newest step I have taken in my journey of living wholeheartedly is working to get my 200-hour yoga teacher certification. Taking this leap of faith was one that I had a lot of uncertainty and hesitancy about in the beginning. I was afraid I wouldn’t be “good enough” to teach the intricacies of yoga. As my three-month journey of training is coming to a close, I am realizing it’s not about being good enough.

It’s about being bold enough.

This has been monumental for me because my natural tendency is to withdraw and not take risks. Through this journey of stepping out of my comfort zone, I have fought to actively pursue yoga with passion and wholeheartedness and I have seen the unwavering power and grace of Jesus in this process. Although my experience through this journey has been taking me deeper, it definitely hasn’t been an easy process. I have had so many moments of questioning, fear, and not knowing what the outcome might be. Even though I am still in my training and have only taught my fellow classmates a few times, I am able to see the light at the end of the tunnel. This light is not my dream job being handed to me but rather seeing genuine growth in myself towards doing something that I care about.

Where is the Lord leading you? Have you asked Him for greater depth and wholeheartedness in your life?

I share all of this because I know every person has experienced the unknown in some form or fashion. Through this journey I have seen the power in being wholeheartedly vulnerable with those around me. This act of vulnerability is not me looking for a response from those that I am sharing with, but rather an opportunity to encourage others against the incessant lie of loneliness and unworthiness. The enemy wants nothing more than to steal the childlike excitement of trying something new and bring you down into a spiral of negativity. No matter where you are in this life, I encourage you to take a step forward to living wholeheartedly and continue pressing into what it looks like to be vulnerable in your own life.

NEW YORK CITY!!!

Ben and I just went for the first time a month ago and discovered some amazing spots. We are people who love to find the local, healthy, mindfully sourced places. Here are the places I would absolutely go back to if we were going again today. 

-Two Hands: amazing coffee and pastry spot...it's a sit down place but is really cozy and has plants and lights hanging everywhere...the ambiance is impeccable. 

-The Egg Shop: this cozy place has the best donut holes I have ever had...they had bacon inside which was a pure dream.

-The Butcher's Daughter: We first discovered this place in LA and absolutely loved it and there's one in NYC as well.

-Dimes: this was an awesome brunch spot...I got raspberry, tahini, mint, and honey toast and it was the most unique flavor but I loved it.

-Five Leaves: this place was packed but was well worth the wait...the food was once again so amazing and well done.

-High Line: this was a really unique elevated linear park near the waterfront...great place to walk and see more of the city

-Chelsea Market: a cool environment to walk around and see a variety of local foods, gadgets, etc.

If you ever want more recommendations let me know :) 

CHOCOLATEY DREAM BARS

These yummy crunchy dreamy bars were inspired by the Nut-Free Dream Bars from OhSheGlows. One of my favorite pass times is looking up recipes and reconfiguring them with what I have in my pantry/ with what sounds good.

Ingredients: 

Crust

-1 Tbsp. Coco. Oil (melted)

-1 1/2 Cups Cocoa Rice Puff Cereal (I buy the 365 brand from Whole Foods)

-2 Tbsp. Cacao Powder

-2 Tbsp. Brown Rice Syrup

Peanut Butter Filling

-1 Cup PB

-1/4 Cup Coco. Oil (melted)

-1 Tsp. Vanilla

-1/4 Cup Maple Syrup (optional)

Chocolate Coating

-2 Tbsp. Chia

-2 Tbsp. Hemp Hearts

-2 Tbsp. Coconut flakes (unsweetened)

-3/4 Cup Dark Chocolate Chips

-1 Tsp. Coconut Oil

-Sea Salt

Directions:

Make the Crust

-Using an 8x6x2 Pyrex place parchment paper or grease the bottom of the pan (the size pan can vary, this is just what I used)

-In a mixing bowl stir together Crust ingredients until the cereal is well coated

-Pour mixture into Pyrex and press down using your hands or with a spatula 

-Place in the freezer to harden

Make the PB Filling

-Using the same mixing bowl combine the filling ingredients and stir until well combined

-Remove the Pyrex from the freezer and pour PB filling on top of crust

-Place pan back in freezer

Make the Chocolate Coating:

-In a double boiler melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil

-Once melted pour on top of the crust and PB mixture

-Sprinkle chia, hemp hearts, coconut flakes, and sea salt on top

-Freeze until hardened (about an hour)