You can’t be all things to all people.
This is a classic marketing principle that I learned in College and I was reminded of it last week when my friend, Lisa Larter, posted about it on social media.
In business, focusing on core strengths means that you have laser focus and can become truly great in your business. It means you attract the kinds of clients you want to work with because everyone understands each other. It makes communication easier because you know who you are and what you represent, so you can talk to the people who want to hear your message. You know where to go to listen and you know where to go to be heard.
When you try to be everything to everyone, you become nothing to no one.
And being nothing to no one means you don’t get to say and do and be all the amazing things you were meant to say and do and be while you exist on this tiny planet for the brief blip in time you are here.
As I’ve shared many times, I spent far too much time worrying about what people would think of me and it stifled my creativity. I rolled along in my life without goals or aspirations because, “who did I think I was to do this thing or have that dream?”
I spent a lot of time over the last few years holding myself back because I wasn’t a dietitian or nutritionist. I wasn’t a professional cook or papered chef, so I kept undervaluing all I had learned over 14 years of becoming the healthiest version of myself.
But, time and again, people would ask me what I did to be healthy. They would ask for recipes and suggestions, tips and strategies; ways that they, too, could become the healthiest versions of themselves.
People even started messaging me saying they heard the voice when they would go to make food choices…the voice that said, “What would Sarah do?” I took it as such a compliment that people would wonder my thoughts on things and this, along with several other factors, combined to help me break free from worrying about “who I think I am” and allowed me to simply be who I really am…because there is room for all of us.
I really liked this video where Chelsea Handler talks about having feelings but not necessarily acting on them. While I try hard to avoid jealousy, it isn’t always possible; sometimes I wish I was farther ahead or that I was more successful…we all might feel that way at times; but after we feel that way, we can then remember that we all have a place. We just have to get clear about our vision for our lives and stop trying to be someone else.
I used to get hung up on not being a chef and creating overly simple recipes. But the truth is, I am not a fancy recipe kind of girl! And you know what? This is part of what makes me…me! Here on the blog, in my book and in my real life, I share the way I cook with you. If you like what I do in the kitchen, great! If you like more elaborate recipes that require you to spend more time in the kitchen, then you’ll probably gravitate towards others. And that’s ok.
Because I can’t be everything to everyone.
But my philosophy is simple: food has to nourish my body. It has to give me energy and make me feel amazing! When I cook, I want to be able to whip something up, usually faster that it would take to order in, and I use ingredients that are easy to find.
I keep the whole thing pretty simple.
So with that in mind, today, I wanted to share one of my favourite summer beverages that I like to serve to guests. Roger and I also enjoy it regularly after a bike ride or while we are working. It helps us drink a TON of water and tastes amazing. Plus, it whips up in about 2 minutes.
Berry Lime Virgin Mojito
Sarah Roberts
Serves 2
Why I Make This: Traditional Mojitos contain alcohol, sugar or simple syrup (sugar water). Since I avoid these things, I wanted to create a hydrating beverage that contains the elements I love in a Mojito, but leaves out the stuff I don't want to put in my body. The result is a refreshing, delicious, happy drink that leaves me feeling excited to drink water! While you can swap out fresh water for sparkling, I enjoy it much more using still water. The choice is yours, though. Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
- 1/2 cup fresh berries (I am using strawberries in this picture, but I often use raspberries, blackberries or a combination of berries)
- 1 fresh lime plus a few slices for garnish
- A few mint leaves, torn plus a few whole leaves for garnish, if desired
- Cold water (or sparkling water)
- Ice cubes
- Straw
INSTRUCTIONS
- Divide the berries and place them at the bottom of a tall glass.
- Cut the lime in half and squeeze each half into the two glasses.
- Add the torn mint leaves.
- Muddle the berries, lime juice and mint leaves with a long spoon (see note)
- Add ice cubes.
- Add water to fill the glass.
- Garnish with a berry, a mint leaf and a wedge of lime, if desired.
- Serve with a straw so you can continue to muddle and enjoy the berry mixture as you sip.
- Have a pitcher of cold water nearby so you can keep refilling glasses!
NOTES: Muddling simply means to break everything down using a muddler or long spoon, so that the flavours release.
Kids love this drink and enjoy using a spoon to scoop out the berry mixture once they finish their water. It can even become dessert! Or, you could also blend up all the ingredients and make refreshing popsicles. Or, blend and pour into an ice cube tray to make delicious and pretty ice cubes.
There Is Room For Us All
When you know who you are and what you stand for, people who resonate with your message begin to gather. You start a movement; a shift in thinking. You create something that didn't previously exist. Because YOU are the only YOU that exists. Only you have your unique experiences, thoughts, feelings, talents and abilities.
Use them to serve others in whatever way feels authentic for you and watch your life change.
So remember: there is room for all of us.
We can feel our feelings but then push ourselves to be the best versions of ourselves possible.
When we have a vision for our lives and know where we are going, we create a life we love.
Because I want you to love your life one bite at a time.
P.S. I have been blown away by the love and support I have received over my book, The 28 Day Kick The Sugar Challenge, being launched. Thank you!! I didn't expect the numbers to be where they are and yet of course, I would love even more people to have my book. It is my belief that it will change your life for the better, no matter where you are with your health goals. If you or someone you love would like a copy, please visit KTSC28.com.
P.P.S. I want to say a public thank you to a very special woman who has been in my my life for many years. Gerri McGrath and I met when Roger and I ran the health studios, and we bonded immediately---she says "our souls recognized each other." I agree wholeheartedly. I was incredibly touched when I opened my mail last week to this beautiful bracelet with the words, "She believed she could so she did." This sentiment sums up my feelings around this book so succinctly. It truly happened that way: I believed I could write the book. And so I did. What Gerri may not realize is that I only had that belief because of her and others like her who supported and encouraged me to do it...who asked me to keep sharing and who said I could do it and who believed in me and the vision. Thank you, Gerri. Your presence in my life has meant more than you know. xo
P.P.S.S. If we aren't already friends on Facebook , let's connect! We can also connect on Twitter and Instagram. Plus, if you haven’t already subscribed to my blog, you should! That way, you won’t miss anything. For joining, you get my personal meal plan, shopping list, and a week’s worth of easy, tasty recipes. https://sarahtalksfood.com/
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