Do you every feel like you’re fumbling around in the darkness that is life- not really sure where you’re going or what you’re doing, but just hoping that your decisions lead you somewhere positive, new and to a place of happiness?
Since I graduated from Queen’s just over 2 years ago, my life has felt much like this. Every decision I make is laced with uncertainty. One question and decision simply leads to another. Should I travel? Should I move across the ocean? Should I start a blog? Should I go back to school? In reality, all of these questions can be reduced down to a much more simple, or more complicated question, depending on how you look at it:
Should I test myself?
With the prospect of moving to a new city to pursue my passion looming before me, I am facing another personal test. To rise above the anxiety, fears and personal pressure and fully embrace this change.
All of my “personal tests” up until this point have had results that were so amazing, I can hardly imagine who I would be without them. By travelling I was exposed to new cultures and traditions and got to experience just what “living in the moment” meant.. When I moved to Ireland I gained a sense of independence and assurance in myself, confidence in my abilities to be self-reliant and well as self-respect. Starting this blog has allowed me to connect with so many fantastic bloggers and readers, that I no longer feel alone in my crazy little food world.
While all of these have been stunning successes, I can’t help but be wary of this move, of going back to school and revamping my life again. With every new decision and experience comes uncertainty and risk. I only hope I can find it in me dive in without reservations, so I can meet what’s coming to learn and grow.
Chickpea Cashew Tomato Sauce (Vegan, Gluten-free, Sugar-free)
Ingredients (Serves 3-4 generously)
- 3/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cup chickpeas
- 1 28 oz. can tomatoes
- 3 handfuls baby spinach, torn
- 1/3 cup raw cashews, ground
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, 2 tbsp fresh oregano
- pinch sea salt
Instructions
In a large saucepan, saute the onion for a couple minutes in oil (I used coconut) until it is starting to become translucent. Add garlic and saute a couple minutes more. Add in the chickpeas and cook until onions are completely translucent and are beginning to brown.
Add in the tomatoes and bring to a simmer. Reduce the liquid by about 1/2. Cover and turn the heat down to a low simmer and keep cooking until most of the liquid is gone. Add in the spinach and cook until wilted, then stir in the ground cashews. Stir in the fresh herbs, add salt to taste. Serve immediately on top of small chunky pasta such as fusilli or penne.
Don't forget to come back tomorrow for Healthy Vegan Friday!
P.S. Sorry about the poor quality pictures- the lighting when I took them was terrible so i decided to play with some editing features
wow! just cooked this pasta ! Its fantastic! ground cashews give a nice mysterious hint to it :)
loved it ! thank you for your great recipes!!!
I’m with you right now Gabby! I’m in the middle of a huge transition, & I can’t quite see to the end of it. All I can do is try to muster up courage & hope that this will lead me to the place I’m meant to be. Keep testing yourself. It’s truly the best way to determine if you are on the right path. And best of luck to you in your endeavors!
Thank you so much Melissa, you are so kind! You’re so right- how can we know what’s right for us if we don’t expose ourselves to new things and take chances?
Good luck with your journey as well! We just have to keep on moving and keep a positive outlook. Hopefully everything else will just fall into place :)
Oh, I am SO on board for this recipe! (And for trying something new :))
So glad to hear it :) It’s so YUM!
Isn’t it amazing to look back and see how all of those choices, tests, and experiences shaped who and where you are now? I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see where it leads!
I hope you’re having a great weekend, Gabby! :-)
It’s something I always try to keep in mind when things aren’t always going my way- one day I’ll appreciate the experience!
Thank you Kristy! I’m actually quite excited too. The idea of a clean start in a new city is so exhilerating!
You too Kristy! I have tomorrow off so the weekend can only get better :)
My mouth started watering the moment I read the title of this post!
And I think you hit the nail on the head “so I can meet what’s coming to learn and grow” I believe this is why we should challanege ourselves each and every day no matter how hard it may seem or if we are afraid of failing – we are all so much stronger than we think we are :)
Good luck with everything Gabby – I for one am so happy to have met you, I’ll be sending postive thoughts your way during your transition! xo
Oh thank you Heather :) I am so glad to have met you too!! Your support really means a lot, it will make the transition that much easier. Even though I’m scared, I can’t wait to see what exciting things this change will bring!
Taking risks and embracing change are perhaps simultaneously the most SCARY and most AMAZING things one could do. That’s they beauty of life – even our mistakes are opportunities to learn + grow – if you keep that in mind you can’t lose.
