~Just A Dose Of Happiness~: April 2020

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Truly Understand

You will never truly understand other people until you learn to

see through their eyes,

listen through their ears,

and feel with their heart

~Mouloud Benzadi

Saturday, April 25, 2020

Despite the seemingly daunting time, I hope your month of April has been filled with joy, productivity, happiness, and love! My prayers continue to go out to all the health care workers, patients and families affected, and essential workers around the world. Below are a few captured moments of happiness for me during April! I've always been a firm believer that so much joy can be found in the ordinary, the mundane, the everyday if we choose to take the time to pause and simply enjoy the moment!

I've been fortunate to be with my sister and her family during this time. Every now and then she will send me a text that she has cooked! I just arrived home from a run and was greeted to salmon cakes and jambalaya! I was definitely all smiles, love her so so much!

Spinach and Feta Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken Breast

With more time at home, I pulled out my trusty Crockpot (this was my go-to during grad school)! The prep time was really quick. Feel free to add your preference of veggies, I provided a link to a similar recipe below.

https://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/12/crockpot-stuffed-chicken-breasts/

If you've been following my blog over the years then you know how much I enjoy running at the gym! I was initially mortified (no, really mortified) when I saw the gym doors locked and the sign tapped on the door that it would remain closed until further notice. However, I quickly shifted gears and began running at my local nature trail. It has been SO refreshing to run outdoors! The sunlight, light breeze, little dragonflies and butterflies buzzing away all around you, fresh air....this may be my new norm!

With stay-at-home orders in place it is so easy to just aimlessly find my way into my kitchen! I've always been a pretty healthy eater (thanks Mom and Dad), however, I've been even more cautious about what I place into my shopping cart. Lunches usually consist of salads, they are so easy to make and the combination of ingredients are endless! Below I placed a link providing great tips towards maintaining a healthy diet during this time.

Sadly, this pandemic has highlighted many social disparities. Many Americans are not able to afford the basic necessities such as food. Feeding America expects its operating needs to increase by $1.4 billion in the next 6 months and has set up a special COVID-19 fund to send 100% of donations directly to its food bank members. For more information, I provided the link below.

https://wgntv.com/news/coronavirus/simple-tips-to-eat-and-shop-healthy-during-covid-19-pandemic/

https://www.feedingamerica.org/about-us/press-room/feeding-america-establishes-covid-19-response-fund-help-food-banks-during

Like many, this was my first Easter Sunday that I was not in church. I shared a lovely weekend with my family.

My niece reminded me that glitter just makes everything better!

I literally could not stop smiling seeing her running around and finding Easter eggs

xoxo

Leggings and comfy jackets all month...yes please!

One of my favorite spots to relax

#studybreak

Evening tea! :)

Right now things can feel super overwhelming and stressful if you let it. We have the power to choose happiness, joy, and peace if we make the conscious decision to do so. Keep your mind on Him and He will provide everything you are seeking. I wish you all an amazing upcoming month! It's May already, we're almost halfway through the year! Have you accomplished those New Year goals yet!?

Blessings to you all!

Whitney Wills

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