Life lately.

Hey all!

It's been a while since I've actually updated, I've had some trouble with my blog, but I'm back!

Wow, so I'm half way through my first semester of grad school- it's really crazy how time flies..I can't believe it. I'm loving my program though, and all the people in it. It has truly been a blessing to me, and I have learned so much. I really think I've learned more in half a semester of grad school than I did in my 3 years of undergrad..craziness!

Life has been great lately, absolutely divine. I'm still struggling, still learning, still accepting myself, still striving, still trying to do my best. Despite all of the things I've learned lately about loving and accepting yourself and others as you are, I can't stop striving for perfection in myself. I can't stop putting so much pressure on myself, thinking I have to be the best at everything, I need to look a certain way, blah blah. I think I've always had these voices in my head, but I have to learn to overcome them. At times I can, but sometimes I just am my hardest critic to be honest. I feel like with me, I'm feeling really good and confident in myself, or the complete opposite. I'm 21 years old (almost 22) and still trying to find a balance in my life, still trying to figure basic things out, and still trying to find myself. The thing is, I think everyone else is doing the same thing, people are just good at covering their feelings up- I tend to wear my heart on my sleeve.

 I know peace is something you eventually find in your life, but it's also something you must find for yourself. I have literally been analyzing myself ever since I started the counseling program..it's kind of hard not to when we have a "Group therapy class" where we basically just talk about our feelings and emotions the entire time lol. Anyways, I've had to take a good, hard look at myself and I've been able to see how things in my life have affected me, and I've also had my eyes open to how lucky I have been my whole life. So many of the things I thought were rough in my life were nothing compared to some of the things my classmates have had to deal with. I am so so lucky to have had the support and love from my family and friends my whole life. Sure there were things in my life that sucked, and still affect me to this day, but they are minor things- I am still blessed beyond believe, and all of those trials I experienced literally shaped me into who I am today.

So basically, here's what advice I need to give to MYSELF, so I'll just share it with you as well :)

-Love yourself for who you are, don't try so hard to constantly change things, be content.

-Love is the most important thing in the world- be able to accept love from others, even when you feel like you don't deserve it.

-Find a place of peace, no matter what it is or how you get there.

-Remember you are created in God's image, He loves you as you are, and He does NOT make mistakes.

honor Him in all you do, and strive to live a life that is glorifying to Him.

-Take a look at your priorities. What are you spending most of your time doing or thinking about?

-Be vulnerable. Open yourself up, share with others, and be willing to share things with them.

-Be good to yourself.

-Never take a single second for granted.

-Count your blessings.

xoxo,

Rachel

"the real lover is the man who can thrill you by kissing your forehead or smiling into your eyes or just staring into space."
- marilyn monroe

Yum!

Chicken Rollatini with Spinach alla Parmigiana

Nutrition: Servings: 8 • Serving Size: 1 stuffed breast

Calories: 194.7 • Fat: 7 g • Protein: 24.2 g • Carb: 7.2 g • Fiber: 1.5 g

Ingredients:

8 thin chicken cutlets, 3 oz each

1/2 cup whole wheat Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese, divided

6 tablespoons egg whites or egg beaters

5 oz frozen spinach, squeezed dry of any liquid

6 tbsp part skim ricotta cheese

6 oz part skim mozzarella (I used Polly-O)

olive oil non-stick spray (I use my Misto)

1 cup pomodoro sauce or your favorite marinara sauce

salt and pepper to taste

Wash and dry cutlets, season with salt and pepper. Preheat oven to 450°. Lightly spray a baking dish with non-stick spray.

Combine breadcrumbs and 2 tbsp grated cheese in one bowl and 1/4 cup egg beaters or egg whites in another

Shred or finely chop 1.5 oz of mozzarella cheese and combine with remaining grated cheese, spinach (make sure you squeeze it dry), 2 tbsp egg beaters, and ricotta cheese.

Lay chicken cutlets down on a working surface and spread 2 tbsp of spinach-cheese mixture on each cutlet. Loosely roll each one and keep seam side down.

Dip chicken in egg mixture, then in breadcrumbs and place seam side down in a baking dish (no toothpicks needed). Repeat with the remaining chicken. When finished, lightly spray with olive oil.

Bake 25 minutes. Remove from oven, top with sauce then cheese

Bake until cheese is melted and bubbling, about 3 more minutes. Serve with additional sauce on the side and grated cheese.

Try this, it is soooo good!

Tom thinks so, too ;)