You’re going to make BRILLIANT holistic nutritionist, don’t doubt that one little bit Gabby :)
Aww thank you Lou :) Since it’s my passion I hope so! I think it’s just the prospect of uprooting again combined with school and meeting new people. But your support and confidence in me helps a ton :)
Change is scary, but leads to so much good…..I’m excited for you!
Thanks Raechel :)
Very, very exciting stuff, Gabby! I also have self-doubts and wonder if I’m on the right path, but, ultimately, I try to follow my passion and let things happen from there. Best of luck to you on this new chapter of your life.
Thank you Carrie!
Hey Gabby! I can definitely relate to you about feeling like you are fumbling through life. I feel like I’ve been doing this since graduated with my Master’s degree in 2007. My intended career path didn’t work out (teaching college was NOT for me!) and since then I’ve been trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I still don’t know! I’m excited for you that you’ve been making progress and that you are going back to school and studying what you love and what you are good at! You are a strong, amazing woman and I know that wherever you end up you’ll be wildly successful. More importantly, hopefully it will bring you joy and happiness and that sense of meaning and purpose you’ve been looking for. You’ll do amazing and we are all here to support you!
Your sauce looks and sounds absolutely delicious! Lovely recipe as always :)
You know Sarah, maybe we are just those kind of people where the “one thing” we want to do doesn’t exist. Maybe we were meant to do many things and we’re going get to experience every one of them? I am definitely someone who gets antsy when I am in one spot in my life for too long and can’t imagine doing one things for years and years! While I think I’ll move in this same general direction, after all I love food and health, I look forward to experiencing many different opportunities. But first, I must make it past this first hurdle. Sometimes taking the first step in a new direction in the hardest right?
Thank you for your support Sarah, you really are too kind. I’m blushing a little lol. It may sound silly, but things seem just a little easier having vented and knowing you guys are all there for me :)
I think you are right. I’m also the kind of person that doesn’t see myself in one place for too long. I’ve been at my current job for 4 and a half years and it is surprising to me every day. My jobs are also incredibly different from each other. I also hope to end up doing something with food and health, but what remains to be seen :) You are an inspiration for me though because you actually took the risk and you are following your heart. Maybe one day I’ll have the courage to do the same :) I’m so excited for you!
This looks fantastic. You will do wonderful on your new adventure. Good luck
Thank you :) I appreciate the support!
Hey Gabby! I can definitely relate to this post. I’ve gained so much from life experiences, but it’s like — where am I heading! haha everything is going to work out. There is so much ahead of you and to look forward to in your move! so exciting! a fresh start and new chapter in your life:) and also…that’s an amazing looking sauce! haha
Thank you Caralyn! Haha don’t you just wish you could look forawrd 10 years and see where you’d be? It would (hopefully) be so reassuring! I am greatly looking forward to this new start! I’m excited for you as well- making a plan to move back to NYC is very exciting :)
And thank you!
I totally relate to this post and I can tell you that you’ll pretty much have to ask yourself “Should I test myself?” for eternity. I’m asking myself now at 32. I’m sure I’ll be asking myself at 42. But I suppose no matter what, the answer should always be YES, right? Hopefully I’ll always be brave enough to say yes :)
And on another note – I’m making this sauce this weekend!
You know, I think you’re right. I’m always wanting to challenge myself, no matter how scary it can be. So even if I end up being perfectly happy with my life a year from now, or 10 years from now, you can bet I’ll want to make a change in some way. Hears to making choices for the better!
I really hope you like the sauce! Let me know :)
At times like this is is really important to remember that life really is a journey. I think in your 20′s you think you are going to finally get it all figured out and that you are get to a point in time when everything feels settled.
I suppose for some people that happens. (Think people who stay with the same company for 30 years….boring unless you love your work.)
It sounds like you may someone for whom life is going to have many phases and that’s a good thing! Congratulations on following your heart and taking risks…many people never do.
You can do this Gabby. It’s going to be amazing! Holistic nutrition seems like such a good fit for you. And you know what? If you decide it isn’t right for you, you can always make another bold decision. Because that’s the kinda woman you are. :)
Wendy, you comment was just perfect! I think stories and older movies would have people believe that when you are 20 that’s when life gets figured out, then the rest of your life plays out in a steady, comfortable pace. So not true!
I think you’re right about the many phases- I always want to do something new, to learn and to grow. I’m not sure I could ever do the same thing for 30 years. I guess I better get used to this feeling of moving out into the unknown ;) And as scary as it is, I kinda like it!
