Life as an early twentysomething has its ups and downs.
On the one hand, I have my entire future ahead of me. I am lucky not to have loans to pay off. I don’t have family to take care of. Aside from rickety knees, I have my health. I’m at a stage of life where it is acceptable to both stay up late and go to bed early, wear short skirts and have one too many glasses of wine, contemplate my career goals and embrace an undecided path.
On the other hand, the future can be a huge cloud of uncertainty. The big picture is sometimes overwhelming for me, this week especially.
So instead, I’m choosing to focus on the little things that have recently put a smile on my face. Life is all about those bright spots – am I right?
I tried and loved fresh basil in a smoothie, of the strawberry variety.
I ground up some homemade nut butter. Ingredients: pecans, cinnamon.
I finally got the courage to try my Amazing Grass samples, chocolate flavored, in a chocolate cherry smoothie for dessert. I eat a ton of greens regularly, so I’m not particularly concerned about supplementing them in powdered form. This smoothie was, however, amazing.
I savored summit swag, courtesy of Angela. Verdict? Delicious hints of peanut butter, and a no-joke bolt of afternoon energy.
I had lunch last week with Danielle at Bonobo’s. Salad options included “gorilla-sized” and a multitude of homemade nut patés. Curried sunflower seed and Mediterranean walnut were delightful, as was the company.
With weekend plans that include a Yankee Stadium afternoon, hot vinyasa, and cooking for a friend, things don’t look so tough.
What were the highlights of your week?
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I have now as of today had egg+avocado twice. It is my new favorite combo. Highlight of my week right there.
Plus I went to the ARCADE!
Love this post :D (and can’t WAIT to meet you!) The little things often get overlooked, but I love thinking about the small things that make me smile :)
Highlights of my week: seeing my mom (she has been in NY for a month), snail mail (love email, but old fashioned letters are awesome), sunshine, coffee with friends… :)
I know exactly what you mean– having your future so open and free is liberating but also very scary. Right now I’m just trying to focus on the present moment!
That salad looks INCREDIBLE and so does the homemade pecan butter! MMmmmm
I can definitely relate to the 20s up and downs…I’m graduating in a semester…and then what?! Nerves…
The highlight of my week was spending time with my family in one of my favorite spots in NY and running there, for the first time!
Mmm Homemade nut butter. I still have yet to try that. I am dying to try Glo Bars too!
Highlights (food inspired):
- finding my perfect overnight oat combo
- discovering savory/spicy oats
- eating cake not once, or twice, but three times! score!
(non food inspired):
- getting all my stuff together to move house! so excited!
Have a fabulous weekend – it’s good to go with the flow :)
No good highlights from me….. pretty boring week :( I live through other blogs!! LOL!
-A
I could have written those first paragraphs, word for word. Thank you for articulating that. Basil in the smoothie is a fabulous idea – I have a bunch of it and I’m trying to think of creative ways to use it up!
Oh Leslie. I feel the same way and I still have the security of one more year at school. Speaking of, I’m going to miss being able to meet you for lunch whenever I’d like. I seem to eat so well around you ;) and of course, love your company. Anyway, I think that enjoying the little things is what makes life so sweet, because, most of the time, no matter how old we are, our present-day reality isn’t perfect. But if an avocado and balsamic vinegar spoonful, or a sip of french-pressed coffee, or even a 5-minute yoga stretch is enough to make us smile then I’m content in a perspective on the small scale. On the other hand, I hope you know that the future has some wonderful things in store for you, you deserve nothing less. Take care darling!
Basil in a smoothie?!?! Genius!
Ah you are so right about everything in this post! Being early twenty-somethings like us is quite overwhelming sometimes. I love how you highlighted your week. Thank you for this Leslie–I really needed it. This week for me was coated in anxiety and nerves, so I’m thankful that you brought me back to look at the positive aspects!
First yoga class in this town, talked to some Vegetarian club folks, wore new back-to-school clothes, walked around a lot. Simple I suppose!
<3
Oh, the first half of your post rings so true for me right now!
I’m a bit boring; both times I’ve gone to Bonobo’s I’ve gotten the nori wraps! I love that place.
My boyfriend’s record came out this week! Very, very exciting.
Good for you, Leslie! focus on the bright side, and things WILL get brighter! here’s to a bright and happy weekend, dearie!
I am confused that early-mid twenties is a really tough time for many people — myself and many of my friends are struggling with the feelings of uncertainty and cloudiness that you describe. Hang in there! Some days will be better than others but we will all get through this. :)
Haven’t been to Bonobo’s in years — must hit that up soon!
Highlights of my week? Hmm… I’d say roommate-bonding on Thursday night and dinner with an old friend a few nights before. Nothing like a good girl talk session. :P
Meant to say “I am convinced.” I guess the confusion really is an overpowering theme of this period, huh?
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