Meatless Monday: Fresh Watermelon Salad

Fresh Watermelon Salad

A refreshing way to enjoy the popular summer fruit, watermelon.

Ingredients

1. 1 medium seedless Watermelon diced into medium chunks.
2. 1/3 cup of crumbled feta cheese
3. Juice of 1 large lime
4. 1 Tablespoon of Balsamic Vinegar
5. 2 tablespoons of minced Mint Leaves + leaves for garnish
6. Fresh Black Pepper
7. 1 heaping Teaspoon of minced onion (optional)

Instructions

1. Combine Watermelon, lime juice, Balsamic Vinegar, minced onion, mint, and feta cheese in a large bowl.
2. Toss gently to combine.
3. Top with fresh Black pepper and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate until chilled.

The Myth of the Superwoman

As I sit here in pain, unable to participate in the activities I’d planned, I had an epiphany.  The shame and guilt I feel are ridiculous.  Those feelings cropped up because I started comparing my life to my friends’ lives.  Somehow sitting on the couch was making me falling behind as if we were all in some competition.  

I also started thinking about other friends who pushed themselves until they ended up in the hospital.  They too have chronic medical conditions.  They too have Superwoman Syndrome.

What is Superwoman Syndrome? 

It is the belief that we as women have to do it all.  If we don’t do it, fix it or handle it then the world as we know it will cease to exist.  I’m using dramatic language, but this condition requires it.  Ask for help?  No, that’s a sign of weakness.  Superwoman doesn’t ask for help!!

Times have changed

When I was younger, the women in my community helped each other.  The kids would congregate at a different house on the weekends.   In retrospect, it was probably to give each other a break.  They planned events together.  They carpooled all the time.  There was always some sort of interaction between them.  Positive interaction. 

This sense of community is needed now more than ever.  The information age has brought with it a need to be everywhere and everything to everyone.  However, we can take control of our lives.  What are some of the ways we can learn to lean on each other?

Self-care is self-love.  You have to take care of yourself first.  If you aren’t 100%, then you can’t truly give to others.  Find time to recharge doing the things you love whether it is reading, taking a walk, exercise, etc.  You may find that the first step is to rediscover your passions.

Respect one another.  Honor each other as women.  This is our common ground.  From there, get to know each other.  Listen and share your stories.  Our lifestyles may be different, but at the end of the day we all want to be understood.

Resolve conflicts.  You want to be considered mature and wise?  Learn how to resolve conflicts in a productive manner.  It is important to understand different perspectives.  The result may be that you agree to disagree, but this is possible without harboring resentment and bitterness.

Look for ways to serve others.  A small gesture can go a long way.   Maybe you notice someone appears weary.  Make an extra portion of dinner and deliver it to them.  You could send them flowers or a hand written note.  Most times, we just need an empathetic ear and someone to reassure us that it’s going to be alright.

These are just a few ideas off the top of my head.  Share other ways that we can build a stronger community or how you have achieved this yourselves.

Help, Please!

I admit it!  I have a difficult time asking for help. I view it as a deficiency on my part although we have all received help at some point in our lives. No one was born with infinite knowledge and resources. It had to be learned; given to us. Somewhere, at some point, someone gave us a helping hand.  On the flip side, I also don’t want to be a burden to anyone.  You know, people rolling their eyes or sighing when you walk in a room.  

However, I’ve been talking to some very wise people and doing a lot of soul searching.  I’m proud to announce that I’m experiencing a change of mind and heart.  There is no shame in asking for help.  I still have to fight feeling like a burden or failure, but those thoughts don’t equal reality.  Asking for help is OK!  A sign of wisdom AND maturity. 

This new revelation also diminished the Superwoman complex.  I wouldn’t mind being Wonder Woman with the fancy belt and invisible jet, but that’s another post.  Chronically speaking, I’ll even ask for help when experiencing a lupus flare.  Sometimes I need help running errands or moral support.  Many times I need the help to avoid having a flare in the first place!  My life coach called it proactive care and flare care. (catchy, huh?) 

Need examples? 

Proactive care:  Instead of climbing up the shelves at the grocery store, I’ll ask someone taller if they can get that box of cereal for me. 

Flare care:  Instead of trying to be “productive” at home when I’m having a flare (tripping, stumbling, dropping things and hurting myself in the process), I’ll call a friend for a lively chat.

Radical concepts!  In conclusitory*, think before you say “call me if you need anything,” because your phone may ring!

(*I know conclusitory isn’t a word, but it sounds good.)