Thank you for your support Wendy, I truly appreciate it :)
This actually looks very filling! I try to go vegetarian at least one day a week and this seems like a recipe my whole family would enjoy
That’s such a great goal, I hope you enjoy this!
Sometimes when I read your blog, I feel like you’re in my head. All I can say is your new venture sounds very exciting, and hopefully the uncertainty will settle down once you’ve begun the program. Congratulations! :)
Thank you :) Isn’t it funny when someone completely echoes your thoughts? Glad we’re on the same page!
Ooo a lovely looking recipe! I’m in a similar place myself, feeling like I need to find my thing, my niche like RIGHT NOW!!! I’m trying to accept that it isn’t a race and that I should explore scary and exciting possibilities. My ‘dream’ career path has changed about 6 times in the last year, each time getting so far before learning that it isn’t for me. I’m in a place now where I’m considering starting my own juice/smoothie, a total U-turn from all my psychology-based considerations….we’ll see how that goes!
Thank you Hannah! I know- when I see friends who seem to have it together I feel so rushed! I guess I just have to remember I’m living life in my own way and I don’t want to change any of the experiences I’ve had. I’m glad I’m taking my time at the end of the day.
That sounds like a crazy awesome idea! If you do that you’d be my idol ;)
Love the simplicity of this dish, Gabby. Wish life were as simple sometimes ;-)! But I think you’ve expressed what is usually true about making big changes – that the positives outweigh the negatives and the fears and doubts. Best of luck to you – I know you will approach this new challenge with the seeking openness, eagerness and thoroughness that shines through your blog. We will be an eager audience!
Annie, you just made me smile :) I truly hope I can do everything you’re sure I will- I think I just need to remember to breathe. I’ve had some pretty major shifts in my life before, but for some reason this one seems more permanent and life-altering. It’s definitely a good thing though- scary, but a good thing!
Wow, it’s so exciting that you’re about to start this new adventure. Yes it’s nerve wracking and much easier to stay in your comfort zone but that wouldn’t be much fun and like you said, you grow so much from stepping out and trying something new. Nervousness is a good sign. It shows you care and that’s a great way to look at a new challenge. I hope you don’t get too nervous though. Just take each day one step at a time, and every day you are there it will get easier and easier. I really hope you enjoy your time away and get so much out of it. I’m really looking forward to hearing about your new course.
Your recipe looks lovely. I love quick and easy dinner ideas. Yum!
You’re right! I guess the fact that I’m nervous and stressed just goes to show how much I care about it! I am so excited but it’s mingling with all these negative emotions too. I just need to breathe through it and look forward with hope! I will definitely share lots on the blog about it- I’m sure I’ll just be bursting!
I’m glad you like the look of this recipe. Quick and easy dinners are keeyyyyy ;)
I bet you’ll love your program! I have friends who graduated from the school and they loved it. Feeling uncertain is just what your 20′s is all about. You don’t need to have anything figured out yet, just enjoy the ride and trust it will all work out! And look at all you’ve accomplished so far! You’ll be awesome.
Thanks Sarina, you’re right. Sometimes it’s easy to forget it’s ok to be uncertain when I see friends who are done schook, have good jobs and are settling down. Generally I’m ok with where I am though, I have my whole life to get to that point!
There is always uncertainty and fear in anything we do if we choose to see it that way and live in it. It’ s only natural to be a fearful of a new situation. Just see that it is there and choose to change it and not live in it. Say “I am open and receptive to growth, change and possibilities in my life and I am joyful, receptive and at peace with it.” Keep saying mantras/ affirmations like this to build that “mind muscle”. If little fear keeps popping up, stop him in his tracks and face him head on. Face your fears – is it REALLY real? Look at all the beautiful wonders that you are going to experience with this move and change – holy moly! It’s going to be wonderful for you! I am excited for you, Gabby! Say “I CAN DO THIS. I AM STRONG, VIBRANT AND AMAZING!” Because, you ARE! Pull those boot straps and go get them, girl! Here’s a great article that you may help a bit: http://thedailylove.com/are-you-terrified-to-step-outside-your-comfort-zone-heres-why-thats-awesome/.
Much love and support!
XO
Thank you SO MUCH Kibby! You are really amazing and that is such great advice. I’m going to write those mantras down and craft a few of my own and keep them with me at all times! You’re right, I can do this! Thanks for the support and wisdom, I appreciate it more than I can say!
Good luck! What course are you doing?
The sauce sounds amazing :-)
I’ll be going for Holistic Nutrition, so excited!!