Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky. Our ears can still hear the voices of our loved ones.
Thich Nhat Hanh
Ms Tripping On Air started a podcast! I listened to the first episode this week cohosted with a gentleman who’s wife also has a MS, it was titled, The Worst Symptom of MS. Right away 5 things popped into my head and I wondered how they could possibly narrow it down to… The worst?
Until she said it and I went, “a ha“ 💡.
Fear.
Fear is the worst symptom of MS.
Last week I described my lack of organization and scattered thoughts and the hopeless feeling I had about planning for our future. I guess I could’ve summed that all up by saying,
I’m scared. This is scary. My life seems to be slipping out of my control and that fear is overwhelming.
Ninja and I had a hockey bet this past season and I lost. I know, crazy! For his prize I was supposed to plan a luxurious date day! He wanted adventure and pampering, good food and good wine! And I tried! Believe me, I tried but all of the reservations I made didn’t add up! I kept on screwing up until I realized that I had booked lunch, dinner, and a massage, all for 1 PM! Brutal. Although I hate to ask for help, I finally did. I told Ninja how difficult it was to plan date day and he said, “no worries! I will help.” My Hero 😍!
The jumping off point was the lunch I had scheduled at Lake Breeze Vinyards. From there he planned the whole afternoon and happily told me that after lunch we would be heading to Naramata to go tandem kayaking!
WTF? Kayaking? But I have MS!
And THERE is the fear. The fear that has been living rent free in my brain for the past 6 months. The what if it’s too hot? What if it’s too hard? What if it sends me into a relapse? What if it poops me out so much that I need to go home and sleep, ruining the rest of the date and possibly the rest of the weekend? What if I’m a bother? I actually got a little angry at Ninja for “expecting me“ to be the same person I was 6 months ago. I let my fear guide me.
It turns out… I’m AM the same person I was 6 months ago, I mean I’m not exactly the same person but I still enjoy being outside, adventuring, and spending time with my hot husband 💗. I am so glad that Ninja pushed me gently outside of my comfort zone. He rented a tandem kayak so if I got tired he could do the paddling on his own. It wasn’t crazy expensive so I didn’t feel guilty for wasting money and it was just for 2 hours, all things I can handle. And not only did I handle it, I enjoyed it! Immensely! In fact, it was the happiest I had felt in a long time. It was so peaceful and yet invigorating. When I think about travelling or hiking my anxiety goes off the charts but now I know that I can still adventure and be active! I needed this. So badly.
It was the most amazing day! I love living like tourists in our own backyard! The Okanagan is so beautiful and there are so many fun things to do! I felt like myself again and today I am less scared than I was a few days ago. All because of a date day with my Ninja. Thank you Ninja. Thank you for your support, encouragement, and for knowing when to push and how hard. I predict many more adventures in our future 😘.
Check out How Was Your Week, Honey? Episode #285: There’s a Duck in my Belly HERE! This week, we get together after a long overdue date day. Topics: fruit season, baking, Rowyn’s 1st job, a traffic incident, Carrie’s gift, Lake Breeze, Kayaking, happy place & before they were known.
The Okanagan heat has FINALLY arrived in the Valley!! This is why we moved here, sunshine and fresh fruits and veggies! When it is super hot out we enjoy lighter meals and especially like to take advantage of in season produce! This delicious, fresh, tasty and filling salad hit ALL the marks of what we want for a summer dinner!
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
1/3 cup whole grain Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 slices bacon, diced
1 head romaine, roughly chopped
1 1/2 cups quartered strawberries
1 avocado, halved, seeded, peeled and sliced
1 cup corn kernels, canned or roasted
In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon, olive oil, honey, vinegar and green onions; season with salt and pepper, to taste; set aside 1/3 of the mixture. Place remaining 2/3 of the mixture in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
In a gallon size Ziploc bag or large bowl, combine chicken and reserved Dijon mixture; marinate for at least 2 hours to 6 hours, turning the bag occasionally. Drain the chicken from the marinade.
Preheat grill to medium heat.
Brush chicken with canola oil; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Add chicken to grill, and cook, turning occasionally, until chicken is completely cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, about 10 minutes.
Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat; transfer bacon to a paper towel-lined plate.
To assemble the salad, place romaine lettuce in a large bowl; top with chicken, bacon, strawberries, avocado and corn. Pour the Dijon dressing on top of the salad and gently toss to combine.
Serve immediately.
