So sorry about Monday’s ‘Healthy Pumpkin Chili’ post! I know the links don’t work… but it will be back up soon – Aldi had to approve it first so… my bad!
Anywaysss, thought I would share something different since I don’t have a recipe for you today. I’ve had lots of major changes the past few months (a break-up, moving multiple times etc.) and whenever that happens I lose inspiration as my mind is in a different place… ya know?
There’s lots to do, lots to set up and lots of change. All good change, but it takes time to adjust to new surroundings and find your drive again.
Some of you asked if I’ve lived in the city before and yes, I lived in Lincoln Park with roommates after graduating from Purdue. Now I live by myself, but being back here has slowly ignited a new inspiration and I’m just happy – plain old happy and content. I haven’t felt this way for a very long time. As with any big city, the energy and people spark a certain excitement about life. It’s truly contagious to be in a busy, bustling city and inspiration is EVERYWHERE.
From strolling the picturesque tree-lined streets, grabbing an almond milk latté and walking the endless shore by the lake, seeing so many different faces everywhere you go, looking in the windows of the cute shops, listening to the clinking of glasses in the amazing restaurants, hearing the crowds cheer at Wrigley for the cubbies (!!) and yes even hearing the L train zip by every 5 seconds (which I’ve finally gotten used to again).. all of these new sounds and sights are invigorating and offer some major inspo everyday.
People get sh*t done here. They don’t mess around.
Did I mention I can WALK to Whole Foods?!! It’s dreamy and at the same time, very dangerous for my wallet ha. I’m going out a lot more, grabbing lunch with friends I haven’t seen in years and doing simple things that bring me happiness – such a change from this past summer. Chicago is magical if you let it be!
One thing I’ve noticed is a positive shift in my attitude. Being negative is draining and exhausting… right? I used to be this way sometimes, not gunna lie. I complained a lot. Mostly it had to do with fear of the unknown and a relationship that was dragging me down… but I’m finding that attitude coincides with happiness and negative people are purely unhappy. They’re doing things they hate… they’re doing life backwards… they’re sucking away your positivity and feeding off your good vibes. Don’t let them!!! Life is all around easier when you realize everything will work itself out. No need to worry, complain or become impatient. Focus your time on the GOOD and don’t do things that make you unhappy just because you feel guilty.
When you start living life for YOU, you start to attract more of what you love.
Amazing, right?!
I’m not sure where this is coming from… but just writing openly to y’all because I appreciate you and your support. Your kind words keep me going and all of us can use a little inspiration sometimes.
So here are a few pictures from the past week! Plus a bonus smoothie recipe that’s been my go-to when it’s warm out. Otherwise I make my Pumpkin Pie Oatmeal 🙂
Can you spot Taz?! That’s now his favorite spot in the mornings.
Blueberry Oatmeal Superfood Smoothie
(the color matches my couch hah.. so good though, I promise!!)
3 cups spinach, packed
2 bananas
1/2 cup gluten-free rolled oats
1 cup frozen blueberries
1 teaspoon maca powder
1 teaspoon Sprout Living Omega Gather Sprout Mix (blend of flax, chia, pumpkin and sesame sprouts.)
1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk
1/2 cup filtered water
I’ll be working on some recipes today but do you have any requests?!! Would love to hear from you 🙂 ♥
Hi Shannon! I’ve been following your blog for almost a year & used your Glowing Guide to start my plant based life style 7 months ago! 🙂 I just wanted to thank you for sharing your lifestyle with everyone. I think you are doing an AMAZING thing and have touched more lives than you know.
On another note…where did you find that painting that you have over your couch!? I LOVE IT!
Jackie
Glad to see you back in the groove! You are so on about “negativity” and negative people. Hope you stay in the positive beam forever. I have fond, fond memories of Chicago – it is where my husband and I reunited after nearly 20 years!
This really speaks to me. I just had a break down about an hour ago. I’ve been strolling through life these past few months doing whatever I could to please others, without even realizing it. It finally all came to me today.
My boyfriend pointed out how I’ve been doing things to please and impress others (like my parents for example in school) and haven’t been focusing on what makes me happy.
You are so right, focus on YOU . I’m so happy to hear your life is heading in a positive direction.
I have much love for you Shannon.
