I am reading
. Funny book. I mean the kind where one actually cracks up; sometimes you laugh with the author, sometimes just at the situation and it's even funnier when you put yourself in her shoes. The book also contains some nuggets worth remembering.
The journey of a neurotic woman from being a control freak to finding inner balance is quite motivating if not inspiring! Essentially, by choice or by virtue, and through a large dose of exaggerated self-deprecation, Liz Gilbert manages to convince her readers that everyone can and should seek and attain that elusive inner peace.
While I have no desire to seek divinity or God, I did relate to the book on quite a few levels. My travels of the last year were, in a nut shell, a quest for
self
. In my
, I said that Tuscany was where I stopped fighting myself and really gave in to that quest. Ironically, it was
, who suggested, on a car drive in Umbria (post will come soon) after listening to me moan for a lengthy while, that I read this book. It effectively shut me up and opened my eyes! Thank you darling, for your nudging.
Notwithstanding my unfamiliarity with the book/movie prior to my journey, I did seek understanding and enlightenment through many of the same things that Gilbert pursued - travel, food, yoga and oodles of time passed in reveries or staring at the red wall in my house asking it to, please, please take
daya
on me and give me answers. It is an ongoing process. I have a
, who is also a dear friend, and thank god for her! Yoga and meditation have helped me make much needed stop-my-brain-running-in-circles space, breathe slowly and enjoy simple things.
I have always
. At the start of the year, I made a
to eat healthier this year. I have been making granola for breakfast. It, honestly, makes me happy; pouring out my own homemade cereal into a pretty bowl and filling it up with almond milk (which, btw, why didn't anyone tell me about before??!! It's simply the best dairy substitute by taste and nutrition!).
A morning ritual that makes me smile, come alive and reminds me everyday, that my life is my own and is a happy one to live!
Homemade Granola
2 cups rolled oats
3/4 cup assorted nuts and dried fruits
2 T olive oil
3 T honey
2 T coconut flakes (optional)
Warm the honey and oil together till the mixture is thin and runny. Combine the dry ingredients together and drizzle the liquid over them. Toss to coat evenly. Spread mixture on a high lipped baking tray or a roasting pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 F for 20 or so minutes, stirring the mixture midway for even baking, until the oats are golden but not burning
.