Most of us can recall a time when we did something purely to please someone else. Maybe the action didn't sit well in our gut, but we did it anyway to avoid conflict or rejection. This desire to please others is hardwired into our survival instincts. When we make others happy, we're less likely to be cast out of the herd. This behavior makes sense, but when it becomes excessive we risk emotional and physical burnout. So how can we tell when our behavior is genuinely kind and helpful versus people-pleasing? The trick is to discern whether you're acting from a place of fear rather than a place of love. As we stroll through the late winter woods, consider your people-pleasing tendencies. Are they based in genuine kindness or are they fueled by fear? It's time to see and feel the difference. 

What am I reading?

The Violin Makers Secret by Evie https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9780008777678

The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women's Magic by Lindsey Stewart

https://bookshop.org/a/111301/9781538769508

https://bookshop.org/shop/witchywomanwalking

What’s playing on repeat?

Scar Tissue by Red Hot Chili Peppers

What’s for dinner? 

Healthy Burger Bowl

• 1 lb ground beef, chicken, turkey, or plant based protein 
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 6 cups chopped romaine
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/2 cup sliced red onion
• 1/2 cup pickle slices
• 2/3 cup cheddar cheese
• 1/2 avocado 
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp pickle juice
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce 

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground protein and seasonings. Cook until browned. Drain fat. Set aside to cool.

Wash and chop lettuce, halve tomatoes, shred carrots, slice onion, and slice pickles. Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Mix yogurt, ketchup, mustard, pickle juice, and hot sauce. Season to taste.

Divide the lettuce between bowls. Top with layer of ground meat, then add tomatoes, carrots, onions, pickles, shredded cheese, and avocado. Drizzle with sauce. Enjoy!

Fudgy Date Brownies

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup Medjool dates, pitted 
• 1/2 cup hot water
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips 

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8 inch pan with parchment paper.
2. Place the pitted dates and hot water in a food processor. Blend until you create a smooth paste. 
3. Add the melted coconut oil, eggs, and vanilla extract to the date paste. Mix. 
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the food processor. Pulse until just incorporated. Do not overmix.
6. Spread the batter into the prepared baking pan. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. 
7. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Center should remain fudgy.
8. Let the date brownies cool in the pan before cutting. Cooling helps set the fudgy texture.

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