TAKE A BREAK
THANKSGIVING AND BEYOND The Life-Changing Benefits of Gratitude This month, many families gather and enjoy a delicious feast, all while giving thanks. Gratitude in itself is a simple but powerful emotion, and it’s more than just saying “thank you.” It’s about acknowledging and appreciating the things in our lives that we do have instead of worrying about the things we don’t. And the thing is that taking time to be grateful isn’t just a nice thing to do. Research shows that people who actively practice gratitude experience increased happiness, improved physical health, and better relationships. Not only that, but they also enjoy fewer feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. So, you may ask, “What can I do to practice gratitude and receive those benefits?” Of course, taking time to feel thankful this Thanksgiving is a good place to start, but if you want to continue the practice beyond Nov. 23, here are a few things you can try. Keep a gratitude journal. Each day, write down at least three things that you feel thankful for. These can be as simple as a warm cookie or as significant as receiving a cancer-free diagnosis. The point is that taking a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life helps you focus on the positives instead of the negatives. Write thank-you cards or letters. Take time to identify someone in your life that you appreciate, no matter the reason, and write them a message. Let them know exactly how much and why you appreciate them and how what they’ve done has helped you. Doing so will allow you to enjoy the health benefits of gratitude we mentioned above and profoundly impact someone else. Tell someone in person. Being vulnerable is hard, which makes the act of looking someone in the eye and saying “thank you” that much more profound. Try to take the time to verbally acknowledge the kindness people show you, whether they’re your family, friends, or coworkers. Just a few words can brighten someone’s day.
BALLOT CORNUCOPIA CRANBERRY DISTRICTS
MAIZE PILGRIM POLITICS RAKING
SHOPPING STUFFING THANKSGIVING VETERAN
STUFFED PEPPER SOUP
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Stuffed bell peppers are a common meal in many households. And as temperatures begin to drop, there’s no better way to warm up than by turning this classic recipe into a hearty — and healthy — soup!
INGREDIENTS
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2 lbs ground beef
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2 tsp salt
6 cups water
2 tsp beef bouillon granules
1 28-oz can tomato sauce
1 tsp black pepper
1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained 2 cups chopped green peppers 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
2 cups cooked long-grain rice
Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
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Take a mindful moment of gratitude. If writing in a journal isn’t your thing, try to set aside a few moments each day to sit with your eyes closed and think about some things you’re thankful for in the present moment. Again, these can be as simple as a cup of coffee or as significant as your family.
1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. 3. Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. DIRECTIONS
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