I am Here, and I Love You

It is the last day of the year, and for many, it is a time to reflect back on what we've learned in the past year, and look ahead to the coming year.

Some people make resolutions; others make revolutions (LOVED this article, BTW). While I have my resolutions/goals for the year (I'd like to wear a bikini this summer and feel good about it, continue to lower my sugar intake, have more patience with my son, and give my all to grad school), I realized that there was something much more important going on right now.

In talking to friends and family in the past few months, I realized that so many people I know are facing challenges right now.  Some are struggling with something public - a divorce/the end of a relationship, the illness/death of a loved one, a new job or home or career - while others have a more private struggle with mental illness or other "silent" diseases that others might not know about just by looking at them.

Either way, when you're sad, or angry, or frustrated, or weak, or sick, or scared, or many of these all at once, you feel alone in the world. Well-meaning people ask, "How are you," and you don't always feel like telling them how you actually feel, so you just say, "Fine," when you feel anything but fine.

We are such independent people. We don't like to ask for help. We don't even like to admit to ourselves that we need help sometimes.

But all of us need support and love and to know that someone cares.

Yesterday, I posted a generic post on Facebook, shared from someone else, to show my support for everyone who is fighting an "invisible illness."  But I want to go beyond posting something on my Facebook wall. I want to reach out to everyone I know who is having a tough time right now. I want to say to you, I am here, and I love you.

I am here, and I love you.

These are simple words, but they have great power.

My life is good right now. But when I have had dark days, having someone say, "I'm here for you" has meant the world to me. Having someone say, "I love you" has meant the world to me.

Even if you're good, in general, but there is just one thing that is out of whack in your life, I am here, and I love you.

Even writing those words lightens my heart, because I know I have people who love me and support me. So pass it on. Tell a friend you're there for them. Smile at a stranger (especially the mom whose child is having a tantrum in the middle of Target). Say in words, or actions, that you care.

Treat Yourself (and your Honey)

For one night (or two), I give you permission to feed your child(ren) chicken nuggets, grilled cheese, or whatever their favorite food is.

Just so you (and your significant other) can enjoy these FABULOUS stuffed peppers.

It's been a while since I put a recipe on the blog. I have been more inspired by life, and politics, in the past few months.  But I still love to eat. As an aside, if you're looking for more great recipes that are healthy, visit Skinny Mom. Everything we have tried has been incredibly good, and honestly doesn't taste like "diet" food. This recipe I found on their site, although it was a re-post from another blog. Here's the link to the original recipe!

But on to my decadent recipe, perfect to be shared with someone you love... and it is ready in under 30 minutes. Winner!

Sausage, Goat Cheese and Arugula Stuffed Peppers

2 medium bell peppers, halved lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed
2 tsp oil (I didn't use this, but depending on what type of sausage you choose, you might need to)
2 links (or 3/4 lb) sausage of your choice, casings removed (I used Hillshire Farm mild sausage)
4 ounces goat cheese, softened
2 large handfuls of arugula (about 1 1/2 oz), or you can just use 1/2 of the 5 oz package like I did
Salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, to taste
1 1/2 TB freshly grated Parmesan

Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place peppers on a baking sheet (covered with foil) and set aside.

Heat olive oil (if using) in medium skillet over medium/high heat. Add sausage and cook until it browns, crumbling with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once the sausage has browned, drain it, reduce heat to low and stir in the arugula and goat cheese until the cheese has melted and the arugula is wilted. Taste and add salt, pepper and red pepper to taste.

Spoon filling into the peppers and sprinkle each half with Parmesan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the peppers have softened slightly. Serve immediately.

Just FYI, the original recipe called for three peppers, but I found this filling worked perfectly for two peppers. Maybe my peppers were bigger than "medium" or maybe I just like more filling. I served this with Skinny Mom Quinoa Mexi-Lime Salad, since one pepper wasn't enough for my husband (it was for me). You could make this lighter by using turkey sausage, but I decided that if you're going to be decadent, you might as well really be decadent and enjoy real sausage.

I hope you like this as much as we did. Happy holidays!