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Is Blood Thicker Than Water?

2/17/2020

So many of us have heard the above phrase during our lives. "Blood is thicker than water." Family first is what it means, the blood line and heritage that connects us will bind us to our blood relatives. But is the bond healthy? Is it equal, 50-50 of giving and receiving? Are our family members draining our energy or feeding us inspiration, motivation, support, and unconditional love? Are we willing to work on the relationships or do we do the family celebrations out of a feeling of obligation? What about the strangers we meet, whom we fall in love with, and with whom we become become a family? Now our kids have the blood lines of the two strangers becoming one.

I believe that a lot of family issues are surrounded by the overwhelming feeling of obligation, of trying so hard, on all sides to represent the HALLMARK movies of the week. It just is not doable, or realistic. I have been hurt by blood relatives, and so have you. The families we make are the ones we choose, from the strangers who become our best friends, to roommates we are thrown in with in college, and beyond. Do your own work on yourself, and the right peoplewho will support your dreams will come into your lives, who do support you no matter what. I have people outside the bloodlines who I know I can count on at 3am when there is an emergency, but I would not dream of waking up some siblings with that emergency. I have sister-friends whom I would call at 3am when I wake up from an incredible dream, yet I would be laughed at (or incite anger) in the circle of family for sharing at such a time. Think about the adult mentor or teacher who helped shape your being when you were vulnerable and open to learning...You know who they are.

Family are the ones we crave in a healthy manner, and we just click, blood or not. Sometimes we outgrow those relationships as well, and it is okay. Do not feel guilty about the natural loss of the attraction. They came into our lives to teach us something about ourselves, and then when the lessons are learned there is a natural (or unnatural) exit. That doesn't mean the time spent together was not valuable. It is ALL valuable, for it helps us along life's journey.

What do you think about this? Who is your PERSON, no matter what? Are they related by blood or not? I want to hear from you!

Sincerely,
KJ Landis
Visit my YouTube Channel, called SuperiorSelf for more motivational and inspirational videos in just a few minutes a day!

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Cashews: Nut or Seed?

2/10/2020

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Technically, this is not a nut, but the seed of the cashew apple. Unlike other seeds of fruit, it grows on the outside of the apple, at its lower end. It cannot be eaten in its natural raw state and the "raw" cashews sold in the market have been treated with heat to dissipate the cardol and anacardic acids in them which can burn the mouth and throat. The skins have also been removed.

We love cashew nuts in the USA, but the countries from which they come eat the whole fruit as well. The fruits are too perishable to export because they ripen rather quickly and spoil during transport. The cashew fruit tastes like a cross between a pepper, a mango, and a cucumber. It can be sweet, tart, and always fibrous. Sometimes it has a bitter aftertaste. The fibrous texture lends itself to cooking in sweet and also savory recipes. In Jamaica, it is brewed into a tea or juiced.

Cashews have magnesium, iron, fat, protein , and carbohydrates. They make a great snack that satiates one for hours.

Try different cashew products on the market like cashew milks, cheeses, and sour cream! They are delicious!

Blessings,
KJ Landis

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Show Your Love

2/3/2020

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I have been asked to share some meaningful ways to show our love on Valentine’s Day. This doesn't necessarily have to be a romantic love. When i was little, my parents always gave us hand-written personal Valentine's Day cards, sometimes with a few chocolates or dollars hidden inside the envelope.

We all are inundated with the commercial side of all of the holidays, but what about something more personal, showing the unique connections we have with others?

As a wellness coach, I often have clients use a small journal to record their affirmations of what they see for themselves in the future. I think this is a great gift, a small notebook or journal with a cover that is artistic and represents the personality of the receiver of the gift. This a great way to encourage others to see their dreams and goals on paper. Encourage your loved ones to read and repeat the phrases multiple times a day. Creating the new reality through repeition and hard work is doable, especially knowing somone has your back. Who? The person giving their loved ones the little YES book.

Years ago, my husband and I kept a small pad by the house phone (remember land lines?) For a whole month of we wrote something each day about what we admired in the other’s character. It was a grateful pad that we could read about each other and what we saw in each other that was so good. It was eye opening to see what we saw in each other’s greatness! This is a great practice, and simple too.

Surprises are always fun and meaningful. Fill the trunk of your loved one’s car with his or her favorite beverage from the store, add a big bow, and it will make for a happy day!

I hope this has helped your readers.
Sincerely,
KJ Landis

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Is Blood Thicker Than Water?

Cashews: Nut or Seed?

Show Your Love

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