Giving Thanks and Finding Faith

At the risk of sounding crazy, I feel like I've really come back around to religion - or more broadly - faith. I was raised Catholic (and even an alter boy!), but found some of the church's stances discriminatory, especially towards women and homosexuals. I ended up, like many young people, an atheist. I found the idea of faith without proof completely incomprehensible.

But lately, things have changed.

I was doing one of Leslie Sansone's "Walk At Home" DVDs when she randomly thanked God for the ability to run, to exercise, and to be alive. This may, once again, sound crazy...but at the time...it made sense to me. The following day, I went for a long run outside and noticed a beautiful, clear blue sky and gorgeous, puffy clouds. For whatever reason, I immediately thought, "Thank you for such a wonderful day, God." Why did I instantaneously say such a thing? Who knows...It was so unlike me, but it actually felt nice.

Let's jump ahead a few days: I have left a job of almost two years under rocky circumstances, my cat (Birdy) runs out of the house and goes missing, and I lose my keys at the office - leaving myself stranded without a ride or a way into my own home.

Instead of having a fit and crying (I wanted to), I took a few deep yoga breaths and said, "God, I know you're going to turn things around for me. Until then, grant me the patience and strength to not have a complete breakdown." Perhaps this wasn't the most traditional prayer, but it was my best. I felt an instant relief and comfort; I knew there was someone on my team...and everything was going to be alright.

Lo and behold, I found my keys (they fell into a trashcan that I randomly decided to check). The cat came back to our front door that very night (she clawed frantically until we heard and let her inside). And I've lined up three - possibly four - teaching gigs to supplement those missing paychecks.

I'm not saying that I believe in miracles or that praying equals reward. In truth, I'm saying that I think God - or whomever/whatever you believe in - provides us with the strength we need sometimes. My old self would argue that this whole God thing is just a way of finding comfort in adversity...but my new self isn't so sure. While it might not be Catholic in nature, this new faith and belief is developing in my life...and I'm a bit excited to see where it goes.

Recipe: "Lord Help Me: I'm Running Late!" Smoothie
This smoothie is inspired by one from Sandra Lee's book Semi-Homemade Cooking Made Light. It takes little time to prepare and is extremely filling. If you have a blender that doubles as a thermos like me, you can just pulse everything together and take it with you!

- 1 instant maple-flavored oatmeal packet
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/2 almond milk
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 scoop chocolate or vanilla protein powder
- 5 ice cubes

Combine the oatmeal and water in a microwave-proof bowl. Cover and microwave for one minute. Let cool slightly. Combine the cooked oatmeal with the almond milk, banana, and protein powder in a blender and pulse until completely combined. Add the ice cubes and pulse again until all the cubes are broken up. serves 1

Exercise: "Walk at Home" DVDs by Leslie Sansone
This collection of DVDs (and books!) is interesting because the instructor, Leslie Sansone, advocates walking in place and indoors. This may sound completely bizarre (like my discovery of faith), but it is actually kind of practical. Don't feel like walking three miles outside in the snow? Join Leslie and friends on TV and walk it out! Don't think your knees can handle the impact of running today? Take an easy stroll while Leslie motivates you from television land! And don't worry: it isn't just walking in place for thirty minutes. There are a number of aerobics-esque moves thrown in to keep things interesting. While not for everyone, these DVDs offer a cool alternative to traditional exercise that is light and easy.