Chicken of the Woods
Commonly known as Chicken of the Woods, or Sulphur Shelf, Laetiporus sulphureus is a mushroom that is known to grow on hardwood stumps. It’s named for its chicken-like texture, but also happens to be pack with protein (21g in 2 cups, or 14g in 100g). It’s also a good source of potassium, vitamin C and other antioxidants like quercetin.
St John's Wort - healing from without and within
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a powerful local medicine that can support our healing from without and within. St John’s wort has been found to be as effective as commonly prescribed anti-depressant drugs at improving symptoms of mild and moderate depression, and to carry a lower risk of adverse side effects. The flowers can be extracted in oil and used to help speed the healing of minor wounds (cuts, scrapes, burns, myalgia) and skin irritations (rash, dry skin, eczema).
Mistakes feed our growth - if we let them
We all make mistakes. When we expect a lot of ourselves, sometimes we can get wrapped up in the pursuit of perfection. It’s great to aim high, however no one gets everything right on the first try. If we’re striving for perfection or even to be better, we need to be okay with making mistakes along the way. And when these mistakes happen, we need to own them.
Re-opening, re-building and moving forward
This year has brought a wave of challenges in every area of life – every person, business, and community has been affected. Fatigue, frustration and anger are common and normal reactions to the upheavals we’ve experienced over these past few months. So yes, most of us are exhausted. And yet the demands to adapt, produce, and care for continue.
We need to focus on what is within our power to do and change, and let go of what is not. So be clear on your needs and boundaries. Articulate these for yourself, and for those in your bubble. And respect the needs and boundaries of others.
By taking the lead in fostering a wellness first lifestyle, you are committing an act of kindness for yourself, but you are also supporting your ability to contribute care and support to your family, community, and the world, and to create and achieve what matters most to you.