Anti-Social Media
Something good, every day.
Make a Habit of Showing Up
You* can’t play if you don’t show up. And you won’t get better if you don’t practice.
First: show up. Be there. Commit. I will show up every week. Make it a habit. Make it obvious. Make it easy.
Log in. Write a few words. Are they dumb? Who cares. You did it. You attended.
You can’t depend on inspiration. You can’t rely on your mood. These things don’t always show up. But you can.
Be dependable. Be reliable. Be accountable. To yourself.
You will feel better. You will get better. You will be better.
But don’t get ahead of yourself. Don’t expect to be better than you are and risk not showing up because you are afraid you’re not good enough.
You might not be good enough. That doesn’t matter.
What matters is showing up and trying to make/do/be good. That’s enough.
Show up. Work hard. Accept what you make and let it go.
Do it again next week. And the week after. Keep showing up. Keep doing it.
Keep playing.
*In case it isn’t obvious. You = Me
Birthday AF (After Facebook)
One of the main activities that users engage in on Facebook is wishing people on their friends’ list a “Happy Birthday.”
It’s often cited as an actual reason not to quit the beast. “But I wouldn’t know when my friends’ birthdays are.” That’s silly, right?
I know I’m not the only one who believes that the greatest trick Facebook ever pulled was convincing the world it was necessary.
Calendars: made for dates
I believe in using the best tool for the job, and a calendar is an excellent tool to remind us of important dates. It’s a fairly simple task to set up an annual calendar event on the date your friend or loved one came into existence. In fact, you can even import/export your contacts’ birthdays from Facebook. If you’re truly a person who cares about birthdays, this is a much more effective way to keep track.
There’s no need to login to FB every day just to make sure you don’t miss a birthday. Does it really matter if today is the day that woman you met at a conference 3 years ago turns 50? Do you really care if your boss from the summer job you had in high school is one year older today? And if you do care, isn’t there something better you can do to show it?
Facebook birthday wishes are lazy. They feel superficial. They’re too easy and too abundant and that makes them less valuable.
Birthdays without Facebook
But I’m over here, writing from the other side of the chasm. I just celebrated my second birthday post-Facebook and I did not get a lot of birthday wishes. That’s OK. I’m a grown-up (sort of). I didn’t expect them, I don’t need them and I’m not disappointed. I had a great birthday!
Do you know who wished me an unprompted “Happy Birthday?” Mostly people whose birthdays are in my calendar. I remember their birthday and they remember mine.
Perfection is not an Option
My current mantra.
This is what’s getting me through the day.
This is what’s getting this post online.
I know it’s not a new idea, but it’s resonating with me now. I read it in a blog post on The Zero-Waste Chef and it struck me and has really helped me stay motivated lately.
I adore her “Don’t Be Perfect” attitude about the zero-waste movement, the name of which is so intimidating that it can scare people away from even considering it.
But the idea that perfection is not an option, that the goal is simply to keep moving in the right direction… that is movement I can get behind.
It’s similar to another mantra I’ve used: Do Something. Anything.
“Don’t do nothing because you can’t do everything. Do something. Anything.”
Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, the Joyful Vegan
If doing everything is perfection, how about we just do the best we can today. And maybe, try to do more tomorrow. Just keep moving in the right direction whenever you can. Don’t despair. Don’t give up. Keep going.
Unsolicited Advice
My alma mater put out a request for Alumni to handwrite some encouraging postcards that can then be given to students throughout the school year. This I can do. I don’t have money to donate, but words? I’ve got a few of those to spread around.
Of course, as with all advice given, this is mostly stuff that I would have liked to hear (maybe still want to hear)!
We are conditioned to seek out comfort, but that won’t get you anywhere in life. Push your boundaries, do something that’s out of your comfort zone, take small risks and try something that scares you. Be brave, be bold, be YOU.
One of the most important things you will learn at University is how to learn, and how you learn. Yes, it’s work, but it’s the best work you can get. Dedicate yourself to lifelong learning, change and growth. Keep an open mind, be prepared to change it and your life will always be interesting.
Take care of yourself. Your body, mind and spirit! You need sleep, healthy food and plenty of water, sunshine, fresh air and exercise to achieve your potential. Yes, studying is important, but so is socialization. Try to find balance and enjoy the process.
I hope you know how special you are. Everyone is born with certain gifts and talents, and my wish is for you to discover yours and share them with the world. It’s not always easy to appreciate or recognize our inherent talents, especially when they’re not valued by those close to us. But if you can work with what you have instead of against it, you can have a huge impact.
When things feel difficult, close your eyes, take a deep breath and remember:
You are awesome.
You will get through this.
Then, take another deep breath. And another. Until you start to believe.
Smile secretly to yourself.
You got this. Now keep going!
Expand your horizons! Get to know people outside of your classes/department/faculty. You’ll likely spend most of your career surrounded by people with similar interests, so take advantage of the opportunity of being surrounded by people studying things you know nothing about. Ask them about their work. What are they are passionate about? Broaden your perception and get the most out of your community.
