2,857 Open Tabs.. Still Open!

I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning. I was cranky when I went to bed last night and hoped that I could sleep it off. I couldn't. Sometimes (more often than I would want), I get in a bad mood and just cannot snap out of it. I think too much. I think my way into bad moods and have so much trouble thinking my way out of them. Remember what I said in my first post?

 

A lot of damage can happen with 2,857 open tabs.

 

I then remembered a quote I read: One small positive thought in the morning can change your whole day.

 

The first positive thought of the day was very easy.

 

Exactly a year from today, I will marry Mr. A!!! ☺

 

Of course, that thought put a great big smile on my face and I told myself that this time next year, I don't want to remember that I was upset for no real reason a year before.

 

Only 365 days left! ☺

 

Second positive thought of the day: It's Friday!
 

I cannot always rely on just my thoughts to get me out of an irritated mood. So I then tried to "lock in" my happiness by doing little good deeds that would make me and others smile. As I opened the door this morning to get into the building where I work, there was a woman several steps behind me. There was enough distance for me to let the door close behind me but instead, I waited and held the door for her as well. I know it's nothing significant but I was able to make her smile early in the morning  (when we all wish to still be asleep) and because smiles are contagious, it made me smile as well. Believe it or not, I genuinely felt better.

Here is a poignant video I saw a few months ago. I encourage you to watch it. You can take 5 minutes out of your busy day to watch this, right?

I am not telling you something that you don't already know. I am sure you have seen similar videos and heard such things before but have you let these videos inspire you? Have you let them influence your behavior of the day? Have you put the things you just saw in the video into action? You would be surprised how the smallest of things and the tiniest of good deeds can have a great effect on YOU and everyone.

I really need to remember all this next time I am in a bad mood. Sometimes my "bad mood phase" can last a few days. This blog is beginning to be very therapeutic for me.

Because I feel good now (well I feel better... feeling good is a work in progress), here is the recipe of a feel good, healthy food: Falafel Pizza. The "crust" is a giant baked falafel topped with veggies and goodies.

Falafel Pizza

Ingredients

Crust

- 1 can chickpeas (about 1.5 cups)
- 1 large onion
- 3 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons of parsley
- 2 tablespoons of cilantro
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 tablespoon hot red pepper paste
- 1 teaspoon salt

Toppings

You can really add whatever topping you want. I put:
- tomatoes
- olives
- lettuce
- radishes
- green onions
- parsley

Tahini Sauce (taratour)

- 1/4 cup tahini (sesame paste)
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375F.
2. Add all the Falafel "crust" ingredients in a food processor and purée.
3. Spray a cookie sheet with oil.
4. Put falafel mixture on the cookie sheet and spread it flat (about 3/4 of an inch thin).
5. Bake for about 25-30 minutes.
6. When out of the oven, top with any topping you want and drizzle with the tahini sauce.