I love a good quote, phrase, or affirmation. And when my monkey mind takes over and I need to get focused or stay present I often repeat an affirmation or use a mantra. My “go to” is “I am happy, I am healthy, I am holy” but I change it up based on the situation. While I was going through some scary medical stuff I used, “I am alive. I am okay right now” I use affirmations when I am trying to establish a new behaviour. For example, I have sticky notes that say “butt in the chair” in my work room because I read that Nora Roberts uses that phrase to force herself to get work done. It’s simple but it works and this newsletter is the proof. (It was very tempting to watch another episode of Good Girls on Netflix.)  

 I love when I am reading and I have an “Aha moment” as the result of something read or said in just the right way at the right time. . You may have heard it but never in that way. It resonates with you, speaks to you, and just maybe, becomes part of your inner dialogue. 

I often express the quote, “You don’t know what you don’t know.” because it is so true. It is such a good thing to remind ourselves when making a decision or talking politics. This is why I love to keep researching and learning. There is always something new!    

I asked some of my friends and clients to share their quote/affirmation/mantras that inspires them or just gets them through a rough day and why. Here are some of their responses:    


Count your blessings and live with an attitude of gratitude - Donna

Do unto others as you would like them to do unto you - Joanne


"She believed she could, so she did" R.S. Grey - it's not always easy to be confident, especially when trying new things but when you believe in yourself, it's amazing what you can accomplish.

"Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it." Roald Dahl - I love the idea that there is a little bit of magic in the world - it makes me feel as though there is (or can be) good in every situation, you just have to look to find it  
Erica 

‘Everything happens for a reason! -But often you just don’t know the whole story right away!!! Trust in the future is essential. I have learned this so many times through experience but still have to remind myself when times get tough or things don’t seem to be working out as planned or desired. - Cathy 
  
Wrinkles only go where the smiles have been- Jimmy Buffett
Don’t worry about a thing, cause every little thing gonna be alright-Bob Marley
 
My favourite quote is by Mother Teresa 
“ Not all of us can do great things , but we can do small things with great love” - Mother Teresa 
 
“Give the ones you love wings to fly, roots to come back and reasons to stay” - Dalai Lama 
 
I can do all things thru Christ which strengthens me. Marilyn 

They may forget what you said — but they will never forget how you made them feel. - Carl W. Buehner 
 
Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. Oscar Wilde I think it resonates with me because it’s a great message mixed with a little humour. - Nancy 
 
No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everyone on the couch. - It’s a great reminder that every little bit helps and it’s interesting because when I hear “lapping everyone on the couch” I think of this as also referring to me and reminding me to get up off the couch.- Nancy 
 
So Wonderful and So Blessed - Wendy W. 
Keep it simple -  I can over complicate anything, so this one saves me from myself!! Wendy C.
 
Every time you are tempted to react in the same old way, ask if you want to be a prisoner of the past or a pioneer of the future. 
Deepak Chopra

If you can't ask for help without self-judgement, you cannot offer help without judging others. Brene Brown

When you undervalue what you do, the world will undervalue who you are. Oprah 

A winner is just a loser who tried one more time. Jay Shetty 
You don't have to save the world. Just don't Make it a worse place for the next generation. 
Vishen Lakhiani 
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Please feel free to send me your favourite quote or mantra and we will do a part 2. Who knows your quote could be someone else's lifeline

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​This is my favorite salsa.  There is no comparison to store bought salsa.  It is healthy, easy to make and loaded with flavour.  You can make it mild, medium or hot.  If you have an abundance of tomatoes in your garden it is a great recipe to use them all up.  It is great to eat on its own with chips but also as a compliment to fish or chicken.  This salsa is so delicious you will want to share with friends and family!


8 cups (1600 g) tomatoes,  chopped and peeled
4 cups (800 g) banana peppers, chopped
2 cups (400 g) onion, chopped (one large)
2 cups  (475 ml) cider vinegar
1 cup (200 g) sweet red pepper, chopped 
1 cup (200 g) jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped  or to taste
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 5 oz. (147 ml) can tomato paste
2 tablespoons (30 ml) date or coconut sugar
2 teaspoons (10 ml) salt
2 teaspoons (10 ml) paprika
1 teaspoon (5 ml)  dried oregano
1/4 cup (34 g) fresh coriander, chopped 
1/4 cup (34 g)  each of basil and chives, chopped 

Put all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil. Stir often. Reduce heat to med/low and simmer for 5 minutes. Fill and seal jars and process in boiling water for 10 minutes or put in the freezer.
Makes 9 cups.