December can be a wonderful month and a stressful
month for our relationships. Sometimes
all the twinkly lights and good food distract us from what matters most, our
connection to those we love. I am not
perfect, (though parts of me are excellent) and I recently messed up and hurt a
friend. I was distracted by the twinkly lights and bacon dip and forgot to be
empathetic to a loved ones needs. I was self-focused when I should have been
other focused. I wish I had noticed. So I offer up a gift to give others for the
holidays and a gift for you. Don’t be distracted. When a loved one has stood in
the lines at Costco, battled through traffic, searched for a parking place,
struggled to find the perfect gift or just gone out of their way to be there
for you, notice it, say thank you, say you’re grateful, give them a good long
hug, and, when you mean it, look them in the eye and say I love you.
In the
wonderful book, “The Gift of Imperfection” Brene Brown defines connection as,
“the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued:
when they can give and receive without judgment: and when they derive
sustenance and strength from the relationship.” So be gentle with yourself,
love yourself and all your imperfections and for the next few weeks love, see
and value everyone, don’t judge yourself and don’t judge others. Show you
notice that they are working as hard as they can. Notice
the person who brings packages to your door, and the checkout person who asks
you for your phone number, date of birth, (and the name of your first born.)
Notice those you work with and the people who
have been in your life for a good long while. Notice everyone as they work so
hard to be there for you. Please notice
them, and tell them you are grateful.
(As for the bacon dip, here is the recipe, just make
sure you make it for someone you love.)
Patti’s “That’s so good!” Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Dip
- 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (the best are from
Trader Joes)
- 1 cup of roasted tomatoes. ( I put cherry tomatoes in
the oven with olive oil for 30 minutes or more till the skin gets crispy)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 block of cream cheese
- 8 strips of gluten free bacon - fried and then crumbled
(You can use the vegetarian bacon strips if you’re a vegetarian. They are
made with coconut and are scrumptious.)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- You can add green onions or chopped onions, but I don’t
always do that.
- You can add a cup of hand shredded sharp cheddar
cheese, but I don’t always do that.
- You can replace the sour cream with plain yogurt.
- You can add fresh tomatoes cut up.
You blend it
in a big bowl with a spoon. Then put
saran wrap over the bowl and put it in the fridge over night to let the flavors
blend.
Patti Wood, MA, Certified Speaking Professional - The Body Language Expert. For more body language insights go to her website at www.PattiWood.net. Check out Patti's website for her new book "SNAP, Making the Most of First Impressions, Body Language and Charisma" at www.snapfirstimpressions.com. Also check out Patti's YouTube channel at http://youtube.com/user/bodylanguageexpert.
