A timely inspiration and GRC Week 10: Salsa-Stuffed Muffin Meatloaf

When was the last time you were truly inspired by someone?  Have you sat across from someone lately who goes about their life and career with such passion and care that it just oozes out of them?

I've been off the wagon a bit over the past few weeks.  It's been difficult to be focused and to figure out what I need to be working toward in the not-to-distant future.  It may sound strange but I really look up to people who have their shit together.  Luckily, I don't know too many people my age who really have it all figured out but that's what your 20's are for right?!  That whole decade (or at least a good chunk) is a time to make mistakes, stay out too late, get day drunk, cry in public washrooms and just figure out where you fit.

Today I met for coffee with a woman who is the epitome of shit-togetherness.  A work colleague introduced us to chat about some potential professional development opportunities and I walked away feeling like a new person.  She has been in her profession for more years than I but she was so insightful and lovely to hang out with.  As cliche as it sounds, she really opened my eyes to the fact that I'm putting myself in a much smaller box than I should be.  I've started to believe that what I do now is simply what I should continue doing but that's not at all true.

So what's next?  I have no idea.  I was too captivated by my coffee date's loveliness and I forgot to beg her to tell me what to do now.  I'll start with picking up Life of Pi and see where that takes me.

As I head to the kitchen to make some dinner, I will leave you with this flavour (and protein!) filled Salsa-Stuffed Muffin Meatloaves from CBC's Best Recipes Ever.  I love this recipe because you could easily substitute the beef for any other ground meat or meat substitute.  Using salsa as a sauce instead of something with a lot of sugar is a great way to make a meal a bit healthier.  Pair it with some cooked carrots or green beans and you're set!

Please send along your comments, suggestions, recipes or life-changing moments in the comment section below or on Twitter @darbyvt

...trying to get up that great big hill of hope... for a destination...

Considering my abundance of time, motivation and desire, this blogging thing is way harder than it looks.  I thought I could come on here once and week and share stories, clever antidotes, even inspirational quotes and ideas but one very important thing seems to be lacking- a focused point of view.

I look at Food Network stars, shows like Anna and Christina's Shopping Bag, friends who are passionate about yoga and mommy bloggers.  I want to have the charisma of Carrie Bradshaw, the sense of humour of Ashley Spivey, the great tips of the Smart Cookies.  But I feel more like Bridget Jones.

I want to tell the almost-30-something women out there that you CAN make your own crust for chicken pot pie and your entire kitchen will be covered in flour and bits of dough but that's ok!  People need to know which candles and shower gels are the best and what tea to drink with which book.  Everyone must be dying to know what Songza playlist I've been listening to when I work or cook or dance or just to unwind at the end of the day.  Don't you care what class I went to at the gym this week?!  Who do I think will win Sean's heart on this season of the Bachelor?!  Wouldn't you like to know...

So perhaps I just have to put things out there and a point of view will come together.  I'll leave it in the hands of the cyberverse to steer me toward courage, focus, articulation and an openness to create.

Your patience, feedback and readership are greatly appreciated.

Follow me on Twitter: @darbyvt