Xo
And your place is adorable! Thank you for sharing some pictures
This post could not have come at a more opportune time in my own life. I have been stuck in a job that I hate for over a year now – I’m in a very sales focused industry in which our CEO has stated “If you are in this job b/c you care about people, you might as well quit now and work for social services. We are about making money.” My direct supervisor regularly uses cocaine and was having an affair with another person in our office, another high level member of management was just fired for possibly being involved in purposely sabotaging deals and others who worked closely with him are being investigated by our corporate office as well, and I assumed a management role after the former resigned but have yet to be compensated or receive a new title (sounds like an episode of Mad Men, right?!). All in all, I have been experiencing mild panic attacks and emotional breakdowns in the last month – I am sick to my stomach all the time and can’t sleep and I know I am not properly taking care of myself. In reading this though, your statement really resonated with me: “When you start living life for YOU, you start to attract more of what you love.” I was already contemplating on giving my notice, but I think now more than ever, it is the right thing to do. I have lived so long for everyone else – and to paraphrase The Goonies, “It’s MY time!”. It’s a bit scary – as I do not have any prospects lined up – however, I am very lucky to have a supportive husband whose motto is, “We’ll make it work”. Although I am sorry you have had to go through such a difficult time – I really appreciate you sharing your inspiration and wisdom.
Hi Carey, wow so glad I can offer some inspiration for you. I know the feeling of being in a job you hate and it just wears away on the mind and body.. so detrimental on our health. Only you know what is best for you but health and happiness should remain a number one priority, always, in my opinion. The corporate world is ROUGH, as you know, and it’s not for everyone which is totally okay. It’s definitely not for me!!! I hope you can find your way to your own happiness and good to hear your husband is on board and fully supports you – so important. I wish you the best and love hearing from you.
Sending lots of light and love your way!!
xoxo,
Shannon
I’ve only been reading your blog for a little bit now (and i love it!) and I just wanted to say its amazing that you live in Chicago! I’m going to be moving there at the beginning of the year. It is one of the most beautiful places to ever be! I am glad you are enjoying yourself! You are so right about not letting others take your joy away. I am working on that right now! Thank you! 🙂
Hi Elizabeth! Thanks and we will have to meet up when you move here 🙂 it’s definitely beautiful right now – will be pretty cold when you get here though hah! I feel like it’s a daily struggle to keep a good attitude and there will always be harder days than others but if you can go to bed knowing you are doing your best to live life for you then all is good, right?! Love hearing from you!!
xoxo,
Shannon
Keep it up! I miss the city and my friends downtown. Was nice to read about your life in transition and how well you are doing. Keep that positive attitude you are inspiring!
Hey Steve, thank you. Where were you in the city? You guys inspire me everyday so if I can offer a little positivity and help just one person then that makes me happy. Thanks for stopping by!
Shannon
Shannon,
I use to live in a split level house in Jefferson park with some of my college buddies. It was 5 guys 3 separate living spaces but we had the whole place. It was great but once some of the guys moved out for there gf’s or for work that setup kinda fell apart and it started to not feel like home anymore. It was rather close to the blue line/metra. I loved walking the city with my backpack and reading on the train to and from work. Since taking a job in the suburbs I tend to sit in traffic now missing and thinking about how much more enjoyable it was to be on a train and be able to read during my commutes instead of listening to the radio.
your apartment is adorable! and Taz looks so peaceful sitting by the window! 😉
and this line that you said “When you start living life for YOU, you start to attract more of what you love. ” …this is SO true! I always struggle to be myself but when I am myself life is so much easier and you end up surrounded by people that mesh in your life more! 😉 anyways great post girl!
Hey Michele! I’ve missed you! I’ve fallen out of touch over this past summer with all the bloggers I follow and keep in contact with but I can’t wait to hop over to your blog and see what you’ve been up to 🙂 and thanks so much, it’s a struggle to find that thin line between living life for yourself yet trying to please everyone right?! Anyway, hope you are well and so good to hear from you!
xoxox,
Shannon
OMG that street view is so pretty! Love this post Shannon, so inspiring!
Thanks Cortney! I actually didn’t take that picture hah (I wish) but I found it on Pinterest and it just looks perfect so I had to include it!