Lately I have rediscovered the joy of cooking.  I am fortunate enough to live in an area where fresh produce and organic meats are plentiful. And that just makes cooking more enjoyable, at least that’s how I see it.

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting and spending a few hours with a man named Danny Seo. Danny is the editor of a magazine called Naturally.  It is my new obsession.  His magazine is filled with wonderfully inspiring stories about living naturally. From recipes to traveling to home décor, his magazine gives us plenty of inspiration for appreciating the natural elements and for living a more sustainable life. Check it out: http://dannyseo.com/

I like the changes I’ve been making in my life. My focus on health and wellness is proving to be beyond rewarding. I am the strongest, leanest and sharpest I’ve ever been. And it’s funny, it’s not any one thing that’s made the difference for me. Instead, it’s the attitude shift away from superficial rewards, focusing instead on “feeling” well that has flipped a switch in my life.

I’m not spending hours in the gym with the goal of being “totally ripped.”  My goal is to be healthy; not to have the hottest bod on the beach. And that shift in focus defines my mental outlook. I am focused on my mind and my spirit, as well as my body. I look at “being well” as a holistic practice now; as opposed to counting calories and hours at the gym.  And for me, that was a big transformation. I spent years picking apart my body. Obsessing about what size I was…if I was big enough in certain places, small enough in others. The focus is no longer on “looking good,” but rather on “feeling good.”  And that lifestyle shift has been transformative.

I run a few days each week, and I’m eating well (most of the time). Let’s face it, a cupcake from my favorite bakery, Lancaster Cupcakes, is a necessary indulgence from time to time. Plus, it makes for a great Mommy/daughter outing.

It really comes down to this: I am learning to feed my soul.

Last evening I prepared a simple but delicious meal for some of my favorite people. I made oven BBQ Chicken (recipe link below), that was nothing short of awesomesauce!  I served it with some fresh Lancaster County sweet corn and a delicious salad.  And for dessert, Lancaster cupcakes, of course.

The chicken must have been good because there are only 2 pieces left – I made a truck full! Through all the merry-making last evening, I forgot to snap a photo of this lovely feast.  So…this pathetic shot of the last two remaining pieces of chicken is the only visual snapshot of my evening with humans.

Mmmm……chicken!  Seriously…check out this recipe. You won’t regret it! http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/oven-bbq-chicken/

This morning my daughter and her friend Emma, who slept over last night, will be treated to buckwheat pancakes and bacon (from a local pig, of course. Poor Wilbur!). See, this being healthy thing…it doesn’t have to exclude things like bacon and a cupcake once in a while. Balance is the key.  For me, I’ve been feeding my soul and focusing on being well….not being “fit.”  And that difference has been profound. I make better choices naturally now. I have removed things and people that bring me stress and pain. And I’m on my way to discovering a new path altogether. I’m not quite sure what’s next, but I have a strong feeling it’s going to be pretty amazing.

Now…time for bacon.