Find ways to be creative every day. Creativity does not belong to the arts. It’s a human thing. Science, Math, Engineering, Phys Ed, all fields require creative minds to solve problems, grow and improve. So make something. Imagine. Create.
Looking back, what did you need to hear when you were younger? Would you have listened?
Homemade Vegan Pepperoni
It’s time for the first instalment of what I’m making for dinner: Vegan Pepperoni Pizza!
We love homemade pizza and I make it almost every week. And when I say homemade, I’m not kidding around. I make my own (sourdough) pizza crust, my own pizza sauce and my own vegan cheese!
But that’s three different recipes, way too much for a single post, so we’re sticking with a topping today: vegan pepperoni!
This recipe makes four pepperoni logs, which is enough for at least four pizzas. Fortunately, the pepperoni freezes well, so one session in the kitchen will provide you with delicious pepperoni for tonight’s pizza and three future pizza nights! I love leftovers and freezables.
Technically, this is seitan pepperoni, because the base is vital wheat gluten (the main protein of wheat). It provides the texture and protein of meat, without animal products.
Seitan (pronounced say-tan, or Satan, if you’re cheeky), is also known as “wheat meat”
Vegan Pepperoni Recipe
This spicy seitan pepperoni has great flavour and texture. Perfect for pizza, sandwiches or snack plates! Vegan charcuterie, anyone?
Ingredients:
WET
- ½ cup red wine
- ¼ cup olive oil
- ½ onion roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons miso
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons liquid smoke
- 3 cloves garlic
DRY
- 1 ¾ cups vital wheat gluten (~212 g)
- ¼ cup nutritional yeast
- 1 ½ tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons powdered mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground fennel seeds
- 1 ½ teaspoons red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 F. Place all of the wet ingredients in a blender and puree until completely liquefied.
- In a large bowl, mix together all of the dry ingredients, then add the wet blended mixture and mix well.
- Portion the dough into four equal pieces, then form each piece into a log approximately 1 ½ inches in diameter.
- Wrap each log in a piece of parchment paper, then a layer of aluminum foil. Seal the ends well!
- Place pepperoni logs on a baking sheet and bake for 1 hour. Let cool completely before slicing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Notes
This recipe is adapted from Miyoko Shinner’s “Un-Pepperoni” recipe in her book The Homemade Vegan Pantry.
Practicing Meditation
For ten minutes every morning I sit cross-legged on a cushion on my living room floor. If I’m cold I wrap a cozy blanket around my shoulders. I put on my headphones and launch my meditation app.
Sometimes I play the daily guided meditation, some days I choose a theme, and every once in a while I just set the timer.
Inhale deeply, eyes closed, straight back, shoulders relaxed, hands resting on knees, exhale. Be present. Focus on the breath. Notice when thoughts arise (they always do), let them go, and gently redirect focus back on the breath. It’s very simple, but it isn’t easy.
I started meditating when Bee and I were in Paphos, Cyprus for three months in 2015. It was the perfect opportunity to try new things; I had the luxury of time and could choose to do whatever I wanted with each day.
I had started to notice a lot of buzz about the benefits of meditation. Curious, I decided to dig deeper and learn more. I downloaded a few of the apps available and started to follow along.
It was…fine. I couldn’t tell if it was having any impact on me but I had the time, and it certainly wasn’t hurting, so I decided to stick with it for awhile. To keep practicing.
That was three years ago. And while I have a daily practice now, I haven’t always. I would be consistent for a few months and then something would derail me and I’d get out of the habit. But I keep getting pulled back in.
The rewards are internal, small and subtle, but I’ve learned enough from my own experimentation and experience to know that the positive effects of this ten-minute habit are significant.
Better Sleep
I fall asleep more easily, sleep more soundly and wake feeling rested and ready to face the day. If I do have trouble quieting my mind at night, I play music or a bedtime story from my meditation app (I use Calm). That usually does the trick.
Improved Self-Esteem
I have a kinder and gentler relationship with myself. I’m not so quick to judge, censor or berate myself for my actions, thoughts and feelings. I am aware of things I’d like to change, but I’m less likely to unconsciously punish myself for falling short of my expectations.
Less Stress and Anxiety
I am better at letting go of things that don’t matter and I don’t worry so much about things that are beyond my control. I am less likely to panic or freak out when faced with something new or challenging. When I do experience stressful emotions I am better at recognizing and coping with them. Socializing isn’t quite so scary. I have far fewer of those days when I don’t feel like I can get out of bed and face the world.
Increased Awareness
I am more mindful, more grateful and more compassionate. I believe these are qualities I have always had, but now I am actively cultivating them and allowing them to blossom.
Decreasing Bad Habits
I’ve always had my “crutches,” the bad habits I turn to when all of the above problems (lack of sleep, low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, depression) begin to overwhelm. They seem to help, pushing me through to the other side. But I’m very aware that they don’t. Yes, they provide temporary relief, numbing the pain, but they’re not making my life better. And that’s what I’m really here to do. Make positive change.
There’s a reason it’s called “Practice”
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that meditation is a cure-all or a quick fix. It won’t transform your stressful and complicated life into a zen garden of peace, joy and love. But I do believe it helps me to be a kinder, calmer and more open human being. Most of the time.
It’s a process. I’m still susceptible to negative thoughts. I still freak out for no reason sometimes. And on occasion, I will eat an entire bag of potato chips and drink a whole bottle of wine. I’m not proud of it, but I’m also not perfect. If I do these things, I pay attention to the triggers, notice how my actions make me feel and make an effort to do better next time.
Some days my practice feels amazing, as if all of my senses are heightened and I can notice and appreciate everything around me. Some days l feel annoyed and disappointed in myself for being unable to let go of the distracting thoughts bouncing around my brain. Most days I feel… nothing special. Isn’t that what practice is like for anything? The key is to keep at it.
What is your experience with meditation?
DIY Toothpaste Alternative
I stopped using toothpaste over a year ago.
WHAT?!
Hold on, I didn’t say I stopped brushing my teeth, I just stopped using toothpaste.
WHY?!
Good question, pretend person, thank you for asking!
Why I stopped buying toothpaste and started making my own toothpowder:
1. Less Waste
Those toothpaste tubes (that usually come inside a cardboard box) are junk destined for the dump. I am always looking for ways to reduce my contribution to the landfill.
2. Ingredient Control
I know exactly what’s going into my mouth when I brush my teeth. I understand the purpose of each ingredient and I feel good about them.
3. Frugality
Commercial toothpaste might not be terribly expensive, but this alternative is still cheaper in the long run.
4. I love DIY
I happen to think it’s super fun to find ways to make things myself and avoid purchasing commercial products.
The Ingredients:
Baking Soda
You probably already have this in your kitchen cupboard. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help whiten teeth and freshen breath.
It’s also a great natural product for household cleaning and deodorizing. You can buy this at any grocery store, or even better, bring a refillable jar to the bulk store!
Bentonite Clay
Unless you’re already into making your own natural products it’s unlikely that you have this on hand. It might seem strange to brush your teeth with dirt, but I love it! It is supposed to absorb toxins and bacteria and remineralize your teeth. It’s silky smooth and complements the abrasiveness of the baking soda.
Clay is also great in a bath, on your face as a mask or in your hair to absorb oil. You can buy Bentonite clay (also known as Montmorillonite) at natural and health food stores, or online.
Note: keep metal (e.g. bowl, spoon, whisk etc.) away from Bentonite Clay; it can reduce its effectiveness.
Xylitol
This is a natural sweetener that doesn’t cause tooth decay, and may even help prevent it. It’s optional in the recipe, but really makes the toothpowder taste great. You can find it in the natural food section of your grocery or bulk store, or online.
Sea Salt
Added for its antiseptic and remineralization properties. Like baking soda, you may already have this on hand, otherwise you can find it at grocery and bulk stores.
Essential Oil/plant powder
Completely optional, but I enjoy the taste. I prefer classic mint, so I add peppermint oil. I’ve also used cinnamon and clove for a change now and then.
Use essential oils sparingly, as they are highly concentrated. If you don’t have any, or you want to try something different, you can also use small measurements of finely ground mint leaves, cinnamon or cloves. Buy essential oils from a natural health food store or online.
I love that this toothpowder is super quick to mix up. You don’t need much on your toothbrush for an effective brush. It’s great for travelling. Most of all I love how it makes my mouth feel.
Toothpowder can be stored in any clean glass or plastic container with a lid. A repurposed pill bottle or little jam jar works great! Since your toothbrush isn’t super sanitary, each member of your household should have their own to avoid spreading mouth germs. You can easily double (or more) the recipe for multiple family members.
The biggest challenge is getting used to brushing without the foaming action you get with commercial toothpaste, but the above reasons along with my clean teeth (approved by my dentist) are reward enough for this all-natural smile regimen.
How to make your own toothpowder:
Use this tooth powder with a toothbrush as a natural alternative to commercial toothpaste!
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp Baking Soda
- 1 Tbsp Bentonite Clay
- 1 tsp Xylitol
- ½ tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 5-10 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Instructions
To make:
- Combine all ingredients in a small container.*
- Add a lid and shake it all up to combine.
*Do not use a metal bowl or spoon as this can decrease the effectiveness of the Bentonite Clay.
To use:
- Get your toothbrush wet and shake off excess water.
- Dip the bristles of your toothbrush into the powder. You don’t need a lot.
- Brush your teeth!
Disclaimer: I am neither a dentist nor health care provider of any kind. This is just the kind of shit I do for fun. My recipes and experiments are supported by curiosity, a desire to improve my life and copious amounts of time spent looking things up on the internet.
Speaking of looking things up on the internet…
Credits: There are many recipes for toothpowder available online. I visited and read many sites before settling on my own version, including WellnessMama, Going Zero Waste, mommypotamus, and DIYNatural.
What do you think, would you be willing to change up your oral routine and try toothpowder?