With the sun shining here in NYC I thought I’d share my sunflower seed n’ green bean recipe.

Along with a dose of inspiration for this sunny day!

Something that I have been working with my clients is ‘Realizing Your Own Power’. It’s not about what the world thinks or the economy thinks- it’s about your personal power.

What do I mean by this?

Take some time to think about honoring your definition of success.

It all starts with you. Especially those of us who pay attention to ourselves.

You will never have perfect outside circumstances but you do have the ability to choose what you create in life.

You must believe in yourself so that you can unlock everything in front of you; it may be isolating and hard but you are the only one that can do it.

Whether it’s your job, a relationsip or your health- you can make a change.

If there is some intuitive part inside of you telling you something- listen to your intuition and run with it. Is it your business, your health, your finances? Is it something that you want? Something you desire?

As you look into the future to think about these changes, be sure to sit back and appreciate your successes and acknowledge where you are today.

You have to create your own feeling of safety because you know the way to your success. I’ve made numerous changes the last few months and people ask me if I’m scared. Am I scared? NO. Because I know I can create anything.

It’s about a long term dreams and short term focus.

Your number one focus should be you.

If you don’t enjoy your money or treat yourself, maybe it’s time to change things up.  I’ve struggled with this and am slowly changing to learn how to enjoy my money and not feel guilty for spending it.

Money is for making things happen. I hold onto money so tightly; I want a cushion for the future. But I need to take those leaps. Why am I saving for what I don’t want and not doing what I do want?

I am showing others that I invest in myself so that I can see that value and replicate it in them.

Take action and make that shift.

I think making a life ‘shift’ is about taking a step back and feeling like it’s okay to not be productive and value what you can discover when you take a minute to be present.  You can ask yourself what you desire from your sense of fullness.

I am focusing on shifting to be able to create what I want out of life. Ask yourself, what is your next action step? Make a promise to yourself and one other person that you are going to do it.

Let people know, ‘The step I am going to take today is’….

….to meditate more.

….to eat mindfully.

….to call my mother.

….to make my bed and feel more nurtured.

…to take care of myself and give myself self love.

This is how we can manifest our strategic plans for the future. It’s a process of connecting with our desires and connecting with our inner patterns, being able to access and generate more support for yourself.

I am trying to bring my attention back to myself and give language to my own needs, feelings and desires.  I am trying to make myself visible instead of feeling like I’m not worthy of makeup, of a manicure, of dinners out, of a new set of fluffy towels…

Why is it that we feel that if we can’t do something ourselves, we are pathetic? That’s not true. Asking for help is something we all need and it’s okay, as I tell my clients everyday. It’s important to go out of our way to support each other, our family, our friends- like minded people who can support us.  I’ve recognized this is critical in my clients’ success.

Creating a space to support each other is what I do with my clients and I’ve found that working with my clients on this deep level has helped them overcome so much.  They feel like the outside of their lives match their deeper potentials. Support is what they are seeking instead of success or fortune or fame.

We not only want to accomplish things in our lives, but we want to impact people and touch others. That is what brings fulfillment to our lives.

What do you find yourself struggling with?

Sweet Sunflower Green Beans

Serves: 10

 

Print

Prep

10 minutes

Cook

15 minutes

Total

25 minutes

 

Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free and Vegan

Author: Amie Valpone

Recipe type: Entree

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh green beans trimmed
• 1 large red onion thinly sliced
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tsp. Simply Organic Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp. dried basil
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup sunflower seeds
• 1/4 tsp. fresh lemon zest

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Steam green beans in large pot for 5 minutes or until crisp and bright green. Remove from heat and pat dry.
3. Place in a casserole dish.
4. In a large skillet, saute onion, garlic, thyme, basil, sea salt and pepper in the olive oil until onions begin to caramelize, approximately 10 minutes. Add mixture to the green beans; mix well. Add lemon juice, sunflower seeds and lemon zest.
5. Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Remove from oven; serve warm.

Nutrition Facts

Sweet Sunflower Green Beans

Amount Per Serving

Calories 80 Calories from Fat 45

% Daily Value*

Fat 5g8%

Sodium 196mg9%

Potassium 215mg6%

Carbohydrates 7g2%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 2g4%

Vitamin A 475IU10%

Vitamin C 9.8mg12%

Calcium 53mg5%

Iron 2.1mg12%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.