Radical Self-Love￨Worthy Witch

What does it mean to love oneself? Why do so many of us struggle to see ourselves as worthy and enough? Who benefits from our lack of self-love? As we prepare to enter a new year, let’s consider changing the track we play in our minds. What if we looked in the mirror and celebrated ourselves, flaws and all? How would it feel to rest when we are tired and eat when we are hungry without guilt or shame? What would it be like to wake up with a heart full of love for ourselves instead of reproach? We have the power to shift our energy by choosing to approve of ourselves, by choosing to be kind rather than cruel. As we walk through the woods on this chilly Christmas afternoon, start to imagine how radical self-love will look for you in 2025. It’s time to become a worthy witch!

What am I reading?

Somewhere Beyond the Sea by T.J. Klume

House Love: A Joyful Guide to Cleaning, Organizing, and Loving the Home You’re In: A Delightful Guide to Home Care with Joyful Cleaning Tips, Refresh Your Space and Spirit by Patric Richardson and Karin Miller

What’s playing on repeat?

Stay by Maurice Williams & The Zodiacs

What’s for dinner?

Vegetarian Zuppa Toscano
Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil, extra virgin
• 7 to 8 ounces ground plant-based sausage
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried Italian herbs
• 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, in oil, roughly chopped 
• 1 pinch red chili flakes
• 1 tablespoon miso paste
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 ½ cups Yukon gold potatoes, diced
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup half and half
• 3 to 4 cups fresh spinach 

Instructions:

• Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven, over medium-low heat. Add in the onions and "sausage" and sauté until the sausage is golden brown, about 10 to 15 minutes.
  
  
• Add in the garlic, dried herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, red chili flakes, and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  
  
• Stir in the miso paste and a little water to deglaze the pot. 
  
  
• Stir in vegetable broth, potatoes, and season with salt and pepper. Cover the pot and simmer until potatoes are nice and soft to the fork, for about 20 to 25 minutes.
  
  
• Turn the heat down to low. Remove the lid and stir in the half and half milk and spinach. Simmer for just a few more minutes until the spinach has completely wilted. 

Peppermint Tea Latte 

• 2 peppermint tea bags
• 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1-2 teaspoons of honey (adjust to taste)
• Whipped cream (optional, for topping)
• Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings or cocoa powder (optional, for garnish)

Instructions:

• Boil 2 cups of water, pour it over the peppermint tea bag, and let it steep for 5 minutes. Once done, remove the tea bag.
• In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk over medium heat until warm but not boiling. Stir occasionally to prevent it from scalding.
• Mix in honey: Add 1-2 teaspoons of 
• honey into the warm milk. Whisk until mixture is smooth.
• Combine tea and milk mixture: Pour the brewed peppermint tea into a mug, then slowly stir in the milk mixture until well blended.
• Optional toppings: For an extra festive touch, top with whipped cream and sprinkle with crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.