ONE-POT CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP
Imagine two people walking along a picturesque beach with beautiful weather and a sailboat in the distance. One person smiles, remembering happy memories of sailing with their family, while the other feels a pang of sadness, recalling the loss of a loved one in a boating accident. Both saw the same scene, but their reactions and emotions differed significantly because very different experiences shaped their stories about the situation. How we feel in response to the reality presented to us is not evoked by reality; it’s based on the story we tell ourselves about the facts. Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our emotions. We don’t typically choose how we will feel about things; early experiences, cultural norms, family dynamics, and even religious or societal influences program our subconscious. Early life lessons become a framework for interpreting reality and how we feel in response. Developing emotional intelligence allows us to take a step back, identify these automatic responses, and make deliberate choices about how we want to respond. Practicing emotional intelligence requires mindfulness and acknowledging that our feelings are not necessarily the truth of the situation but our interpretation of things. To build this skill within ourselves, we must learn about the nuances of emotions. Guilt, for example, differs from remorse; abandonment is not the same as feeling ignored. Expanding our emotional vocabulary plays a vital role in growth and becoming stronger in our emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence can empower you to use your emotions positively to overcome challenges and relieve stress. It helps you strengthen meaningful relationships, succeed at home and work, and achieve your goals. When you can connect with your feelings and use them to make informed choices, your intention transforms into action. This year, we will explore emotional intelligence in depth, delving into helpful tools like the emotion wheel, which helps individuals identify their feelings more precisely, and ways to grow your ability to recognize your emotions and use them to navigate your responses. Stay tuned to this series as we continue this journey of self-discovery and emotional empowerment! The Stories We Tell Ourselves MATTERS OF THE HEART
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
I ngredients
• 2 1/2 lbs skinless,
• 4 celery ribs, chopped • 4 medium carrots, chopped • 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 tbsp lemon juice
bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil
D irections 1. • 1 large onion, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 10 cups chicken broth
Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium- high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice.” –T.S. E liot
–Shelia Manely
3
Call for a Consultation: ( 866) 245-5685
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator